GIVING & SERVING

Recommended for ages 9+

Teach Your Child to Make a Difference

GIVING

Followers of Jesus give a portion of their income to meet the needs of God's work and other people as an act of obedience and worship. In John 3:16 we see that God is the ultimate giver because he gives us Jesus, His one and only son, so that we can have life. We give because He first gave to us. Although we can never approach the magnitude of God's sacrifice, we give the best of what we have to Him as an act of worship. In reality, 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 managers 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.

MODEL IT
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. In 2 Corinthians 9:7 the Bible says, “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.”

TEACH IT
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, 20% for savings, and 70% for spending on other activities and items. Use the Rolling in Money idea card and included with this kit to make your own boxes to help them start the habit of good stewardship.

ROLLING IN MONEY family night

BEST USE
As a family night activity with younger kids

VALUE
This activity teaches the value of money and good stewardship.

ADVANCE PREPARATION

1. Go to the bank and withdraw as many one-dollar bills as you can up to $1000. (Don’t worry—you’ll return most of it the next day.
   
   
2. You’ll need three boxes and GIVE, SAVE, and PAY labels for each child. 
   
   
3. Create an envelope titled “God’s Instructions for Money” with several notes containing Bible passages with instructions on how to use the money.

STEP ONE
Hide the pile of cash someplace in the house and invite the kids to find the secret treasure. When they find the money, allow time for them to go nuts!

STEP TWO
Invite the kids to count the treasure promising them they will be able to spend it on anything they want AFTER following God’s instructions for money.

STEP THREE
Have the children count out enough one-dollar bills to meet each financial obligation described on the three notes—10% for tithe, 20% for savings, and enough for each of the “bills.”

SERVING

In addition to financial resources, God has also entrusted us with time, talents, and relationships. 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. Use the Spiritual Gifts Assessment included to get started and then find ways to experience serving together. A few simple suggestions include:

• 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 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. If visiting a nursing home, for example, explain he or she may encounter odd sights, sounds, and smells.

• 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.

• Be Safe: Keep a close eye on one another, especially children/teens if serving in unfamiliar settings.

• 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, asking God to bless those you served.

HELPFUL TOOLS

Take advantage of these resources as you teach your child about the Giving and Serving at home.

	Hill Country Personal Finance Resources		77 Ways Your Family Can Make a Difference		Your Kids Can Master Their Money
	Access Ramsey+		Financial Peace Junior		Serving in Our Community Ideas

YOUR CHILD'S NEXT STEP

As children get older, they become ready for additional steps along Milestones. Set a calendar reminder for your child’s next birthday to return to this page to select their next step. Thank you for becoming intentional about guiding your child’s faith journey!

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