Preparing for Easter: 5 Ways Church Leaders Can Rest and RefocusSample

Prepare to Serve

What does Easter typically look like for you?

Chances are, you probably spend at least some portion of the day mentally checking off a to-do list: welcome newcomers, empower volunteers, double check equipment, follow up with people you haven’t seen in a long time, pray over the service, wonder where your family is, take a breath, smile, repeat.

All of the things on your checklist matter— it’s important that people feel encouraged to come as they are into God’s presence. But when was the last time you had an honest conversation with God about where you’re at, what you’re processing, and what you need from Him?

In John 16, Jesus reminds His disciples that, “In the world you will have trials. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

This truth is probably one of the reasons why you passionately care about Easter Sunday: you want people to discover that Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection made a way for people to know Jesus personally.

But … are you living in a way that shows you believe Jesus has overcome everything? Does your approach to Easter demonstrate your belief that God can overcome any service issues you face, or last-minute problems that arise?

As you reflect on those questions, keep in mind Jesus’ words to Martha when she gets angry at Mary for not serving Jesus with her: “you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

Is there any part of you that is anxious or troubled about Easter? Take a few moments and write out any concerns you have. After you’ve done this, ask yourself: “when was the last time I simply allowed Jesus’ words to shape me?”

There is a time to serve and a time to rest. But the order in which we do both matters.

God is able to reach whomever He wants to reach wherever and whenever He wants to reach them. And He wants you to partner with Him in reaching those people, too. But who you are matters just as much as what you do.

Your choices influence your character, and your character influences your actions.

So as you prepare to serve on Easter, spend some time focusing on who Jesus is and what He has done for you. Intentionally thank Him for His death and resurrection. Then, ask God to remove any perspectives that might tempt you to make the “success” of Easter about you. Allow Him to restore the way you approach serving on Easter Sunday.