Last-Minute Easter Program Ideas for Small Churches

Easter is a time of joyful celebration in the Christian calendar, marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It's an opportunity for churches to come together, reflecting on the profound spiritual significance of this holy event.

Yet, for small churches, the Easter season can also bring a whirlwind of challenges, especially when it comes to putting together meaningful and engaging programs at the last minute.

Whether due to budget constraints, limited volunteer availability, or simply the hustle and bustle that this season brings, finding ways to celebrate Easter meaningfully doesn't have to be a daunting task.

This guide is full of creative, low-cost, and easy-to-implement Easter program ideas that can bring the message of hope and resurrection to life, even when time and resources are scarce.

Easter Program Ideas For Small Churches

Have A Sunrise Service

A sunrise service on Easter morning can be incredibly meaningful to church members. The sunrise symbolizes the hope and new life that Easter represents. This type of service can include a time of worship, prayer, scripture readings, and a short message.  Consider holding the service outdoors to fully embrace the beauty of the sunrise.

Host An Easter Brunch

After the sunrise service, you can invite everyone to stay and enjoy a delicious Easter brunch. This can be a great time for fellowship and community building. Encourage church members to bring their favorite breakfast dishes to share with others.

Decorate The Church

Decorating the church is a great way to create an uplifting and joyful atmosphere for Easter. Incorporate bright colors, fresh flowers, and Easter-themed decorations throughout the church. Also, consider involving members of the congregation in making homemade decorations or setting up displays that showcase the true meaning of Easter.

Have A Family-Friendly Egg Hunt

Easter egg hunts are a fun tradition for families with young children. Consider hosting an egg hunt on your church grounds for families in your community. Hide eggs filled with candy and encourage families to bring their own baskets or bags.

You can also include a short devotional or message about the true meaning of Easter before starting the hunt.

Incorporate Easter-Themed Music

Worship music can play a significant role in enhancing the Easter experience for church members. Include traditional hymns as well as contemporary worship songs that celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. Additionally, you may want to involve a choir or have special musical performances during the service.

Some songs to include in your Easter service may include:

• Because He Lives
• Christ The Lord Is Risen Today
• Amazing Grace
• Jesus Paid It All
• Blessed Assurance
• Forever (We Sing Hallelujah)
• Glorious Day
• In Christ Alone
• God Is Alive
• Great Are You Lord
• He Lives
• Hope Is Alive
• How Deep The Father's Love For Us
• I Will Rise
• O Praise The Name (Anastasis)
• Raised To Life

Plan A Community Outreach Event

Easter is a great opportunity to reach out to your community and share the love of Christ with others. Consider organizing an event such as a free community Easter egg hunt, a meal for the homeless, or a service project in your neighborhood. This not only brings people together but also shows them the love of Christ through your actions.

Create Space For Reflection

Easter is a time for celebration, but it's also important to create space for reflection and introspection. You may want to set up a designated area in your church where people can come and pray, journal, or simply sit in silence before or after the service. This allows individuals to pause and reflect on the significance of Easter and their own personal faith journey.

You can also provide resources such as prayer guides or prompts for journaling to help guide people in their reflection time.

Involve Children In The Service

Easter is a family-friendly holiday, so it's important to involve children in the service and make it accessible for them. It can be valuable to have a special children's message during the service or provide activity sheets related to Easter for them to complete during the service.

This helps children to engage with the message and understand the significance of Easter in a way that is appropriate for their age.

Reach Out To The Elderly And Homebound

Easter can be a lonely time for those who are unable to attend church due to health or mobility issues. Consider reaching out to the elderly and homebound members of your community through phone calls, visits, or sending them a care package with Easter treats and a card expressing your love and prayers for them.

Even a small gesture like this can bring joy and comfort to those who may be feeling isolated during this holiday.

Put On An Easter Play

For those who enjoy theatre and drama, an Easter play can be a powerful way to convey the message of Jesus' resurrection. This can involve members of your congregation or even the community, providing an opportunity for people to come together and participate in a creative and meaningful production.

An Easter play can also attract new members and engage those who may not typically attend church services.

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Create An Inspirational Video

It's easier than ever to create inspirational, meaningful videos using only a smartphone. If you have the time and resources, a short video that shares the message of Easter in a creative and visually appealing way can be very powerful. This can be shared on social media, your church's website, or shown during the service to enhance the worship experience.

Another option is to invite members of your congregation to contribute their own videos or testimonies related to Easter, making it a collaborative effort.

Do Giveaways And Contests

Everyone loves a good giveaway or contest, especially when it involves something special for Easter. One option is to host an egg decorating competition, with prizes for the most creative or unique designs.

You can also do a raffle or giveaway for Easter baskets filled with treats and small gifts. This not only adds excitement to your church's Easter celebration but also provides an opportunity to connect with members of your community and show them the love and generosity of your congregation.

Incorporate Art By Church Members

If you have artists among your church members, invite them to create artwork that reflects the message of Easter. This can be displayed throughout the church or used as cover art for your church's Easter service program.

This is a great way to showcase the talents of your congregation and add a personal and meaningful touch to your Easter celebrations.

Have A Community Photo Booth

Set up a photo booth before or after your Easter service for members of the church and community to take fun, festive pictures. You can use props like bunny ears, Easter baskets, and signs with inspirational quotes related to Easter.

These photos can be shared on social media using a specific hashtag, which also helps spread the message of Easter beyond just your local community.

Create A Signable Wall Display

Set up a large canvas or board and encourage members of your congregation to write down their favorite Easter Bible verses, prayers, or personal reflections. This can be displayed in the church as a visual reminder of the significance of Easter and how it impacts individuals.

It also allows members to share their faith and inspire others through their words.

Do A Water Baptism

Water baptism symbolizes going from death to life, making it a perfect thing to include in your Easter service. It also serves as a powerful reminder of the resurrection of Jesus.

Encourage members who have recently accepted Christ or rededicated their lives to participate in this special ceremony.

Follow Up With Guests

Easter Sunday is often when people who don't regularly attend church will visit. Make sure to have a team in place to warmly welcome them and provide information about your church, including upcoming events and ways to get involved.

Follow up with guests after Easter by sending a thank you note or inviting them back for future services.

If you need help managing the visitors to your church, consider using a Church Management Software (ChMS) like Breeze. It allows you to easily capture contact information from visitors and track their engagement with your church.

Final Thoughts

You don't have to have a massive budget or a huge number of volunteers to make Easter special at your church. By focusing on the core message of Easter and creating meaningful experiences, you can create an impactful service that will leave a lasting impression on your congregation.

Whatever you do, remember to put Jesus at the center of everything and allow His love and sacrifice to shine through in all aspects of your Easter service.