Being a devout Christian parent comes with the responsibility of nurturing your children to become strong in their faith. It involves teaching them about the love of God, the teachings of Jesus Christ, and instilling in them the importance of being a good Christian. Among the critical aspects of being a good Christian is participating in missions. This article will define missions and guide Christian parents on how to involve their children in missions.
Understanding the Importance of Missions
Missions are an integral part of Christianity. It involves reaching out to others, sharing the good news of the gospel, and showing God’s love through acts of service. It plays a significant role in fulfilling the Great Commission, as mandated by Jesus Christ in the book of Matthew (Matthew 28:18-20).
The Great Commission and Children
The Great Commission isn’t reserved for adults alone. It is a command for all Christians, regardless of age. As Christian parents, it’s essential to understand that your children, once they’ve accepted Jesus Christ, are also part of this Great Commission. They shouldn’t be excluded from mission activities due to their age or perceived inability.
Children will surprise you time and time again as they rise to the occasion.
The Role of Parents in Missions
Parents play a crucial role in introducing their children to missions. You are your children’s first and most influential teacher. Your attitude towards missions will significantly influence how your children perceive it. Therefore, it’s vital to model a life of missions to your children.
“As you go” parenting is a concept derived from Deuteronomy 6:7. It suggests that teaching about God and His ways should be integrated into everyday life. This approach can also be applied to teaching children about missions. It involves incorporating missions activities into your routine, showing your children that missions isn’t an event but a lifestyle.
Practical Ways to Involve Children in Missions
Teach Children About Missions
The first step in involving children in missions is to teach them what missions entail. Talk to them about all the skills they have and how much those skills can make others smile. Make it fun and exciting for them to pique their interest.
Expose Children to Missionaries
Allow your children to interact with missionaries. This could be through inviting missionaries to your home or church, or even visiting them on the field (although this isn’t always possible). Such interactions will give your children a first-hand experience of what missions entail.
Involve Children in Missions Activities
Children learn best by doing. Therefore, involve them in missions activities. These could range from local outreach programs to international mission trips. Let your children see and experience the joy of serving others.
Encourage Children to Share the Gospel
Equip your children with the necessary tools to share the gospel with their friends. Teach them how to explain the gospel in a simple and understandable manner. Encourage them to be bold in sharing their faith.
Incorporate Missions into Everyday Life
Missions should not be a once-in-a-while activity. Instead, it should be part of your children’s everyday life. This could involve praying for missionaries during family devotion, participating in missions offering at church, or even engaging in missions activities in their schools.
The Impact of Missions on Children
Spiritual Growth
Involving children in missions provides an avenue for spiritual growth. It allows them to put their faith into action and see the power of the gospel at work.
Broadened Worldview
Missions expose children to different cultures and ways of life. This broadens their worldview and helps them appreciate the diversity of God’s creation.
Compassion and Empathy
Through missions, children learn to show compassion and empathy. They learn to put others’ needs before their own and to show love to those in need.
Overcoming the Fear of Risks in Missions
The thought of involving children in missions, especially in foreign lands, can be unsettling for many parents. However, it’s important to remember that every place has its risks and challenges. Therefore, it’s crucial to prepare your children adequately for these challenges and to trust God to protect them.
Closing Remarks
Involving children in missions is an essential aspect of Christian parenting. It not only helps them fulfill the Great Commission but also promotes spiritual growth and character development. Therefore, as Christian parents, let’s create an environment that encourages our children to participate in missions.
This article has provided a comprehensive guide on how Christian parents can involve their children in missions. However, the journey doesn’t end here. It’s a continuous process that requires deliberate effort and commitment. So, keep nurturing that missionary seed in your children.
Parenting with Truth and Grace 
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