As we approach Resurrection Sunday, I want to encourage you to get ready to share the most fantastic news in all the world: Jesus Christ is risen from the dead! Below are some specific ways you can pray, prepare, and lead in preparation for this Sunday:

1. Directed Praying—Be laser-focused on prayer this week:

• Pray for sermon preparation. The pastor will receive fresh insight and clarity as he prepares to proclaim the Gospel.
• Pray for boldness in delivery. Pray every word will be Spirit-empowered, full of love, truth, and urgency. Preach as Puritan Richard Baxter, “As a dying man to dying men.”
• Pray for God’s manifest presence. Ask that people will sense the living Christ and be drawn to Him.
• Pray for members to invite others. Your people should be sensitive to the Spirit’s prompting and boldness in reaching out and bringing guests with them.
• Pray for guests to say “yes.” Pray barriers will fall, and people will feel compelled to attend.
• Pray for divine attraction. Pray those who don’t plan to come will find themselves walking through your doors.
• Pray for a warm, Spirit-filled welcome. Ask that your members will reflect the love of Jesus from the parking lot to the pew.
• Pray for chains to be broken. Expect and pray for salvations, reconciliations, and spiritual breakthroughs.

2. Strategic Preparation—God answers prayers, AND He honors preparation:

• Prepare your people. Meet with your greeters and other teams you may have, such as kids’ ministry, hospitality, and worship teams. Remind them that they are all part of the resurrection story God is writing this weekend. 
• Double down on follow-up plans. Perhaps use Wednesday night to ensure your church is ready to follow up with guests personally and meaningfully. First-time guests may become future disciples if we love and connect well.
• Empower your congregation. Challenge your people to bring at least one person with them. Give them tools (invite cards, texts, social media graphics) to make the ask easier.
• Simplify the service flow. Eliminate distractions. Keep the Gospel front and center. 

3. Expectant Leadership—Christ is risen from the grave! You lead from victory to victory! Walk into Sunday with faith-filled expectancy. Remind your team/members:

• God has gone before us—He is already drawing hearts to Himself.
• The resurrection still changes everything—Jesus is still saving. Still healing. Still setting captives free.
• This Sunday may be someone’s first or last chance—Let’s make the most of the moment with passion and urgency. 

Lives can be transformed in a single moment when truth takes root in the heart of someone searching, hurting, or lost. Let’s do everything possible to make the most of this divine opportunity. He is risen! He is risen indeed!

This article was written by state missionary Rob Jackson.