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Easter is the greatest celebration of the year! And as pastors and church communications teams, it's easy - understandably - to jump straight to the tactics and the end result: We have wonderful services to plan and promote. And we want people to join us!

But before you jump into all of your planning, we invite you to take one step back. Take a look at the big picture ... your church's mission, the audience you're called to connect with, what that audience needs, and how you can bring value and serve them well throughout this season.

Here are a few simple, strategic questions to gather your team around as you begin your Easter planning:

1 - Who is Easter really for in our church and community this year? Who do we especially want to connect with and serve?

Be specific. Is it the curious, searching young adult? The skeptical neighbor? The family walking through anxiety or stress? Clarity here shapes everything else.

2 - What is the one clear message we don’t want them to miss so we can serve them and point them to Jesus?

Even if your audience forgets about the music, the visuals and even the donuts - what truth do you pray stays with them no matter what? And given who your church is, how would you share about this?

3 - On Easter Sunday and in the following days and weeks, what do we hope that audience will believe, feel or do?

Choose one primary outcome you are praying for. Not everything - the thing. Maybe you're praying people will feel more peace. Or hope. Or grow in curiosity to learn more about Jesus. Let these prayers guide your decisions and next steps.

4 - Where will people encounter our Easter messaging?

Think beyond the service itself. This might be awareness and encouragement around your Easter messaging that you highlight via social media, through a blog article or on your Easter landing page.

Could be a family member or friend talking to them. Might be the hospitality they experience as they attend a Lenten service or Easter event leading up to Easter at your church.

Each opportunity is part of the intentionality to connect with people this Easter season and to welcome them into your church family to learn more and experience the life-saving Gospel message.

5 - What tone best reflects the heart of Easter for our audience right now?

Celebratory? Hope-filled? Gentle? Weighty? Easter joy is our greatest victory as Christians ... and so is resurrection hope for people still in the middle of loss and crisis. Consider what is most authentic and needed in your community and context.

6 - How will we know if our Easter efforts and communications were effective?

And finally, consider not just attendance, but connection. Conversations started. Prayers requested. Relationships strengthened. Seeds planted. Next steps that will be taken in the days and weeks to come.

We hope these strategic questions will make your Easter planning, promotions and ministry efforts as intentional and meaningful as possible this year!

We're praying for you in your Easter planning. If you need more support with your Easter planning, messaging, visual design or other communications/marketing efforts, please reach out to our team. We'd love to connect and consider how we can energize your efforts!