Our kids loved spy movies when they were growing up. No, not Mission Impossible or 007, but more on the lines of Spy Kids and The Spy Next Door. These spy movies would eventually involve the whole family. I love this idea. How awesome would it be for families to start a mission for missions? In order to develop a mission-minded home, parents MUST be intentional to ensure this happens. It sounds far-fetched or maybe impossible, but please hear me out on how you can be a family on a mission for missions.  

How is it possible for parents to develop a mission mindset in their homes? How can we transform our living rooms into Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, or the uttermost?  

Prayer Cards. The first and easiest way for this to happen is by prayer. Mission prayer cards make this an easy and fun way to pray for missionaries. These cards usually fit very nicely into a 4x6 note card box. Whenever a missionary comes to your church, get their card and put it in this box. Each night, as a family, have one of the kids pick out the next card and announce what missionary you will pray for. This not only keeps the names of these missionaries before your children but also allows them to develop a heart for people around the globe.  

Hospitality. The second way is by hosting missionaries in your home. Growing up in a small town, we were not fortunate enough to have a hotel or even a decent Mexican restaurant to eat in after church (I know, the atrocity). So my house (usually my room) was the hotel, and our dining room/kitchen was the restaurant. Mom was the chef. I remember many missionaries coming through our home over the years. Now that I am pastoring, I've crossed paths with many of those missionaries. Most have no recollection of taking over my room, but I have never forgotten. Keep your kids before missionaries.  

Be Missional. The third way to cultivate a mission mindset is to be a missionary to your community or neighbors. When we were praying about a house to move into when we first moved to West Virginia, I prayed that God would put us in a neighborhood where we could be missionaries. One night, after evening prayer, one of my kids was visibly upset. When I asked him why, he said, "Dad, I don't want to move again." I said, "What do you mean?" "I don't want to be a missionary dad; I want to stay in our new house!" 

Without leaving, you can open your doors, back porch, or dining room table to those around you. I am afraid that, other than a wave across the fence and some Facebook stalking, there is very little relationship-building in our neighborhoods and communities. Our kids need to witness us reaching out to the lost around us. They need to see us opening our doors to share the love of Christ.  

Mission Trips. A mission trip is the best way for your children to get a glimpse of real mission work. Taking them on a journey across "the pond" can be very costly and, in some cases, could do more harm than good. Mission fields can be rough and taxing on the mind and body. We have mission fields all around us right here in the United States. Working in a rescue mission, church plants, inner-city works, soup kitchens, and even literature distribution can be life-changing events in your child's life.  

Pray. Finally, the best way to help develop a heart for missions in your child is to pray for them. Pray they will grow to love Jesus, serve the church, and have a heart for the nations. 

Parents, we are without excuse. Your child will eventually outgrow their cleats, skates, and shoulder pads. One day, his knees will no longer be able to take landing from a dunk. Your daughter will remember how to do a backflip but will probably never again attempt one after age twenty-five. But, your child will never outgrow their love and heart for missions if established at an early age!  

We need to be families on a mission!