Churches do some pretty crazy things on special days. Some of the craziest things we do are on Mother’s Day. In our attempt to show mothers that we love them, sometimes we go overboard. Here is a list of things a church should not do on Mother’s Day.
Don’t give an award to the mother with the most children. What’s the point in that? Is there a baby having contest that goes on throughout the year? Are we saying to the other mothers, “You ladies better get busy or she’ll win it again next year!” And if you do give an award for this please don’t embarrass the mom by saying something like “Wow, that’s a lot of kids! Ya’ll know what causes that don’t you?”
Don’t give a flower to the mothers. I’m not a fan of that at all. There are many women who are barren. Mother’s day is tough for them. The message some ladies get at church on Mother’s day is “You can’t have a baby…or a flower.” If you are going to give a flower, give one to all the ladies.
Don’t honor the oldest and youngest mother. That’s a disaster waiting to happen. Eventually you are going to embarrass someone. “Stand if you’re over 70…ok, over 80…ok, over 90…stand if you were on the Ark.” I know that wouldn’t embarrass many ladies but eventually someone will be hurt. As well, the youngest mother isn’t a good idea. Putting a spotlight on the 10th grade girl who just became a mother isn’t going to fare well.
Don’t make moms the focus of your sermon. Every Sunday is for Jesus. It’s ok to just preach the Bible on Mother’s Day. The majority of the people at your church did not come to hear stories about mom. They are going to celebrate their mom at home, restaurant, park etc. Most people come to church to celebrate Jesus. Celebrate the Lord with the people at your church on Mother’s Day.
Don’t make a media presentation highlighting certain women in your church. When a church makes a big deal over certain women in the church the message they are conveying is “These ladies are more special than the others.” Churches certainly don’t mean to convey that message, but nevertheless it is still communicated. Visitors and newcomers likely will not even know who those ladies are. And please do not hide behind “It’s not our fault, we asked everyone to submit their photos!” Many people do not feel comfortable having their face on a screen. As well, there is a good chance you will have first time visitors on Mother’s Day.
Alright, that’s enough serious stuff. I need to poke a little fun.
Awards NOT to give at church on Mother’s day
* Mom with the most kids in jail
* Mom with the ugliest baby
* Mom with most kids by different men
* Mom that dresses most like a teenager
* Mom least likely to be back at church next Sunday
What Not to say on Mother’s Day
What’s the boxing ring for? We’re going to settle the stay at home vs. working mom issue right now.
Did I get my WIFE a gift? I already gave her two kids.
What you cooking today, honey?
The Unappreciated Pastor 
and, please, please, please stay away from Prov 31!
Excellent post from a mothers point of view…
Yeah, us pastor’s keep being told we shouldn’t celebrate moms on mother’s day because a handful of women might not be moms for one reason or another, including their own choice… To me that’s like not celebrating Thanksgiving because some people are turkey intolerant, or have chosen to be vege-whatever.
It’s one day, and everyone HAS a mother, whether or not they are a mother. It’s not marginalizing anyone to say, “We’re doing some special stuff today to honor moms, along with the rest of the country…” Anyone who takes from that, “and you have no worth unless you’re a mother…” is looking for reasons to be offended.
This year, we’re giving away chocolate bars, and we’re entering all moms in attendance in a drawing for some great prizes: spa days, free house cleaning, restaurant gift cards, Bibles, devotional books, etc. We’ve done this for years – it’s like our 3rd highest attendance Sunday of the year, and we’ve never heard a peep of complaint.
Funny, I’ve never heard anybody claim that we’re insensitive because we honor dads on Father’s Day… Of course, it is the ugly step-child of holidays. (Sorry, no intent to marginalize the ugly or step-children.)
I agree! Great point!
Reblogged this on I Am Gina Marie and commented:
Thoughtful
Re blogged, thanks for expressing your thoughtfulness.
I like the serious points and the not so serious points…good post.