Family Missions

Families Serving Together

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WHY SERVE TOGETHER?

~ The joy of making a difference together
~ An opportunity to emphasize generosity and humility with our children
~ Increasing a child’s sense of gratitude through exposure to those less fortunate

WHY DON’T WE SERVE TOGETHER?

~ Never considered serving together
~ Schedules too full with “us” focused activities
~ Age of kids makes it challenging
~ Have not found the right opportunity

SIX SIMPLE STEPS TO MAXIMIZE YOUR EXPERIENCE!

STEP #1- Find a shared passion
STEP #2 - Pick your serving opportunity
STEP #3 - Preparation activities
STEP #4 - Focus while serving together
STEP #5 - Debrief after serving together
STEP #6 - Share your experience

Follow the plan below or download a printable copy HERE!

SOME THINGS TO DO IN PREPARATION

Step #1 - FIND A SHARED PASSION:

Spend some time talking with your family or group about the things that interest and concern them. It will be more meaningful if you have a shared passion for the specific area of service. (Examples: If your family has an interest in poverty-stricken areas, choose Christian Services or Fieldhouse or the Salvation Army... You may have a teenager that loves kids and it would be great to serve in the Lighthouse. Maybe you have interest in helping the Hope Choices Pregnancy Center.)

SET EXPECTATIONS:

Discuss what you are going to do before you do it. If you have kids that will be serving the Elderly, then put your child more at ease by explaining that they may encounter odd sights, sounds and smells. If feeding the homeless, share why some people may not be able to take regular baths but we love them anyway. If helping children with special needs, explain why some can’t respond “normally” to conversations, etc. Set the tone for a great time together!                               

Step 2 – Pick Your Serving Opportunity 

Hardy Street has Gospel-centered partners with service opportunities for your small group or family!

 Step 3 – Preparation Activities

USE ONE OR MORE OF THESE ACTIVITIES TO HELP YOUR CHILDREN LEARN MORE ABOUT
WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A SERVANT

fam missions

Step 4 – Focus While Serving Together

SOME THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND DURING YOUR SERVICE PROJECT

BUILD YOUR RELATIONSHIPS:

Serving together is an ideal time to get to know each other better. Take note of what different people do well. Intentionally encourage them and tell them you are proud of how they demonstrated a great attitude or area of strength.

GO DEEPER:

Work as a group to really invest in others’ lives. Spend some time learning the names of those you serve. Look them in the eyes and find out their interests and their story. Allow those you serve to learn about your family. This will allow your children to see those you are serving as valued individuals and possibly similar to your own family. This may also create great conversations later with your child.

BE SAFE:

While it is great to serve together and try new things, it’s just as important to make sure that you are not putting anyone in your family or group in a risky situation. Keep a close eye on one another, especially children/teenagers. Parents might want to make sure that you are working directly with each other or that you can see your child at all times.

SERVING WITH YOUR SPOUSE:

Serving with your spouse can help create intimacy, allow you to learn more about one another, provide opportunities for greater communication, and model meaningful partnership.

 Step 5 – Debrief After Serving Together

SOME THINGS TO DO AFTERWARDS TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR EXPERIENCE

Debrief HERE

 Step 6 – Share Your Experience

THIS STEP IS CRUCIAL!

The number one reason why people serve others is because they were inspired by someone else’s story. Who knows, maybe God will use your story to inspire someone else to serve!
Please click on the link below and fill out a quick survey to share your story and give us valuable feedback on how to improve each serving experience.

survey button

 Questions about missions?

601.544.1794 | shanberry@hardysbc.net