How to Beat the Post-Easter Attendance Slump: Tips for Church Leaders
After an exhilarating Easter weekend, where the building was packed, energy was high, and the production was the best you had ever seen, the week after Sunday can feel like the weekend after the Super Bowl, with not a lot going on, and attendance numbers are down. As a pastor or church leader, you may feel deflated, and it can be challenging to maintain momentum after such a high-pressure weekend. The letdown after Easter can be demotivating for your team and congregation, leaving you wondering how to keep the enthusiasm alive and make sure that you have a great weekend.
The problem is that the week after Easter is typically a low attendance weekend for churches. This can be disheartening, especially when you have put in months of hard work, planning and preparation to make the Easter weekend a success. The drop in attendance can feel like a failure, even though it's a normal trend. According to a survey conducted by the Barna Group in 2018, the Sunday after Easter saw a 23% decrease in attendance. This statistic alone can create pain for church leaders and pastors, who want to keep the momentum going, even after the big Easter weekend.
As a church leader, it's essential to anticipate this trend and prepare for it. The goal is not to become discouraged but to use this time as an opportunity to regroup, refocus and plan for the future. In the following paragraphs, we will explore three practical tips for pastors and church leaders to make the most of the week after Easter and build upon the momentum of the holiday weekend. By following these tips, you can motivate your team and congregation, continue to grow your church and keep the excitement alive beyond Easter Sunday.
Expect the drop in attendance, and don't take it personally.
Realize that the week after Easter is a unique time in the church calendar. Many people may have attended your Easter service out of cultural tradition or family obligation rather than a desire to attend church regularly. Therefore, it's essential to set realistic expectations and not take the attendance drop personally. Instead, focus on the people who did attend and continue to invest in them.
Use this weekend as an opportunity to thank your volunteers and cast a vision for your church.
Your volunteers worked hard to make your Easter service a success, and they may feel discouraged by the attendance drop. Therefore, take the time to thank them personally and recognize their contributions to the church. Also, use this weekend to cast a vision for your church and inspire your congregation to look ahead. For example, you could say, "Wouldn't it be great to have that many people every week? Let's work together to make that happen in the next year or two."
Encourage your staff and build personal connections
The week after Easter can be emotionally challenging for your staff. Therefore, make sure to encourage them and thank them for their hard work. Take the time to build personal connections with your staff and congregation by having conversations and asking questions. By doing so, you can gain valuable insights and connect with people on a deeper level.
In summary, the weeks after Easter can be a challenging time for pastors and church leaders. By setting realistic expectations, thanking your volunteers, casting a vision, encouraging your staff, and building personal connections, you can make the most of this weekend and continue to grow your congregation.