What a blessing it is to celebrate Easter Sunday with you!

There’s not much time left to prepare.

Many churches have invested lots of resources into these Easter Sunday morning services. Personal invitations must be extended by faith, and the facilities need to be prepared.

Whether you’re a part of my church family or another good congregation, I trust you’re willing to do your part.

Over the years, I’ve read many versions of what I’m sharing. But let me briefly list the practical steps you can take to help. I’ve added some references to help you see God’s Word as the basis of these efforts.

Consider this a common-sense approach that forsakes selfishness and focuses on others.

1. Pray to the Lord of the Harvest, believing for many people to come to faith in Christ after hearing the good news message of Jesus Christ. Salvation for every unsaved individual is our number one goal! See Matthew 9:37-38 and Titus 2:11:14.
2. Plan to be there and bring someone with you. The celebration won’t be complete without you, your family, and your friends. See Luke 14:22-23 and Hebrews 10:23-25.
3. Park as far away as you reasonably can. Leave the spaces closest to the worship center entrances available for guests, senior adults, and those with special needs. See Mark 10:42-45.
4. Provide a friendly smile and greet everyone you see, whether you know them or not. Introduce yourself and if they need direction, gently offer to take them where they need to go. See Proverbs 18:24.
5. Pick a seat near the front of your worship sanctuary as possible. Where you choose to sit speaks volumes. First-time guests are usually more comfortable in the rows closest to the lobby. See James 2:1-9.
6. Participate wholeheartedly in the worship service. Prove to everyone present that Jesus is your Lord by giving Him the worship He deserves. See Psalm 29:2 and John 4:24.
7. Pause toward the end of the service. Please don’t leave until the final amen and dismissal are given. If you leave early, you could disturb how the Spirit of God is dealing with a soul who needs His grace and salvation. See John 6:44, 16:8-10.

These measures are necessary because most guests will make up their minds about our church within their first seven minutes on our campus. That means the best first impression is made before they hear the music and the message.

Genuine Christian hospitality prepares our guests to have the best possible worship experience. I want our church to be guilty of demonstrating the love of God to every person He sends our way.