10 Meaningful Ways to Honor Fathers on Father’s Day (Without Overcomplicating It)
Father’s Day can be more than a mention in announcements or a quick “thanks, dads!” during service. For the church, it’s a chance to elevate the value of godly fatherhood and honor the men who lead, serve, and love well, both in their homes and in your congregation.
Whether your church is large or small, production-heavy or portable, here are 10 simple and creative ways to make Father’s Day meaningful and memorable this year:
1. Commission the Dads
Take 2 – 3 minutes during your service to stand and pray over all fathers and spiritual father figures. Invite their families or small group leaders to lay hands and pray over them. Bonus: Have your pastor write a short blessing they can take home.
2. Create a “Dad Den” Lobby Experience
Set up a themed lounge area in your lobby with leather chairs, snacks, sports highlights, and even retro dad music (think classic rock or Motown). Let dads hang out before or after service—bonus points for a Root Beer Bar or donut wall.
3. Give a Thoughtful, Affordable Gift
Skip the cliché trinkets and give something dads might actually enjoy:
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A $5 local coffee shop gift card
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A nice hat
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A bag of beef jerky with a custom tag that says, “Thanks for being tough, tender, and full of flavor.”
4. Use the Power of Storytelling
Record a few church members (adults or kids) answering questions like:
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What’s something your dad taught you about God?
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What’s your favorite memory with your dad?
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What do you want to be like when you’re a dad?
Edit into a short, engaging video that you can use as a pre-sermon bumper or social media post.
5. Let Kids Write Letters to Dad
Set up a simple letter-writing station in your kid’s ministry or lobby with prompts like:
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“I love when you…”
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“You’re the best dad because…”
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“Thank you for teaching me…”
Hand the letters to dads as they leave service, or mail them home that week.
6. Plan a Father-Focused Worship Set
Choose songs that reflect the strength, tenderness, and love of God the Father. Consider options like:
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“Good Good Father”
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“Run to the Father”
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“The Blessing” (as a declaration over families)
Use this moment to connect the heart of the earthly father to the ultimate example, God.
7. Host a “Fathers & Families” Hangout After Church
Invite families to stick around after the service for something fun and low-pressure:
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Outdoor cornhole and grill-out
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Root beer floats and lawn games
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Indoor pancakes + photo booth for early services
Make it more about connection than programming.
8. Preach a Sermon That Equips and Encourages
This is not the Sunday to guilt dads into doing more. Instead, speak life and calling over them. Preach on:
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The example of Joseph (Jesus’ earthly father)
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The father in the prodigal son story
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How Jesus reveals the nature of the Father
Equip dads with a clear next step to lead their families spiritually.
9. Feature a Dad’s Testimony
Pick one dad from your congregation to share (live or on video) a 3-minute story of faith, failure, fatherhood, or growth. Keep it honest, not polished. Authenticity connects more than perfection.
10. Make Room for the Tension
Not everyone has a great relationship with their father, or has their dad present. Acknowledge that in your service or sermon. Include a prayer moment that holds space for grief, forgiveness, or healing. It honors both reality and redemption.
Final Thought:
At its best, Father’s Day isn’t about fanfare, it’s about honor. Let your church be a place where fathers feel seen, strengthened, and sent to lead well.
Got a great Father’s Day idea we missed? Email us at info@saltcommunity.com
Take Your Creativity to the Next Level at SALT Conference
If these ideas have inspired you, imagine what your team could accomplish with even more tools and training! The SALT Conference is the ultimate gathering for creative church leaders who want to think outside the box and make a lasting impact in their communities.
From practical workshops to inspiring speakers, SALT equips you with everything you need to take your ministry to the next level. Join us and discover how to bring fresh vision to your church’s creative efforts.
Learn more and register at SALT Community.
