In case you haven?t heard, Mother?s Day comes around every year, and it’s just around the corner!
Don?t worry; Amazon Prime will make sure your gift arrives early.
Mother?s Day is a pretty big deal in church. It?s the third highest Sunday attendance behind only Christmas and Easter.
Why? People love mama. And mama loves when everyone is together. So the family comes to town or drives across town to attend church with mom this Sunday.
Your church has a unique opportunity to minister to a lot of people in this highly attended service. But it?s easy to miss the mark on Mother?s Day. I know a small church that had moms stand for different categories (oldest mom, youngest mom, etc). Instead of asking for the ?mom with the most kids,? the preacher asked for the ?biggest mother? to stand. Awkward.
At least he didn?t give out the Samuel L. Jackson award for ?baddest mother.?
Your church will communicate a lot about your understanding of the Gospel and your awareness of people this Sunday. So here are 3 things to say in order to represent Jesus & serve people.
1) Be gracious, not goofy
Yes, you should acknowledge moms. It?s a hard, thankless job. And much of the work within the church doesn?t happen without moms who volunteer. Honor them. Show respect. Convey gratitude for their sacrifices and investments in their families. But don’t be goofy or awkward. Mom deserves better.
For inspiration, here?s a list of Bible verses about thanksgiving?and gratitude.
2) Remember those who lost mom
Regardless of church size, some in attendance will experience their first Mother?s Day without mom. Maybe mom passed away, or maybe mom lives on the other side of the country. Whatever the circumstance, be sensitive. Acknowledge those who might be hurting. Remind them they are surrounded by a church family who cares for them. If people can’t be honest about their struggles among fellow believers, what’s the point of church?
3) Acknowledge those who want to be moms or miscarried
This subject is difficult and must be handled carefully, but it must be addressed. Church leaders are responsible for shepherding their congregation, especially in moments of difficulty and pain. Those who have experienced a miscarriage or who physically cannot be mothers need care on this day. Like those who can?t celebrate with mom, they need to know their church knows their pain and cares for them.
Above all, point people to Jesus. Show them he empowers, equips, and encourages all moms (or hopeful moms) in the room.
P.S. End the service early. Mother?s Day is an incredibly busy day in the restaurant industry, and most of your congregation will eat out on this day. Give them a?head start, ok?
