“We will not hide them from their children, but tell the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord.” — Psalm 78:4
In an age of distractions, shifting values, and global need, the call to equip the next generation for missions is more urgent than ever. In the previous article, we discussed how the Great Commission isn’t just for pastors or missionaries, but is a command to every believer. Inherent to that command is the responsibility fathers and mothers have for discipling our children. And that includes passing down a vision for God’s glory and global mission to our children.
In this article, we’ll focus on the role of family, worship, church, mentorship and discipleship in equipping the next generation to worship God rightly and to develop a heart for missions. We will see how families and churches can faithfully raise mission-minded children who worship God, love His Word, and carry the gospel to the nations.
Family Worship: The Heartbeat of Discipleship
Family worship is not optional. It’s foundational. God calls us to declare His greatness to our children (Psalm 78:4–7). Why? Because God is worthy of all worship, and His glory is the very foundational point for why we do family worship. We worship a God who is transcendent, powerful and perfect in holiness. Isaiah 6:3 declares to us that the cherubim call to one another, saying, “Holy, Holy, Holy is Yahweh of hosts. The whole earth is full of his glory!” Dear God-honouring, believing parents—you must teach your children the grand and awe-inspiring nature of our God, who will captivate their hearts. We can begin to do this through family worship—a regular, joyful rhythm of Scripture reading, prayer, and singing that orients our homes around the glory and holiness of God.
Why Family Worship?
- God’s Glory: He alone is worthy of all praise. When children see their parents worship with sincerity, they learn that God is not just real—He is glorious.
- God’s Holiness: The Bible repeatedly reminds us that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10). Talking about the holiness of God in family worship instils awe and reverence for Him, which sets the foundation for children to learn biblical wisdom.
Practical Ideas for Family Worship
- Read Scripture Together: God’s word is primarily how He reveals Himself to us, and as we look at who God is, it helps us to understand our Creator better, and then ourselves in light of Him, as creatures that have been made in His image. Start with Psalms or the Gospels. Try passages like Psalm 145 or Romans 5 to reflect on God’s character.
- Memorise Scripture: Parents, are you wondering how you can guard your children’s hearts and help them keep their ways pure in a fallen world? Psalm 119:9-11 tells us—”…by guarding it according to your Word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” When your children learn from you how to treasure God’s word, it will keep them from sin. Verses like John 3:16, Ephesians 2:8–9, or even the Ten Commandments build a gospel framework in young hearts.
- Sing Theologically Rich Songs: Songs like Holy, Holy, Holy, Amazing Grace, or Great Is Thy Faithfulness teach truth and direct our hearts towards God’s worthiness. Imagine a father or mother leading the family in singing Amazing Grace after reading about God’s salvation in Romans 5—that moment will leave a spiritual imprint far greater than any fleeting entertainment or distraction that the world may offer.
- Pray Together: Model prayer that includes worship, confession, thanksgiving, and intercession—especially for missionaries and the nations.
Children who experience consistent family worship see firsthand what it means to love God with all their heart, their soul, their mind and their strength (Deuteronomy 6:4-9).
How Do We Disciple and Equip the Next Generation for Missions?
The faith of children is shaped not just by what we say, but by how we live. Paul reminds Timothy that he first encountered God’s Word through his mother and grandmother (2 Timothy 1:5). Those early influences led him to salvation and began equipping him for ministry.
Scripture Is Sufficient for Every Age
2 Timothy 3:14–17 teaches us that the sacred writings Timothy knew as a child were still fully sufficient for him as a pastor. The Word of God is timeless, powerful, and life-changing—no matter your age or season.
Practical Applications
- Teach the Great Commission: Help your children see that missions is not optional (Matthew 28:19–20). It’s the Christian life.
- Pray for Missionaries as a Family: Choose one to support in prayer weekly. Utilise resources such as a missionary calendar or a global prayer app.
- Give Together: Let your children experience sacrificial giving. Benoni Bible Church takes a Christmas missions offering—what a beautiful tradition to adopt!
- Join Mission Trips as a Family: Participate in short-term trips that allow children to see gospel work firsthand.
How Churches Can Help
Churches must partner with parents to disciple and equip the next generation for missions. The local church exists to come alongside families, not to replace them. The Church’s Role is to support, equip, and multiply mission-minded parents and children.
- Mentorship Programs: Encourage older believers to disciple younger men and women (Titus 2:1–8). Life-on-life mentorship makes doctrine personal.
- Youth Missions Training: Offer internships, short-term trips, or volunteer opportunities through trusted missions partners.
- Equip Leaders in the Home: The best elders and deacons often arise from faithful fathers who lead their families well (1 Timothy 3).
Overcoming The Challenges to Discipleship
Some families hesitate due to time constraints, a lack of confidence, or a lack of knowledge. Here’s the truth: You will have as much of God in your home as you really want.
- “We are just too busy.” Set a fixed time daily, even if it’s short. A few focused minutes can be life-changing.
- “I’m not sure how to do this or where to start.” Start small. Use a children’s Bible, listen to family devotion podcasts, or ask your church for help.
- “I don’t have the right resources to do it.” They’re everywhere—books, apps, song playlists, Scripture cards. But even without them, God’s Word and prayer are enough.
As parents, we are called by God to disciple our children. We must trust Him as we take the proper steps to do this.
Final Thoughts: Worship Shapes Mission
Deuteronomy 6 commands parents to teach God’s Word diligently—in every rhythm of life. When children grow up in homes where parents worship God daily, they don’t just learn about missions—they become part of God’s mission.
An inspirational example of this is Jim and Elisabeth Elliot, who were missionaries known for their dedication to sharing the gospel. Jim Elliot was killed as he attempted to bring God’s word to the Aucan Indians. His wife, Elisabeth, courageously returned there to continue the mission, living among them and eventually seeing many come to faith in Christ. Both were raised in homes where missions and Scripture were highly valued. That foundation enabled them to walk boldly in obedience—even unto death. Their story is a powerful reminder that faithful parenting can have a lasting impact, rippling through generations and across continents.
If you want your children to follow Christ boldly, start by making your home a place where Christ is cherished daily. May the Lord bless and strengthen every parent, grandparent, and church leader committed to equipping the next generation for missions–declaring His glory among the nations.
If you are a church leader seeking to grow your church in the Great Commission, Biblical Ministries South Africa has free workshops and seasoned missionaries that can help. We would love the opportunity to walk alongside you as you teach evangelism and discipleship to equip the body for ministry. Contact us to learn more!
