Having fun can be a learning tool. I know it seems obvious, but children learn more when they enjoy learning. We must make learning about spiritual truths fun! Remember, Jesus was neither dull nor boring. While you read a Bible story, have your child draw images they hear in the story. Involve the entire family in acting out a familiar Bible story. During your family’s Bible story time, include time for your kids to ask questions and make sure they understand what they’ve read.
The greatest words come when a child confesses Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and Lord.
BUILDING UPON THE FOUNDATION
Once a spiritual foundation has been laid, parents must continue building upon their child’s understanding of spiritual truths. How? Think about these ways.
Talk often with your child about Who Jesus is (God, Savior, Lord, King, Redeemer, Friend) and what He did for us (died for our sins on the cross, rose from the grave).
Be clear that everyone needs their sins to be forgiven and will be judged for their sins if they do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Encourage your child to personally turn from her sins and trust in what Jesus has done for her.
Think long-term about how you disciple your child. A parent knows their child best. Parents must always be looking for ways for their children to learn about discipleship and personal growth in Jesus.
Encourage your children to talk with you, your family and their friends about their relationship with God. Pray every day for your child to be His witness. Parents should expect God to use their child to lead others to a saving knowledge of Christ.
FINDING THEIR PLACE IN MISSIONS
Your child has accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior and Lord. He has been baptized. He regularly attends church. He is growing in his knowledge of Christ. Now what? How do we help our children become missional in their worldview?
As Christian parents, we have a biblical mandate set forth in Deuteronomy 6:5-7 to teach our children to love and obey the Scriptures, one of the foremost being the Great Commission found in Matthew 28:19-20. Teaching our kids to go and make disciples, whether here at home or across the ocean, is our primary privilege and responsibility as Christian moms and dads. Here are some practical ways you can train your child to be a Great Commission kid.
Take a virtual mission trip. For infants, this “trip” could be walking across a blue rug to represent the ocean, or climbing over playground equipment or a pile of blankets to represent a distant mountain range. For younger preschoolers, parents can arrange chairs to represent an airplane and “fly” to Canada to build a church (with building blocks). For older preschoolers, make passports and experience what it is like to go through customs. When they “arrive” in a different country, try foods they’ve not had before. Make crafts or play games from other nations. Listen to international music. Read about current events in North America and around the world. Learn about the culture, the people and their spiritual needs from a missionary.
Engage in outreach activities as a family. While involvement in international missions is commendable, sometimes we forget that mission work begins at home. Jesus’ admonition in Acts 1:8 is clear: “you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” We can help our children cultivate an awareness of the people right next door who need Jesus.
When a new family moves in, take them a welcome basket with home-baked goodies and an invitation to your church. Have a food drive for those less fortunate in your community. Collect school supplies before the beginning of the school year and donate them to families in need. Involve the entire family in helping others.
ON MISSION • Fall 2011 23
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52