Easter Outreach Ideas from Dino Rizzo That Make a Real Difference
Easter is one of the most significant seasons on the calendar—not just for churches, but for communities looking for hope, connection, and compassion. For Dino Rizzo, a 35-year ministry veteran and the Executive Director of ARC (Association of Related Churches), Easter represents an opportunity for churches to extend kindness beyond their walls.
“Easter isn’t just a Sunday service—it’s a season of serving,” says Dino Rizzo. “People are more open than ever to acts of kindness, and that gives the Church a beautiful chance to meet real needs in practical ways.”
Whether you're leading a church, a small group, or just looking for a way to make a difference, here are some simple but impactful outreach ideas to consider in the weeks leading up to Easter:
1. Pop-Up Serve Days
Coordinate a “Serve Saturday” leading up to Easter where volunteers can engage in simple projects: community clean-ups, free car washes, or packing hygiene kits for shelters. These are low-barrier opportunities that create high-impact connections.Dino Rizzo encourages teams to “make serving fun and visible. When your church is seen being the hands and feet of compassion, it builds trust and opens doors for meaningful relationships.”
2. Easter Meal Kits or Grocery Giveaways
Food insecurity continues to affect families across communities. Organize a grocery or Easter meal kit giveaway. Include everything needed for a full holiday meal, along with a handwritten note of encouragement.Partnering with local grocery stores or businesses can stretch your resources even further and invite more people to be part of the mission.
3. Neighborhood Egg Hunts or Block Parties
Community events like egg hunts or block parties bring people together in a relaxed environment. These events are especially effective when hosted in parks, apartment complexes, or underserved areas.Be sure to include engaging activities, music, and food—and consider adding a short, positive message or a simple invitation to your Easter service.
4. Encourage “Serve First” Small Groups
In the weeks before Easter, challenge small groups to take on one local project—whether it’s painting a school fence, helping a neighbor move, or serving a single mom in need. Empowering everyday people to lead through serving is central to Dino Rizzo’s approach to ministry.“Small groups that serve together grow stronger,” says Rizzo. “Service unlocks something in the heart that Sunday messages alone can’t always reach.”
5. Partner with Local Organizations
Rather than reinvent the wheel, consider coming alongside existing nonprofits in your area. Many are already doing great work and can benefit from extra volunteers or support during the Easter season.No matter the size of your church or team, these outreach ideas can create powerful moments of love and generosity leading up to Easter. As Dino Rizzo puts it, “When the Church shows up with no strings attached, it points people to hope—and that’s what Easter is really about.”
