The Rock Church Thorp

04/03/2026

04/03/2026

fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2

04/03/2026

From: Josh Howerton

// 6 THINGS YOUR PASTOR IS PRAYING YOU'LL DO AT EASTER SERVICES //

1) Pray for the services before you come, as you enter, and especially during the invitation. People do not need more INFORMATION as much as they need divine REVELATION of Jesus Christ.

2) Sit in the front middle of the room and worship your heart out.

The way a church WORSHIPS is one of the most powerful evangelistic tools we have.

1 Corinthians 14 says that the worship of the church can cause outsiders to, “fall on their faces and declare that God is really among you.” This weekend, worship with a passion and Biblical expressiveness that causes outsiders to look around and say, “God is really among these people.” Sing LOUD. Lift holy hands in worship. Shout. Clap.

20 people like that can change the atmosphere of a whole room and lift hearts heavenward.

3) Be a 28,000-person greeting team.

People would rather be LOVED than WOWED. If you see someone you don’t know or who looks lost, consider yourself a part of a 28,000-person (or however large your church is) team of Greeters.

Specifically, here’s what you can do…

// Get to know people by asking their name and introducing yourself
// If they’re new, ask them if you can help them find anything
// Invite people who seem alone to sit with you, or if a service runs out of seats and you see someone standing, offer your seat to them! After all, as a church we’re a spiritual FAMILY.

PRO TIP: Don't ask people if they're new, ask them "How long have you been at [church name]?"

4) Audibly respond to the preaching.

I’ll write more on this later as it may feel weird if you (like me) don’t come from an expressive church background, but not only does it help your preacher (It does!), but it leaves a lasting impression on guests when they see the church ALIVE in response to the preached Word of God.

Amen, shout, clap, lean in. The way a church RESPONDS to the Word is a second sermon being preached to onlookers.

5) Invite ONE MORE person.

Studies show ~80% of people will say yes if invited to an Easter service by a friend.

It doesn't have to be cringe, just shoot a text like this:

"Hey man, our fam is headed to Lakepointe this weekend, and honestly it's been such a win for us and the kids. No pressure, but if y'all don't have anyplace yet, y'all wanna come hang with us??"

////
BONUS: We'll love you even more if you silence your phone, go to the bathroom before (instead of during) and wait until the end to leave (rather than leaving during the last song) :)