1 of 3

A card, and maybe a tie, a sweater, or some golf balls.

That's the extent of Father's Day for many dads. Don't get me wrong: we dads don't mind receiving gifts, especially when they come from our kids. There's the possibility, however, for this Father's Day to be something special, and for dads to be recognized and encouraged not just at home, but also at church. How can you make this Father's Day one that will really have an impact on the lives of all of the dads (and, hopefully, everyone else) in your congregation?

A stereotype of dads (one that is, unfortunately, true of me!) is that we love to watch TV—especially if there's a remote control involved. This fact gives those of us who are involved in the creation of worship services an instant "in" with dads when we use video and other visual media. In fact, video can be an excellent, "non-preachy" way to communicate to dads the message of Father's Day: their families love them, and so does God!

A good rule of thumb when designing visuals and creating media for Father's Day is to start light and go deep. Dads are often suspicious types; it can sometimes seem to some of us that church is a place where people are trying to sell something. Humor can be a tool to help dads lower their guards and open themselves up to the idea that there really might be something to all this religious talk. Funny videos can be the icebreakers that set up or complement a sermon.

Here are a few examples of humorous media that can be used to hit the lighter side of things:

• A video that pokes fun at less-than-stellar Father's Day gifts. Try making a video called "A History Of Neckties;" have the narrator speak in a dry, English-accent and talk about the many centuries of "quality" necktie giving. Other potential titles related to lame gift bashing include "101 Uses For Socks," "You Can Never Have Too Many Power Tools," and, of course, "How To Use Leftover Aftershave To Clean The Engine Of Your Lawnmower" (make sure to include a "don't try this at home" disclaimer)!
  
  
• A 2-minute "commercial" of a dad pulling aside his son to explain "the most important lesson in life"—which ends up being how to extend the footrest of the recliner while simultaneously operating the remote control (with emphasis on proper channel surfing technique).
  
  
• Create a "sportscast" of an average dad's day. Have a couple of commentators follow dad through his daily activities, giving a play-by-play as he weaves through rush hour traffic, takes a customer out to a "power lunch," and washes the car later on at home. A twist on the sportscast concept might be to broadcast a "Dad Olympics," where judges award skill points for best lawn mowing pattern, or style points for dads who take out the garbage while still wearing their pajamas.
  
  
• A 1950s-style video in black and white called "Duct Tape Is Your Friend"—the possibilities with this one are limitless!

next page... |  1 of 3