At First Church, we are passionate about teaching children to “Love like Jesus.” We often encourage children to extend kindness to their classmates, serve those around them, and share Jesus with family and friends. Our teens are given the opportunity to go on mission trips, help with local service projects, and give toward global needs. So how can the church partner with families and support them in solidifying a missional heart in the next generation?

Because children learn by observing, parental figures can help them grow and thrive by demonstrating how to generously serve and give while providing hands-on experiences that allow them to exhibit generosity as well. Jesus modeled living a selfless and sacrificial life, and our lives can point them to His example. Will you join us in modeling Jesus to children and youth?

Here are some intentional ways we can help the next generation develop a missional heart:

  1. Equip yourself. We recommend reading Love Where You Live: How to Live Sent in the Place You Call Home, Missional Stories with the Millers, I Heard Good News Today, and books by George Muller and Gladys Aylward.
  2. Teach a biblical worldview. As parents, grandparents, and church family, we can help children learn to see the world from God’s perspective and through His Word.
  3. Compare religions. Educating children and youth about other religions allows them to ask questions and enables us to equip them with God’s truth and His plan of salvation for the whole world.
  4. Serve with local mission organizations. Volunteering allows children to see a need and be part of the solution.
  5. Donate to organizations or someone in need. Allow your child to select clothes, books, or toys to give away, and bring them along to deliver the donations.
  6. Give generously. Encourage your child to collect funds instead of birthday or Christmas gis for themselves. Make the drop-off to the organization a  memorable experience.
  7. Utilize creativity. Have your musician, artist, or writer make encouraging cards or play a song for individuals in assisted living facilities or nursing homes.

Our community needs Jesus’ love. As we demonstrate living and giving generously, we build a foundation for missional mindsets and raise the next generation with a heart for missions. Jeremiah 33:9, ESV says, “And this city shall be to me a name of joy, a praise and a glory before all the nations of earth who shall hear of all the good that I do for them. They shall fear and tremble because of all the good and all the prosperity I provide for it.”