As women, we often wear many hats. We are wives, mothers, employees, managers, taxi drivers, counselors, cooks and a whole lot more. Becoming involved in ministry may feel like just one more thing on your already over-scheduled to-do list. However, by turning your ministry into a family ministry, you can enjoy quality time with your kids and be involved in God’s plan for your life.
How Ministry is Good for Your Family
Besides helping others, getting involved in ministry with your kids and spouse is good for your family as well. It allows you to teach the kids important life lessons such as caring for others and being good stewards with what you have. Your children will develop more loving, thankful spirits when they see others who are hurting or lacking important resources.
You can also enjoy important family time when you are all working together on a project instead of going off in separate directions. You can schedule time to plan activities or events together and then initiate those ideas as a family.
It is important to be aware that not all ministry opportunities are good for kids. You have to decide what they are ready to see and be involved in based on their ages and the environment they will be in. At the same time, you don’t want to overprotect your kids or shield them from the realities of life. Others will judge you regardless of your choices, but you have to be the one to decide what is appropriate and safe for your kids.
How Families Can Help
There are hundreds of opportunities that are perfect for families involved in ministry. Depending on the age of your kids and the amount of time you have available, one of these ideas may appeal to you or spark other suggestions:
- Start a nursing home ministry where you visit with residents and play games or sing songs. Kids can make homemade cards and pictures to give out. Older kids can read to residents with poor eyesight or help them with hobbies, such as crafts.
- Start a cooking ministry. Find out from your pastor or other ministry professionals if there is a need for homemade meals for the sick, elderly or women who have just had babies. Kids can help prepare the meals and deliver them with you.
- Help in a tutoring program. Find out if one is already in existence in your community and volunteer or consider starting one with other women. If you have older kids, they can help tutor those who are younger. Even kids who are the same age can help each other with your supervision.
- Host a fundraising event. Select an organization that you want to help and plan a special event to raise money. Your kids can go with you to solicit donations from area businesses or ask them to provide needed items for the event. You can host a bake sale, race, or carnival with all proceeds going to the organization. Kids can work at booths, help advertise and greet attendees.
Whether you have regular time for volunteering or an occasional week’s vacation that you would like to donate for a special event, you can turn your ministry into your family’s ministry. Everyone will benefit as you help others and grow closer as a family. Do you have other suggestions for a family ministry? Have your kids gotten involved in ministry? If so, how and how did it change them?
