by Deb del Villar
Why Churches Should Celebrate Grandparents Day
Every September, churches across the country have an opportunity to recognize one of God’s greatest gifts to the next generation—grandparents. Grandparents Day is more than a celebration; it is an opportunity to encourage grandparents to embrace their God-given calling to intentionally influence their grandchildren for Christ. That’s why Legacy Coalition offers a free downloadable Grandparents Day Kit filled with practical resources for churches
What’s Included in the Legacy Coalition Grandparents Day Kit
Legacy Coalition has been offering a free downloadable Grandparents Day Kit since 2019. It is filled with ideas and resources to help you celebrate, honor, and challenge the grandparents in your church. Our focus is to equip grandparents through biblical resources and events so they become intentional spiritual influencers in the lives of their grandchildren. We often say that grandparents are the “who” and the church is the “through.” God has uniquely positioned grandparents to influence the next generation, and the local church is the ideal place to encourage, equip, and support them. While individual grandparents can download the kit, many of the resources are intended to encourage churches as they seek to raise intentionally influential grandparents who disciple their grandchildren.
Standard Items in the Legacy Coalition Grandparents Day Kit
Each year our kit has some standard items you can count on. See the FAQ section below for lots of information. We are excited to share some of the new items in this year’s kit. The kit is divided into three sections. There are resources for Grandparents Day itself complete with social media videos, PowerPoint slides and printables. The next section provides materials to help you as you start or grow your church grandparenting ministry. Final section supplies information about Legacy Coalition.
In the Grandparents Day section, we’ve added a new coloring card that grandchildren can color for their grandparents. The children’s ministry department may also want the children to color one for each of the grandparents in their congregation. One church told us they have elementary children stand at the exits after the service and personally hand each grandparent a card. It became one of the most meaningful parts of the morning. Grandparents loved the thoughtful gesture.
Christian schools could also use this card in similar fashion when they hold their grandparent’s day celebrations. If your church is hosting a Legacy Grandparenting Summit simulcast this fall, you could have the church children color the cards ahead of time, so they are available to hand out. There are two versions of the card. One for the littles who can just color and add stickers. The other option has room for a message to be added by the children. There is also a new bookmark that centers around Colossians 3:2. If desired, the back is editable so you can add your church’s information.
What’s Included in the Grandparenting Ministry Section
In response to requests from churches, we have included several items in the Grandparenting Ministry section to help you attract younger and new grandparents. Two of the items can be copied on heavier paper and even laminated as a gift for first time grandparents. We’ve also included a fun Grandparenting Trivia PowerPoint along with a devotional around lessons from Lois that could be used in a variety of ways and times. If you hold a grandparenting shower for new grandparents, that would be one great way.
Several tip sheets are included that work well as handouts or even an outline for a workshop. There is a printable prayer bookmark that encourages praying each day for a grandchild’s need. Additionally, we have included a tip sheet on how churches can support grandparents raising grandchildren. Be sure to check out all the individual pieces.
Grandparents Day isn’t simply another date on the church calendar. It can become the beginning of a culture that values intentional Christian grandparenting throughout the year. A simple celebration today may inspire grandparents to pray more intentionally, share their faith more confidently, and disciple the next generation more faithfully.
If you are still looking for more ideas, check out Grand Ideas – https://grandideas.legacycoalition.com/ .
Frequently Asked Questions About Grandparents Day in Church
How early should our church begin planning for Grandparents Day?
Consider adding the date to your church calendar as soon as possible. Planning and preparation can come along later. Legacy Coalition seeks to have the free kit ready August 1st.
Can churches personalize the Grandparents Day Kit?
Absolutely. There are editable slides in the kit as well as other items to tailor to your needs.
What is Grandparents Day?
Grandparents Day is a national holiday celebrated each year on the first Sunday after Labor Day. It was officially established in 1978 to honor grandparents and recognize their important role in families and society. For churches, it is an excellent opportunity to celebrate grandparents while encouraging them to become intentional spiritual influencers in the lives of their grandchildren.
Why should churches celebrate Grandparents Day?
