Easter is over and most churches or campuses experienced anywhere from 20-50% more attenders, many of whom were guests.

The atmosphere of welcoming guests, helping them find their way around the campus and making them feel comfortable during services is heightened every year for this particular Sunday. Because we expect guests to show up.

This anticipation of guests every Easter causes us to see our systems and facilities with outside eyes, and respond appropriately. Just like we would at home, we straighten up “for company” and plan to make a great impression. Every Easter, we are more diligent because we know that “they” are coming. And one of two messages is communicated by our guest’s experience…

Welcome! We have been expecting you. 

or

Welcome? We are surprised that you showed up.

But what about the other 51 Sundays? Will we approach next week with the same expectation, that we did on Easter? It may not be as many guests, but wouldn’t one guest be enough…

Enough to keep the worship bulletin uncluttered by a myriad of ministry announcements, and focused on one, clear next step?

Enough to position greeters at every door, arming them with information, smiles and a felt anticipation of life change?

Enough to place welcome team members and strategic signage in the parking lot to ensure traffic flows well?

Enough to verbally introduce the leaders on stage and support this visually with names and roles on screens?

Enough to explain the service elements and guide everyone through a meaningful, intentional worship experience?

Enough to anchor the morning worship in a larger discipleship strategy and call people to a clear and compelling step to take in their growth in Jesus?

Enough to plan a sermon that gives an opportunity for everyone to engage, from the first-time seeker to the long-time follower?

We are called to steward every moment toward the cross, every week. What could happen if we communicated the same sense of expectation and life-change for every guest and regular attender as much we did on Easter?

Your expectation shapes their experience… maybe it’s time to engage guests this intentionally on 51 other Sundays.