For church leaders, the real “Super Bowl” is fast approaching—and it’s not about touchdowns or halftime shows. If you are a church leader, you know that Easter is the Super Bowl, a moment when people are uniquely open to giving the church a try and listening to the gospel’s transformative message.
As Craig Groeschel says, “To reach people no one is reaching, we have to do things no one is doing.” Easter presents an incredible opportunity to connect with your community, but the methods you use can determine whether your message resonates or gets lost in the noise.
The Importance of Marketing for Easter
The Challenge
For many mid-size or smaller churches, marketing can feel intimidating—too costly, too corporate, or simply unnecessary. But Carey Nieuwhof reminds us, “If you don’t take care of your front door, people may never step inside.” The gospel is timeless, but how we share it must adapt to meet people where they are.
Today, people are engaging with their world—and deciding where to spend their time—through the tools of modern marketing.
Think about your morning routine. You grab your phone, scroll through social media, and see an ad for your favorite coffee shop promoting a limited-time seasonal drink. It catches your eye, and before you know it, you’re ordering that latte on your way to work.
That’s marketing in action—meeting you where you are, grabbing your attention with something relevant, and prompting you to take action.
The truth is, marketing isn’t about self-promotion; it’s about connection. It’s not about flashy advertising; it’s about removing barriers so people can experience the life-changing power of the gospel.
If your church isn’t intentional about how you invite people in, you risk missing out on the chance to reach those who are searching for hope, purpose, and community.
Why Some Churches Hesitate
“We Can’t Afford It”
Tight budgets are a reality, but effective marketing doesn’t have to break the bank. Tools like social media, email campaigns, and targeted ads can be low-cost ways to connect. A little intentionality and creativity go a long way.
“It Feels Too Corporate”
Marketing isn’t about making your church feel like a business. Gabe Lyons puts it this way: “The church is not called to conform to culture, but we are called to engage it.” By using relatable and clear communication, modern marketing simply helps bridge the gap between the gospel and today’s culture.
“We Don’t Have the Team”
You don’t need a full-time, in-house marketing department to get started. In fact, many churches are discovering the power of partnering with a Fractional Marketing Team—an agency that works alongside you or your staff to provide the expertise and strategy you need without the overhead of a full-time hire.
These teams specialize in helping churches like yours leverage tools like social media, design, and communication to share your message effectively. They handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on ministry, ensuring your outreach is intentional and impactful.
Whether it’s through a trusted partner like Boken.co or someone else, the key is taking that first step. You’ll be amazed at how quickly things can grow with the right people and resources in place.
The Cost of Doing Nothing
The question isn’t, “Can we afford to do this?” but, “Can we afford not to?” A lack of intentionality in communication can unintentionally convey irrelevance.
Modern marketing tools and strategies allow churches to meet people where they are, creating opportunities to reach those who are searching for hope, purpose, and community.
Practical Tips for This Easter
- Make Your Invitation Clear
• Use social media, email campaigns, and targeted ads to create clear, compelling invitations.
• Develop a “Plan Your Visit” campaign to make first-time guests feel welcome.
• Create a “Banner” and “Landing Page” for your website with all the Easter details in one location.
- Tell a Story That Connects
• Share videos and testimonials that bring the Easter message to life.
• Highlight how Jesus’s story changes lives—making it personal and relatable.
3. Invest in Thoughtful Design
• Create a clean, mobile-friendly website.
• Use high-quality graphics and videos to capture attention.
• Ensure all materials are cohesive and distraction-free.
4. Empower Your Congregation to Invite
• Provide shareable social media graphics, digital invites, and printed cards.
• Encourage members to personally invite friends, neighbors, and coworkers.
5. Follow Up with First-Time Guests
• Send thank-you emails or texts to first-time guests.
• Invite guests to come back to an informal Meet and Greet with the Pastor where they can make some new friends and learn more about how to get connected.
• Show that they are seen and valued beyond Easter Sunday.
Seizing the Opportunity
Easter is a unique moment when people who might not normally attend church are open to exploring faith. By leveraging strategies and tools, we can extend an invitation that is clear, engaging, and meaningful.
As Carey Nieuwhof puts it, “Great communication isn’t about what you say. It’s about what people hear.” By prioritizing clarity, connection, and creativity, we can help people not just attend church but encounter Jesus.
You Don’t Have To Go It Alone
This Easter, don’t navigate the challenges of outreach and marketing alone—partner with Boken.co, your fractional marketing team.
We’ll handle the strategy, design, and execution, allowing you to focus on leading and ministering to your community.
Don’t go into the Superbowl season without a plan or playbook to reach your community. Book a 15-minute meeting, and we will help you win this Easter.
