Families on Mission
Families are living with uncertainty and unsure of what the future will hold. The culture worships many idols and God’s and people are losing sight of what it means to pass faith on to their children. Yes, this does sound like I’m describing today, but it’s also the description of what the Israelites were facing after they had come into the Promised Land. Joshua stood up and reminded the people, “fear the LORD and serve Him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped…choose yourselves this day whom you will serve…But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:14-15 NIV).
History is marked by the same challenges of sin and idolatry; simply manifested in different ways. Recognizing this, God instructed families to intentionally be the center of discipleship and the primary place of faith formation. Godly households were to be both a safe and holy place distinct from the world and yet also a witness to the world. This is why when Jesus came and preached the sermon on the mount, He reiterated this priority by saying, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16 NIV). Within this, we see two words that stand out – house and Father. Christian’s ought to shine the light of Christ within their homes and outside of it. By doing this we will please and glorify our Heavenly Father.
Simply put, Families are to be lighthouses! When families shine and live for Jesus within their home, they will also shine the light of Christ outside of their homes to their neighbor’s, community, Nation and the World! It is Jesus who therefore calls us to be: “Families on Mission.”
The Sport Movement has been working on creating many resources and tools to help families practically live this call out. Every household is unique, and different and therefore through God’s design, every family will display Christ in a creative way! When families come to understand their unique gifts while also understanding what God values, they can then identify the present needs around them and intentionally live out a mission that is both impactful and life-giving.
As sports ministry leaders the folder of “families on mission” at the site https://www.goplaytools.world will be an extremely helpful resource for you and the leaders that you train. The 90-minute workshop guide can be done with small groups, coaches, whole churches or parents and individuals. Here you will find a variety of experiential activities to help families come to understand how to love and serve each other and the community that they live in.
As a dad with young kids, my wife and I were able to use this tool and identify how we can make the things that we love, missional engagements. We now consider the following questions: who as a couple can we disciple when we play pickleball together? What non-Christian family can we go to the park with and talk to as our kids play? And who can we pray for when we walk around our community with our kids?
Families on Mission! Here we have three powerful words that capture God’s heart and which ought to capture our hearts too! When we take up this priority what can we expect? The light of Jesus and His love will shine to the whole world, and God the Father will be glorified! So, start today and join the faithful call of those who say, “as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”
Let me leave you with 5 practical ways for how you and your Family can start:
Prioritize Prayer
Pray often
Pray short, simple prayers
Pray for your neighbors and community
Pray in faith
Meet with Jesus in the Word
Make sure that you regularly read God’s Word together
Engage with God’s Word in creative ways: journalling, drawing, acting, story-telling
With young children focus on stories of Jesus in the gospels and with older children have them learn to analyze God’s Word and create questions for you to talk about
Have Bibles easily accessible and post Scripture throughout your house
Make time for each other
Create margins in your life. Establish a sabbath rest for your family.
Simplify your schedule.
Be intentional with the time you have together
Be Hospitable
Make your house a home for someone else in need
Share meals with others
Have your children help bake or make food for others
Start Conversations
Wherever your family goes learn to slow down and connect with others
Simple conversations, to serious, to spiritual, to Scripture (Be intentional and invest in the lives of people around you)
May God give you and your household all the grace and strength you need to be a family on mission. “So, here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering” (Romans 12:1 MSG). FAMILY ON MISSION!
Author: Jonathan Murray, Scripture Union Canada | For questions reach out to Jonathan on NASM Online
