Easter is Over…Now What?

I don’t mean to imply that Easter is over in a theological sense.  Followers of Christ celebrate Easter every day! Christ has risen and lives forevermore and we can share in His life eternally. But what I do mean to imply is that the special Sunday on your church’s calendar where lots of guests show up has passed. So what are you going to do about it? I hope have a follow up process in place.  Here are four simple tips:

1. Make it fast.  Experts (whoever “they” are) will tell you that the first 48-72 hours after someone visits your church is a critical time.  Plan something for today or tomorrow to follow up with guests and occasional attendees from Easter Sunday. Don’t just sit there…do something!

2. Make it right. If you are going to follow up quickly, please make it a pleasurable experience.  For instance, don’t assign someone with no phone manners the task of making phone calls.  Plan this process and then work your plan.  Recruit the right people and put them in the right places.  The quality of your follow up will give them an impression of the quality of your church.

3. Make it incredible.  I am a big believer in the principles of the book, Raving Fans. Some computer companies have satisfied customers, Apple has raving fans.  Some fast-food restaurants have satisfied customers, Chick-Fil-A has raving fans.  Go the second mile – do something to “wow” them. A handwritten note, a personal phone call, a gift-card in the mail, a door hanger with information and an invitation to return. Make it incredible and memorable.

4. Make it consistent.  I just read this on Eric Geiger’s twitter feed: “Church leaders, pursue guests & new believers with the same intensity you displayed in your preparation for Easter weekend.” Some churches go over the top on Easter but hardly do anything the rest of the year. Don’t just follow up on Easter, follow up every Sunday!

Establish a simple but effective follow up strategy to reach out to the new people God sends your way.