Youth Evangelism Tips For Home
Throughout this site one does not have to look far to understand how important I believe ministering to our children at home is. A Biblical worldview cannot only be fostered within the walls of the Church but must be actively pursued by the family unit as well. In writing this article I would like to draw some great ideas from the Answers magazine produced by Answers in Genesis and at the same time time intertwine some personal experiences that have worked well with my family. I will discuss 6 different ways we as mentors and parents can help to practice Youth Evangelism at home.
Number one, "Get involved in the classroom". My wife and I homeschool our 5 children but for one year we had our oldest son in the public school system. I can remember my son bringing home assignments from Science class that promoted the idea of evolution. One might look at this with a frustrating response but we must look at it as an opportunity to teach and instruct as the Bible instructs us. My wife would also take the time to sit in on a class or two throughout the year or offer to help the teacher on a field trip. Their are many things that we as parents have the opportunity to get involved when it comes to the classroom. As for Homeschool families, I can speak for myself in how much of an impact I can make as a father taking the time to help my daughter develop an argument for a debate in her Homeschool co-op class. The point is, we are missing the boat to Evangelize our Youth if we are not getting involved in the classroom at a traditional school or in a homeschool setting.
Number two, "Look for everyday moments". Recently my family and I participated in a Chain For Life. We stood along with hundreds of other families holding signs in a silent, prayerful, peaceful human display of support for the Unborn along side a very busy street in a downtown setting. What an unbelievable opportunity that provided for my wife and I to show with actions not just words the importance of standing up for Godly standards in a very unashamed way. I can think of the many times we as a family have attended our local zoo and have been provided with thought provoking questions from our children which in turn created an everyday moment to pour into our children the truth of Gods Word. True Youth Evangelism in our homes is always on the lookout for Everyday Moments.
Number three, "Watch what your children watch". It is absolutely irresponsible in today's Culture to not be aware as a parent what your child is involved in on the Internet, watching on television or going to see at the Movie theaters. In my own home and I am sure in many of your homes the filtration of what comes into the home has to be at a high level in order to promote what is Godly and protect against what is from the Enemy. I cannot even watch a football game on Sunday after Church with my boys without being subjugated to non appropriate commercials. The key is to take an active not passive role when it comes to our children's eyes and what is coming in.
Number four, "Minister to other Youth". What better way for our children to see Evangelism in action, but through the actions of their parents and mentors themselves. My wife and I have had the awesome opportunity to help lead our children as well as other Youth in our local Children's Ministry at the Church. When our children have witnessed other Youth be blessed by Mom and Dad the impact goes a long way towards instilling the Love of God in their lives in order that they may not depart. I would also say that this kind of influence can take place in many different creative ways outside of Children's Ministry within the Church as well. It is up to us as parents and leaders to look for these opportunities to Minister to other Youth.
Number five, "Supplement their learning". Homeschooling is not the only way to educate our children at home. Within our family we take time to listen to Pilgrims Progress on tape which is an animated fantasy story which intertwines elements of Faith. The key is whatever you choose as a family the goal is to help our children connect the Bible to everday life.
Number six, "Study as a family". Many a nights I have sat with our children reading a story and finishing that special time with them focusing on answering the questions of the world from a biblical perspective. I am sure that many of you as well as my family have had the opportunity to pray as a family at the dinner table. We cannot overlook the importance of this traditional long standing blessing of family devotion before dinner together. In today's Culture many families are moving to fast to slow down and experience the future benefit this provides. The family unit brought together in prayer through Jesus Christ is a Lightening rod against the enemy.
In closing I will quote from Stacia McKeever who works in conjunction with the Answers in Genesis Ministry. "In all of this, encourage a true passion for the Lord and his Word (this starts with you!). Children are never too young to "Taste and see that the Lord is good" (Psalm34:8) and to see that the Bible is worthy of our trust and obedience."
Number one, "Get involved in the classroom". My wife and I homeschool our 5 children but for one year we had our oldest son in the public school system. I can remember my son bringing home assignments from Science class that promoted the idea of evolution. One might look at this with a frustrating response but we must look at it as an opportunity to teach and instruct as the Bible instructs us. My wife would also take the time to sit in on a class or two throughout the year or offer to help the teacher on a field trip. Their are many things that we as parents have the opportunity to get involved when it comes to the classroom. As for Homeschool families, I can speak for myself in how much of an impact I can make as a father taking the time to help my daughter develop an argument for a debate in her Homeschool co-op class. The point is, we are missing the boat to Evangelize our Youth if we are not getting involved in the classroom at a traditional school or in a homeschool setting.
Number two, "Look for everyday moments". Recently my family and I participated in a Chain For Life. We stood along with hundreds of other families holding signs in a silent, prayerful, peaceful human display of support for the Unborn along side a very busy street in a downtown setting. What an unbelievable opportunity that provided for my wife and I to show with actions not just words the importance of standing up for Godly standards in a very unashamed way. I can think of the many times we as a family have attended our local zoo and have been provided with thought provoking questions from our children which in turn created an everyday moment to pour into our children the truth of Gods Word. True Youth Evangelism in our homes is always on the lookout for Everyday Moments.
Number three, "Watch what your children watch". It is absolutely irresponsible in today's Culture to not be aware as a parent what your child is involved in on the Internet, watching on television or going to see at the Movie theaters. In my own home and I am sure in many of your homes the filtration of what comes into the home has to be at a high level in order to promote what is Godly and protect against what is from the Enemy. I cannot even watch a football game on Sunday after Church with my boys without being subjugated to non appropriate commercials. The key is to take an active not passive role when it comes to our children's eyes and what is coming in.
Number four, "Minister to other Youth". What better way for our children to see Evangelism in action, but through the actions of their parents and mentors themselves. My wife and I have had the awesome opportunity to help lead our children as well as other Youth in our local Children's Ministry at the Church. When our children have witnessed other Youth be blessed by Mom and Dad the impact goes a long way towards instilling the Love of God in their lives in order that they may not depart. I would also say that this kind of influence can take place in many different creative ways outside of Children's Ministry within the Church as well. It is up to us as parents and leaders to look for these opportunities to Minister to other Youth.
Number five, "Supplement their learning". Homeschooling is not the only way to educate our children at home. Within our family we take time to listen to Pilgrims Progress on tape which is an animated fantasy story which intertwines elements of Faith. The key is whatever you choose as a family the goal is to help our children connect the Bible to everday life.
Number six, "Study as a family". Many a nights I have sat with our children reading a story and finishing that special time with them focusing on answering the questions of the world from a biblical perspective. I am sure that many of you as well as my family have had the opportunity to pray as a family at the dinner table. We cannot overlook the importance of this traditional long standing blessing of family devotion before dinner together. In today's Culture many families are moving to fast to slow down and experience the future benefit this provides. The family unit brought together in prayer through Jesus Christ is a Lightening rod against the enemy.
In closing I will quote from Stacia McKeever who works in conjunction with the Answers in Genesis Ministry. "In all of this, encourage a true passion for the Lord and his Word (this starts with you!). Children are never too young to "Taste and see that the Lord is good" (Psalm34:8) and to see that the Bible is worthy of our trust and obedience."
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