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We spent December focusing on the love of God as we celebrate the birth of Jesus. Then, suddenly, February arrives, and our attention takes a sharp and decisive turn! Now it’s all about the romance of Valentine’s Day. How do we as small church leaders, help keep the focus on God and His love for us? That’s where thoughtful Valentine’s activities for churches can make all the difference.
Small churches often have limited resources, so we rarely have the means to host a large-scale Valentine’s event. Even if we did, how would we keep biblical love front and center?
February is the perfect time for a sermon series or small group study on the four types of love taught in the Bible. As we study the different types of love, we have a better understanding of how we are to walk in love for one another.
- Storge love, or the affection and deep ties we have with family.
- Phila love or the deep commitment and care we have for friends or companions who are not biologically related to us.
- Agape love, or the perfect and unconditional love God has for us.
- Eros, the romantic love that Valentine’s Day celebrates.
Let’s explore some ways we, as small churches, can lean into our strengths and use resources wisely. Are you focusing on building your children’s ministry? Do you have a growing group of young adults? Or, do you have a larger population of older adults?
The congregation’s goals and needs will help you choose the focus of your celebrations this month. No church can be all things to all people, but we can tap into our superpower of deep relationships to identify effective ways to minister. Prayerfully reflect on your focus and choose one or two activities that meet the needs of your congregation.
12 Meaningful Valentine’s Activities For Churches
1. Month of Love Social Media Campaign
Post a new scripture daily all month long. Choose verses that speak about God’s love for us, loving others, loving your enemy, the love between friends, the love of family members, etc. No matter which social media platforms you use, this is an easy, free activity for the month.
2. Psalm 107:2 Challenge
Encourage the congregations to post, virtually or in real life (IRL), about the ways they have experienced God’s love in the last 12 months. If your congregation is older or less inclined to post on social media, you can create a space to share some of the ways God has blessed them or shown His love for them.
Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story — those he redeemed from the hand of the foe, …
Psalm 107:2 NIV
3. Create an E-Card template
E-cards are also a free activity that can have a big impact! Create a colorful e-card template members can personalize and send to friends, family, fellow church members, or community members who serve (e.g., first responders, city officials).
You could also encourage a little friendly competition among Sunday School/Small Group/Life Group members to see who can send the most cards. Be sure to include scripture and a space for a personal note on the template.
4. Mission Fundraiser
Choose a group that is meaningful for your congregation and raise money to show your love as a congregation. For example, our church collects money each February for a ministry that provides clean water sources (wells) or the means to purify water to communities around the world.
The ministry provides for a basic need and builds relationships, so they have an opportunity to share about Jesus, our source of Living Water.
5. Host a Blood Drive
If you have a large space in a central location, this is a wonderful way to demonstrate love for your community. Provide chocolate hearts and bottled water to donors as a thank-you.
6. Pack a Purse or Fill a Bag
If your community has a large or growing population facing housing insecurity, this idea may be a wonderful fit for your congregation. Collect gently used purses (for women) and crossbody or backpack-type bags (for men). Fill each bag with toiletries, baby wipes, meal replacement bars, pop-top foods (that don’t require a can opener), individual packets of water flavors, gloves, socks, a comb or brush, and other items that might be helpful for those without housing or access to running water.
Include Bible verses and a short, sincere handwritten note of encouragement for the man or woman receiving the gift. A gently used purse or bag is a functional gift and also offers dignity. Many have nothing more than a trash bag to place items in. Partner with an established ministry (for distribution of the bags) and share the love of Jesus with those in desperate need.
7. Vow Renewals
Consider inviting married couples in the community to renew their wedding vows. Decorate your facility for a wedding and invite the congregation to add to the celebration by “attending” the ceremonies. Women of the church can serve as a “Maid of Honor,” and one of the men could serve as the” Best Man” to round out the wedding party.
Have a photographer (even with a cell phone) and send the photos and or video to the couple to commemorate their ceremony. By providing a decorated facility, guests, and photos, you have honored and celebrated a marriage without many of the expenses couples would normally have to cover for a ceremony. Each couple could have their own time slot, and the waiting couples can be part of the guest list!
8. Memorable Marriage Videos
Invite married couples in the church to be interviewed and create a video to share with the congregation. Ask questions like:
- When did you know you were in love?
- Tell me your proposal story.
- How long have you been married?
- Who asked whom out for the first date?
- What is your secret to a long marriage?
- What is the sweetest thing your partner does for you? etc.
Include some funny questions and some serious questions, and end by asking them to share a Bible verse that has meant a lot to them throughout their marriage. Share the video compilation with the congregation at a church dinner or snippets in the church service over several weeks. What a wonderful way to honor marriage and pass on wisdom to the next generation.
9. Recognize Spouses of Deployed Military Members
Holidays apart are difficult, and Valentine’s Day is no exception! Have the congregation shower the spouses with cards and notes of encouragement. Reminding each spouse that they have a church family who loves and supports them during this deployment.
10. Valentine’s Craft Day
Do you have crafters or people who love creating scrapbooks in your congregation? Recruit them to lead an intergenerational card or craft event. Assign a “host or hostess” to each table to keep the conversation flowing, and include a mix of ages.
Invite everyone from the nursery to the seniors to come and design or decorate cards. Provide a few snacks and encourage attendees to share a funny Valentine’s Day story. End the gathering with a short devotional and prayer.
11. Prayer Walk/Prayer Stations
If church members can physically participate in a prayer walk in your community, select sites and assign teams to flood the streets with prayer! If congregants are older, set up prayer stations with a short card of information about each site.
For example, if you feel led to pray for your city government, provide a picture of city hall and a list of elected officials to pray for by name. If you want to pray for the schools, then prompt for prayer for principals, teachers, staff, and students. Pray for specific needs. Pray for opportunities to show love to your community. Pray for others to come to a saving knowledge of Christ!
12. Single Parents, Widows, Widowers, and Others Who Might Dread Valentine’s Day
This is a large and diverse group, and honestly, no one activity will meet the needs of everyone. But I urge you to be intentional about including those who might feel forgotten on February 14th. Walk in love, be the hands and feet of Jesus, and meet specific needs so they feel seen and loved.
Here is a list of scriptures you might find helpful in guiding how you choose and implement activities:
- 1 John 4:16
- Romans 8:38-39
- Zechariah 3:17
- Psalm 45:1-17
- Psalm 23:1-6
- 1 Corinthians Chapter 13
- Galatians 5:14
- Galatians 5:22-23
- Hebrews 10:24
- Jeremiah 31:3
- John 3:16
Select one or two activities based on the focus of your mission. The activity is the vehicle to further your mission. Doing one activity well, including the entire congregation, and reaching those you are called to minister to, are sources of joy and encouragement!
Serving alongside you,
Carla
Read More:
7 Fun Women’s Ministry Fall Kickoff Ideas
7 Caring Ways To Celebrate Pastor Appreciation Month
7 Easy 4th Of July Church Outreach Ideas For Small Churches
Carla Adams is a wife, a nurse, and a women’s ministry leader. As an author and a speaker, she seeks to encourage women to use their God-given tools, talents, and gifts to serve Him and others.
