Easter At Church: 10 Unique Ideas

Easter is the Super Bowl of church. And Easter is the Super Bowl of church. And I know it's cliche to say that, but it's I know it's cliche to say that, but it's I know it's cliche to say that, but it's accurate [music] nonetheless. You'll accurate [music] nonetheless. You'll accurate [music] nonetheless. You'll likely have more first-time visitors on likely have more first-time visitors on likely have more first-time visitors on Easter Sunday than any other Sunday in Easter Sunday than any other Sunday in Easter Sunday than any other Sunday in the year. But, most churches will still the year. But, most churches will still the year. But, most churches will still do the exact same thing that they did do the exact same thing that they did do the exact same thing that they did last year and the year before that. So, last year and the year before that. So, last year and the year before that. So, today we're giving you 10 unique ideas. today we're giving you 10 unique ideas. today we're giving you 10 unique ideas. [music] And no, none of them include [music] And no, none of them include [music] And no, none of them include eggs or helicopters. Let's dive in. eggs or helicopters. Let's dive in. eggs or helicopters. Let's dive in. Well, hey there and welcome to the Pro Well, hey there and welcome to the Pro Well, hey there and welcome to the Pro Church Tools show. We're here to help Church Tools show. We're here to help Church Tools show. We're here to help you and your church navigate the biggest you and your church navigate the biggest you and your church navigate the biggest communication shift in 500 years. I'm communication shift in 500 years. I'm communication shift in 500 years. I'm Brady Shearer, your host. I'm joined as Brady Shearer, your host. I'm joined as Brady Shearer, your host. I'm joined as always by my co-host. We call him Bishop always by my co-host. We call him Bishop always by my co-host. We call him Bishop Bunny. It's Alexander Mills. Bunny. It's Alexander Mills. Bunny. It's Alexander Mills. >> Hello, hello. >> Hello, hello. >> Hello, hello. >> We're calling him that because we're not >> We're calling him that because we're not >> We're calling him that because we're not going to be doing the trademark going to be doing the trademark going to be doing the trademark signature Easter moves that maybe you're signature Easter moves that maybe you're signature Easter moves that maybe you're familiar with. familiar with. familiar with. >> Here's how to drop 10,000 eggs from a >> Here's how to drop 10,000 eggs from a >> Here's how to drop 10,000 eggs from a helicopter. helicopter. helicopter. Yeah, we're taking pictures with the Yeah, we're taking pictures with the Yeah, we're taking pictures with the Easter Bunny. No, you can take pictures Easter Bunny. No, you can take pictures Easter Bunny. No, you can take pictures with Bishop Bunny. with Bishop Bunny. with Bishop Bunny. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Bishop Bad Bunny, even. >> Bishop Bad Bunny, even. >> Bishop Bad Bunny, even. >> No bunnies in any of these 10 big ideas. >> No bunnies in any of these 10 big ideas. >> No bunnies in any of these 10 big ideas. >> Maybe because it doesn't belong in >> Maybe because it doesn't belong in >> Maybe because it doesn't belong in church. church. church. I don't know. Okay. I don't know. Okay. I don't know. Okay. >> Maybe it does. I'm not saying yes or no. >> Maybe it does. I'm not saying yes or no. >> Maybe it does. I'm not saying yes or no. I'm saying someone listening is saying I'm saying someone listening is saying I'm saying someone listening is saying >> No. Right. And someone listening is >> No. Right. And someone listening is >> No. Right. And someone listening is saying yes, but either way, that's on saying yes, but either way, that's on saying yes, but either way, that's on your radar already. [laughter] your radar already. [laughter] your radar already. [laughter] Here's the opportunity. Easter is Here's the opportunity. Easter is Here's the opportunity. Easter is for almost every church for almost every church for almost every church your one shot, your one opportunity your one shot, your one opportunity your one shot, your one opportunity to to to interact and introduce yourself to interact and introduce yourself to interact and introduce yourself to hundreds of people who maybe won't come hundreds of people who maybe won't come hundreds of people who maybe won't come back until Christmas.

back until Christmas. back until Christmas. >> to have more first-time guests probably >> to have more first-time guests probably >> to have more first-time guests probably on Easter than any other Sunday during on Easter than any other Sunday during on Easter than any other Sunday during the year. the year. the year. >> We want to give them a reason to come >> We want to give them a reason to come >> We want to give them a reason to come back. So, the framing for this episode back. So, the framing for this episode back. So, the framing for this episode is this: 10 ideas. is this: 10 ideas. is this: 10 ideas. >> That's why the Easter Bunny doesn't >> That's why the Easter Bunny doesn't >> That's why the Easter Bunny doesn't belong cuz it's not It's going belong cuz it's not It's going belong cuz it's not It's going [laughter] to get The Easter Bunny's not [laughter] to get The Easter Bunny's not [laughter] to get The Easter Bunny's not going to be there next week. going to be there next week. going to be there next week. The Easter Bunny will still be here. The Easter Bunny will still be here. The Easter Bunny will still be here. Really? That's kind of Really? That's kind of Really? That's kind of >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> obtuse. 10 ideas, different categories, >> obtuse. 10 ideas, different categories, >> obtuse. 10 ideas, different categories, some for the service, some for the service, some for the service, >> Mhm. some for the week leading up, some >> Mhm. some for the week leading up, some >> Mhm. some for the week leading up, some for the follow-up. Okay? Pick and for the follow-up. Okay? Pick and for the follow-up. Okay? Pick and choose. We got you covered. You might be choose. We got you covered. You might be choose. We got you covered. You might be like, I don't like eight of these, but like, I don't like eight of these, but like, I don't like eight of these, but two I'm very interested in. That's two I'm very interested in. That's two I'm very interested in. That's great. Okay, idea number one. This is great. Okay, idea number one. This is great. Okay, idea number one. This is the bring one challenge. The challenge the bring one challenge. The challenge the bring one challenge. The challenge for your congregation. Simple mechanism for your congregation. Simple mechanism for your congregation. Simple mechanism here is this: challenge every regular here is this: challenge every regular here is this: challenge every regular attender attender attender to just bring one person to the Easter to just bring one person to the Easter to just bring one person to the Easter service. You can create physical invite service. You can create physical invite service. You can create physical invite cards, cards, cards, hand these out, make it easy for people. hand these out, make it easy for people. hand these out, make it easy for people. Digital, so that they can share it in Digital, so that they can share it in Digital, so that they can share it in the DMs. What do we know about social? the DMs. What do we know about social? the DMs. What do we know about social? Most of the activity that's happening, Most of the activity that's happening, Most of the activity that's happening, it's in the DMs. it's in the DMs. it's in the DMs. >> Yeah. Maybe a digital invite card. >> Yeah. Maybe a digital invite card. >> Yeah. Maybe a digital invite card. >> Yeah, that's a good idea. Like like a >> Yeah, that's a good idea. Like like a >> Yeah, that's a good idea. Like like a post. Or you could do it post. Or you could do it post. Or you could do it What do you think of like a post on IG? What do you think of like a post on IG? What do you think of like a post on IG? >> No, no, no. Well, maybe, but I would do >> No, no, no. Well, maybe, but I would do >> No, no, no. Well, maybe, but I would do it one-to-one. Okay. Yeah, just be like, it one-to-one. Okay. Yeah, just be like, it one-to-one. Okay. Yeah, just be like, "Hey, you know, Easter coming up at our "Hey, you know, Easter coming up at our "Hey, you know, Easter coming up at our church. Would love to join you or we can church. Would love to join you or we can church. Would love to join you or we can sit together. I can pick you up."

sit together. I can pick you up." sit together. I can pick you up." Whatever it is. Like, we know that Whatever it is. Like, we know that Whatever it is. Like, we know that people are more receptive at this time people are more receptive at this time people are more receptive at this time of year. of year. of year. And that's going to be a part to the And that's going to be a part to the And that's going to be a part to the pitch when you say to your church, like, pitch when you say to your church, like, pitch when you say to your church, like, "I know that you don't love to do this, "I know that you don't love to do this, "I know that you don't love to do this, okay? It's It's It doesn't come as first okay? It's It's It doesn't come as first okay? It's It's It doesn't come as first nature to many of us. People are nature to many of us. People are nature to many of us. People are receptive and we want to make it easy receptive and we want to make it easy receptive and we want to make it easy for you. We've created these cards, for you. We've created these cards, for you. We've created these cards, physical if you want to hand it out, physical if you want to hand it out, physical if you want to hand it out, hand it out at ballet class to that hand it out at ballet class to that hand it out at ballet class to that mommy you always sit next to, or mommy you always sit next to, or mommy you always sit next to, or digital, text it to that mom at ballet digital, text it to that mom at ballet digital, text it to that mom at ballet class." class." class." >> There's a kid in my son's kindergarten >> There's a kid in my son's kindergarten >> There's a kid in my son's kindergarten class who's handing out making a kid I class who's handing out making a kid I class who's handing out making a kid I can't blame the kid. This kid's parents can't blame the kid. This kid's parents can't blame the kid. This kid's parents are regularly disseminating like cold are regularly disseminating like cold are regularly disseminating like cold invites to church invites to church invites to church to the kids. Oh. Like like hard copy. to the kids. Oh. Like like hard copy. to the kids. Oh. Like like hard copy. Like, "Hey, come to come to this service Like, "Hey, come to come to this service Like, "Hey, come to come to this service at church." So, little Timmy's handing at church." So, little Timmy's handing at church." So, little Timmy's handing it to like little Tammy. it to like little Tammy. it to like little Tammy. >> Yeah, it's catching me a little bit off >> Yeah, it's catching me a little bit off >> Yeah, it's catching me a little bit off guard. guard. guard. Look, I I think that's not a unique Look, I I think that's not a unique Look, I I think that's not a unique idea. Look, I I feel like maybe that's idea. Look, I I feel like maybe that's idea. Look, I I feel like maybe that's like adjacent to this, but like using like adjacent to this, but like using like adjacent to this, but like using the kid as the proxy. the kid as the proxy. the kid as the proxy. Like, you never want to use the kid to Like, you never want to use the kid to Like, you never want to use the kid to do the thing that is meant for the do the thing that is meant for the do the thing that is meant for the adults. adults. adults. >> Yeah. That will always be perceived as >> Yeah. That will always be perceived as >> Yeah. That will always be perceived as the ick, okay?

