Easter Encouragement
Dear South Georgia Global Methodist Family,
Holy Week ends in the triumph of triumphs—resurrection, new life, and hope that will never die. But you don’t get to Easter Sunday without going through Good Friday. There is no resurrection without the crucifixion. No victory without the cross.
This one sacred week takes us to the lowest of lows and the highest of highs. The emotional rollercoaster is real—and for pastors and church leaders, it can be a lot to carry.
But here’s the twist: for many of us “in the church,” Easter Sunday isn’t the end of the ride. It feels more like the top of the first hill before the gut-wrenching drop. The pews are full, the music soars, and we hear all kinds of encouragement… and then the very next Sunday, the crowds are gone. The energy dips. Some folks won’t return until Christmas Eve.
So how do you handle that emotional swing?
I’ve been walking through this rhythm for years, and while I haven’t figured it all out, here are four truths that are helping me stay grounded:
Be more thankful than judgmental.
Focus on trends, not just days.
Remember that what I do is not who I am.
Meet people where they are—not where I wish they were.
Let me unpack that last one for a moment. I’ve found that satisfaction is often tied to expectations. If people exceed our expectations, we’re pleased. If they don’t meet them, we’re disappointed. The key isn’t lowering expectations, but making sure they’re realistic.
Realistic Expectations
The Easter crowd? They’re like the Palm Sunday crowd—cheering, seeking, hoping. They may not know exactly what they’re looking for, but at least on Easter, they’re looking in the right place. And that’s something to be grateful for. My prayer is that they’ll catch a glimpse of the goodness of God that draws them deeper.
But it’s the Sunday after Easter that stirs something even deeper in me. The smaller crowd. The faithful few. The ones who return, not for the big moment, but for the long journey. These are the followers. These are the hungry. I’m not discouraged by low numbers—I’m energized by the opportunity to walk closely with the saints.
Prepare Your Heart
So as you lean into Holy Week, prepare your heart. Preach boldly. Love well. Welcome the masses. Let them taste glory. Celebrate Easter with all your might.
But don’t forget the glory of the next Sunday—when the faithful return, ready to live lives of worship to the risen King.
Simply Seeking Him,
Jay Hanson
South Georgia Global Methodist Church