In a world where global mission remains a pressing need, how do we instil a passion for cross-cultural ministry in the next generation? As parents, church leaders and mentors, we have the privilege of shaping young minds to understand God’s heart for the nations. This begins with intentional teaching, prayer, and hands-on involvement.
Mission matters
From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible tells a story of God’s mission to redeem people from every nation. In Genesis 12:1-3, God calls Abraham to be a blessing to all families of the earth. In Revelation 7:9-10, we see the fulfilment of this promise – a great multitude from every tribe and language worshipping the Lamb.
Despite the spread of Christianity, this mission is far from complete. The Joshua Project estimates that over 7,000 people groups remain unreached, representing 41.3% of the global population. Jesus’ Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) calls us to “go and make disciples of all nations…”, a task that continues today.
Passing on the baton
Throughout the Bible, we see God’s mission being passed from one generation to the next. From Abraham to Isaac and Jacob, through church history and into the present day, the work of spreading the gospel continues. Psalm 78:4-7 reminds us of this responsibility: “We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the LORD.”
Where do we start?
Instilling a mission mindset in children starts with us. Our enthusiasm for world mission will shape their perspective. Here are some practical ideas: Stay informed: Use resources like the Joshua Project, Open Doors’ World Watch List, or Operation World.
Pray regularly: Model prayer for mission and persecuted believers.
Engage with mission partners: Read mission partners’ newsletters, send encouragement and involve children in correspondence.
Read about mission workers: Introduce children to inspiring stories of past and present mission workers. Books like the Trailblazer series (Christian Focus) or Christian Heroes: Then and Now (YWAM) help bring these stories to life.
Encourage giving: Teach children the importance of supporting missions financially, whether through church collections, fundraising events, or personal giving.
What can we do as a church?
Churches play a vital role in nurturing mission-minded children.
Prayer: Make global missions a natural part of church life. Use childfriendly resources to help children pray for specific regions or mission partners. Child-sized prayers are no less powerful than adult ones!
Education: Teach children what the Bible says about missions. Share mission biographies – real stories of faith inspire young hearts.
Encourage: Sunday schools and youth groups to integrate mission-focused lessons into their teaching.
Hands-on engagement
Interactive displays: Create a mission corner in church with photos, maps, and cultural items from mission partners.
Mission-focused events: Organise mission fairs or cultural food nights where children experience different cultures and hear testimonies.
Support mission partners’ families: Send letters, videos, or care packages to mission partners’ children.
Get involved locally: Allow children to observe in local outreach initiatives, refugee ministries, or international student programmes as a first step in engaging with cross-cultural missions.
Visit mission partners: Instead of going on a family holiday, consider investing in a mission trip as a family.
A call to action
Our goal is to raise children who understand God’s heart for missions, are aware of the world’s spiritual needs and recognise their role in the Great Commission. Whether as senders or goers, every believer has a part to play. As John Piper says, “There are only three kinds of Christians when it comes to world missions: zealous goers, zealous senders, and disobedient.” Let’s equip the next generation to be the first two.
William and Rosalind Brown served in Ivory Coast, West Africa and now serve with UFM Worldwide as Head of Personnel and TCK Coordinator.
Photos. Above: Alyssia Wilson/unsplash.com. Main: Carlos Magno/unsplash.com