Get Personal This Season

Lynette Hawkins

Every Easter attendance at churches seems to increase. Easter Sunday seems to draw big crowds across the country. In fact, studies show that Easter, Christmas and Mother’s Day are often the most popular times for people without church homes to visit. The activities during the season of Lent including plays, special services, Holy Week services, musicals and the like can generate great interest in the community. Although we may see a crowd, I wonder if we will see individuals this season.

Consider building new Christian friendships by offering personal invitations and welcomes this season. As we strive to be even more faithful to the Great Commission, look to the various biblical examples of friendships, personal invitations and hospitality. I am reminded of Exodus 33:11 which speaks to ^“The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend.” Now may be a great time to focus more on how you connect personally with members of your church, Sunday visitors and even those who are strangers in the community. Have you considered how you can personally touch others this Easter?

As we prepare to invite and welcome people to our congregations, here is a short list of ideas to help members get personal this Easter.

1. Send Easter cards to members and friends of the church. Make sure the signature is handwritten.
2. Introduce yourself when you greet visitors.
3. Identify an “Easter call day” where members are encouraged to invite friends and family by telephone.
4. Encourage personal connections before and after worship services during the next few weeks. You may want to give members an assignment such as, “Get to know three new people every Sunday.”
5. Follow up with worship guests in personal ways such as calling and personally inviting them back.

Now share what’s on your list?

Lynette Hawkins is a church consultant with Awesome Insight of Beyond Marketing Group, Inc. based in Greensboro, N.C. She works with pastors and leaders providing practical seminars, coaching, leadership development and strategic facilitation. She has a teleseminar coming up in March, “Add the Personal Touch” which speaks on personalizing invites, welcomes and follow-ups. See more details and sign up for her free newsletter at www.awesomeinsight.com or e-mail her at info@awesomeinsight.com