Do you ever fear for the future of our kids?
Do you ever ask yourself what you can do to help them?
Over 12 weeks I’ll be sharing one thing you can do to help the kids in your life grow closer to God.

May God give you strength, wisdom, and joy as you reach tomorrow’s hero!

#7 of 12 Things 

Let’em Ride Shotgun

Doing ministry with your kids is a little like driving.

When my kids were little they sat in the backseat. Talking to them was frustrating sometimes because we’d have difficulty hearing each other or seeing each other’s expressions.

As they got older they got to ride shotgun (sit in the front passenger seat). Being able to see each other and chat without yelling made it so much easier to connect.

Letting your kids ride shotgun when you’re doing ministry will let them see your faith in action.

So, instead of leaving the kids at home to do ministry, invite them to be a part of what you’re doing (when it makes sense of course). Let them come with you to the soup kitchen, to the food bank, to feed the homeless, or help set up at church. Let them see that God can use them too!

My oldest son, Brandon, was a newborn when I started directing camps for disadvantaged kids. He enjoyed being with the campers, and the campers enjoyed being around him.

As he got older I was able to give him more responsibilities. He’d help make toast for breakfast, help set up games, set up chairs, even help with the sound system.

For the past few years he has been a consistent volunteer at church, and this summer, he decided he was going to serve as a summer missionary with CEF.

I never encouraged him to do any of those things, he wanted to do them.  

As we talk about ministry I’m amazed to discover how much he learned about ministry and serving God just by watching.

Was it more work having my kids around as I do ministry? Definitely.  But is it fulfilling seeing them serve God faithfully? Absolutely.

The next time you go to do ministry, ask yourself if it’s something your kid(s) can be a part of.

Before you know it, your child will be driving, and you’ll be riding shotgun.
*Since writing this blog Brandon has been doing the driving and I’ve been riding shotguns. But we still have some great talks.

*Miss one of the 12 Things? Visit our blog page for more CEFOntario.org

Do you ever fear for the future of our kids? Do you ever ask yourself what you can do to help them? Over 12 weeks I’ll be sharing one thing you can do to help the kids in your life grow closer to God.

May God give you strength, wisdom and joy as you reach tomorrow’s hero!