We have heard the Great Commission so many times. We have shared Jesus’ command with our kids. We might even have those last few verses of Matthew memorized, but how do we make this mission come alive to the kids in our ministry?
Having a Mission Mindset: “Go and make disciples of all nations.”
As children’s ministry leaders, this call can seem daunting as we lead God’s children. We are not about to pack up all the church vans with a week’s supply of goldfish and animal crackers to take our kids on a mission! However, we can intentionally look around our community and find ways to live into Christ’s call for our lives.
As we dive into the idea of having a mission mindset, I think it’s first important to consider how we are living into local and global missions with our kids. We have a powerful opportunity to engage our kids in what is going on around them and show them a glimpse of what is happening in our world. Kids are powerful change makers. It is incredibly empowering for them to see the difference they can make in the world.
The Holy Spirit is at work in kids’ hearts. We get the privilege of partnering with God to help their faith come alive.
When considering local missions, first start by looking into the mission work that is already happening around you. Don’t reinvent the wheel! Rather than starting a brand-new mission idea for your children’s ministry, consider a partnership with established organizations in your community.
What is going on in your local school district? Are there food/clothing drives? Community clean-up days? What can you join in on?
While engaging community organizations, you are showing the community that your church is willing and open to serve alongside them. You can also add a mission component to an established program you have already.
Getting Your Children’s Ministry Involved
One of my favorite memories in children’s ministry was a VBS mission project. During the week of VBS, we hosted a “Change Challenge.” Kids brought in their loose change and put it into the bucket of the pastor they would like to see painted by the end of the week. It was so much fun!
Zipped To-Gather: A Summer Programming Guide
Zipped To-Gather: A Summer Programming Guide
Zipped To-Gather: A Summer Programming Guide
By the end of the week, volunteers and kids were pushing tin cans up to the front of the sanctuary for the pastor they would like to see painted. All of this change went to an organization that provides art supplies and craft kits for children in the hospital. This is a local ministry started by a mother who spent a lot of time in the hospital with her own daughter.
On the last day of VBS, we had the founder of this organization come in and speak to the kids about the organization and how all the change would be used. The speaker shared a video that had kids who received the crafts talking about the impact of this organization.
It was amazing to look around the sanctuary and see these kids’ eyes glued to the screen in realization that there are kids just like them who are going through some really tough circumstances.
When revealed we had raised over $1,000 for this organization, the cheers and excitement created a high and holy moment. The kids in the room were ecstatic about the impact they had made for kids just like them! I will say, there was no loose change left in our little town by the end of that week!
Building Partnerships
One of the most impactful ways we can put a mission mindset into practice is by building partnerships that last. The story of this art ministry started a drive within our kids to keep supporting the organization. They wanted to help pack craft kits and find more ways to raise money for this organization.
When considering a global focus, find something and stick with it. One of my favorite things to do with kids is sponsor a child as a class. They love receiving letters back from their sponsored child as well as writing to them.
We can intentionally look around our community and find ways to live into Christ’s call for our lives.
They enjoy hearing from their sponsored child year after year and seeing the growth. Consistently raising money can be hard. I learned that figuring out what the cost per year is and doing one big effort to raise money for the entire year of sponsorship is one of the best practices. You could do a Father’s Day car wash, make Christmas ornaments and sell them, make peanut butter eggs, or any number of ideas.
Think about your context and what would be fun for your kids to work on and excite your congregation to support their efforts.
Let Kids Have a Voice
A final thought on considering local and global missions: what are your kids’ ideas? I absolutely love it when kids come bounding into Sunday school with an idea to help their community or the world. When the unrest began in the Ukraine, a child asked me if we could take a special offering—and we did. Do everything it takes to bring their ideas to fruition.
The Holy Spirit is at work in their hearts. We get the privilege in partnering with God to help their faith grow.
Finally, friends I want to leave you with this encouragement. At the start of this article, I referenced the Great Commission. This is the heart of why we do what we do. I want to remind us of Jesus’ words at the end of this passage.
“I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28)
This is God’s promise to us. As we fulfill the call to make disciples, may these last words of Christ comfort you and guide you in your efforts to lead kids in missions locally and globally.
