The reverberations of “Jesus Christ is Risen Today” have dissipated. The Easter lilies have been shared. Pastors have enjoyed their post-Holy Week/Easter nap. Some may be heading out on post-Easter rest.
I know how tempting it is to relax after Easter, but this week holds a unique opportunity to engage with lapsed and prospective members as a pastor. You see, except for out-of-town guests, I’ve learned that just about everyone at your Easter service considers the church you serve their church.
This past Sunday, I saw a couple for the first time since COVID. Before the pandemic, they regularly attended our services. But, despite our outreach, we hadn’t seen or heard from them for years. I assumed they were worshiping elsewhere. But Easter Sunday came, and there they were. This week, I will drop them a line telling them how glad I was to see them and see if we can catch up over a cup of coffee.
A young couple started attending last summer. I met with them over coffee. Over the fall, their attendance became increasingly sporadic. I missed seeing them over Advent, so I dropped them a note saying that I hoped they had a merry Christmas, which elicited an appreciative response. They showed up for Easter. When I visited with them, they explained that they’d been traveling, but would be sticking close to home in the coming months because they were expecting a baby. I’ve moved them back to the church’s hot prospect list and will make sure that they get a personal invitation to the next young adult event.
A church member texted me that her new neighbors were coming on Easter. I did a quick internet search to make sure that I could recognize them and welcome them. Sunday morning, I said hello and learned that their son is old enough to sing in the non-readers’ choir. I’ve asked the director to invite them to the next rehearsal.
I know pastors and laity want to chill after a busy week and season, but this is a good week to tell these folks how much you appreciated seeing them. Or to drop a line to someone who wasn’t there and tell them that you hope they had a great Easter.
I’ve also learned that these next few weeks are a great time to invite your wayward and prospective sheep to something specific. It needs to be something in the next month: a mission project, church social, a class, or a cup of coffee. It needs to have a date, a time and a place. Tell them that you plan on being there and hope to see them there. Or feed a name to someone who will invite them. Just remember, the invitation can’t be general. It must be personal.
The Easter work has just begun, and I hope you will join me in it.
