The Secret to Reconnecting Your Church Community Before Easter
Easter brings an influx of first-time guests to church services, but what about those who have been absent for months? How do you reconnect with drifting members, re-engage volunteers, and ensure a thriving Easter celebration? The answer is simple: text messaging.
Text messages boast a 90% open rate, making them one of the most effective ways to engage your church community. But sending random texts isn’t enough—you need a strategic approach to make the biggest impact.
Here are six essential tips for implementing an effective Easter texting strategy that strengthens your church’s connection and engagement.
1. State Your Goals
Easter is a unique opportunity to achieve multiple goals at once. Before crafting your messages, define what you want to accomplish, such as:
- Increasing attendance by inviting as many people as possible.
- Reconnecting with inactive members through personal outreach.
- Building relationships by checking in with those in need of encouragement.
- Recruiting volunteers for key roles like kids’ ministry, greeters, or event support.
Example Text: We’ve missed you at church! Easter is a special time to come together—hope to see you this Sunday at 10 a.m.
By clearly stating your goals, you can tailor messages that align with your objectives and encourage meaningful engagement.
2. Map It Out
Easter is a busy season, so planning your texts in advance ensures timely and intentional communication. Consider key dates, such as:
- When to send the first invite.
- Reminder messages leading up to Easter.
- Follow-up texts for guests after Easter services.
Example Plan:
- One week before Easter – Send initial invites.
- Good Friday – Reminder text about special services.
- Easter Sunday evening – Follow up with guests, thanking them for attending.
Mapping out your messaging helps streamline communication and prevents last-minute scrambling.
3. Utilize a System
Your personal phone isn’t ideal for managing church-wide texts during Easter. A church texting system like Text In Church allows you to:
- Schedule messages in advance so you’re not overwhelmed on Easter morning.
- Send personalized follow-ups to first-time guests.
- Track responses to engage in meaningful conversations.
Example Text: Thank you for celebrating Easter with us! We’d love to see you again next Sunday at 10 a.m. Let us know how we can pray for you!
Using a system ensures efficiency while still fostering meaningful connections with your congregation.
4. Be Consistent
Your Easter texting strategy shouldn’t be limited to a single invite. Consistency builds trust and fosters engagement. Leading up to Easter, send:
- Personal invitations to Easter services.
- Reminders about times and locations of special events like an egg hunt.
- Follow-up texts thanking guests for attending and inviting them back.
Example Invitation Text: We’re so excited for Easter at Hope City Church! Join us Sunday at 10 a.m. for a powerful service and an Easter egg hunt for the kids!
Spacing out your messages prevents information overload while keeping your congregation engaged.
5. Pivot When Needed
Even the best-laid plans can change, so be prepared to adapt your messaging based on responses and circumstances.
Examples of When to Pivot:
- If guests inquire about childcare, send a follow-up message highlighting kids’ ministry options.
- If volunteer slots fill up quickly, send a thank-you text to acknowledge their willingness to serve.
- If bad weather threatens an outdoor event, quickly notify attendees of any schedule changes.
Flexibility ensures your Easter communication remains relevant, timely, and impactful.
6. Download Our Seasonal Texting Guide
Want to make your Easter texting strategy even easier? Download our Seasonal Texting Guide, complete with done-for-you templates for Easter and beyond. These templates help you:
- Invite guests with compelling messages.
- Recruit and organize volunteers effectively.
- Follow up in ways that strengthen your church community.
Download Your Guide Now
Make This Easter Your Most Impactful Yet
A strategic church texting plan can make a huge difference in attendance, engagement, and volunteer participation this Easter. By implementing these six tips, you’ll foster deeper connections and create an inviting church environment where guests feel welcomed and members stay engaged.
