Sermon Central
-
8 Ideas To Make Your Christmas Eve Service Memorable
By Josh Reich on Dec 11, 2024
Christmas Eve is coming, and millions of people will walk into a church to experience something. But what will they get when they walk into your church or mine?
Christmas Eve is coming, and millions of people will walk into a church to experience something. But what will they get when they walk into your church or mine?
For many of those guests, this will be the only time they attend church this year. They are coming for all kinds of reasons. Some are searching, some were drug along by a family member, and some can’t tell you why they are there. But they are there.
What will they feel? Experience? Hear?
With that in mind, here are a few last minute tips for your church and mine:
Be you. I think many churches over blow big days and try to go all out, and then when someone comes back they are disappointed. The old saying, “What you win them on is what you keep them on,” applies greatly to Christmas Eve.
Be you. Don’t try to be a different church. If you are a small church plant of 50 people, use that to your advantage and don’t try to be the megachurch of 3,000 that puts on a huge production. Be you.
Keep it simple. The church I lead strives to be a simple church in all we do, and that extends to special services and days. We want the people who walk through our doors to experience a great service, but we also want them to know this is what it is like every other week of the year.
Be friendly. Every church thinks they are friendly and most are not. So try to be friendly. As a pastor, walk around before and after the service. Be visible. Have greeters ready at the doors and walking around saying hi and engaging guests. If you find someone who doesn’t know where to go, show them, don’t point them. Walk them to where they need to go, don’t say, “Go through that door, take two lefts and then a right and walk backwards.”
Thank people for coming. I’m blown away that churches don’t say thanks to people who show up. They didn’t have to come to your church. They could’ve stayed home, but they didn’t. Say thanks. Give them a thank you gift or verbally thank them for spending the holiday with you.
Invite them back. Again, this is something many churches don’t do or don’t do well. Tell them, “We’d love to have you back.” And make it sound great. Tell them what you are inviting them back to.
Talk about Jesus. This might seem obvious because it is Christmas, but many pastors will not talk about Jesus and miss the whole point. Tell people about Jesus, regardless of what the topic of the service is. He is why you are there.
Give them a clear next step. At the end, give them a clear next step. It might be becoming a follower of Jesus, coming back next week for that brand new series you are starting, talking to someone, or something related to the sermon. It might be giving to your Christmas offering or some other response, but have one.
Keep it short. A Christmas service should be under an hour. Period. Keep it short and simple. Thank them, invite them back, talk about Jesus, give them a clear next step and say, “Merry Christmas, I’ll see you next week!”
Related Preaching Articles
-
Senior Pastor: Friend Or Foe
By Josh Griffin on Sep 14, 2024
Veteran youth director Josh Griffin gives seasoned advice to senior pastors on developing their relationship with their youth ministry leader.
-
The 25 Most Influential Preachers Of The Past 25 Years
By Michael Duduit on Jan 2, 2025
From Billy Graham to Tim Keller, this article profiles 25 preachers who have most shaped the American pulpit over the last 25 years and why their influence endures.
-
Secrets To Sermons On Giving
By Bob Russell on Jan 8, 2025
Stewardship preaching doesn’t have to repel people. With timing, tone, and practical teaching, pastors can address money biblically and help believers grow in generosity.
-
5 Ministry Killers Every Pastor’s Wife Faces
By Charles Stone on Aug 21, 2025
Eight in ten pastors’ wives say they feel unappreciated or unaccepted by their husband’s congregations. Charles Stone and his wife give insight into how to protect your spouse and your marriage during the sometimes difficult calling of pastoral ministry.
-
Is Your Church Telling The Truth About Evangelism?
By Greg Stier on Jan 15, 2025
Many churches claim evangelism is their priority, but few practice it. This article exposes the disconnect and outlines five steps to make evangelism a true, lived mission.
-
10 Things Healthy Churches Do Well
By Joe Mckeever on Jan 24, 2025
Healthy churches face problems with wisdom, unity, and Christlike leadership. These ten traits show how congregations grow stronger even through crises.
-
9 Tips To Keep Your Preaching Fresh On Special Days
By John Beukema on May 5, 2020
John Beukema discusses the challenges and opportunities of providing your listeners with fresh content for holiday sermons.
-
15 Quick Tips For Better Christmas Preaching
By Peter Mead on Dec 7, 2024
Peter Mead offers a helpful list of 15 tips to make the most of your preaching this Christmas.
