How to Follow Up with Easter-Only Families

The 2026 State of Theology research indicated that sixty-three percent (63%) of those interviewed agreed with the statement that worshiping alone or with one’s family is a valid replacement for regularly attending church. The people who choose to attend only on Easter Sunday will most likely be a part of the sixty-three percenters. This is your opportunity to help them see what they are missing and to love them back into a local corporate gathering of believers.

Embrace Them

We can begin by treating everyone like we are proud they made the effort, including those who attend only on Easter. Remind every leader and greeter to avoid singling out, embarrassing, or belittling the Easter-only attenders. Instead, treat them like honored guests for whom Jesus died and was resurrected.

Register Everyone

We may not know everyone who attends Easter Sunday. We can ask guests to register their attendance, or we can use the opportunity to update church records and provide a means for everyone to sign in on Easter Sunday. If everyone is asked, no one is singled out. Make it a part of the service and act on the collected information, updating church records where required and identifying guests to contact.

Build Bridges

Beyond the Sunday greeters prepared to welcome all, contact everyone after Easter. Deliver information about upcoming events like Vacation Bible School. Determine who may be the best group to reach out to them. If they are already assigned to an ongoing Bible study group, then encourage that group to lead the way. If your group leaders do not already do so, deliver a copy of the Personal Study Guide or Daily Discipleship Guide. Prepare the group leaders to be ready to show people how to use the study guide and where their group is in the study. Resist the temptation of sending only an email. Being personal is the key here, which is why a visit or phone call is key.

Focus on the Future

They know they haven’t been there since last Easter, so bringing up their lack of attendance may reinforce the practice or alienate them. Stay focused on actions they can take in the future, and actions the church can take to be more open to people.

Start New Groups

This also may be a strategic time to start a new group with the intent of reaching out to people who attend Easter who have not been attending. They may just need a fresh start, and a new group could do just that.

The door can be closed before you get there if guests and irregular attenders are treated like foreigners. Treat them like they belong. Make a place for them. Celebrate that they made the effort, rewarding them with a visit or phone call.