“Big Days & Promotional Ideas”

I love spending time in the presence of God. I agree with David’s attitude in Psalms 122:1, so why should we have church promotions or big days? I will not spend much time justifying special events to boost attendance. I realize some pastors are against all promotions and believe that people should attend church for spiritual reasons alone. I have heard pastors use Jesus’ challenge to the multitude as following him for bread and fish as justification. Jesus said, “Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled” (John 6:26). I understand the sentiment but consider that Jesus still offered fish and bread knowing that the meal would become a source of motivation for some. Jesus did not run off those seeking a “free meal,” but he preached to them. If you are against all church “big days” or “promotions,” you may want to skip this article. Here are four reasons why church promotions work.

1. Testimony of experience. Some of the greatest churches in the apostolic movement were built with promotional days as part of their church culture.

2. Kids. I want my children to see the church as the center of their world. I love it when kids are excited about going to church. Promotional services make church fun for the whole family.

3. Big days build unity. Engaging the whole family in fellowship produces spiritual unity. It is part of the first-century church Apostolic culture. Acts 2:47-47 “And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

4. Provides an outreach opportunity for reluctant guests. Fellowship and special days can be disarming to the unchurched. During the fellowship, guests may be more open to organic spiritual conversations. I have scheduled many Bible studies during the fellowship of a special event. Connecting with the church family on a special day or event makes it easier for guests to return for regular services.

Following is a list of promotional ideas churches can and have used successfully to build attendance, including a brief description.

Big Days to Plan Anytime

1. Friends Day: Encourage members to invite their friends to attend services on this day. Have everyone (including members) wear name tags. We usually have a time in the service where everyone takes selfies with one another and posts them on social media using #POKfriendsDAY. Be sure to include the name tags in your selfie. The picture serves as an excellent way for your members to learn each other's names. We offered free (cheap) popsicles after service.

2. Homecoming: Celebrate the church’s history and invite past members to return for a special service, reconnecting with old friends and sharing memories. Have a photo backdrop for group pictures after service.

3. Youth Takeover Sunday: Allow young church members to lead and participate in the worship service, showcasing their calling, talents, and perspectives. Every time we do this, we have many 1st or 2nd time guests (family members and friends).

4. Women’s Retreat Weekend: Organize a weekend retreat exclusively for women, providing opportunities for spiritual growth, fellowship, and rejuvenation.

5. Global Missions or All Nations Sunday: Spotlight global mission efforts and celebrate the impact of the church’s involvement in spreading the gospel worldwide. Ask members to wear unique clothing from different countries. Volunteering members set up tables for the congregation to visit after service representing various countries. Each table includes pictures, maps, souvenirs, and food samples representing the culture’s cuisine.

6. Men’s Breakfast Fellowship: Gather men from the congregation for a hearty breakfast and intentional fellowship, promoting camaraderie and accountability.

7. Health and Wellness Expo: Offer health screenings, informational sessions, and resources to promote physical, mental, and spiritual well-being within the church community. Clinics and physicians will partner with churches to offer their services for free. We allow each medical participant to promote their services or additional business in addition to general medical clinics, blood banks, audiologists (hearing doctors), dental discount plan groups, medical insurance providers, etc.

8. Prayer Revival: Special services designed with a schedule and unique prayer experiences. Establish nightly themes: personal renewal, evangelism, miracles, family, etc. Plan special prayer-related activities each night: prayer walks/drives, communion, prayer chair, prayer lines (people walk through a group of ministers with items representing needs), prayer cloth, prayer journey (create different stations around the church that represent various aspects of prayer then lead groups through each station).

9. Ministry Fair Sunday: During service, honor extraordinary volunteers. Preach a message on serving. After service, have tables set up that represent different church ministries. Each table features a clipboard with a sign-up form.

10. Community Outreach Event: Organize a community outreach event where church members serve the local community through initiatives such as food drives, clothing donations, or volunteering at local shelters.

11. Parenting Workshop: Host workshops or seminars focused on equipping parents with practical tools and resources to navigate the joys and challenges of raising children. There may be family service-related vendors within the community that could set up displays following service.

12. Heritage Sunday: Arrange a social event specifically for seniors in the church, providing an opportunity for them to connect, share experiences, and engage in activities tailored to their interests. During service, preach a message that honors righteous consistency and a lifelong legacy of serving God.

