God’s Mission, from Our Homes: Ideas for Families

by Tate Douglas, WHPC Director of Children’s Ministry

As we are asked to stay home, keep our distance, and adjust to new norms, a question comes to mind. How do we engage in mission at a time like this? And how do we talk to our children about serving others when we can’t go out and be face-to-face with people in need? We don’t get to push pause on God’s call to serve just because our lives have been flipped upside down. God desires us to serve in all circumstances, even in today’s situation. Let’s look at some ways to make this possible.

Pray. Let’s start by praying with our children for others, from our neighborhoods to the whole world. The more we pray with our families, the more aware we are of our call to be the body of Christ for others, and the easier it becomes to connect that call to our everyday lives.

·      One way to pray with your children is to make a prayer board. Be specific about praying for those who need Jesus in their lives, write them down, and pray for them by name. Pray together that they would know God. After all, it's not our power that changes hearts, but God’s ability to work through us.

·      Another suggestion I love is using a prayer coloring sheet to guide conversation and a time of intentional thought around what to pray for.

Prayer is simple, powerful and always accessible, yet often forgotten. Let’s start there.

Be a neighbor. Right now, we are all staying close to home, and guess what? So are our neighbors. What a perfect opportunity to start building relationships with those around us and answering God’s call to “Love your neighbor as yourself.” This is not always easy, especially if we don’t know who lives next to us or across the street. I think I would start by asking this question. What message is my family sending to the neighborhood? Are we known and seen as a family that follows Jesus? And then make an effort to start small. Learn people’s names, and even better yet, remember them! Be available and not always in a hurry. Stop and talk when you are outside. Recently, I have loved all the mosaic chalk art families are creating on their driveways. I went for a walk around my neighborhood and saw encouraging messages, beautiful images, and so much color! It was full of cheer and youthful energy. Even something as simple as “Jesus loves you” sends a message of faith, hope, and love to those around you.

Since recommendations to stay at home were first received, the children of our church have been busy, chalking pictures and messages of hope on the sidewalks in their neighborhoods.

Serve and give back—however possible. WHPC partners with various local organizations that focus on helping those in need. Serving with them as a family not only builds awareness, but also brings humbling opportunities to see God’s beauty in all people. While many service options have been postponed for the summer, the church is keeping an updated list of current opportunities at this link. Check it out and keep in touch with us, as circumstances may change.

If you’re finding other ways to serve in this time, reach out to me or contact Pastor Claire. We would love to know more and to be able to share about what the families of our church are up to!