Unbelievers in Easter Gatherings: Kevin

Eric raised a great question. How should we consider unbelieving guests as we plan our Easter gatherings? Here are five fairly obvious thoughts:

1) As Eric stated, we should be proclaiming the gospel and Christ's resurrection all the time.
2) It is wise, however, to particularly celebrate Christ's Resurrection at this point in the church calendar.
3) Nothing is better for a believer than seeing Christ's people worship Him with joy. We could do no more loving a thing than worship God so passionately in our meeting that he falls down saying, "God is really among you!" (1 Cor. 14:25). That is truly "seeker-sensitive."
4) However, we should not pretend that unbelievers will not be among us. We must seize this wonderful opportunity to proclaim the gospel simply and clearly during our Easter meeting, praying for the Spirit's work in their lives. We truly have a "captive audience" that comes perhaps once a year.
5) We must not do this in a way, however, that deprives the gathering body from celebrating Christ's resurrection. The purpose of our gatherings is to do just that-- gather as God's people to praise Him corporately. A meeting solely concerned with the seeker can forget the purpose of the meeting-- to encourage the saints in the gospel and enable them to praise God for that good news. That, too, is an opportunity we do not want to miss.