13. Baby Dedications: Advertise a baby dedication service. Stress that each family must be present for the entire service. When praying for each child, have someone take a high-quality pic and give the family a “baby’s first bible.” This is one of the easiest ways to break attendance barriers on a traditionally low-attended weekend.

14. New Member Sunday: plan a special service dedicated to valuing new families. During the service, talk about the value you place on families. Have a meal following service with something special for kids (bounce houses, petting zoo, etc.).

15. Watermelon Wednesday: This may be a southern thing but surprise everyone with a service where you only teach for 5-10 minutes and dismiss everyone next door for watermelon. This is an annual event at our church.

Big Days Related To Seasons or Holidays

1. Holy Week Services: Provide a series of services leading up to Easter Sunday, focusing on Jesus’ journey to the cross, His sacrifice, and the victory of resurrection. Consider delivering an illustrated sermon series (March to the Calvary). Each week change the platform décor to represent a different Biblical narrative. This is a great way to build up to a great Easter Weekend.

2. Easter Sunday: Commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, one of the most significant events and highest attended services of the year. Invest in your easter service since the unchurched will most naturally feel compelled to visit. Here are some promotions that may take your Easter services to the next level: communion, Easter breakfast (before service), concert, play, illustrated sermon, picnic following service, and/or activities for the kids.

3. Noel Service: A Christmas-themed service held the week before Christmas. The most successful things we tried included Christmas dramas, concerts, and dinners.

4. Community Christmas Caroling: Visit local nursing homes, hospitals, or other community centers to sing Christmas carols and spread joy during the holiday season.

5. Christmas Eve Candlelight Service: Invite the community to join in a beautiful candlelit service on Christmas Eve, focusing on the birth of Jesus and the message of hope and peace. Sing Christmas carols but at some point preach the gospel (the reason Jesus came).

6. Mother’s Day: Recognize and honor mothers, grandmothers, and other mother figures within the church by organizing special activities and messages of appreciation. Mother’s Day has become the 2nd largest attended service in North America (behind Easter).

7. Father’s Day: While not as popular as Mother’s Day, planning activities around Father’s Day is a great idea. A few Father’s Day-related ideas include a men’s breakfast (Donuts with Dad), and a service honoring and challenging men with giveaways & contests. Include a special backdrop with a church logo for kids to take pictures with their dad. Other successful promotions we’ve tried on Father’s Day include a Saturday fishing trip, crawfish boil, street tacos, and grilling burgers.

8. Back to School Blessing: Traditionally held on Sunday Nights. We pray for students, teachers, and parents as they prepare for a new school year. Offer blessings and encouragement for a successful academic year. We have also used this day to give away school supplies.

9. National Day of Prayer: Organize a prayer-focused event, joining millions of people nationwide in unified prayer for the country, its leaders, and its citizens.

10. Harvest Festival: Celebrate the abundance of the harvest season with food, fellowship, and gratitude for God’s provision.

11. Veterans Day Tribute: Honor and recognize veterans within the congregation and the wider community, thanking them for their service and sacrifice.

12. Graduation Sunday: Celebrate high school or college graduates within the church, offering prayers and blessings as they enter the next phase of their lives. We give each graduate a Bible signed by the pastor.

13. Valentine’s Day Event: Preach a series on love or Godly relationships. Host a special dinner for couples with a wedding vow renewal. Focus on strengthening relationships and celebrating love within the context of the church.

14. Independence Sunday Celebration: Celebrate the nation’s independence with a special service incorporating prayers for the country, patriotic music, and a time of reflection on freedom. Preach a message that illustrates the history of Christian influence in American history. For great content, visit www.wallbuilders.com.

15. New Year’s Watch Service & Celebration: A special service on December 31st. Ideas to consider communion, fireworks, after-midnight breakfast, communion, or a sky lantern release.

In a world filled with distractions and competing priorities, churches face the challenge of attracting new members and fostering the growth of their congregations. Special services and promotional events serve as powerful tools for churches to engage their existing members and reach out to the wider community. By bringing congregants together for shared experiences, these events foster a sense of unity and camaraderie among members. Special days provide opportunities for individuals to connect on a deeper level, develop friendships, and support one another. A closely knit congregation is more likely to attract new members and retain existing ones, creating a positive cycle of growth and vitality. Special services and promotional events play a vital role in the growth and vibrancy of churches.

Be creative & look for a reason to celebrate. Someone will want to celebrate with you.

By Dr. Rob McKee