This coming Sunday, many of us will celebrate Mother’s Day in our church—even if we do so via electronic means. If your church is planning to honor mothers, here are some pastoral thoughts to keep in mind:
- The Bible celebrates motherhood. So, this day is a good day to talk about the plan of God for marriage, reproduction, and child rearing. Help your people see how the Scriptures speak to a culture that keeps changing the rules about marriage and parenting.
- The story of a mom’s patient, seeking love can be potent. Christian moms have a way of persistently praying us into the kingdom of God. A mother’s love is uniquely powerful.
- At the same time, some members will be grieving this day. Their mother passed away in the last year. Some may not even know their birth mother. Somebody in your congregation may be dealing with the pain of having aborted a baby in the past. Some mothers will be grieving because one of their children preceded them in death. Don’t forget these folks as you pray.
- Some ladies who long to be mothers will struggle this day. Many of us have not been blessed with children. Adoption is a big deal in the last several years, but that wasn’t always the case. Be sensitive to the members who will be facing loss this day.
- Some mothers will be longing for contact from a child this day. Perhaps her child is deployed in a war zone. Or, maybe this mother is like the father of the prodigal son, waiting and watching at the end of the driveway, hoping this Mother’s Day will be the day of return.
- Some men will deal with pain this day, too. Infertile couples share the pain, so a husband may anguish at the reminder that he has not given his beloved wife a child. Pray for these men, too.
- Recognize mothers, but honor all ladies. That way, you minimize the likelihood of exacerbating somebody’s pain, and you honor all those ladies who’ve been a second “mom” to somebody.
- Don’t shy away from memories of mothers who’ve passed away. Those memories can be painful—especially if they’re recent—but they can also be comforting when we tell them with grace and gratitude.
- Encourage older women to invest in younger women. That’s what the Bible requires (Titus 2:3-5), and the next generation of mothers will be stronger if they’ve had guidance and support (see this post for why older women must take on this task).
- Pray on this day for mothers who aren’t believers. Many of us have prayed for our mothers for many years. Knowing others are joining us in prayer is comforting and encouraging.
- Be aware of non-believers in your congregation this day. In many cases, they’re present—even virtually—because Mom pleaded with them to come for her day. She’s praying that her children will hear the gospel clearly. Don’t let her down.
God bless you, ladies!