the ick, okay? the ick, okay? Uh Uh Uh another communication point I'd hit on another communication point I'd hit on another communication point I'd hit on is talk about last year and like what is talk about last year and like what is talk about last year and like what you want to see this year. you want to see this year. you want to see this year. >> Mhm. What that does is it establishes >> Mhm. What that does is it establishes >> Mhm. What that does is it establishes that like this thing happens with that like this thing happens with that like this thing happens with evidence. So, it's one thing to create evidence. So, it's one thing to create evidence. So, it's one thing to create the resources to deploy your the resources to deploy your the resources to deploy your congregation. That helps. It's another congregation. That helps. It's another congregation. That helps. It's another thing to say, "Broadly speaking, people thing to say, "Broadly speaking, people thing to say, "Broadly speaking, people are more receptive to invites. We know are more receptive to invites. We know are more receptive to invites. We know this from like data. Here's the study. this from like data. Here's the study. this from like data. Here's the study. It's another to then make it personal. It's another to then make it personal. It's another to then make it personal. At this church last year, we had 52 At this church last year, we had 52 At this church last year, we had 52 guests. This year, we'd love to see 75. guests. This year, we'd love to see 75. guests. This year, we'd love to see 75. We are doing all of these measures, but We are doing all of these measures, but We are doing all of these measures, but we can't do it without you. We're not we can't do it without you. We're not we can't do it without you. We're not asking you to change the world, sure. to asking you to change the world, sure. to asking you to change the world, sure. to lift a whole boulder up the mountain. lift a whole boulder up the mountain. lift a whole boulder up the mountain. Invite one friend. One. When do you hand Invite one friend. One. When do you hand Invite one friend. One. When do you hand out these invites, do you think? Not the out these invites, do you think? Not the out these invites, do you think? Not the week before, probably. Right. So, like week before, probably. Right. So, like week before, probably. Right. So, like this episode is a month before. You this episode is a month before. You this episode is a month before. You know, make that digital invite this know, make that digital invite this know, make that digital invite this week. Right? Get into Canva and get that week. Right? Get into Canva and get that week. Right? Get into Canva and get that ready and then send it out. I would also ready and then send it out. I would also ready and then send it out. I would also share a story of how this has affected share a story of how this has affected share a story of how this has affected life change in the past. So, if you had life change in the past. So, if you had life change in the past. So, if you had 52 guests, presumably one stuck around.

52 guests, presumably one stuck around. 52 guests, presumably one stuck around. Like tell that story. Or tell the story Like tell that story. Or tell the story Like tell that story. Or tell the story of the person who made the invite last of the person who made the invite last of the person who made the invite last year. Have them record it on you know, a year. Have them record it on you know, a year. Have them record it on you know, a phone, something simple. Be like and you phone, something simple. Be like and you phone, something simple. Be like and you know, here's uh you know, Tim Tim know, here's uh you know, Tim Tim know, here's uh you know, Tim Tim Timmy's mom who is doing a lot of Timmy's mom who is doing a lot of Timmy's mom who is doing a lot of things, but she also did it [laughter] things, but she also did it [laughter] things, but she also did it [laughter] this way. And here's the story from last this way. And here's the story from last this way. And here's the story from last year. year. year. Number two is the Good Friday Number two is the Good Friday Number two is the Good Friday experience. I think most churches experience. I think most churches experience. I think most churches approach Good Friday. Um approach Good Friday. Um approach Good Friday. Um and it's like we just have another and it's like we just have another and it's like we just have another service. Some churches won't even have a service. Some churches won't even have a service. Some churches won't even have a service on Good Friday. Right. So, this service on Good Friday. Right. So, this service on Good Friday. Right. So, this is our service structure. We're going to is our service structure. We're going to is our service structure. We're going to do the carbon copy. Here's the big do the carbon copy. Here's the big do the carbon copy. Here's the big swerve. Acoustic only. It's like, okay, swerve. Acoustic only. It's like, okay, swerve. Acoustic only. It's like, okay, but it's still like mostly the same but it's still like mostly the same but it's still like mostly the same thing. Nothing wrong with that, but I thing. Nothing wrong with that, but I thing. Nothing wrong with that, but I think when you have two services on the think when you have two services on the think when you have two services on the same weekend, it provides space for you same weekend, it provides space for you same weekend, it provides space for you to do something dramatically different. to do something dramatically different. to do something dramatically different. Low stakes, potentially big upside. So, Low stakes, potentially big upside. So, Low stakes, potentially big upside. So, an immersive interactive experience that an immersive interactive experience that an immersive interactive experience that is like tactile. is like tactile. is like tactile. >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> Instead of the typical sit in the pew, >> Instead of the typical sit in the pew, >> Instead of the typical sit in the pew, let it happen to me service, which is let it happen to me service, which is let it happen to me service, which is more like more like more like consumerish. When you have a perfect consumerish. When you have a perfect consumerish. When you have a perfect kind of kind of kind of contrasting opportunity between contrasting opportunity between contrasting opportunity between narratively what's going on on Good narratively what's going on on Good narratively what's going on on Good Friday with the crucifixion and then Friday with the crucifixion and then Friday with the crucifixion and then Sunday narratively what's happening, Sunday narratively what's happening, Sunday narratively what's happening, we're celebrating resurrection. You have we're celebrating resurrection. You have we're celebrating resurrection. You have this light and dark, like really um this light and dark, like really um this light and dark, like really um contrasting binary that you have an contrasting binary that you have an contrasting binary that you have an opportunity, a unique opportunity opportunity, a unique opportunity opportunity, a unique opportunity throughout the year to actually lean in, throughout the year to actually lean in, throughout the year to actually lean in, like go heavy on the crucifixion like go heavy on the crucifixion like go heavy on the crucifixion narrative, maybe the aesthetics of the narrative, maybe the aesthetics of the narrative, maybe the aesthetics of the room, the the um the curveball of like room, the the um the curveball of like room, the the um the curveball of like you said, maybe it's a lot more you said, maybe it's a lot more you said, maybe it's a lot more immersive than what you're doing on immersive than what you're doing on immersive than what you're doing on Sunday. You get to really try something Sunday. You get to really try something Sunday. You get to really try something to accentuate what's going to occur on

to accentuate what's going to occur on to accentuate what's going to occur on Sunday, which is of course the Sunday, which is of course the Sunday, which is of course the resurrection. Right. So, if Sunday is a resurrection. Right. So, if Sunday is a resurrection. Right. So, if Sunday is a normal service, hits those normal notes, normal service, hits those normal notes, normal service, hits those normal notes, probably bigger than a normal service, probably bigger than a normal service, probably bigger than a normal service, but like same but like same but like same structure, what can we do meaningfully structure, what can we do meaningfully structure, what can we do meaningfully different on Friday? So, whether that's different on Friday? So, whether that's different on Friday? So, whether that's the stations of the cross walk through. the stations of the cross walk through. the stations of the cross walk through. That's tactile. Uh prayer stations, That's tactile. Uh prayer stations, That's tactile. Uh prayer stations, that's tactile. Candle lighting, where that's tactile. Candle lighting, where that's tactile. Candle lighting, where people actually do it themselves, that's people actually do it themselves, that's people actually do it themselves, that's tactile. Something where they are doing tactile. Something where they are doing tactile. Something where they are doing the thing. Because here's why this the thing. Because here's why this the thing. Because here's why this matters. matters. matters. It deepens the Easter Sunday payoff if It deepens the Easter Sunday payoff if It deepens the Easter Sunday payoff if you have been personally immersed into you have been personally immersed into you have been personally immersed into the depths of sorrow on the Friday. the depths of sorrow on the Friday. the depths of sorrow on the Friday. >> That's right. You can't appreciate the >> That's right. You can't appreciate the >> That's right. You can't appreciate the resurrection, right, without first the resurrection, right, without first the resurrection, right, without first the crucifixion. Idea number three, the crucifixion. Idea number three, the crucifixion. Idea number three, the pre-service photo moments. This is a pre-service photo moments. This is a pre-service photo moments. This is a good one. good one. good one. Because we've expanded it. You might be Because we've expanded it. You might be Because we've expanded it. You might be like, oh yeah, photo booth, we've done like, oh yeah, photo booth, we've done like, oh yeah, photo booth, we've done that. No, no, no. This is Okay, listen that. No, no, no. This is Okay, listen that. No, no, no. This is Okay, listen to this. So, what we know about Easter to this. So, what we know about Easter to this. So, what we know about Easter is that families tend to dress up more is that families tend to dress up more is that families tend to dress up more than any other Sunday. than any other Sunday. than any other Sunday. >> Mhm. And families are always looking for >> Mhm. And families are always looking for >> Mhm. And families are always looking for like a family photo. True. You know like a family photo. True. You know like a family photo. True. You know >> Especially a free one. I don't know >> Especially a free one. I don't know >> Especially a free one. I don't know about you, all my family photos are free about you, all my family photos are free about you, all my family photos are free of us.

