Your Holy Week Doesn’t Have to Be a Performance
If you're reading this, it's probably already go-time in your church office. Holy Week is upon us. Bulletins are multiplying. Everyone is texting last-minute questions — or, heaven forbid, more ideas. The sanctuary setup keeps changing. You’re doing six people's jobs.
We’re not here to tell you to scale back or simplify. It’s probably too late for that. Instead, this post is just a quiet moment to say:
You don’t have to prove anything.
There’s this subtle pressure, especially for those of us behind the scenes, to make Holy Week look and feel impressive—like maybe in this era of “nones” and “dones” and consistent news of the decline of mainline Christianity that it’s up to Us and This Easter to “wow” people into coming back beyond this week with our perfect Instagram reels and typo-free bulletins?
But the truth is that most people won’t remember how crisply-folded the bulletins were. They’ll remember how they felt. They’ll remember being welcomed. They’ll remember if there was room to feel something real.
So even if the slides get a little out of order, or the font on the bulletin doesn’t match, or someone forgets the handbells—it’s still holy. You're not staging a production. You're supporting a community through one of the most vulnerable, emotional, and sacred weeks of the year.
It’s Okay If You’re Tired
You don’t need to be peppy and radiant and deeply spiritual at every moment. You can be tired. You can be annoyed. You can feel a little crispy around the edges. That doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. Remember: At this moment, Jesus himself is still wandering in the wilderness. Take the breath when it comes. Accept help, even if it’s imperfect. Drink water. Hide in the copy room for five minutes if that’s what it takes. (But maybe not if the copy machine is what’s driving your fury at the moment.)
What You’re Doing Matters
Yes, even the scheduling emails. Even the font formatting. Even the last-minute runs to print more welcome cards. All of it is ministry. All of it makes space for people to experience something that might just change them, comfort them, or remind them they’re not alone. So if no one’s said this to you yet this week: Thank you. You're doing work that matters. Not because it's perfect, but because it’s faithful.
☕ Final Word
We’re cheering you on through every printer jam, Instagram post, and attempt to get the Vigil lighting right for the livestream.
Upcoming Support from Caffeinated Church:
📅 April 8: Working with Leadership – A workshop for building stronger, more sustainable systems of support (Let’s generate some energy now, knowing how helpful it’ll be post-Easter)
📅 April 16: Realm User Group – Dedicated problem-solving time for anyone using Realm in their work
📅 April 28: Managing Church Email Overload – Bringing those inboxes back under control
📅 April 29: Caffeinated Church Gathering – A 5-hour, free intensive for members with hands-on training in the areas of graphic design, marketing/advertising, layout/design, and website development
