Host a Compassion Sunday Event at Your Church

On Compassion Sunday, people just like you across the U.S. engage church communities in advocating for children in poverty. They share personal experiences and impactful videos, inspiring others to become child sponsors and make a difference in the lives of these children. Join them by hosting a Compassion Sunday event. 

An image of Compassion Sunday cards set on a table.

3 Steps for a Successful Compassion Sunday Event

Host a Compassion Sunday event to advocate for children and give your church family a chance to live out their faith by sponsoring a child in need. Compassion Sunday is May 4, 2025.

Order a Free Planning Guide

Get a planning guide and learn about hosting Compassion Sunday — from planning your presentation to connecting your church family with children in need.

Register Your Event

After working with your pastor to set a date, it’s time to register your event. We’ll then send you an Event Kit with table decorations, a T-shirt, child packets, helpful instructions and more!

Download Resources

Your Compassion Sunday event can be a short announcement or the full theme of your worship service. Be sure to check out the Presentation Guide to help you decide what’s best for you and your church.

Image of Compassion Sunday resources.

Tips for Talking to Your Pastor About Compassion Sunday

  • Talk in person if possible. If not, craft a thoughtful email asking permission to host a Compassion Sunday event. 

  • Your experience is powerful! If you’re a sponsor, bring a photo of your sponsored child and a few of his or her letters. Explain how this relationship has impacted you and your family. 

  • If you don’t sponsor, share how advocating for children in poverty has impacted you. Express what it means to you to be able to live out your faith in this way. 

  • Download the Pastor’s Guide below and send it to your pastor beforehand. Or give it to them during your conversation. 

  • Follow up afterward. Thank them for their time and offer to answer any questions. If your pastor agrees to host, keep them in the loop with all planning. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about hosting, child sponsorship and making your Compassion Sunday a success. 

Hosting & Event Logistics

Everything you need to know to plan, register and host a Compassion Sunday. 

 We have a dedicated team of church specialists who can talk to your church and pastor on your behalf. You can reach them directly by emailing churches@compassion.com.

Child Sponsorship & Communication

How child sponsorship works, how to choose a child and what to expect after your event. 

Sponsorship is $43/month . Your monthly support helps provide a child in poverty with essentials like education, medical care, nutritious food and opportunities to learn about God’s love through the local church.

Compassion Sunday Is for All Ages

In Hamilton, Massachusetts, a group of fifth graders hosted a Compassion Sunday event. Their class has supported Christian, a boy in Uganda, since 2017, and they wanted to encourage their church to support even more children facing poverty.