of us. of us. True. Yes. [laughter] True. Yes. [laughter] True. Yes. [laughter] Like once that second born comes around, Like once that second born comes around, Like once that second born comes around, it's like, sorry, we just My grandma it's like, sorry, we just My grandma it's like, sorry, we just My grandma asked me, she's like, I need a family asked me, she's like, I need a family asked me, she's like, I need a family photo this recent. I was like, I have a photo this recent. I was like, I have a photo this recent. I was like, I have a lot of us, but not really any together. lot of us, but not really any together. lot of us, but not really any together. And I went back to last year's retreat, And I went back to last year's retreat, And I went back to last year's retreat, company retreat, where someone There's a company retreat, where someone There's a company retreat, where someone There's a bunch of cameras around. bunch of cameras around. bunch of cameras around. >> Exactly. And there's all my friends, oh, >> Exactly. And there's all my friends, oh, >> Exactly. And there's all my friends, oh, can you grab this one of us? Otherwise, can you grab this one of us? Otherwise, can you grab this one of us? Otherwise, it's like, there's my wife and two it's like, there's my wife and two it's like, there's my wife and two daughters. There's me and my two daughters. There's me and my two daughters. There's me and my two daughters. There's me, my youngest daughters. There's me, my youngest daughters. There's me, my youngest daughter, and my youngest daughter. daughter, and my youngest daughter. daughter, and my youngest daughter. Yeah, she's taking the photo this time. Yeah, she's taking the photo this time. Yeah, she's taking the photo this time. So, create a designated photo backdrop So, create a designated photo backdrop So, create a designated photo backdrop with good lighting. This could be as with good lighting. This could be as with good lighting. This could be as simple as like a ring light, natural simple as like a ring light, natural simple as like a ring light, natural light if your auditorium or if your light if your auditorium or if your light if your auditorium or if your lobby is very bright, proper setup with lobby is very bright, proper setup with lobby is very bright, proper setup with a bunch of lights, whatever it is. You a bunch of lights, whatever it is. You a bunch of lights, whatever it is. You could brand it just subtly, put your could brand it just subtly, put your could brand it just subtly, put your logo in the corner of the backdrop. and logo in the corner of the backdrop. and logo in the corner of the backdrop. and then then then if you're taking the photos if you're taking the photos if you're taking the photos professionally offer to text or email professionally offer to text or email professionally offer to text or email the photo to them which then captures the photo to them which then captures the photo to them which then captures their contact info. Bass Pro Shops does their contact info. Bass Pro Shops does their contact info. Bass Pro Shops does this really great with Santa every year. this really great with Santa every year. this really great with Santa every year. I'm not a Bass Pro shopper but every I'm not a Bass Pro shopper but every I'm not a Bass Pro shopper but every year I buy from them because I go there, year I buy from them because I go there, year I buy from them because I go there, they email to me the photo and then we they email to me the photo and then we they email to me the photo and then we walk around. walk around. walk around. >> And where are those photos now? They are >> And where are those photos now? They are >> And where are those photos now? They are on Dropbox because they were sent to me on Dropbox because they were sent to me on Dropbox because they were sent to me and uploaded to the cloud.

and uploaded to the cloud. and uploaded to the cloud. >> Right but what did your wife do with >> Right but what did your wife do with >> Right but what did your wife do with them this year? Oh she framed all nine them this year? Oh she framed all nine them this year? Oh she framed all nine of them of them of them >> into like super Christmas photos of >> into like super Christmas photos of >> into like super Christmas photos of Santa and there's like all of them and Santa and there's like all of them and Santa and there's like all of them and you can see hung it like like you can see hung it like like you can see hung it like like prominently in your home. prominently in your home. prominently in your home. >> Right >> Right >> Right because it was like memorable and it because it was like memorable and it because it was like memorable and it became this annual tradition. became this annual tradition. became this annual tradition. My church did this last year. We did a My church did this last year. We did a My church did this last year. We did a YouTube video that was really popular. YouTube video that was really popular. YouTube video that was really popular. We don't have an LED wall in our lobby. We don't have an LED wall in our lobby. We don't have an LED wall in our lobby. We have a fabric light box and so we did We have a fabric light box and so we did We have a fabric light box and so we did this with a custom branded Easter this with a custom branded Easter this with a custom branded Easter backdrop and everyone took photos in backdrop and everyone took photos in backdrop and everyone took photos in front of it and we'll link that YouTube front of it and we'll link that YouTube front of it and we'll link that YouTube video if you're like what's a fabric video if you're like what's a fabric video if you're like what's a fabric light box? What does that mean? That'll light box? What does that mean? That'll light box? What does that mean? That'll be like check that out. be like check that out. be like check that out. >> know that your church did this because I >> know that your church did this because I >> know that your church did this because I have a friend of mine on Facebook who I have a friend of mine on Facebook who I have a friend of mine on Facebook who I know does not attend church, is not a know does not attend church, is not a know does not attend church, is not a practicing Christian but you know what practicing Christian but you know what practicing Christian but you know what their profile picture is? Family photo their profile picture is? Family photo their profile picture is? Family photo in front of that backdrop. in front of that backdrop. in front of that backdrop. >> The profile picture. Okay and this is a >> The profile picture. Okay and this is a >> The profile picture. Okay and this is a great point because what happens when great point because what happens when great point because what happens when people get that photo? They share it on people get that photo? They share it on people get that photo? They share it on their Instagram. And if you've got your their Instagram. And if you've got your their Instagram. And if you've got your little church logo in the bottom And not little church logo in the bottom And not little church logo in the bottom And not front and center. It's not like Easter front and center. It's not like Easter front and center. It's not like Easter at Central. These people are at Central. at Central. These people are at Central. at Central. These people are at Central. Well Well Well >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> something to consider >> something to consider >> something to consider but right it's a nice photo that the but right it's a nice photo that the but right it's a nice photo that the family is proud to display. They're not family is proud to display. They're not family is proud to display. They're not putting it in their profile picture if putting it in their profile picture if putting it in their profile picture if it says Easter at Central behind it but it says Easter at Central behind it but it says Easter at Central behind it but now you're basically getting free now you're basically getting free now you're basically getting free advertisement like UGC in a sense, user advertisement like UGC in a sense, user advertisement like UGC in a sense, user generated content where they're generated content where they're generated content where they're publishing it to their Instagram stories publishing it to their Instagram stories publishing it to their Instagram stories because like they're proud of it.

