How to make your church mornings Easier

My church is about an hour from my house, and some mornings, I used to feel completely overwhelmed. Let’s be honest—getting ready for church, especially when it’s far from home, can sometimes feel like a challenge. Between preparing yourself and your kids, Sunday mornings can quickly become stressful. But don’t worry! With a little preparation and some simple strategies, you can turn chaotic mornings into calm ones. When I discovered some of these tips, it completely changed my mornings and made them far less chaotic. Let me share a few tips I’ve been using that have truly helped!

1. Prepare Outfits the Night Before

One of the simplest ways to make church mornings easier is by preparing your outfits on Saturday night. Lay out your clothes, including shoes, accessories, and even socks or underwear.

If you have children, do the same for them. Having their outfits ready—down to the smallest details—saves you from those last-minute panics like “Where are your shoes?”

💡 Tip: Check the weather in advance so everyone is dressed appropriately.

Here’s another tip: If you know you tend to change your mind at the last minute, pick out two outfit options. Having a backup will save you time and stress if your first choice doesn’t work.

💡Bonus Tip for Kids: If your child is old enough to choose their own outfits, get them involved. This makes the process fun and ensures they’re happy with what they’re wearing.

2. Pack Your Bags Ahead of Time

Another great way to make church mornings easier is by packing your bags the night before. Whether it’s your church bag or your child’s diaper bag, having everything ready saves precious time.

For my son, I include:

• Snacks and water for the drive or during service.
• Extra diapers, wipes, and a change of clothes.
• A small, quiet activity or book to keep him occupied. (I will write a blog post on this soon, especially if your church doesn’t have a children’s church program).

For myself, I make sure my bag has essentials like my Bible, chewing gum, pen, and anything else I’ll need for church.

💡 Tip: Place the bag and any items you won’t need until Sunday morning in the car on Saturday night or ahead of time.

3. Prep Meals and Snacks

Because we leave early for church, preparing meals and snacks ahead of time is a lifesaver. Having a ready-to-eat breakfast or pre-packed snacks can keep everyone happy and on schedule.
For me, I usually prepare a light breakfast like eggs, noodles, or the classic bread with a spread. On some Saturdays, I pack leftovers from the previous night’s dinner to make things even easier.

If you are cutting fruits, please do this the night before and keep it in the fridge.

4. Charge Devices for Church

If you use a tablet, phone, or other device to take notes during service, charge it the night before. It’s a small step, but it helps ensure you’re ready and focused during the sermon. ( I’m definitely guilty of this, but I’m actively working on improving in this area.

5. Pray and Prepare Your Heart

Before bed on Saturday, spend a few moments in prayer. Ask God to prepare your heart for worship and to speak to you through the message. This simple step makes church mornings easier and shifts your focus to the real purpose of attending church.

6. Get to Bed Early

When you’re well-rested, Sunday mornings feel a lot less stressful. Aim to go to bed early on Saturday, so you wake up refreshed and ready to start the day.

💡 Tip: Set alarms for wake-up time to stay on track.

Final Thoughts

One of my sisters shared something I feel will be helpful for ensuring calmer mornings when preparing. She mentioned that she typically plays worship music in the morning with her kids while getting them ready for school. I think this would be a great addition to church mornings as well since it helps set the tone for the day.

Going to church should feel like a blessing, not a burden. With a little planning—like preparing outfits, packing bags, and spending time in prayer—you can make church mornings easier and focus on what really matters: connecting with God.

I hope these tips help you as much as they’ve helped me. What are your favorite ways to make church mornings easier? Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!

Love,
Tomi