Spring Outreach Strategy – Big Day
Many families in your community that normally do not attend church will consider going to church on a big day, including Easter. Consider how your church can maximize Easter on April 20th to reach out to the unchurched in your community.
There are two social dynamics at the core of a Big Day that make them a powerful tool to improve the invite culture at a church. The first is that the people who attend a church are more likely to invite their friends to these days because of the special emphasis. The second dynamic is that friends and family are more likely to attend on these days due to a simple, but specific, invitation.
5 Essential Steps to Prepare for Your Big Day
1. Prayer
The first and most important element in getting ready for the Big Day is prayer. Here are ways to lead a congregation to pray:
- Encourage members to develop a list of unchurched family, friends, and acquaintances. This list can also be used to intentionally invite people to Easter services.
- Spend focused prayer time together as a church on Sundays morning services prior to Easter.
- Prayer walk the community.
2. Inviting
According to Thom Rainer, 82 percent of the unchurched are at least somewhat likely to attend church if invited. Here are a few ways to invite guests:
- Social media
- Mass mailers
- Personal invitations
- Door hangers
Here is an Easter Invitation Flyer Sample. Email Chrissy, cking@absc.org, if your church would like a PDF of the flyer with your church information for Easter service).
3. Guests
Nelson Searcy says first-time guests decide in the first seven minutes whether or not they will return. Here are some elements of a good first impression:
- Quality online presence. Your church website is now the front door to the church, as guests often visit the website prior to attending a service. Include information about your Big Day on the site. Check out this article for some insight as you prepare!
- A warm greeting and welcoming Environment. Prepare a greeting team and encourage members to welcome newcomers on your Big Day. Those who feel welcome are more likely to return. Check out the Foundations for a Great Visit and these Tips for Guest-Readiness as you prepare.
4. Worship Service
The focus of the Big Day is the worship service. These are some components of a service that need careful planning:
- Welcome
- Offering
- Clear Gospel presentation
- Invitation
Below are a few resources as you plan the service:
- Giving an effective invitation
- Sample Guest Registration Card
- Sample Guest Registration and Response Card
5. Follow-up
Billy Graham says 95 percent of an effective evangelistic campaign is follow-up.Follow-up considerations:
- Follow up within 48 hours. The quicker, the better!
- Make personal contact. A phone call or a hand written letter goes a long way. Be personable and really connect with the guest!
- Remember to be encouraging, positive, and informative. Follow up with energy and be sure to clearly communicate key information regarding next steps.
Here are some additional Follow-Up resources!
Register your church as a participants in our Spring Outreach Strategy here to stay up to date on new resources!