because like they're proud of it. because like they're proud of it. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Great opportunity. Great opportunity. Great opportunity. Idea number four, the parking lot party. Idea number four, the parking lot party. Idea number four, the parking lot party. Many churches Many churches Many churches stress about parking on Easter. I know. stress about parking on Easter. I know. stress about parking on Easter. I know. My church does. My church does. My church does. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> We stress about parking every day. Yeah. >> We stress about parking every day. Yeah. >> We stress about parking every day. Yeah. Not on Sundays. Every day. Not on Sundays. Every day. Not on Sundays. Every day. >> You really do. You think you build a new >> You really do. You think you build a new >> You really do. You think you build a new church with a lot of parking? church with a lot of parking? church with a lot of parking? Apparently, the Lord blesses you with Apparently, the Lord blesses you with Apparently, the Lord blesses you with the people and now suddenly the parking the people and now suddenly the parking the people and now suddenly the parking lot is small again. Well, IT'S TIME TO lot is small again. Well, IT'S TIME TO lot is small again. Well, IT'S TIME TO BUILD ANOTHER new church because BUILD ANOTHER new church because BUILD ANOTHER new church because >> People are parking on the grass. People >> People are parking on the grass. People >> People are parking on the grass. People are parking in the ditch. It's really are parking in the ditch. It's really are parking in the ditch. It's really wild behavior for some Christians at wild behavior for some Christians at wild behavior for some Christians at your church. I drive by and it's like, your church. I drive by and it's like, your church. I drive by and it's like, you really you chose to park in there? you really you chose to park in there? you really you chose to park in there? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Interesting. I have actually stopped >> Interesting. I have actually stopped >> Interesting. I have actually stopped going to church because [laughter] as an going to church because [laughter] as an going to church because [laughter] as an act of service act of service act of service >> creating space. So, flip this problem into a party. So, flip this problem into a party. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> To that end, we're going to try our >> To that end, we're going to try our >> To that end, we're going to try our best. So, you can set up a welcome tent best. So, you can set up a welcome tent best. So, you can set up a welcome tent with coffee, donuts, music playing. You with coffee, donuts, music playing. You with coffee, donuts, music playing. You know, even in in Canada, you know, April know, even in in Canada, you know, April know, even in in Canada, you know, April early April like, okay, we can be early April like, okay, we can be early April like, okay, we can be outside a little bit. outside a little bit. outside a little bit. >> be outside later for the Easter egg hunt >> be outside later for the Easter egg hunt >> be outside later for the Easter egg hunt anyways, right? The weather's never anyways, right? The weather's never anyways, right? The weather's never stopped stopped stopped >> and The weather's never stopped us. So, >> and The weather's never stopped us. So, >> and The weather's never stopped us. So, you can have a little pre-service party. you can have a little pre-service party. you can have a little pre-service party. Greeters with their signs directing like Greeters with their signs directing like Greeters with their signs directing like a tailgate. Some churches do this every a tailgate. Some churches do this every a tailgate. Some churches do this every week. Maybe you don't do this every week. Maybe you don't do this every week. Maybe you don't do this every week, but you know this week it's week, but you know this week it's week, but you know this week it's important to do so. It turns this pain important to do so. It turns this pain important to do so. It turns this pain point, oh my gosh, this crowded parking, point, oh my gosh, this crowded parking, point, oh my gosh, this crowded parking, oh it's the worst, into like a vibe.

oh it's the worst, into like a vibe. oh it's the worst, into like a vibe. Yeah. Okay, if I can use that word. Also Yeah. Okay, if I can use that word. Also Yeah. Okay, if I can use that word. Also has the potential, I thought, to draw has the potential, I thought, to draw has the potential, I thought, to draw like greater attention from passersby. like greater attention from passersby. like greater attention from passersby. You're driving by like, this is Look at You're driving by like, this is Look at You're driving by like, this is Look at all the stuff going They don't see all the stuff going They don't see all the stuff going They don't see what's happening inside. Right. They what's happening inside. Right. They what's happening inside. Right. They don't see that you had like this giant, don't see that you had like this giant, don't see that you had like this giant, you know, production, but on the outside you know, production, but on the outside you know, production, but on the outside they're like, oh, this is looking like a they're like, oh, this is looking like a they're like, oh, this is looking like a fun time. fun time. fun time. >> are at church and they look like they're >> are at church and they look like they're >> are at church and they look like they're having fun. That's kind of amazing. having fun. That's kind of amazing. having fun. That's kind of amazing. Rule of seven in marketing. Usually Rule of seven in marketing. Usually Rule of seven in marketing. Usually takes seven interactions with a brand or takes seven interactions with a brand or takes seven interactions with a brand or an organization for you to consider an organization for you to consider an organization for you to consider moving towards them. moving towards them. moving towards them. >> It's a positive brand moment when you >> It's a positive brand moment when you >> It's a positive brand moment when you drive by and see, oh, these people are drive by and see, oh, these people are drive by and see, oh, these people are enjoying being here today. I'm enjoying being here today. I'm enjoying being here today. I'm cataloging that. Interesting. Looks like cataloging that. Interesting. Looks like cataloging that. Interesting. Looks like a fun time. I don't think about it a fun time. I don't think about it a fun time. I don't think about it again. Until I see the photo on again. Until I see the photo on again. Until I see the photo on Instagram stories of someone I know who Instagram stories of someone I know who Instagram stories of someone I know who was there. Wow, thought about it a was there. Wow, thought about it a was there. Wow, thought about it a second time. And then, look at all the second time. And then, look at all the second time. And then, look at all the Easter bunnies dressed up in this Oh, Easter bunnies dressed up in this Oh, Easter bunnies dressed up in this Oh, wow, pastor was in an Easter bunny wow, pastor was in an Easter bunny wow, pastor was in an Easter bunny costume preaching. All right, I will not costume preaching. All right, I will not costume preaching. All right, I will not be going to this church. Kind of be going to this church. Kind of be going to this church. Kind of strange. My son thinks that your pastor strange. My son thinks that your pastor strange. My son thinks that your pastor is a pirate because we attend your is a pirate because we attend your is a pirate because we attend your trunk-or-treat event. And Pastor Bill trunk-or-treat event. And Pastor Bill trunk-or-treat event. And Pastor Bill famously stands in the middle of the famously stands in the middle of the famously stands in the middle of the road. uh Last time we went, he was road. uh Last time we went, he was road. uh Last time we went, he was dressed as a pirate. He was dressed as a pirate. He was dressed as a pirate. He was He was directing traffic. My son thinks He was directing traffic. My son thinks He was directing traffic. My son thinks that your pastor is permanently a that your pastor is permanently a that your pastor is permanently a pirate. Oh, pirate permanency, pirate. Oh, pirate permanency, pirate. Oh, pirate permanency, interesting. Now, idea number five, the interesting. Now, idea number five, the interesting. Now, idea number five, the not your normal Easter service service.

not your normal Easter service service. not your normal Easter service service. Okay, pause here. Okay, pause here. Okay, pause here. This is not the tagline of like, "We're This is not the tagline of like, "We're This is not the tagline of like, "We're not a normal church." Okay, this is not not a normal church." Okay, this is not not a normal church." Okay, this is not that. that. that. This is not your normal Easter service. This is not your normal Easter service. This is not your normal Easter service. >> Would you call this a creative >> Would you call this a creative >> Would you call this a creative curveball? curveball? curveball? Famously, many people are saying yes, Famously, many people are saying yes, Famously, many people are saying yes, the creative curveball. So, this is like the creative curveball. So, this is like the creative curveball. So, this is like not relative to the church down the not relative to the church down the not relative to the church down the road. This is not you versus them. This road. This is not you versus them. This road. This is not you versus them. This is not me versus Alex, okay? This is not is not me versus Alex, okay? This is not is not me versus Alex, okay? This is not buccaneer Bill versus the pastor pirate buccaneer Bill versus the pastor pirate buccaneer Bill versus the pastor pirate at Life Abundant. This is we normally do at Life Abundant. This is we normally do at Life Abundant. This is we normally do this thing. We are going to invoke this thing. We are going to invoke this thing. We are going to invoke purposely the creative curveball, which purposely the creative curveball, which purposely the creative curveball, which is the swerve purposely based on your is the swerve purposely based on your is the swerve purposely based on your church's established Easter rhythm. church's established Easter rhythm. church's established Easter rhythm. Here's the key. Here's the key. Here's the key. This is a useful tool if you don't This is a useful tool if you don't This is a useful tool if you don't already feel like Easter is a huge already feel like Easter is a huge already feel like Easter is a huge yearly success, okay? If you feel like, yearly success, okay? If you feel like, yearly success, okay? If you feel like, "I know Easter's supposed to be a big "I know Easter's supposed to be a big "I know Easter's supposed to be a big deal at our church, like I just feel deal at our church, like I just feel deal at our church, like I just feel like we're leaving something on the like we're leaving something on the like we're leaving something on the table." Okay, then maybe experiment and table." Okay, then maybe experiment and table." Okay, then maybe experiment and do something dramatically different. If do something dramatically different. If do something dramatically different. If you do have an awesome experience, if you do have an awesome experience, if you do have an awesome experience, if you do have an awesome yearly tradition you do have an awesome yearly tradition you do have an awesome yearly tradition that everyone looks forward to, maybe that everyone looks forward to, maybe that everyone looks forward to, maybe don't throw it off. Don't go and don't throw it off. Don't go and don't throw it off. Don't go and [laughter] mess it up, okay? The Super [laughter] mess it up, okay? The Super [laughter] mess it up, okay? The Super Bowl doesn't go, "You know what? This Bowl doesn't go, "You know what? This Bowl doesn't go, "You know what? This year year year we're doing it really different, okay?"

