Mother's Day Ideas. Image features a diverse group of mothers sitting in a church.

Creative Church Ideas for Mother's Day

Mothers give so much to the life of the church.
It is right to celebrate them.

Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate the unsung heroes in our communities—mothers. Whether they’re raising children, volunteering in the church, or balancing both, mothers give so much to the life of the church. As we approach this special day, it’s the perfect opportunity to show gratitude and appreciation through thoughtful church programs for Mother’s Day. From heartfelt services to inclusive activities, there are endless ways to honor mothers of all kinds in our church communities.

Before we dive into ideas, a quick note on language: you'll see us alternating between “Mother’s” and “Mothers’” throughout this post. This is intentional because we want to honor all kinds of mothers. Some of us are blessed to have more than one, and that’s something worth celebrating.

Inclusive Ideas for Every Mother

Mother's Day often comes with a set of traditions. Maybe it’s a special breakfast or a flower handed out to every mother as they walk into the service. However, we can take it a step further by making sure we celebrate all types of mothers, including same-sex mothers, and also keeping in mind those who may be grieving the loss of their own mothers or struggling with infertility.

When planning your Mother’s Day church ideas, keep your celebration inclusive. For same-sex couples, ensure that the language used in your church programs for Mother's Day honors all mothers, whether they are in traditional or same-sex relationships. For those who have lost a mother or are grieving, it can be helpful to acknowledge this grief with a moment of quiet reflection or prayer during your service.



Celebrate Moms All Week Long

Who says Mother’s Day has to be confined to just one Sunday? Build up the anticipation by using social media to celebrate moms throughout the week leading up to the big day. Post pictures, quotes, and stories that honor moms, and invite your congregation to share their own memories using a hashtag that ties back to your church, like #YourChurchMoms. Encourage people to comment on posts, sharing their memories of their mothers, whether it’s about a funny moment or a meaningful lesson they’ve learned from them.

This can also spark connection in your community. People will share common experiences and bond over the love and sacrifices mothers make. Plus, it’s a great way to increase engagement on social media, as platforms like Facebook tend to promote posts with a lot of interaction.

Video Tributes from Kids

There’s something incredibly heartwarming about seeing children talk about their moms. Ask your kids to record short videos where they describe their moms in one word, or share their favorite memory. For added creativity, you could also ask the kids to talk about what they appreciate most about their moms. Gather all of the videos into one touching tribute and play it during your worship service. If you’re feeling extra tech-savvy, you could also share the video on social media (be sure to get permission from the parents first!).

If you’d like to expand on this, encourage adults in your congregation to contribute as well. Remember that Mother’s Day is a day that can bring up a wide range of emotions. For some, it’s a joyful celebration; for others, it may be a painful reminder of grief. Keep this in mind when planning your content, and be sensitive in how you present these videos.

Mother Daughter Social Media. Silhouettes of a mom and daughter enclosed within a heart.
Everything you need to celebrate Moms.

Stories from Moms

Sometimes the best way to honor mothers is to let them speak for themselves. Reach out to three women from your congregation to share their unique motherhood stories. To give a diverse perspective, consider selecting moms at different stages—perhaps a new mom, a mom with young children, and a mother whose children are adults. These stories will offer rich insights into the evolving experience of motherhood.

Another option is to let mothers of different backgrounds share their thoughts. For example, invite a same-sex couple to share their experiences of raising children together, or ask a single mother to talk about the unique challenges and joys of solo parenting. By amplifying diverse voices, your church can create a more inclusive and empathetic environment, honoring all types of mothers.

Honoring Those Who Are Grieving

It’s important to be sensitive to the fact that Mother’s Day is not a joyous occasion for everyone. For those who have lost a mother, have a hard time becoming a mother, or have complicated relationships with their mothers, the day can be painful. Consider setting aside a moment of silence during your service to acknowledge this grief. You could also include a prayer that honors those who are mourning and lift up all the women who long to be mothers.

Incorporating these moments of reflection helps create a compassionate, supportive environment for everyone in your church community, acknowledging that Mother’s Day means different things to different people.


Mother’s Day church ideas can range from fun and creative to deeply reflective. Whether you're planning a video tribute, a special service, or social media countdowns, make sure your programs reflect the diversity of experiences that exist in your congregation. Celebrate mothers of all types, be mindful of those who may find the day difficult, and show your church community that all are welcomed and cherished.

Let’s make this Mother’s Day a time of love, reflection, and inclusion. After all, it’s not just about honoring mothers—it’s about celebrating the unique and powerful ways they shape the world around them.

Progressive Church Media