People usually go into missions as singles or young couples. When the kids start coming and grow older, they move back to the States and “settle down.”
Often a young family, when asked to go into missions, says “maybe when the children get older,” as if there is some sort of need for young kids to have a warm, fun-filled, Midwestern childhood. Or maybe people are just scared. Afraid of the influence big-city kids might have on their children. Maybe they fear moving to a city or country known for violence and aggression.
I understand concern for family. It makes sense why people care about their children and how they are raised. As we process decisions even now, Teresa and I think regularly about our boys (and future children) and what would be best for them. But what if one of the most dangerous things we could do to our family is “settle down” and get comfortable?
How kids are raised determines the motif through which they live life. They don’t learn to serve others automatically as soon as they become adults. If they have been raised pursuing sports, hanging out with people they think are cool, and taking luxurious family vacations, that’s how they will live when they have their own family.
From an eternal perspective, that could be the most dangerous thing we could do to our families. That’s why I think it’s best to get involved in ministry while the kids are small.
Young Children Are a Great Connecting Point for People
We have a hard time crossing the bridge and engaging unchurched people. It takes a lot of work. We have to think through what we’re going to ask and say. Maybe it shouldn’t be that way, but take a look around and you’ll notice that’s usually how it is.
However, when we have young children, they come to us. Everyone loves kids. Even the hardest druggy has a soft spot in his heart for babies (I’ve experienced it).
Don’t take your kids and settle down into nice, rural America. Get involved in ministry. Being a young family provides countless opportunities for engaging those who need Christ.
People Need to See Christians in the Growth Process
We don’t disciple people out of our perfection. We guide them in growth from what a Living God is doing in our own lives.
There’s no more powerful way of discipleship than letting others see the weaknesses and faults of your own family as you grow together in Christ. Don’t wait to get perfect; that’s not what helps others grow. Just be willing to let them in on your own growth process, and you’ll have meaningful opportunities to disciple people. There’s no better time to do it than when the family is young and everybody’s learning–even Dad and Mom.
Your Children Will See God’s Power as You Get Involved in His Work
Sometimes we expect God to show up miraculously at church. Sometimes He does. But often He won’t; not in a powerful way. We already believe. We don’t need to see His power. We just need to fellowship and abide with Him.
There is no greater way of discipling our children then getting involved in God’s work of reconciling the broken to Himself because in that context God shows His power. Want to build faith in your family? Use your resources to help those who don’t know God. Go to the park as a family and have a cookout with your neighbors. Invite those who don’t know Christ into your home and learn their stories and share yours with them.
Maybe it is dangerous to take a young family into a mission setting, but God has not called us to avoid danger. He’s called us to make disciples. Doing that as a young family is a perfect time because of the opportunities it brings with others and to your family. And I suggest, it is less dangerous than “settling down.”