we're doing it really different, okay?" we're doing it really different, okay?" I mean, maybe they do with their I mean, maybe they do with their I mean, maybe they do with their overtime rules, which famously have to overtime rules, which famously have to overtime rules, which famously have to be explained to literally the players. be explained to literally the players. be explained to literally the players. Okay, just so you Yeah. This is what's Okay, just so you Yeah. This is what's Okay, just so you Yeah. This is what's going to happen. going to happen. going to happen. >> Cuz it's only the highest stakes moment. >> Cuz it's only the highest stakes moment. >> Cuz it's only the highest stakes moment. >> I thought it was different last year, >> I thought it was different last year, >> I thought it was different last year, okay. And you can't do this every year. okay. And you can't do this every year. okay. And you can't do this every year. No, otherwise, if all you do is throw No, otherwise, if all you do is throw No, otherwise, if all you do is throw curveballs, then curveballs, then curveballs, then >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> it's a little bit like it's not great. >> it's a little bit like it's not great. >> it's a little bit like it's not great. Idea number six, the 60-second testimony Idea number six, the 60-second testimony Idea number six, the 60-second testimony video. I think testimony videos in video. I think testimony videos in video. I think testimony videos in church might have the biggest payoff church might have the biggest payoff church might have the biggest payoff when when when on Easter Sunday. When we consider how on Easter Sunday. When we consider how on Easter Sunday. When we consider how many people will be in attendance that many people will be in attendance that many people will be in attendance that are not normal church attenders. So, are not normal church attenders. So, are not normal church attenders. So, find three to five people in your church find three to five people in your church find three to five people in your church with compelling what we like to call with compelling what we like to call with compelling what we like to call start again stories. Start again start again stories. Start again start again stories. Start again stories. The framing is something was stories. The framing is something was stories. The framing is something was awry in my life and through Jesus Christ awry in my life and through Jesus Christ awry in my life and through Jesus Christ I started again and found something new. I started again and found something new. I started again and found something new. That is the story of Christianity. What That is the story of Christianity. What That is the story of Christianity. What is dead has come to life. Resurrection, is dead has come to life. Resurrection, is dead has come to life. Resurrection, redemption. That is just starting again. redemption. That is just starting again. redemption. That is just starting again. That is the language that you can help That is the language that you can help That is the language that you can help people grasp onto and it's the language people grasp onto and it's the language people grasp onto and it's the language that will be the most potent for people that will be the most potent for people that will be the most potent for people that are sitting in the room who that are sitting in the room who that are sitting in the room who are not that familiar with the Christian are not that familiar with the Christian are not that familiar with the Christian faith or are like the once a year faith or are like the once a year faith or are like the once a year attenders. Surely there's something in attenders. Surely there's something in attenders. Surely there's something in their life where they're like, "Hey, you their life where they're like, "Hey, you their life where they're like, "Hey, you know what? Like I really would like to know what? Like I really would like to know what? Like I really would like to start again in this part of my life."

start again in this part of my life." start again in this part of my life." Well, that's great. That's what we do at Well, that's great. That's what we do at Well, that's great. That's what we do at church. That is what we do here. I would church. That is what we do here. I would church. That is what we do here. I would say again, keep them 60 seconds or less. say again, keep them 60 seconds or less. say again, keep them 60 seconds or less. Really tight. Film them on your phone, Really tight. Film them on your phone, Really tight. Film them on your phone, okay? I I think this is the best time okay? I I think this is the best time okay? I I think this is the best time cuz if you want to do like three to five cuz if you want to do like three to five cuz if you want to do like three to five of these, I don't want to put this huge of these, I don't want to put this huge of these, I don't want to put this huge project on your back with four weeks to project on your back with four weeks to project on your back with four weeks to go to Easter. It's like, okay, like set go to Easter. It's like, okay, like set go to Easter. It's like, okay, like set them up in like, you know, the I am them up in like, you know, the I am them up in like, you know, the I am >> you just won't do in the I am second >> you just won't do in the I am second >> you just won't do in the I am second black chair with like the single black chair with like the single black chair with like the single spotlight and in the back light. No, no, spotlight and in the back light. No, no, spotlight and in the back light. No, no, no. no. no. You can play these um at the start of You can play these um at the start of You can play these um at the start of service. You can play them as pre-sermon service. You can play them as pre-sermon service. You can play them as pre-sermon setup, as transitions. You can tie this setup, as transitions. You can tie this setup, as transitions. You can tie this whole start again Right before baptism whole start again Right before baptism whole start again Right before baptism or before water baptism? or before water baptism? or before water baptism? >> Right. If you do those on Easter as >> Right. If you do those on Easter as >> Right. If you do those on Easter as well, they're not Like this is the key. well, they're not Like this is the key. well, they're not Like this is the key. They're not polished mini mini They're not polished mini mini They're not polished mini mini documentaries. These are raw, authentic documentaries. These are raw, authentic documentaries. These are raw, authentic iPhone quality. And the key question is iPhone quality. And the key question is iPhone quality. And the key question is like, what was life like before and like, what was life like before and like, what was life like before and what's changed? That's the start again what's changed? That's the start again what's changed? That's the start again story, which then quite neatly ties story, which then quite neatly ties story, which then quite neatly ties into, you know who else started again? into, you know who else started again? into, you know who else started again? Don't do that. The Lord. Don't do that. The Lord. Don't do that. The Lord. >> Uh this functions as really good social >> Uh this functions as really good social >> Uh this functions as really good social proof and you know, we've already proof and you know, we've already proof and you know, we've already mentioned mentioned mentioned >> Functions as really good social content. >> Functions as really good social content. >> Functions as really good social content. >> Yeah.

>> Yeah. >> Yeah. That's true. That's true. That's true. Um we've made mention of the rule of Um we've made mention of the rule of Um we've made mention of the rule of seven in marketing and we're not trying seven in marketing and we're not trying seven in marketing and we're not trying to disparage the the church in a sense to disparage the the church in a sense to disparage the the church in a sense that it's it's a a brand or a commodity that it's it's a a brand or a commodity that it's it's a a brand or a commodity to be consumed, but it is valuable to to be consumed, but it is valuable to to be consumed, but it is valuable to consider best practices in marketing consider best practices in marketing consider best practices in marketing like the rule of seven and and using like the rule of seven and and using like the rule of seven and and using social proof to gain trust and to social proof to gain trust and to social proof to gain trust and to leverage those, you know, proven leverage those, you know, proven leverage those, you know, proven frameworks for our purposes, which is frameworks for our purposes, which is frameworks for our purposes, which is sharing the story of New Life in Jesus. sharing the story of New Life in Jesus. sharing the story of New Life in Jesus. And so And so And so a first-time guest or the person who a first-time guest or the person who a first-time guest or the person who attends church once a year could come to attends church once a year could come to attends church once a year could come to your Easter service and hear what the your Easter service and hear what the your Easter service and hear what the worship leader has to say and the pastor worship leader has to say and the pastor worship leader has to say and the pastor has to say and sit back maybe with an has to say and sit back maybe with an has to say and sit back maybe with an eye of cynicism and say, "But yeah, eye of cynicism and say, "But yeah, eye of cynicism and say, "But yeah, these people get paid to say this." And these people get paid to say this." And these people get paid to say this." And so maybe it falls a little bit flat, but so maybe it falls a little bit flat, but so maybe it falls a little bit flat, but when they are met with real-life stories when they are met with real-life stories when they are met with real-life stories from real people who have no vested from real people who have no vested from real people who have no vested interest in the church, who don't get interest in the church, who don't get interest in the church, who don't get paid to say anything, who have filmed paid to say anything, who have filmed paid to say anything, who have filmed this, you know, testimonial video for this, you know, testimonial video for this, you know, testimonial video for themselves by themselves on their themselves by themselves on their themselves by themselves on their iPhone, it really does function iPhone, it really does function iPhone, it really does function similarly to social proof in, you know, similarly to social proof in, you know, similarly to social proof in, you know, industry where somebody hears that story industry where somebody hears that story industry where somebody hears that story and can sense that it's authentic, sense and can sense that it's authentic, sense and can sense that it's authentic, sense that it's not scripted, sense that it's that it's not scripted, sense that it's that it's not scripted, sense that it's true, and it could really serve to earn true, and it could really serve to earn true, and it could really serve to earn some valuable social trust from those some valuable social trust from those some valuable social trust from those folks who there will be people visiting folks who there will be people visiting folks who there will be people visiting your church on Sunday maybe dragged your church on Sunday maybe dragged your church on Sunday maybe dragged along by a family member who are coming along by a family member who are coming along by a family member who are coming in in in with a posture of cynicism. For whatever with a posture of cynicism. For whatever with a posture of cynicism. For whatever reason, the reason is is irrelevant to reason, the reason is is irrelevant to reason, the reason is is irrelevant to my point, which is we can disarm them my point, which is we can disarm them my point, which is we can disarm them with a a strategy like this. Absolutely.

