Father’s Day is a special day celebrated worldwide to honor the fathers and father figures in our lives.
While Mother’s Day is one of the most highly attended church services of the year, unfortunately, Father’s day is just the opposite, one of the lowest attended church services of the year.
It takes extra creativity to organize events that resonate with dads, so let’s put on our manly-man thinking caps for…
12 Church Outreach Ideas for Father’s Day
1. Father’s Day Tribute Service.
Dedicate a Sunday service to honor and appreciate fathers, including special prayers, songs, and testimonies.
Let’s be honest… while most Mother’s Day services praise moms for the dedication and sacrifice they have for their children (and deservedly so), many Father’s Day services challenge dads to “man up,” spend more time with their kids, and and be better spiritual leaders for their families.
That can sound a lot like criticism unless it’s preceded with honor and appreciation.
2. Father’s Day Breakfast.
Organize a special breakfast for fathers and their families, where they can enjoy a meal together and have some quality time.
And, hey, don’t skimp on the meats! Cook up lots of sausage, bacon, and ham!
3. Father-Child Craft Workshop.
Arrange a craft workshop where fathers and their children can create something together, such as woodworking or blacksmithing. As an added bonus, fathers and children can bring home from the workshop the item(s) they create, which can serve as a memento of the event and their love for each other for years to come.
Like the BBQ idea, this is another opportunity to invite men who may have a hard time finding ways to serve others (especially in the church), to share their passion and skill for a particular craft by teaching others.
Several years ago a friend of mine, Rick, who does metalwork, invited a bunch of fathers and sons to his property and taught us to make our own knives. It was a cool bonding experience for my son and I. The knives we made that day are now displayed in the dining room cabinet where we can see them every time our family has a meal together.
4. Father’s Day BBQ.
Host a BBQ event either the Saturday before or lunch after the Sunday service where fathers can relax, enjoy good food, and connect with other dads in the community.
Some men have a hard time finding ways to serve others that they enjoy. So, if you have men who like to BBQ and/or smoke meats, invite them to bring their grill/smoker. Or cook their favorite meats ahead of time and bring them to share.
5. Father’s Day Picnic.
Organize a picnic in a local park where families can bring their own food and enjoy outdoor activities. Include sports like corn hole, softball, kickball or volleyball.
The idea here is to have the picnic in a public place (not on church property) so people can invite their friends and not feel intimidated or awkward about it being a “church event.”
It’s just friends enjoying time together with their families with no agenda other than having fun and getting to know each other a little bit.
6. Outdoor Movie Night.
Set up an outdoor movie screening area and show a family-friendly film that celebrates fatherhood.
Some of my favorite dad movies include Field of Dreams, Mrs. Doubtfire, and National Lampoon’s Vacation
7. Father’s Day Car Show.
Invite car enthusiasts to display their vehicles at the church parking lot, and fathers can bond over their shared interest in automobiles. Plan the car show for Sunday morning & afternoon so dads can check out the cars before and after the service.
8. Father’s Day Fishing Tournament.
Organize a fishing tournament the day before Father’s Day. Give away prizes for the biggest fish of different types or categories. Finish the day with a dinner (fish fry?). Invite all the men to come back the next for the church gathering.
9. Support Fathers in Need.
Are there fathers in your church or community that because of age or disability could use a hand with chores around the house? Are there fathers living alone – perhaps in an assisted living facility – who you could spend time with?
Remember – men tend to find it especially difficult to ask for or accept help or just to spend time with other people. You might have to persist after they initially say, “no.” Also, it’s good to look for ways they can contribute, even if it’s just asking for their input or advice on things while you’re there.
10. Father’s Day Panel Discussion.
Arrange a panel discussion or workshop where fathers can submit questions and experienced fathers can share their wisdom and advice on fatherhood. This is a great way to honor older dads and help younger dads.
This is also a good opportunity to kick off mentoring or discipleship relationships between older men and younger men.
11. Give Away Manly Prizes.
During your Sunday services, give away manly prizes like a gift card to a BBQ restaurant, a gift card to a hardware store, fishing gear, or go big and raffle off a sports car! Prizes could be for newest dad, oldest dad, dad with the most kids, or totally random.
12. Launch New Groups for Dads.
Father’s Day is a great opportunity to announce new ministries for fathers like an outdoor adventure ministry, a men’s bible study, or a class for parents of teens.
Listen to your father, who gave you life. -Proverbs 23:22a
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Promote and share your Father’s Day Events online
No matter which church outreach events for Father’s Day your church chooses, you’ll also want to promote those events online. Rather than share the same strategies at the bottom of every church outreach ideas article we write for every season and holiday, we’ll just point you to…
7 Ways to Promote Your Church Outreach Event Online
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Comment and Discuss
- What Father’s Day outreach event(s) is your church planning?
Want more church outreach ideas? Church Outreach Ideas & Events for Every Holiday and Season
Co-founder & CEO, OurChurch.Com
Paul has been the CEO of OurChurch.Com since its founding in 1996, combining his passion for faith and technology to lead the organization.
An accomplished writer, Paul has authored over 2,000 articles on faith and technology, featured on platforms like ChurchLeaders.com, The JoyFM, and his personal blog, LiveIntentionally.org.
Beyond his professional achievements, Paul serves as an elder at Journey Community Church and is deeply engaged in his community through his involvement with the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranch and the Safety Harbor Chamber of Commerce. He is a contributing author of the book Outspoken! Conversations on Church Communication.