Grandparents have tremendous biblical influence. Celebrating Grandparents Day allows churches to:
- Honor grandparents for their faithful investment in future generations.
- Encourage grandparents to intentionally pass on their faith.
- Strengthen intergenerational relationships within the church.
- Launch or promote a grandparenting ministry.
- Equip grandparents with biblical resources to disciple their grandchildren.
Rather than simply recognizing grandparents, churches can inspire them to embrace their God-given calling.
When is Grandparents Day celebrated?
National Grandparents Day is observed on the first Sunday after Labor Day each September. However, churches don’t have to limit their celebration to one weekend. Many choose to celebrate throughout September—or another time during the year that best fits their ministry calendar.
How can our church celebrate Grandparents Day?
There are many meaningful ways to celebrate, including:
- Recognizing grandparents during the worship service
- Sharing testimonies from grandparents and grandchildren
- Showing videos featuring children talking about their grandparents
- Displaying family photos or heritage displays
- Giving prayer bookmarks or small gifts
- Offering family photo opportunities
- Praying over grandparents during the service
- Hosting a fellowship meal or dessert reception
The goal is to both honor grandparents and encourage their spiritual influence.
What could be included in a Grandparents Day church service?
An impactful service often includes:
- Scripture focused on passing faith to the next generation
- A sermon emphasizing biblical grandparenting
- Testimonies from grandparents or grandchildren
- Special music involving multiple generations
- A time of prayer for grandparents
- Resources that encourage intentional Christian grandparenting
These elements help move the focus beyond recognition toward lifelong spiritual impact.
What is included in Legacy Coalition’s Grandparents Day Kit?
The free Grandparents Day Kit includes resources churches can customize, including:
- Social media graphics
- PowerPoint presentation templates
- Outdoor banner design
- Printable prayer bookmark
- Children’s coloring pages
- Videos
- Devotional resource
- Grandparenting handouts
- Church planning idea
- Promotional materials for the Legacy Grandparenting Summit
These ready-to-use resources make planning simple while helping churches equip grandparents for ministry.
Is the Grandparents Day Kit free?
Yes. Legacy Coalition offers the Grandparents Day Kit as a free downloadable resource to help churches celebrate, honor, and equip grandparents for greater spiritual influence within their families.
How can Grandparents Day help launch a grandparenting ministry?
Many churches use Grandparents Day as a starting point because it naturally highlights the important role grandparents play in passing on faith. Following the celebration, churches can invite grandparents to:
- Attend a grandparenting class
- Join a small group
- Participate in prayer gatherings
- Attend the Legacy Grandparenting Summit
- Begin mentoring and discipling future generations
Grandparents Day often creates excitement and momentum for an ongoing ministry.
How can churches encourage grandparents to disciple their grandchildren?
Churches can equip grandparents by providing practical resources, biblical teaching, prayer opportunities, and encouragement. Small steps—such as praying regularly for grandchildren, sharing personal faith stories, reading Scripture together, and modeling a life devoted to Christ—can have a lasting spiritual impact across generations.
What are simple, low-cost Grandparents Day ideas for churches?
Even churches with limited budgets can create a meaningful celebration by:
- Recognizing grandparents during worship
- Providing printable prayer bookmarks
- Having children make handmade cards
- Showing a short appreciation video
- Setting up a family photo booth
- Sharing grandparent testimonies
- Hosting a prayer time for grandparents
The emphasis is on encouragement and spiritual legacy rather than expensive events.
Can schools or homeschool groups celebrate Grandparents Day?
Absolutely. Christian schools and homeschool communities often use Grandparents Day to honor grandparents, strengthen family relationships, and encourage grandparents to invest spiritually in the next generation. Many of the resources in the Grandparents Day Kit work well in educational settings.
Why are grandparents so important in passing on faith?
Scripture repeatedly encourages one generation to tell the next about God’s faithfulness. Grandparents have unique opportunities to share their life experiences, pray faithfully for their grandchildren, model authentic faith, and intentionally point younger generations toward Christ. Their influence often extends far beyond childhood and can shape families for generations.