with a a strategy like this. Absolutely. with a a strategy like this. Absolutely. We did an episode uh 3 weeks ago called We did an episode uh 3 weeks ago called We did an episode uh 3 weeks ago called Your Pastor Says I Don't Like It But Your Pastor Says I Don't Like It But Your Pastor Says I Don't Like It But Can't Say Why. And the through line of Can't Say Why. And the through line of Can't Say Why. And the through line of that episode was that different people that episode was that different people that episode was that different people respond to different communication respond to different communication respond to different communication styles. What we're describing here is styles. What we're describing here is styles. What we're describing here is show, don't tell. What is preaching? show, don't tell. What is preaching? show, don't tell. What is preaching? Tell. Tell. Tell. So, this So, this So, this provides different ways of sharing the provides different ways of sharing the provides different ways of sharing the gospel truths and the wisdom of gospel truths and the wisdom of gospel truths and the wisdom of scripture. scripture. scripture. And when you have different ways, what And when you have different ways, what And when you have different ways, what that means is different people can latch that means is different people can latch that means is different people can latch onto them. And the more onto them. And the more onto them. And the more inroads that you have through different inroads that you have through different inroads that you have through different communication styles, the more people communication styles, the more people communication styles, the more people are hearing the good news. are hearing the good news. are hearing the good news. Not just hearing the good news, but Not just hearing the good news, but Not just hearing the good news, but receiving the good news. Idea number receiving the good news. Idea number receiving the good news. Idea number seven, the take-home gift. Give every seven, the take-home gift. Give every seven, the take-home gift. Give every family something to take home. Not a family something to take home. Not a family something to take home. Not a flyer. flyer. flyer. Okay. this this is not like, "Hey, Okay. this this is not like, "Hey, Okay. this this is not like, "Hey, here's the thing to take home. Church here's the thing to take home. Church here's the thing to take home. Church happens every Sunday. Right. Hope to see happens every Sunday. Right. Hope to see happens every Sunday. Right. Hope to see you again." Something that they'll keep. you again." Something that they'll keep. you again." Something that they'll keep. A momento of some kind. So, this is kind A momento of some kind. So, this is kind A momento of some kind. So, this is kind of similar to that photo. Ideas. Um a of similar to that photo. Ideas. Um a of similar to that photo. Ideas. Um a small plant. small plant. small plant. Resurrection imagery. Love it. Resurrection imagery. Love it. Resurrection imagery. Love it. >> Everyone's got room for more plants in >> Everyone's got room for more plants in >> Everyone's got room for more plants in their house, right? Uh a devotional their house, right? Uh a devotional their house, right? Uh a devotional booklet for the week after Easter. A booklet for the week after Easter. A booklet for the week after Easter. A children's book about Easter. Mhm. We children's book about Easter. Mhm. We children's book about Easter. Mhm. We had this discussion in my church this had this discussion in my church this had this discussion in my church this past Christmas. Informal discussion.

past Christmas. Informal discussion. past Christmas. Informal discussion. Where my wife had started this new um Where my wife had started this new um Where my wife had started this new um fad of hers. She tends to go through fad of hers. She tends to go through fad of hers. She tends to go through these cycles. So, she gets really these cycles. So, she gets really these cycles. So, she gets really obsessed about something. Interestingly, obsessed about something. Interestingly, obsessed about something. Interestingly, just like my mom. Hm. What's that about? just like my mom. Hm. What's that about? just like my mom. Hm. What's that about? Let's not read into it. Let's not read into it. Let's not read into it. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> Your therapist is listening to this >> Your therapist is listening to this >> Your therapist is listening to this episode and says, "Brady, I think we episode and says, "Brady, I think we episode and says, "Brady, I think we need to have an appointment." I need to have an appointment." I need to have an appointment." I [laughter] canceled that appointment for [laughter] canceled that appointment for [laughter] canceled that appointment for a reason. a reason. a reason. Um Um Um So, she started getting into watercolor. So, she started getting into watercolor. So, she started getting into watercolor. And then because it was Christmas, she's And then because it was Christmas, she's And then because it was Christmas, she's like, "I want to do watercolor scenes like, "I want to do watercolor scenes like, "I want to do watercolor scenes about Christmas." about Christmas." about Christmas." >> Mhm. And then she's like, "I'm going to >> Mhm. And then she's like, "I'm going to >> Mhm. And then she's like, "I'm going to come up with cartoon mice." And the come up with cartoon mice." And the come up with cartoon mice." And the whole every every scene is going to be whole every every scene is going to be whole every every scene is going to be of like cartoon mice families doing of like cartoon mice families doing of like cartoon mice families doing Christmas things in watercolor. Very Christmas things in watercolor. Very Christmas things in watercolor. Very specific. Don't ask how we arrived specific. Don't ask how we arrived specific. Don't ask how we arrived there, but that's what it became. She there, but that's what it became. She there, but that's what it became. She starts posting it on Instagram stories. starts posting it on Instagram stories. starts posting it on Instagram stories. Like, "Hey, here's what I was working Like, "Hey, here's what I was working Like, "Hey, here's what I was working on." People like, "Can I buy these on." People like, "Can I buy these on." People like, "Can I buy these prints?" And then we were talking like prints?" And then we were talking like prints?" And then we were talking like with some of the pastors. Like, "You with some of the pastors. Like, "You with some of the pastors. Like, "You know what we could do is like we could know what we could do is like we could know what we could do is like we could like turn those into like some type of like turn those into like some type of like turn those into like some type of like, you know, devotional um where like, you know, devotional um where like, you know, devotional um where those are the illustrations and like those are the illustrations and like those are the illustrations and like that could become like something that that could become like something that that could become like something that you give away at Christmas. It was like you give away at Christmas. It was like you give away at Christmas. It was like a Christmas talk about like our big like a Christmas talk about like our big like a Christmas talk about like our big like Christmas at Niagara or a Niagara Christmas at Niagara or a Niagara Christmas at Niagara or a Niagara Christmas, which is like more of our Christmas, which is like more of our Christmas, which is like more of our like inroads into the community. And like inroads into the community. And like inroads into the community. And that could become like a takeaway for that could become like a takeaway for that could become like a takeaway for that. So, like, you know, local that. So, like, you know, local that. So, like, you know, local illustrations doing something with illustrations doing something with illustrations doing something with Easter. Like these these are actual Easter. Like these these are actual Easter. Like these these are actual ideas that have come to mind for us.

ideas that have come to mind for us. ideas that have come to mind for us. Make it [snorts] relevant to the sermon Make it [snorts] relevant to the sermon Make it [snorts] relevant to the sermon if possible. if possible. if possible. Um and what this does is it can extend Um and what this does is it can extend Um and what this does is it can extend the moment beyond Sunday. So, if you're the moment beyond Sunday. So, if you're the moment beyond Sunday. So, if you're doing like a devotional booklet, I doing like a devotional booklet, I doing like a devotional booklet, I wouldn't make it like a 30-day thing. I wouldn't make it like a 30-day thing. I wouldn't make it like a 30-day thing. I would just make it like for this week. would just make it like for this week. would just make it like for this week. Yeah. For this week, you heard about Yeah. For this week, you heard about Yeah. For this week, you heard about this in church. Here is the chapter we this in church. Here is the chapter we this in church. Here is the chapter we want you to read and then here are like want you to read and then here are like want you to read and then here are like the discussion things or like the the discussion things or like the the discussion things or like the whatever it is that comes from that. So whatever it is that comes from that. So whatever it is that comes from that. So now you're taking Sunday and you're now you're taking Sunday and you're now you're taking Sunday and you're extending it for 1 week. Why do we do extending it for 1 week. Why do we do extending it for 1 week. Why do we do this? For idea number eight, which is this? For idea number eight, which is this? For idea number eight, which is the post-Easter follow-up sprint. Most the post-Easter follow-up sprint. Most the post-Easter follow-up sprint. Most churches they fumble the follow-up. churches they fumble the follow-up. churches they fumble the follow-up. They're follow-up fumblers, frankly. And They're follow-up fumblers, frankly. And They're follow-up fumblers, frankly. And we don't want Easter guests to go cold. we don't want Easter guests to go cold. we don't want Easter guests to go cold. So you want to plan your follow-up So you want to plan your follow-up So you want to plan your follow-up before Easter, not after. Here's how before Easter, not after. Here's how before Easter, not after. Here's how we'd recommend this. Day one, the ASAP. we'd recommend this. Day one, the ASAP. we'd recommend this. Day one, the ASAP. We did another podcast several weeks We did another podcast several weeks We did another podcast several weeks ago, the 76-word church welcome email ago, the 76-word church welcome email ago, the 76-word church welcome email that works. Where we talked about it's that works. Where we talked about it's that works. Where we talked about it's not your newsletter that's the most not your newsletter that's the most not your newsletter that's the most important email you send, it's the first important email you send, it's the first important email you send, it's the first email that you send and the importance email that you send and the importance email that you send and the importance of sending it as soon as possible. of sending it as soon as possible. of sending it as soon as possible. So this is a personal thank you text or So this is a personal thank you text or So this is a personal thank you text or thank you email from a real human. Go thank you email from a real human. Go thank you email from a real human. Go and revisit that episode if you're and revisit that episode if you're and revisit that episode if you're looking for an exact script to follow.

