What is this Waypoint?
Serving is an important part of following Jesus. Through serving, you can help your child(ren) discover their unique gifts, interests, and abilities, and begin exploring how God can use them to serve those around them to reflect who he is.
As parents, you have the opportunity to help your child understand that we serve because Jesus first loved and served us. Through serving, we reflect God’s love, care for others, and point people toward Him.
“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve…” — Mark 10:45
Discovering Who They Are
God has created each child uniquely with different gifts, passions, personalities, and strengths. Helping your child notice how God has wired them can open the door to meaningful opportunities to serve others.
Spend time talking together about:
- What your child enjoys doing
- What comes naturally to them
- What needs they notice around them
- How they might use their gifts to help and encourage others
Serving helps children see that God can use them right now to make a difference.
Serving Together
One of the best ways to teach serving is by serving together as a family. Simple acts of kindness and intentional opportunities to help others can create lasting spiritual impact.
Serving does not always have to be big or complicated. It can happen in everyday moments through encouragement, generosity, hospitality, helping a neighbor, or participating in ministry opportunities together.
“Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” — Matthew 5:16
Next Steps:
Here are a few simple ways to help your child grow in serving:
- Talk about your child’s gifts, passions, and ways they can help others.
- Find serving opportunities that fit your family and your child’s personality.
- Serve together as a family in your church, school, neighborhood, or community.
- Prepare your child for new serving experiences by helping them know what to expect.
- Encourage your child by noticing and affirming how they serve others well.
- Ask questions after serving:
- What encouraged you today?
- How did you see God at work?
- How did serving impact others?
- What did you learn from this experience?
- Spend time praying together for the people you served.
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