Multiplying Ministry through our Families

Have you read Malachi 2:15? Did you know that God desires godly offspring? God wants us to influence future generations towards a relationship with Jesus Christ and His values. I am reminded that as I minister, I must never forget that our first and primary place for multiplying these Godly values is at home in our family.

During a recent 21-day discipleship journey with a young man through the Gospel of John, I was deeply convicted that the Church must begin at home. I asked this question, “What am I intentionally doing with our immediate family to encourage them in the Great Commission and the Great Commandment?” “How are they multiplying the Gospel in the lives of others?”

I am not discounting the benefits of gathering new disciples into the body of Christ and equipping them to minister, for this I also am convinced. I must make it a priority that our children grasp these “Great” values “as much as” or “more than” those to whom I minister. I must prayerfully create opportunities for our family to practice and ponder these values. The greatest legacy that I can leave is that of our children carrying the light of salvation, a relationship with Jesus Christ, to their grandchildren. The result will be a natural multiplication of God’s work around them.

Four ways to “multiply ministry” through our families for generations to come.

1. Discuss with your family the Great Commandment (Matthew 22:35-40) and the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). Together make a list of ways to fulfill these “Greats”. Pray over the list and allow God to guide (Ephesians 2:10).

2. Encourage your family to pray with their friends. Be an example of this with your friends and associates. Educate your family on the importance of prayer (James 5:16b). Teach them the question, “If there was anything that you wanted me to pray for, what would it be?” Encourage them to keep a prayer journal and watch God answer their prayers.

3. Remind your kids that even the small things done for Jesus Christ matter. Ministry may sometimes be something that is never noticed or praised (Matthew 6:6; Luke 16:10; John 6:1-14; Matthew 5:16)

4. Locate a family or friend of like-mindedness and begin praying once a week for people in your community. After God reveals an opportunity to minister, follow through on it and give testimony at your next gathering. If possible, share your testimony in your church/meeting on what God led your prayer group to do and it’s outcome. We must share the joy! (Hebrews 10:24-25; Mark 5:19)

This intentionality allows us the opportunity to fulfill what I believe is a spiritual mandate for my family, “to live our life as Jesus would live it if He were in our shoes and to fuel a worldwide church multiplication movement that our grandchildren’s grandchildren are compelled to expand.” Consider the possibilities if just your family carried the values of God to the next generation what an incredible impact it would have! We must be convinced that church begins at home. God’s values are to be multiplied forward to our grandchildren’s grandchildren.