Curious About Jesus? Check Out Church This Easter: A 101 Guide for What to Expect

If you’re curious about Jesus, faith and life, then Easter is a good time to find yourself in church.

Key points:

It’s Easter and you’re curious. Who is Jesus and what is Easter about anyway?

The best place to find out more might be at your local church, but you’re unsure how it works or where to start. If your only experience of church was at a wedding or funeral, or during your school days, you may be worried about what to expect and whether you will even be welcome there.

Firstly, a church built on the good news of Jesus Christ welcomes everyone.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16

So, now to help with what to expect, here are some simple tips to help you find your way to church at Easter, or anytime of the year.

No invitation needed

Church is the one place you can always go without being invited or have to register. Take some time to find out about the churches in your area, what they believe, what they care about, when and where they meet and then just turn up at the service time.

Most local churches will have their own website, where you can find out much of what you need to know. You might even be able to watch a church service online as a first step.

Our Sydney Church Directory has a list of churches we have partnered with over the years – we’ve done the work to make sure they’re statement of beliefs align with the Christian faith.

Hope 103.2 is proudly supported by

The major Christian churches include Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant – Baptist, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian/Reformed, Pentecostal/Charismatic, and Anglican/Episcopalian.

Your first visit

When you’ve decided which church fits you best – it might be the closest one down the road – you can just show up. Going once doesn’t mean you’re signing up forever, so don’t overthink it too much. You can try another church next time, if the first one isn’t the right fit for you.

Churches are full of ordinary people who are very aware of their own imperfections. This is the place to come for acceptance, not judgement.

Everyone is welcome

Everyone is welcome in church. It doesn’t matter where you’ve been or what you’ve done in life, there is a place for you in church. The roof won’t fall in as soon as you walk through the door. In fact, if the roof were going to fall in from anyone’s shortcomings, it would have done so at the beginning of time. The book of Romans (verses 23-24) says: “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” but follows with the great news “and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus”.

Will I be judged?

One of the biggest worries for a first-time church visitor can be the fear of being judged. This is one of many worries you can leave at the door. Churches are full of ordinary people who are very aware of their own imperfections (read the Romans verses above, again). This is the place to come for acceptance, not judgment.

What do I wear?

Whatever you like. Gone are the days of men in suits and women in their Sunday-best dress. People might dress up a bit more on Easter Sunday, or on other Sundays by choice, but your everyday casual clothes are fine for church.

At the door

At many churches, there are people and teams (some with official looking lanyards) to greet you and make you feel welcome. They may offer you a hymn book or flyer that will tell you what’s happening that morning and in the church community, in general.

Don’t be surprised if they simply say hello and encourage you to come inside. Let them know it’s your first visit – the door welcomers have signed up especially to welcome people like you – and they might help you find a place to sit or connect you with someone else who’s already arrived.

Ask questions. Be curious and open. Church is full of people who are still learning and growing in faith, just like you.

What happens next

Many churches these days use projectors and screens for songs, hymns and prayers. When it comes time to read the Bible, you may find they put the words on the screen or people around you start looking at their phones to read along. You can also just feel free to listen to the person who’s rostered on to read the Bible passage out to everyone.

Throughout the service, either the minister or another leader will introduce what’s happening next. Hopefully, this will mean you can relax and join in as you are able or feel comfortable.

For the children

Many churches have programs that run during the service for primary-school-aged children. There might be creche and/or a parent’s room where you can still listen to the church service. A church’s website should tell you what children’s activities are available and if the children start in the church service with you, there is usually an announcement of when it’s time for them to go off to “Sunday School” rooms.

Children are also able to stay with you in the service, if you prefer. Jesus has a lot of love for children: He said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Matthew 19:14).

After church

When the church service is finished, the minister or another member of the congregation will probably be at the door to greet everyone and thank them for coming. This is a good time to introduce yourself. Tell them you’re new and they will help you connect with others.

If you’re there in the morning, you can usually meet people over a cup of tea or coffee. At Easter, there might be hot cross buns, an Easter Egg Hunt or other fun activities.

“We were so nervous. We sat in the back row holding hands as tightly as we could.”

What if I have questions?

Great. Ministers and church leaders love questions. You won’t cause their faith to crumble or the church to collapse.

Ask questions. Be curious and open. Church is full of people who are still learning and growing in faith, just like you.

You are not the only one

Not long ago, Hope 103.2’s Chris Jolly and his wife were ready to try church for the first time. After checking out the options online, Chris and Vanessa decided to give it a go.

“We were so nervous. We sat in the back row holding hands as tightly as we could,” he said.

“At the end we tried to make a quick exit out the back door, but we weren’t quick enough. One of the church members got there first. He warmly greeted us and made us feel welcome.”

That was less than three years ago. Since then, Chris has been on a journey to discover more about Jesus, faith, life and church. That journey led him to the Hope team and now to creating a new podcast, The New Christian, which launches just after Easter.

The New Christian podcast – available 7 April

This podcast is for anyone exploring faith, asking big questions about God, Jesus, and what it really means to call yourself a Christian. Each episode will feature honest conversations with experienced believers, faith leaders, and thinkers about the foundations of Christianity.

Getting started now

If you’re ready to find yourself in church this Easter, start by checking out the Community Noticeboard for special Easter events and services. You’ll find a range of opportunities there, from the family-friendly to the more reflective, big events and smaller gatherings.

Hope Community Noticeboard

Or visit our Church Directory. Search by suburb to find a church that’s close to you.

Hope Church Directory

This Easter, take the first step. Be curious. Bring your questions and find yourself in church.

You’ve decided to become a Christian?

I tell you, in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance. – Luke 15:7

Like the joy in heaven, the Hope 103.2 team would love to rejoice with you!

Here is a prayer, more information and resources for you. There’s a form to let us know so we can support the next part of your incredible life decision.

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