Preaching on the ‘big Sundays’—Christmas and Easter—can feel a lot like performing in front of an audience with high expectations. You see, when I first started preaching those Sundays over ten years ago, I got caught up in the pressure to deliver a sermon that would be unforgettable. I wanted to make sure the message resonated deeply with everyone, no matter how often they came to church.
But let me tell you, that pressure can be a bit overwhelming.
The tricky part about preaching on these special days is understanding the diversity of the congregation. It’s not just the regular folks who come every Sunday. On big Sundays, the congregation often includes:
- The regulars, who are familiar with the rhythms of our church life.
- The once-a-year crowd, those who only show up for Christmas and Easter, hoping to hear one of the best sermons of their lives.
- Those who are visiting or just checking us out, with the potential to connect in a deeper way.
- And, of course, the ones who’ve been forced to come, maybe dragged along by family or friends.
Each of these groups requires a slightly different approach. It’s a bit like stand-up comedy: comedians have to know their audience, but if a joke flops, they can pivot and move on to something else. As a preacher, however, I can’t just abandon a sermon mid-way and try a new direction. It’s not that easy.
So, for years, I wrestled with how to balance all these expectations. The advice I got—which I’m afraid I can’t recall the exact source of—was simple yet powerful: Don’t preach to your regular crowd. They’ll be back, and they’ll go with you. Instead, preach to the ones who don’t always attend, the ones who might be hearing the Gospel in this way for the first time. But at the same time, be authentically your best self and have fun. That way, you can manage the expectations of the curious folks while still being true to your message and it’s easier to come along when the preacher is having fun.
And finally—keep it concise. You don’t want to lose the attention of those who were dragged here, and we all know that the traditional big Sunday services can be long. So, my formula for preaching the big Sundays was born: preach the Gospel boldly but be mindful of time—and preach it in a way that speaks to both the regulars and the newcomers.
For the last decade, this formula has worked for me. It might not be perfect, but it hasn’t failed me yet. And now, as I approach another Palm/Passion Sunday and Easter, I’m excited to put this approach into action once again.
Palm/Passion Sunday: Through the lens of the Manosphere
This year, for Palm/Passion Sunday, I’m continuing our “Playing Chess” Lenten series, diving into the Crucifixion. But this year, I’ve been inspired by something I watched on Netflix—Adolescence—which examines how young people, especially young men, are being shaped by the culture of the manosphere.
For those who aren’t familiar with the term, the manosphere is an online subculture where men discuss their views on masculinity, relationships, and self-improvement. In many corners of the manosphere, toxic ideas about masculinity and gender roles are being spread. I’ve reached out to our teens, college kids, and young adults (including those of all gender identities) to get their perspective on how they’re encountering this subculture.
I’ll be sharing some of their insights during my sermon. It’s important for all of us—especially those with young people in our lives—to be aware of these conversations. We need to be healthy voices in shaping their development. Our youth need guidance, and our world needs healthier engagement with these conversations. So, no matter your age, I implore you to dig deeper into what’s shaping our kids’ ideas about masculinity and engage in meaningful dialogue with them.
Easter: A Family-Friendly Service
Easter Sunday is also going to look a little different this year. Behind the scenes, I’ve been planning a service that will be family-friendly, with kids in elementary school and up taking part in worship with their families. It’s a big challenge, I know, and we want to maintain our Easter traditions while being mindful of the time—aiming for an engaging service that is meaningful but also keeps things brief enough to accommodate families with young children. We’ll be incorporating more videos, tightening up prayers, and targeting the whole family unit.
This Easter service will be joyful, fun, and meaningful—but most importantly, it will be accessible.
Why This Matters
These next two Sundays will be a bit different from what regular folks are used to. But that’s exactly the point. The purpose of these changes is to focus outward. We’re striving to meet people right where they are.
Our goal is to be faithful in reaching those who are visiting or attending for the first time, as well as those who’ve only come for special occasions. We want to create a space where the Gospel message is accessible to everyone, no matter their background or experience.
So, here’s where you come in: You can help create the right atmosphere by being hospitable and welcoming. If you see someone unfamiliar or someone who looks a little uncomfortable, thank them for coming and invite them to return. Let them know how much their presence means to you and our community. Your kind words and warm welcome can make all the difference.
Please, take a moment to pray now for all those who need to hear the Gospel over the next two Sundays. Pray that they would have the courage to attend, and pray for all of us—our leaders, musicians, and volunteers—to be responsive to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Thank you for being part of this journey. I can’t wait to worship with you this Palm/Passion Sunday and Easter.
In Christ,