looking for an exact script to follow. looking for an exact script to follow. Then, day three, you can email with the Then, day three, you can email with the Then, day three, you can email with the sermon replay link and a here's what's sermon replay link and a here's what's sermon replay link and a here's what's coming next Sunday and a follow-up on coming next Sunday and a follow-up on coming next Sunday and a follow-up on that take-home gift or action that you that take-home gift or action that you that take-home gift or action that you asked them. Hey Have you watered your asked them. Hey Have you watered your asked them. Hey Have you watered your plant yet? Is it dying? Yeah. Or like plant yet? Is it dying? Yeah. Or like plant yet? Is it dying? Yeah. Or like and and and you can make this like and and and you can make this like and and and you can make this like personal. So show, don't tell. So like, personal. So show, don't tell. So like, personal. So show, don't tell. So like, hey, here's a photo of one of the people hey, here's a photo of one of the people hey, here's a photo of one of the people that came on Sunday. This is, you know, that came on Sunday. This is, you know, that came on Sunday. This is, you know, Jenny and her family and look where they Jenny and her family and look where they Jenny and her family and look where they put their plant. And all right, I got put their plant. And all right, I got put their plant. And all right, I got that plant. Where And now you're like that plant. Where And now you're like that plant. Where And now you're like reminding them, right? You can send it reminding them, right? You can send it reminding them, right? You can send it via text as well. Day seven or day six, via text as well. Day seven or day six, via text as well. Day seven or day six, day five, kind of like closer to the day five, kind of like closer to the day five, kind of like closer to the next Sunday, invite next Sunday, invite next Sunday, invite to [snorts] whatever your next important to [snorts] whatever your next important to [snorts] whatever your next important next step is. So it can be come back to next step is. So it can be come back to next step is. So it can be come back to church, but it could also be like uh church, but it could also be like uh church, but it could also be like uh lunch with the pastor or like whatever lunch with the pastor or like whatever lunch with the pastor or like whatever you do for that. you do for that. you do for that. The key thing that we want to hit on is The key thing that we want to hit on is The key thing that we want to hit on is like this window closes really fast. And like this window closes really fast. And like this window closes really fast. And so you want to think about it before so you want to think about it before so you want to think about it before and you want to tie it together with and you want to tie it together with and you want to tie it together with like something that was in the service like something that was in the service like something that was in the service already. So not just like follow-up for already. So not just like follow-up for already. So not just like follow-up for the sake of follow-up. Hey, come next the sake of follow-up. Hey, come next the sake of follow-up. Hey, come next Sunday. But like, hey, remember that Sunday. But like, hey, remember that Sunday. But like, hey, remember that plant that we gave you? Here's a photo plant that we gave you? Here's a photo plant that we gave you? Here's a photo of like someone else like, how's yours of like someone else like, how's yours of like someone else like, how's yours doing? Something that is really personal doing? Something that is really personal doing? Something that is really personal that is a through line so you're that is a through line so you're that is a through line so you're carrying on.

carrying on. carrying on. Idea number seven, the resurrection Idea number seven, the resurrection Idea number seven, the resurrection moment. Seven, nine, moment. Seven, nine, moment. Seven, nine, idea number nine. The resurrection idea number nine. The resurrection idea number nine. The resurrection moment in service. Build a specific moment in service. Build a specific moment in service. Build a specific moment into the service that marks the moment into the service that marks the moment into the service that marks the resurrection. So, the idea here could be resurrection. So, the idea here could be resurrection. So, the idea here could be the lights go fully dark and then go the lights go fully dark and then go the lights go fully dark and then go fully bright. The worship shifts from a fully bright. The worship shifts from a fully bright. The worship shifts from a minor key to a major key. I think the minor key to a major key. I think the minor key to a major key. I think the the song Death Was Arrested is a great the song Death Was Arrested is a great the song Death Was Arrested is a great example of this. example of this. example of this. >> a nice moment there. >> a nice moment there. >> a nice moment there. >> Yeah, so the >> Yeah, so the >> Yeah, so the the the lyric the part of the song this the the lyric the part of the song this the the lyric the part of the song this happens of is in the bridge and the song happens of is in the bridge and the song happens of is in the bridge and the song is it says, "Our savior displayed on a is it says, "Our savior displayed on a is it says, "Our savior displayed on a criminal's cross, darkness rejoiced as criminal's cross, darkness rejoiced as criminal's cross, darkness rejoiced as though heaven had lost." And the song though heaven had lost." And the song though heaven had lost." And the song just like stops. just like stops. just like stops. >> Mhm. And the live version of this is >> Mhm. And the live version of this is >> Mhm. And the live version of this is like so powerful because like like so powerful because like like so powerful because like death rejoices. death rejoices. death rejoices. Good the good guy lost. And it just the Good the good guy lost. And it just the Good the good guy lost. And it just the song stops and it just holds and it song stops and it just holds and it song stops and it just holds and it lingers and it's like just dark. But you lingers and it's like just dark. But you lingers and it's like just dark. But you can tell like there's like anticipation, can tell like there's like anticipation, can tell like there's like anticipation, too. And then like you start to hear the too. And then like you start to hear the too. And then like you start to hear the swell of the symbols and the song comes swell of the symbols and the song comes swell of the symbols and the song comes back and the song literally ends the way back and the song literally ends the way back and the song literally ends the way Jesus' life ends and then it comes back Jesus' life ends and then it comes back Jesus' life ends and then it comes back with But then Jesus arose with our with But then Jesus arose with our with But then Jesus arose with our freedom and it's just like the kick drum freedom and it's just like the kick drum freedom and it's just like the kick drum is just going boom boom boom and is just going boom boom boom and is just going boom boom boom and everyone's cheering, right? And it's everyone's cheering, right? And it's everyone's cheering, right? And it's potent because you let it linger on the potent because you let it linger on the potent because you let it linger on the awkward silence or just like the dark awkward silence or just like the dark awkward silence or just like the dark part.

part. part. >> And it's a bit theatrical, right? >> And it's a bit theatrical, right? >> And it's a bit theatrical, right? >> It Right, it's pageantry. And look, >> It Right, it's pageantry. And look, >> It Right, it's pageantry. And look, >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> I have a lot of faults. I will not ever >> I have a lot of faults. I will not ever >> I have a lot of faults. I will not ever apologize for my love of pageantry. It's apologize for my love of pageantry. It's apologize for my love of pageantry. It's just what I what you know, that's just a just what I what you know, that's just a just what I what you know, that's just a part of me. Make it theatrical. part of me. Make it theatrical. part of me. Make it theatrical. The key is you don't want it to be The key is you don't want it to be The key is you don't want it to be cheesy. That's right. Which is the tough cheesy. That's right. Which is the tough cheesy. That's right. Which is the tough part sometimes. Idea number 10. Final part sometimes. Idea number 10. Final part sometimes. Idea number 10. Final one. Volunteer one. Volunteer one. Volunteer as the product. What do I mean by that? as the product. What do I mean by that? as the product. What do I mean by that? Your volunteers are the Easter Your volunteers are the Easter Your volunteers are the Easter experience for your guests. So, when we experience for your guests. So, when we experience for your guests. So, when we say product, what I mean is like people say product, what I mean is like people say product, what I mean is like people come to church, why? Because on Sunday, come to church, why? Because on Sunday, come to church, why? Because on Sunday, on Easter Sunday, they're coming to on Easter Sunday, they're coming to on Easter Sunday, they're coming to experience the service. The swerve here experience the service. The swerve here experience the service. The swerve here is that instead they end up experiencing is that instead they end up experiencing is that instead they end up experiencing the volunteers. So, the way that you the volunteers. So, the way that you the volunteers. So, the way that you make this happen as a church is you make this happen as a church is you make this happen as a church is you overstaff volunteers on Easter Sunday overstaff volunteers on Easter Sunday overstaff volunteers on Easter Sunday intentionally by 50%. Okay? Like 50% intentionally by 50%. Okay? Like 50% intentionally by 50%. Okay? Like 50% more volunteers than normal. More more volunteers than normal. More more volunteers than normal. More greeters, more ushers, more kids greeters, more ushers, more kids greeters, more ushers, more kids check-in people, and then you can brief check-in people, and then you can brief check-in people, and then you can brief them specifically, "Okay, your job today them specifically, "Okay, your job today them specifically, "Okay, your job today is to make first-time guests feel like is to make first-time guests feel like is to make first-time guests feel like they belong. What do we do? We put so they belong. What do we do? We put so they belong. What do we do? We put so much energy into the actual service.

