How to Market Your Church in May: Reengage Visitors & Strengthen Your Core

May presents a perfect opportunity for churches to build on Easter’s momentum and prepare for summer growth. With warmer weather and renewed spiritual interest, this month offers unique chances to connect with both visitors and long-time members.

The weeks following Easter are crucial for church growth. Studies show that 25% of Easter visitors are likely to return if they receive personal follow-up within the first week. This makes May an ideal time to strengthen these new connections while energizing your core congregation.

Mother’s Day serves as another significant touchpoint, with church attendance typically increasing by 20% during this celebration. Smart churches use this natural gathering time to welcome families and create meaningful experiences that encourage return visits.

May’s pleasant weather also opens doors for outdoor events and community engagement. Research indicates that 82% of people are more likely to attend a church event when personally invited by a friend, making this the perfect season for member-driven outreach initiatives.

This month also marks a strategic planning period for summer programs. With Vacation Bible School participation growing by 3% annually, May is the time to launch promotion and volunteer recruitment efforts.

Key Focus Areas for May:

• Your church can maximize these opportunities through:

  • Targeted follow-up with Easter visitors

  • Special Mother’s Day programming

  • Outdoor community events

  • Summer program preparation

  • Leadership development initiatives

  By focusing on these key areas, you’ll create a strong foundation for sustained growth while serving both new and established members of your congregation.

Leveraging the Post-Easter Window

Turn Easter Visitors into Regular Attenders

Easter brings new faces to your church, creating perfect timing to build lasting connections. Studies show that 25% of Easter visitors are open to returning if they receive a thoughtful follow-up within the first week.

• Send a warm, personal email to each visitor within 48 hours.

• Include upcoming events, small group opportunities, and a simple way to ask questions.

• 82% of people say they’re more likely to attend a church where they feel personally welcomed.

Create Connection Points

• Host “New Here” coffee meetups or lunch gatherings.

• Visitors who make two meaningful connections are 70% more likely to return.

Empower Your Regular Attendees

• Equip members with simple invitation cards and encourage them to share their experience online.

• Visitor return rates increase by 40% when invited by regular members.

Relevant Sermon Series

• Launch a short series addressing common questions like:

• Finding Purpose

• Building Strong Relationships

Clear Next Steps Pathway

• Encourage people to join a small group, serve on a ministry team, or attend a newcomer’s class.

• Churches that offer clear engagement opportunities see 60% higher retention rates.

Measure & Adjust

• Track response rates to follow-up efforts.

• Adjust based on what works best for your community.

Maximizing Mother’s Day Impact

One of the Highest-Attendance Sundays of the Year

Mother’s Day offers churches a perfect opportunity to create meaningful connections.

Plan a Thoughtful, Inclusive Service

• Include video testimonials from moms.

• Acknowledge diverse maternal experiences in your message.

Create Memorable Experiences

• Set up a photo station with a beautiful backdrop and fresh flowers.

• Offer meaningful gifts like:

• Small potted plants

• Devotional books

• Handmade children’s items

• Coffee shop gift cards

• Custom bookmarks

Promote Early and Personally

• Start 3 weeks ahead.

• Personally invite Easter visitors and share event details on social media.

Support and Honor Moms

• Provide extra childcare, reserved parking, and welcome bags.

• Offer prayer teams and a reception area for moms.

Capture the Moment

• Collect photos and videos for future promotional use.

• Show off your family-friendly atmosphere year-round

Women’s Conference Planning

Build Momentum After Mother’s Day

• Host a one-day or weekend event celebrating and empowering women.

• Offer in-person and virtual options to increase accessibility.

Design Focused Sessions

• Address relevant topics like:

• Work-life balance

• Spiritual growth

• Relationships

• Mental health

• Include practical workshops alongside inspiring messages.

Promote Early & Intentionally

• Begin 6–8 weeks in advance.

• Use social media graphics and early bird pricing.

Foster Connection

• Include coffee breaks, small group discussions, and a prayer room.

• Provide childcare to increase attendance.

Follow Up & Build Community

• Send a thank-you email within 48 hours.

• Connect attendees to small groups or future events.

Keep It Affordable

• Recruit volunteers, seek local business partnerships, and offer scholarships

Leadership Development Focus

Strong Teams Build Strong Churches

Use May to invest in your leadership before summer starts.

Team Rally

• Host a 90-minute rally in mid-May with:

• Worship

• Vision casting

• Training

• Food & fellowship

Vision Night

• Share clear goals and ministry wins.

• Break into small groups for feedback.

Bring in a Guest Speaker

• Choose someone who aligns with your church’s culture and values.

• Budget $500–$1000 for a qualified speaker.

Recognize Volunteers

• Offer thank-you notes, public recognition, and small gifts.

• Capture team photos and create highlight videos.

Summer Planning Essentials

• Set clear summer schedules

• Recruit backup teams

• Document key processes

• Schedule training sessions

• Establish communication systems

Strategic Marketing Implementation

Effective Communication Brings Growth

Start with a clear May calendar that outlines all events and marketing messages.

Social Media Strategy

• Share authentic community stories and visual content.

• Aim for 3–4 posts weekly mixing promotions and engagement.

Email Marketing

• Send weekly newsletters featuring:

• Upcoming events

• Ministry highlights

• Volunteer opportunities

• Prayer needs

• Event photos

Print Materials to Use

• Welcome cards

• Mother’s Day invitations

• Women’s conference flyers

• Monthly calendars

• Volunteer recruitment cards

Community Outreach

• Partner with local businesses

• Join local festivals

• Encourage personal invites

• 82% of the unchurched would attend if invited

Measure What Matters

Track metrics such as:

• Weekly attendance

• Visitor numbers

• Email open rates

• Social media engagement

• Event turnout

Maintain Consistent Branding

Your message should be warm, welcoming, and true to your church’s personality.

Conclusion: Capitalize on May’s Momentum

May offers unique opportunities to grow and connect your church.

Start by:

• Reviewing your Easter visitor list

• Planning your Mother’s Day service

• Scheduling leadership events

• Drafting your social media calendar

• Organizing women’s ministry initiatives

Effective marketing is about genuine connection—not flash. Focus on building relationships and creating welcoming spaces for everyone.

Need Help Implementing?

At Church Brand Guide, we’ve helped hundreds of churches with marketing strategies that work. We offer:

• Templates and planning guides

• Custom May event resources

• Expert coaching and support

Start now to ride the Easter momentum into summer growth!

Author’s Note

After 12 years as a Communications Director, I’ve seen how intentional church marketing can fuel growth. Now, I work with churches across the country to help them connect with their communities.

Whether you need help with:

• Strategy

• Content creation

• Implementing new tools

…I’d love to support your ministry.

Schedule a free consultation now.  Let’s develop a plan that fits your church’s unique needs and goals.

Looking forward to serving you,

Michael