Jesus’ Great Commission says, “Go and make disciples”. He doesn’t say only parents can disciple or only the smart people with degrees can disciple someone. He says everyone, and that includes kids. No matter their age, kids can get in the game of making disciples. They have the ability to share the hope of Jesus with their friends and classmates. So, as parents, we should focus on encouraging our kids to have a ministry mindset, no matter their age.
Start with Meaningful Conversations
Be intentional with your kids and talk to them about how they can make an impact for Jesus with the neighbors next door or with their friends at school. Encourage them to be a light for Jesus right where they are.
Matthew 5:14-16 “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
Being a light for Jesus doesn’t mean they have to preach a sermon or have the whole Bible memorized. A kind gesture and a heart that wants to share with someone are great ways to share Jesus with someone. Showing love, compassion, and sacrifice are all qualities that Jesus has, so when your kids display those in their own lives, they are pointing people to Jesus.
Encourage Your Kids to Be God-Focused
Think about the impact on your family if you see everything from God’s point of view. Instead of looking at life with a “me and my” mentality, you see everything as God’s property that he lets you use. So, it’s not about accumulating stuff or making your home a private sanctuary for only your enjoyment, you see everything you have as a tool that God gives you to bless others.
2 Corinthians 9:8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.
Look for Ways to Serve Others
This is where you can get practical. Ministry-minded kids have the ability to look beyond themselves to the needs of others. Strategize as a family how you can love and serve others. Think about your neighbors. Who needs some help with their yard or just a friendly visit from time to time? Think about your friends. Is there someone that seems to get left out a lot or never has a lunch to eat at school? Make a plan to invite that friend over and bring an extra lunch to school to share.
The point is to come up with some very practical ways your kids can serve people in their lives. Choose to be a ministry-minded family who’s always looking for ways to be the light of Jesus to those around you.
- Watch the video together or invite someone to summarize the topic.
- What is your initial reaction to this video? Do you disagree with any of it? What jumped out at you?
- As a family, identify your family values based on how you spend your time, money and energy. Do your conclusions surprise you? What would you like to change?
- Why do you think Jesus wanted to empower his people to make disciples?
- How does loving and serving others help you to lead others to Jesus?
- Read Matthew 5:14-16. How can your family make more of an impact in your neighborhood or with your friends?
- Read 2 Corinthians 9:8. How can you better use your possessions to bless others?
- Read Matthew 20:28. Jesus was the greatest servant. What are some practical things your kids can do to serve others?
- Write a personal action step based on this conversation.
