The story of how a small Las Vegas church influenced more than 1,000 community members in one afternoon
During the winter of 2009, Sunday service attendance at Grace Baptist Church in Las Vegas, Nevada, averaged 125 people. On Easter Sunday, there were almost 200 people in church. That’s a 60-percent increase in attendance in a matter of just a few weeks. The reason: EGGstravaganza!
The Easter Bunny can’t hold a candle to Grace’s Easter ministry event. In 2009, EGGstravaganza attracted more than 1,000 people from the surrounding community to the parking lot of the school where Grace holds Sunday services. Of course, each year’s event includes an egg hunt with candy and toys, but there is also face painting, games, Christian music, and food—all for free. Parents are given information about local churches, and children leave with eggs, candy, toys, and a goodie bag. Last year, the goodie bag included CTA’s New Life in Jesus hologram.
“We wanted to find a way to bridge the gap between our church and our community,” said Pastor Tony Forehand. “With the EGGstravaganza, we give the community a quality event that’s fun for the family. And it’s a great ministry tool.”
Here’s one of the most amazing elements of this event. Church members from Easthaven Baptist Church in Bookhaven, Mississippi, help Grace plan and execute EGGstravaganza. Easthaven in Mississippi became involved with Grace in Nevada after a former member of Easthaven became a missionary stationed in Las Vegas. Members from Easthaven make the trip to Las Vegas each year to canvass the neighborhood and spread the word about EGGstravaganza.
This year will mark the event’s third year. In 2008, the first year for the event, 650 people attended. Last year there were 1,000, and this year Pastor Forehand expects more than 1,200 parents and children.
“This event has grown each year,” said Phil Turner, church administrator at Easthaven. “In each of the past two years some of the EGGstravaganza attendees have become regular churchgoers at Grace, some have joined, and some have come to know Christ and have been baptized. In that community, the event has been a very productive outreach effort for the church.”
Very productive? For sure! In 2009, 24 new families became members after attending EGGstravaganza, and Grace’s average attendance was up to 155 six weeks after Easter.
Wouldn’t you like to see 24 new families join your church? An Easter ministry project could be your answer. Visit www.CTAinc.com for more ideas and free resources for planning Easter activities at your church.
