Holy Week (sometimes called Passion Week) marks the final stretch of Jesus’ life, from His entry into Jerusalem to the cross and, ultimately, the resurrection. It’s one of the most meaningful weeks in the life of the Church, but also one of the easiest to rush through or overload as a church leader.
Each church approaches this week a little differently. Some congregations observe several services across the week, while others focus almost entirely on Easter Sunday, and that’s okay. The goal isn’t to do everything. The goal is to do what you choose with intention.
For church leaders, Holy Week is less about filling the calendar and more about shepherding people well.
When planned thoughtfully, it becomes a powerful opportunity for discipleship, reflection, and clear gospel proclamation. Rather than approaching the week out of obligation or tradition alone, leaders are invited to slow down, prioritize depth over busyness, and guide their congregations through the story at the heart of our faith.
Here are a few considerations and insights to help you as you plan.
Big-Picture Planning Considerations
Before choosing services or songs, step back and clarify your church’s theological emphasis for the week. Are you primarily inviting reflection and repentance? Celebration and hope? Evangelism? Often, Holy Week holds space for all of these, but naming your focus helps guide decisions.
Next, decide which days you will highlight publicly through gatherings and which you will acknowledge in quieter, liturgical, or personal ways. Be realistic about your congregation’s capacity. Volunteers, worship teams, tech staff, and childcare providers are finite resources, and overextending them can dilute the spiritual impact.
No matter what you do or don’t do, plan Holy Week with Easter in mind. These services should not feel like isolated events, but a cohesive journey that prepares your congregation for the resurrection.
Finally, communicate early and often. Holy Week is most meaningful when people can plan their schedules and prepare spiritually in advance.
Palm Sunday
The first day of holy week is Palm Sunday. This special day commemorates Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, a moment filled with celebration and tension. The crowds welcomed Him as king, yet many misunderstood the kind of king He was.
Key themes to highlight throughout your service include:
- The kingship of Christ
- The crowd’s shifting allegiance
- The challenge of welcoming Jesus on His terms rather than our own
Include scripture readings from the Gospels to ground the service in the story, and encourage congregational participation by providing components such as waving palm branches, responsive readings, or visual elements to engage worshipers physically and emotionally.
When choosing worship songs, consider songs that reflect both celebration and the shadow of coming sacrifice. Pastorally, Palm Sunday is an invitation to prepare hearts for the week ahead, resisting the temptation to rush straight to Easter joy.
Maundy Thursday
Secondly, Maundy Thursday centers on the Last Supper and Jesus’ command to love one another, the “mandate” from which the day takes its name. Themes of Maundy Thursday include:
- Servanthood
- Covenant
- Humility
- And community
Common elements include communion, foot washing where appropriate, and stripped-down, reflective worship. Many churches find that smaller, more intimate gatherings work especially well for this service.
Keep in mind that clear teaching is essential, particularly for individuals unfamiliar with Maundy Thursday, so participants understand both what they are doing and why.
Good Friday
Next, Good Friday invites the church to remember the crucifixion and sacrificial death of Jesus. The tone should be solemn, reverent, and reflective, allowing space for silence and lament.
Scripture readings, often drawn from the Passion narratives, should anchor the service, while focused teaching should help the congregation grapple with the meaning of the cross and atonement. Some churches include communion here and do not hold a separate Maundy Thursday service.
The pastoral goal is not to manufacture sadness, but to help people sit in the tension of the cross without rushing ahead to resurrection. This emotional and spiritual preparation makes Easter joy deeper and more honest.
Easter Sunday
Lastly, Easter Sunday is the heartbeat of the Christian faith. This is the day the Church proclaims, without hesitation, that Jesus is alive and that everything has changed because of it. Resurrection, victory, and new life aren’t just themes to mention; they are the message.
Because of that, clarity matters. Prioritize gospel-centered preaching that tells the resurrection story plainly and powerfully. Excellence is worth pursuing, but it doesn’t require overproduction. Thoughtful planning, a clear worship flow, and intentional transitions often communicate joy and confidence more effectively than spectacle.
Easter also brings a unique mix of people into the room. Many will be guests, first-time attendees, or those returning to church after a long absence. Make it easy for them to engage by explaining what’s happening, avoiding insider language, and clearly communicating next steps for faith and community. Most importantly, think beyond the single Sunday. Plan follow-up opportunities that help people take meaningful steps long after the Easter celebration ends.
A Note on Other Days of Holy Week
When it comes to the other days of the week, Holy Monday through Wednesday can be observed without adding pressure. As a church, you could provide:
- Personal devotionals
- Social media scripture readings
- Prayer guides or daily emails
These quieter practices support formation while honoring people’s capacity.
Final Encouragement for Church Leaders
Holy Week is not about filling calendars; it’s about spiritual formation.
As you plan, pray for wisdom and trust that God works powerfully through simple, faithful moments. When leaders plan with care and humility, Holy Week becomes not just a series of services, but a shared journey toward the cross and the empty tomb.
As you prepare for Holy Week, consider letting Ministry Brands Amplify handle the admin details behind the scenes, freeing you to lead with prayer, presence, and purpose as your church journeys together toward Easter.
