Easter is more than just an event—it’s the heartbeat of the Christian faith. It’s a celebration of resurrection, renewal, and the unstoppable hope we find in Jesus. And few things express that better than music.
Curating music for Easter isn’t just about finding songs with “resurrection” in the title. It’s about creating a worship experience that helps your congregation feel the joy of the empty tomb, grasp the power of new life, and respond in praise with one voice.
Whether you’re planning for a sunrise service, a packed Easter Sunday celebration, or a weekend of events, choosing the right music can help bridge emotion, theology, and community. Let’s look at how you can make this year’s Easter setlist more intentional, powerful, and unforgettable.
Lead with Celebration: Soundtrack the Empty Tomb
Easter music should sound like victory—because that’s what the resurrection is. Joyful, upbeat songs open the door for people to celebrate together. This isn’t the time for a dozen slow ballads in a row. Start strong.
Great celebratory songs to consider:
- “Because He Lives” – timeless and deeply theological
- “Glorious Day” (Passion) – resurrection meets testimony
“Christ the Lord Is Risen Today” – classic with enduring power
Pair these songs with Scripture readings (Luke 24:1–6, 1 Corinthians 15:54–57) or spoken transitions to reinforce their message.
Pro Tip: Use your opener to set the tone and expectations. Start with high energy and a call to worship that invites people into full-throttle joy. Easter is the day to be loud and meaningful.
Balance the Set with Reflection and Renewal
While Easter is celebratory, don’t skip the moments of personal reflection. Before resurrection came the cross—and the journey from sorrow to joy is essential for emotional and spiritual resonance.
Mid-set, consider including songs of gratitude or redemption that acknowledge Christ’s sacrifice while pointing forward to victory:
- “Thank You Jesus for the Blood” – rich in gospel narrative
- “At the Cross (Love Ran Red)” – tender yet triumphant
- “Forever” (Kari Jobe) – walks through death to resurrection power
These songs create space for hearts to engage, reflect, and respond more deeply to the resurrection message. Think of it as leading people from the tomb to triumph.
Foster Participation Through Familiarity and Flow
The most powerful Easter moments often come when the whole room sings together without hesitation. To create that kind of engagement, blend familiarity with freshness.
Tips for participation:
- Choose at least 1–2 popular songs your congregation already knows well
- Rehearse transitions between songs for smooth flow
- Match your lyrics and setlist progression to the sermon theme (e.g., death → resurrection → response)
- Consider adding a modern arrangement of a well-loved hymn to honor tradition while keeping it fresh
Don’t underestimate the power of well-arranged classics. A hymn like “Crown Him with Many Crowns” reimagined with a full band and strong vocals can resonate powerfully, especially for multi-generational churches.
Conclusion
The resurrection isn’t just something we celebrate—it’s something we declare. Curating music for Easter is your opportunity to help others do just that through songs that tell the story, stir the heart, and lift the soul.
By balancing high-energy praise, reflective worship, and thematic depth, you can craft a set that not only celebrates Easter Sunday but lingers in people’s hearts long after. Your song choices can become the soundtrack of someone’s renewal story.
What’s one resurrection-themed song that’s made a lasting impact on your worship life?Find more curated setlists, seasonal worship planning tips, and practical music ministry tools at DLK Praise and Worship—where meaningful worship begins.
