It’s one thing for kids to learn God’s Word, and another for them to live it out. When families serve together, their faith becomes real, memorable, and meaningful. Kids discover that God can use them right now to show His love to others. Here are a few simple ways your family can put Scripture into action and make an impact in your community or church family.

1. Bring Joy to Those in Assisted Living

1 Timothy 5:1 reminds us to honor and value older generations. Many seniors experience loneliness or feel forgotten, and a visit from your family can brighten their entire week.

Begin with prayer.

Talk with your kids in advance about the people you’ll be encouraging. Pray together for them, and remind your children that God loves each person deeply, no matter their age. Equip your children beforehand on how to include the Gospel, a Bible verse, or prayer while serving in ways such as:

• Writing notes of encouragement and hand-delivering them to a local nursing home.
• Making bead necklaces or simple crafts to give as gifts.
• Using your kids’ talents—piano, violin, singing—to offer a short performance for residents.

These small gestures help children understand how to use their God given gifts to bring joy to others.

2. Bless Those Who Struggle with Basic Needs

Proverbs 19:17 tells us that God honors our generosity to those in need. Kids often watch adults serve by giving financially, but they also need opportunities to participate in tangible, hands-on ways.

Set the tone.

Talk with your kids about what it means to give cheerfully. Share about the family or families you’ll be serving and emphasize that they are made in the image of God, worthy of honor and respect. Help your children see how your “family plan” will meet a real need and show someone how God provides through His people.

Ways to serve:

• Have your child do extra chores to earn money so they can shop for the local food pantry.
• Have your family purchase groceries as a family, cook a meal, and surprise a family in your church who is going through a difficult season.
• Have your children collect gently used toys or books to donate to a local charity or bless another family in your church.

When kids invest their own money, talents, and time, they feel the joy and responsibility of serving others.

3. Cheer for Those in Leadership

1 Timothy 2:1–2 encourages us to pray for leaders. Kids' prayers are huge and faith-filled. To help your family make this part of daily life, create visual prayer cues that connect specific leaders to something familiar:

• Flashing red lights: Pray for police officers and firefighters.
• A flag: Pray for government leaders.
• A church building: Pray for your pastor and church staff.

Serving together as a family helps kids connect head knowledge with action while teaching them compassion, generosity, and gratitude. Christ-centered kindness can make an eternal difference.

Kris Smoll is the founder and Executive Director of Discovery Land Global. She graduated from Moody Bible Institute and has led child discipleship at Alliance Church in Appleton, Wisconsin, for over 30 years. She is an international speaker, strategic planner, and consultant. She is passionate about kids knowing the Word of God, boldly sharing their faith, and confidently living their lives for Christ.