When we think about missions, we often envision adults traveling to far-off places, sharing the Gospel, or working on humanitarian projects. But our kids, too, can be part of this mission—making an impact where they are and even around the world. Involving children in missions not only benefits the recipients of their efforts, but it also plants Kingdom-minded seeds in the hearts of our children.

Here are some creative ways to involve kids in missions, whether locally or globally, and why it’s so important to start early.

Why Involve Kids in Missions?

• Building Compassion
  Missions help children develop empathy for people from different backgrounds and life situations. Exposure to different cultures, needs, and struggles opens their hearts to a broader world, making them more compassionate and understanding.

• Teaching Purpose
  Kids who are involved in missions early on learn that life isn’t just about what they can get, but what they can give. Whether it’s through service projects or mission trips, they begin to understand the joy and fulfillment that comes from serving others.

• Strengthening Faith
  Mission work helps kids see God’s love for peoples of all nations, tribes, and tongues in action. It brings Scripture to life and shows them how we are created for something more. As they engage in missions, they may also grow in their own spiritual walk, developing a deeper relationship with God.

• Preparing Future Leaders
  Practically speaking, when kids are trained to be involved in missions, they develop leadership skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and communication. These are essential skills for future success in all areas of life. Additionally, when kids participate in missions, they start to see themselves as part of a bigger story—one that has been written from the beginning.



For younger children or those just starting out, local missions can be a wonderful introduction. Here are a couple of ways to get started right in your community:

1. Start Small, Think Big: Local Mission Projects

• Food Drives: Organize a food drive at your church or school. Kids can help by collecting, sorting, and delivering food to a local shelter or food bank. This teaches them the importance of meeting people’s basic needs and helps them see the impact of their actions on their immediate community.

• Service Projects: Invite kids to participate in community cleanups, visiting elderly neighbors, or helping out in local homeless shelters. These simple acts of service will give them a tangible way to help and will also teach them valuable lessons about selflessness and humility.



• Visiting Nursing Homes or Hospitals: Have your kids take part in spreading joy to elderly residents or patients by making cards, singing songs, or simply visiting to chat. Building connections with others helps kids learn about the importance of companionship and service.

2. Mission Trips: A Global Experience

Once children are a bit older and more mature, mission trips can offer a life-changing experience. These trips not only help the children involved but also serve the communities they visit. However, mission trips for kids require careful planning and a focus on their age-appropriate involvement.

• Youth Mission Trips: Many organizations offer mission trip opportunities for teenagers, where they can help local missionaries with their work, learn from the people on the ground, and even assist in local churches around the world. This offers them a chance to stretch their leadership abilities and serve in meaningful ways. It also helps them see the global church in action and gain a greater appreciation for different cultures. In many cases, you can even take these trips as a family!

3. Incorporate Missions into Daily Life

Involving children in missions doesn’t always mean heading to a foreign country or even organizing an official trip or event. Here are some practical ways to make missions a part of everyday life:

• Pray Together: Teach your children to pray for missionaries and unreached people groups around the world. You can even adopt a specific missionary or people group to support. Use a world map to show where these people are located, and pray together for the missionaries’ work and for the people they are trying to reach. This helps kids understand that missions is not limited to one geographical location but is a global endeavor.

Most importantly, being missions-minded is about loving others, being open to learning, creating relationships, and being ready to share the Gospel wherever you go. 

One way you can get involved is through our Vietnam/Thailand missions trip this upcoming summer! Not only will you get to be a part of local missions work, but you will also get to celebrate Global Frontier Missions 25th anniversary in Thailand! Click the link below to learn more and sign up!