A Four-Step Method to Make Your Event Planning Easier

Planning your church's event calendar for an entire year can be daunting. Considering that individuals typically have limited availability for additional activities, thoughtful event planning is important. The 4-3-2-1 method breaks down the planning process into manageable steps.

Four: Focus on September Through December
​Fall marks a natural starting point for many ministries. Activities often align with the back-to-school season and the transition to routine.

• Launch new groups, Bible studies, and classes. Host kickoff events to engage the congregation and set the tone for the ministry year.
• Plan fall festivals, retreats, and other community-focused events.
• Organize Thanksgiving-themed initiatives, such as giving programs, food drives, or outreach events.
• Focus on Advent and Christmas. This is a prime time for special worship services, concerts, and community outreach.

Three: Focus on January through March
Winter offers opportunities for reflection, planning, and growth. Use this season to set your church’s direction for the year.

• Conduct vision-casting meetings, review ministry impact and financials from the previous year, winter retreats, men's and women's conferences, and volunteer appreciation events.
• Begin spring activities, such as preparing for Easter and promoting mission trips. This is also a good time for winter retreats or conferences.

Two: Focus on April and May
Spring is a season of renewal and preparation.

• Plan Easter worship services, egg hunts, and other outreach activities.
• Celebrate milestones, recognize students, and begin preparations for summer activities.

One: Focus on June Through August
Summer often centers around youth and outreach events. Use this time to engage the congregation in meaningful ways.

• Schedule camps for various age groups and organize Vacation Bible School.
• Send groups on domestic or international mission trips.
• Host local outreach projects to keep the church connected to the community.

Final Thoughts
Remember, long-range planning isn’t about locking in every detail. Your calendar should remain fluid, allowing adjustments as needs and opportunities arise. Review and update plans regularly to align with your church’s goals and mission.

Create a centralized, accessible calendar for your team using tools like Church Management Systems (ChMS) to streamline your planning. Popular options include Planning Center, Breeze ChMS, Push Pay, and others. Google Calendar is a free solution if you don’t currently have a ChMS.

Contact us to help you build a custom calendar or maximize your ChMS.

Downloadable Resource
Download this infographic summarizing the 4-3-2-1 method. It’s a quick reference guide to keep your planning on track throughout the year. Use the promo code METHOD to download this resource for free! (Offer expires December 31, 2025.)