much energy into the actual service. much energy into the actual service. This service is going to be different. This service is going to be different. This service is going to be different. What if instead we're like, "Yeah, the What if instead we're like, "Yeah, the What if instead we're like, "Yeah, the service is going to be a little bit service is going to be a little bit service is going to be a little bit different, but the difference today is different, but the difference today is different, but the difference today is that if you are new, and we know that if you are new, and we know that if you are new, and we know a lot of people are new. So, we can plan a lot of people are new. So, we can plan a lot of people are new. So, we can plan for this with certainty. We want you to for this with certainty. We want you to for this with certainty. We want you to feel like the difference they're like, feel like the difference they're like, feel like the difference they're like, "Wow, like that was just such a "Wow, like that was just such a "Wow, like that was just such a hospitable group. Like, they were so hospitable group. Like, they were so hospitable group. Like, they were so caring and so thoughtful, and they caring and so thoughtful, and they caring and so thoughtful, and they thought of all the different edge cases, thought of all the different edge cases, thought of all the different edge cases, and that was a great experience." and that was a great experience." and that was a great experience." And they might not even think about And they might not even think about And they might not even think about like, "Oh yeah, and the the preaching like, "Oh yeah, and the the preaching like, "Oh yeah, and the the preaching was great, or the worship was great." was great, or the worship was great." was great, or the worship was great." What marks the person that visited for What marks the person that visited for What marks the person that visited for the first time is that. And guess what? the first time is that. And guess what? the first time is that. And guess what? Now, that's the reputation. When someone Now, that's the reputation. When someone Now, that's the reputation. When someone asks, "Oh, you went to church this asks, "Oh, you went to church this asks, "Oh, you went to church this weekend?" Oh, just the casual person weekend?" Oh, just the casual person weekend?" Oh, just the casual person that goes to church, "How was it?" "Oh that goes to church, "How was it?" "Oh that goes to church, "How was it?" "Oh my goodness." And they're talking about my goodness." And they're talking about my goodness." And they're talking about it positively that way. And then that's it positively that way. And then that's it positively that way. And then that's the third rule of seven. And I drove the third rule of seven. And I drove the third rule of seven. And I drove past the party, and I saw the picture past the party, and I saw the picture past the party, and I saw the picture from the friends on Instagram. Wow, like from the friends on Instagram. Wow, like from the friends on Instagram. Wow, like this church is really doing something this church is really doing something this church is really doing something different. So, the next time it becomes different. So, the next time it becomes different. So, the next time it becomes an evaluation moment for them, they are an evaluation moment for them, they are an evaluation moment for them, they are primed to say yes. These are the things primed to say yes. These are the things primed to say yes. These are the things that you then hear about in 16 months that you then hear about in 16 months that you then hear about in 16 months when someone goes like, "Oh yeah, like when someone goes like, "Oh yeah, like when someone goes like, "Oh yeah, like um I thought about attending for a um I thought about attending for a um I thought about attending for a while, but I'm just happy I came now." while, but I'm just happy I came now." while, but I'm just happy I came now." And you have no idea what that meant. And you have no idea what that meant. And you have no idea what that meant. But, when you get to eternity, and you But, when you get to eternity, and you But, when you get to eternity, and you can look into the log, and Jesus can be can look into the log, and Jesus can be can look into the log, and Jesus can be like, "Oh yeah, that person, it was like, "Oh yeah, that person, it was like, "Oh yeah, that person, it was because you did this right, and you did because you did this right, and you did because you did this right, and you did this right, and you did this right. You this right, and you did this right. You this right, and you did this right. You really screwed up this thing, but really screwed up this thing, but really screwed up this thing, but thankfully you did all these other thankfully you did all these other thankfully you did all these other things right, and it was good enough."

And then what's also cool is that you And then what's also cool is that you can debrief afterwards with all these can debrief afterwards with all these can debrief afterwards with all these volunteers, and ask them like, "Hey, volunteers, and ask them like, "Hey, volunteers, and ask them like, "Hey, what did you notice? Like, who did you what did you notice? Like, who did you what did you notice? Like, who did you meet?" And you can learn a lot because meet?" And you can learn a lot because meet?" And you can learn a lot because you're going to be so focused on like, you're going to be so focused on like, you're going to be so focused on like, "I got to do worship, I got to do the "I got to do worship, I got to do the "I got to do worship, I got to do the preaching, I got to make sure that like, preaching, I got to make sure that like, preaching, I got to make sure that like, you know, the follow-up is happening." you know, the follow-up is happening." you know, the follow-up is happening." You're probably not maybe in the thick You're probably not maybe in the thick You're probably not maybe in the thick of things with the guest interaction. of things with the guest interaction. of things with the guest interaction. So, then you can get all that feedback So, then you can get all that feedback So, then you can get all that feedback from the volunteers. So, they're on the from the volunteers. So, they're on the from the volunteers. So, they're on the front lines kind of gathering info about front lines kind of gathering info about front lines kind of gathering info about what was working and what was not, which what was working and what was not, which what was working and what was not, which is valuable for maybe altering how you is valuable for maybe altering how you is valuable for maybe altering how you do things Christmas next time around. do things Christmas next time around. do things Christmas next time around. >> good feedback and and it also this also >> good feedback and and it also this also >> good feedback and and it also this also sends a message kind of a subliminal sends a message kind of a subliminal sends a message kind of a subliminal message but an an embodied one to the message but an an embodied one to the message but an an embodied one to the folks who do gather to folks who do gather to folks who do gather to to experience your church on Easter to experience your church on Easter to experience your church on Easter Sunday is that hey this Sunday is that hey this Sunday is that hey this this service, you know, may may have this service, you know, may may have this service, you know, may may have been bigger, more theatrical than our been bigger, more theatrical than our been bigger, more theatrical than our normal Sunday service but like at the normal Sunday service but like at the normal Sunday service but like at the heart of it what we did here today was heart of it what we did here today was heart of it what we did here today was not about like what we did with the not about like what we did with the not about like what we did with the lights or what song we sang or didn't lights or what song we sang or didn't lights or what song we sang or didn't sing or whatever. sing or whatever. sing or whatever. You your guest will have experienced You your guest will have experienced You your guest will have experienced that what defines your church is that what defines your church is that what defines your church is actually the people it's made up of. You actually the people it's made up of. You actually the people it's made up of. You know, they will have had so many know, they will have had so many know, they will have had so many touchpoints from so many volunteers touchpoints from so many volunteers touchpoints from so many volunteers taking care of them and and having the taking care of them and and having the taking care of them and and having the space the margin to talk to them and space the margin to talk to them and space the margin to talk to them and welcome them and direct them to the welcome them and direct them to the welcome them and direct them to the right place and and meet their actual right place and and meet their actual right place and and meet their actual individual needs that they will individual needs that they will individual needs that they will experience um like I said subliminally experience um like I said subliminally experience um like I said subliminally like yeah, there was a thing here that I like yeah, there was a thing here that I like yeah, there was a thing here that I experienced and and it was it was was experienced and and it was it was was experienced and and it was it was was what it was but underneath that what what it was but underneath that what what it was but underneath that what actually makes up this gathering actually makes up this gathering actually makes up this gathering was the people and all the people that was the people and all the people that was the people and all the people that had space to talk to me and welcome me had space to talk to me and welcome me had space to talk to me and welcome me in and and cater to me and I think that

in and and cater to me and I think that in and and cater to me and I think that that would be a you know, something that would be a you know, something that would be a you know, something really valuable for a first time guest really valuable for a first time guest really valuable for a first time guest to receive on a day like Easter Sunday. to receive on a day like Easter Sunday. to receive on a day like Easter Sunday. And what is that again? Show, don't And what is that again? Show, don't And what is that again? Show, don't tell. tell. tell. >> Yeah, yeah. You used the word like >> Yeah, yeah. You used the word like >> Yeah, yeah. You used the word like subliminally. What it is is people are subliminally. What it is is people are subliminally. What it is is people are picking it up, they're intuiting what's picking it up, they're intuiting what's picking it up, they're intuiting what's happening but it's not happening like on happening but it's not happening like on happening but it's not happening like on a conscious level because you're not a conscious level because you're not a conscious level because you're not saying saying saying welcome home. Our volunteer culture here welcome home. Our volunteer culture here welcome home. Our volunteer culture here is great. You don't need to because is great. You don't need to because is great. You don't need to because you're showing it and you're you're showing it and you're you're showing it and you're demonstrating it with the experience the demonstrating it with the experience the demonstrating it with the experience the guest has. 10 unique ideas. If you've guest has. 10 unique ideas. If you've guest has. 10 unique ideas. If you've got additional, throw them in the got additional, throw them in the got additional, throw them in the comments on YouTube. Otherwise four comments on YouTube. Otherwise four comments on YouTube. Otherwise four weeks out, one month out, here we go. weeks out, one month out, here we go. weeks out, one month out, here we go. [music] [music] [music] It's playoff time. Super Bowl's around It's playoff time. Super Bowl's around It's playoff time. Super Bowl's around the corner. the corner. the corner. >> Playoffs? Playoffs. Thank you for your >> Playoffs? Playoffs. Thank you for your >> Playoffs? Playoffs. Thank you for your time, attention and trust. We'll [music] time, attention and trust. We'll [music] time, attention and trust. We'll [music] talk to you next week. Eggs. [snorts] talk to you next week. Eggs. [snorts] talk to you next week. Eggs. [snorts] I'll always love that Instagram reel. I'll always love that Instagram reel. I'll always love that Instagram reel. 10,000 eggs.