7 Ways to Evangelize This Easter

You can tell others about the promise of Resurrection Sunday.

The world does not know what to do with Easter. Unlike Christmas, which has a strong commercial appeal, Easter is often soft-pedaled or ignored by people who don’t understand the celebration or simply choose to turn it into another spring holiday or event.

Easter History

Granted, much of the misunderstanding about the holiday can be traced back centuries to when the early church attempted to christianize a clearly pagan holiday. Easter references a Babylonian queen, Semiramis, and her life was absolutely the antithesis of what is good and holy. I’m not here to pass judgment on people who use the term Easter, but saying “Resurrection Sunday” does a better job of accurately describing this holy day. I purposefully inserted the word Easter into the headline as it is the name that is still recognized by most people.

To that end, Easter or Resurrection Sunday can present several opportunities for us to share our faith. Yes, you can even use bunnies and eggs to get the message out, but of course we know that the day represents the cornerstone of our faith, the promise of eternal life in Jesus Christ for all who believe.

1. Invite someone to church — We’re in the midst of Holy Week with several important dates marked by various churches. Many churches hold midweek services on Wednesdays, with the Lord’s Supper or communion shared. On Thursday, some churches hold “Maundy Thursday” or “Holy Thursday” services, marking the last supper with Jesus and His disciples. Good Friday is, of course, a significant day on the calendar with mid-day and evening services held by most congregations. The most significant day and perhaps the easiest one to extend an invitation to church is Easter Sunday. Invite someone you know, offer to bring him or her to church.

2. Host a dinner — Following Resurrection Sunday service, host a dinner and invite your neighbors. Ask God to show you who to invite and depend on Him to help you explain the true meaning of the holiday. Candidly explain the origins of the original Easter celebration, its adoption by the church, while sharing what the day means to you.

3. Pray for your neighbors — Remember your neighbors in your prayers. But, you can also go a step further by asking your neighbors directly if they would like you to pray for them. Sometimes people are much more receptive to your personal intervention than your personal invitation to church. Demonstrate care and concern. Of course, never pass judgment. Let the Holy Spirit guide your lips. “O Lord, open my lips, And my mouth shall show forth Your praise.” (Psalm 51:15)

4. Host an Easter egg hunt — Yes, I said it. Here is why I don’t have a problem with egg coloring and chocolate bunnies even though the day is not about either of these. On the cross, Jesus died for our sins — past, present and future. He also defeated our enemies. Christians know the truth and the truth has set us free. Free from bondage. Free from misconceptions. Free from sin. And free from religion. Host an Easter egg hunt and use this opportunity to reach out to your neighbors. Allow God to guide you on when and how to share your faith. Demonstrate His unconditional love by loving the children who visit your home.

5. Update your social media — You’re active on Facebook, Twitter and elsewhere. Maybe you’re a blogger. Update your status to reflect the Easter season. Use your status as a springboard for further evangelism.

6. Visit the housebound — Not everyone will come to church on Easter Sunday. Quite frankly, some are not able to attend a church service even if they want to. Visit the housebound and offer to bring dinner to them. If you know someone who is in prison, go there. Any major holiday can be especially lonely for people who cannot get out. Be Christ’s hands and feet, and go forth. “I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.” (Matthew 25:35)

7. Servant evangelism — The expression “preach the gospel at all times and when necessary use words” has been attributed to Francis of Assisi, a 12th century monk. It is doubtful that he ever uttered such words, but he did say “It is no use walking anywhere to preach unless our walking is our preaching.” Both sayings indicate the same thing as in walking out your witness before verbally proclaming Christ and Him crucified. Here is one way to do that: your congregation can host a free car wash for the community on the day before Easter with no donation bucket to be found. Wash cars and use that opportunity to invite people to church for Easter service. The preaching will naturally follow at the service the next day. “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17)

Resurrection Sunday

There are many different ways to evangelize during the Easter season — we’ve looked at just seven. If you have an idea or a comment to share, then please hit the reply button and weigh in. Have a blessed Resurrection Sunday!

References

ChristianAnswers.net: Where did “Easter” get its name? Where did the concept of an Easter egg and bunny originate?

GotQuestions.org: What Is Maundy Thursday?

Campus Crusade for Christ International: 10 Easter Outreach Ideas

Doable Evangelism: When Necessary, Use Words

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