Giving and serving together puts love into action

Giving & Serving

Giving as a family reflects God’s heart in your home.

Giving

Teaching children about money through tithes and offerings is not about giving to God. It is about reminding ourselves that we are dependent upon the One who gives all good gifts and that we are mere stewards rather than owners. Giving reflects obedience, showing that we love a God who is worthy to be obeyed in all areas of life. It is also an opportunity to participate in something bigger than ourselves with eternal value.

Serving others together as a family turns faith into action

Serving

In addition to financial resources, God has also entrusted us with gifts, talents, and time. As believers, we have the great opportunity to worship and glorify God through the spiritual discipline of service. Help your child discover their unique gifts and explore how they might use those gifts to glorify Him. Find ways to experience serving together.

Find ways to experience giving & serving together

Model It
Start by putting into practice the disciplines you want your child to learn. This may mean taking steps to become a better steward of your family’s finances. Let your child see that you first give money toward tithing, then savings, and so on. Talk to your child about the ways you choose to serve others.
Teach It
If your child receives money from an allowance, jobs, or gifts, take the time to help him or her divide the money wisely. A good place to start is to set aside 10% for giving, 10% for savings, and 80% for spending on other activities and items.
Shared Passion
Spend some time talking with your child about the things that interest and concern him or her. It will be more meaningful if you share a passion for the specific area of service.
Good Fit
Help your child find good serving options. It can be as simple as baking cookies for a homebound neighbor or it can be an extended serving time such as a mission trip or meeting a particular need on a regular basis.
Set Expectations
Put your child more at ease by explaining what to expect when they serve others.
Build Your Relationships
Take note of what your child does well while serving. Intentionally encourage him or her by saying you are proud of how they demonstrated a great attitude or area of strength.
Talk About It
Ask questions when you finish serving together such as “What kind of difference did you/we make?” “Why was it important to do this project?” “How did it impact those you served?” and “How did it impact you/your family?”
Pray
Take a few minutes to pray together, asking God to bless those you served.

Disciple@Home

Giving & Serving

Carefully curated resources for Disciple@Home. Check out all the books and other resources to help in your next step through your family discipleship journey.

Podcast

Teaching Kids About Money

Should we be teaching our kids about money? Danny and Rebecca talk with Matt Bell about how to teach our kids about money and how we can give our kids the right mindset around it. Plus, we'll hear a question from a parent who wants to teach their pre-teen about the power of a budget!

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Penny A. Zeller

77 Ways Your Family Can Make a Difference: Ideas and Activities for Serving Others

77 Ways Your Family Can Make a Difference is an easy-to-use resource that parents can use to cultivate compassion in their children and engage their family in acts of service. Filled with suggestions, activities, Bible verses, and topics for discussion, this re-usable manual inspires families to look for ways to make the world a better place by making a difference in the lives of others.

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Martin Machowski

Teaching Your Child about Money: Biblical Stewardship for Beginners

Guess who is watching you spend your money? Your children are not just hearing your words about spending; they are watching you do it. What lessons are your children learning about the financial choices you make? Are they learning to trust God and prioritize his kingdom? Family pastor Marty Machowski helps parents to first consider how their spending reflects their hearts, and then to grow in being rich toward God and others. He weaves foundational, biblical principles about money, generosity, and Christ's lordship with simple illustrations to share with children. Parents are guided in helping their children express their faith in how they spend their money and given practical ways to encourage giving.

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