How to Help Kids Live Missionally
There is so much value for our kids experiencing how God works for different people…be it 1 mile from home or more than 1,000 miles from home. Natalie walks us through the importance of teaching our kids to live missionally.
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”” Matthew 28:18-20
I have vivid memories as a child being a part of what my church called “Fishing Under the Bridge”. This was my first taste watching believers reach out to others with the purpose of sharing the love of Jesus. As a family and church body we had intentional, engaging conversations with people.
The purpose was to share the hope found in Jesus Christ. At the time I did not fully understand what was happening but looking back this was foundational to understanding Jesus and His heart for people.
As a parent what is the value to experiencing “mission trips” as a family or allowing your kids to experience “mission trips” both domestically and internationally?
- As followers of Christ, we are called to live missionally (Matthew 28:18-20). There is not an age requirement in the Great Commission. If we are following Christ then we have been given specific instruction by Him to live this way. His commission was most directly to His disciples, but also for us presently living on this earth. The Lord’s heart is for ALL people from ALL nations to come to know Him. As a result, He has invited us into His plan to redeem the world…THIS IS AMAZING!!
- Perspective is expanded about the God we serve and the world. We are shaped by our environment, our culture and our circumstances. When we put ourselves around people with differing backgrounds and experiences, we allow our current way of engaging with the world and our thinking to be challenged. We begin to question and seek out Scripture in new and fresh ways.
- Deeper faith is activated. When kids go from just acknowledging what they believe to actively sharing what and why they believe what they do, something significant happens – the become active participants in what God is doing in their heart as well as what God is doing all around them. They will grow in confidence in the King they serve as well as confidence in the Spirit Who is active within them. When this truth sinks in, I believe we will see more of heaven on earth.
To live missionally where we are planted as well as when we have opportunities to travel to different parts of the country/world can be uncomfortable and challenging. However, be reminded of the truth that Jesus will be with us always.
So, get with your kids and pray together for the Lord to provide an opportunity to get out there and live missionally…asking the Lord to reveal to you and your kids where you can live out the Great Commission where you are currently and anywhere else in the world.
Camper Corner:
Ask the Lord to show you where He wants to use you to further His Kingdom. Ask Him to empower you to live missionally.
