This coming Sunday, many of us will celebrate Mother’s Day in our church. If your church is planning to honor mothers, here are some pastoral thoughts to keep in mind:

1. The Bible celebrates motherhood. So, this day is a good day to talk about the plan of God for marriage, reproduction and child rearing. Prayerfully help your people see how the Scriptures speak to a culture that keeps changing the rules about marriage and parenting.

2. The story of a mom’s patient, seeking love can be potent. It might be good to record it ahead of time, but a testimony from a mom interceding for her children can be a powerful example for others.

3. 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 have aborted a baby in the past, and the pain of that choice still stings. Don’t forget these folks as you pray.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. Some men will struggle 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.

7. Be careful about identifying mothers by having them stand, raise their hand, etc. This simple request can be awkward for the woman whose child has died, who has given up a child for adoption, who is an unwed mom or who has not yet announced her pregnancy.

8. Be careful about recognizing special mothers like the “youngest” and “oldest” mother. The youngest mother might be an unmarried teenage mom, and the oldest mom may be weeping because her children aren’t with her this day. Seek God’s wisdom if you offer such recognitions.

9. Recognize mothers, but honor all ladies. If you give a gift to mothers, make it available to 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.

10. Be aware of non-believers in your congregation this day. In many cases, they’re present 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.

It’s right to honor our parents. How does your church do it on Mother’s Day?

(EDITOR’S NOTE – Chuck Lawless is dean and vice-president of graduate studies and ministry centers at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, where he also serves as professor of evangelism and missions. In addition, he is Global Theological Education Consultant for the International Mission Board. This blog originally published at chucklawless.com. Used by permission.)