06/17/2026
We lost followers when we made a similar post on Mother’s Day, but we still stand behind this message. If going to church on Father’s Day feels unbearable to you, it’s okay to take the day off—even if you serve in ministry.
Here’s the deal: Church is important. Dads are important. But you know what else is important? You.
If you want to be at church on Father’s Day, even if it’s hard for you, that’s wonderful! Do it.
If you feel you have to be there to be right with God, by all means, definitely go!
If going makes the day easier for you, absolutely go!
But if going makes your pain feel unbearable, if you dread the day and would rather be literally anywhere else, it’s okay to take the day off.
“But there’s nobody to fill in for me.”
Let me ask you something: if you got into a car accident on the way to church and had to go to the hospital instead of church, who would fill in for you?
Who would teach your class? Who would lead the kids choir? Who would guide the kids to pass out Father’s Day gifts?
Ask those people to fill in for you.
Your church will not fall apart because you need the day off (and technically, it’s no less spiritual than taking any other Sunday off). Your dads will still be honored because there is ALWAYS somebody else in the church who can step in (unless you are literally the only staff member/volunteer).
This post isn’t telling you not to go. It’s telling you that it’s okay to choose what you need, whether that’s going or not going.
And for those who serve and have wonderful Father’s Days, can I ask something of you? Show grace to those who are hurting. Show love. Be willing to step up and take on an extra task. Ministry isn’t only about serving the non-staff members of the church; it’s about serving and loving one another—all of us.
