Engaging Adults

in Missions Discipleship

STORY BY TERI USSERY

OFTEN, WE TAKE FOR GRANTED THAT THE ADULTS IN OUR SPHERE OF INFLUENCE, ESPECIALLY AT CHURCH, ALREADY ARE DISCIPLES. BUT FROM GOD’S PERSPECTIVE, I THINK WE ARE ALL A WORK IN PROGRESS.

With that in mind, let’s consider some ways we can encourage each other along the way to be whole-hearted Christ-followers who live on mission.

You have many opportunities to engage with other adults. Consider your season of life to discover ways to connect with peers. Here are some ideas for you to consider as you build community with the goal of making disciples along your journey.

Parents With Children

Parents with children still at home can engage with other parents whose children share interests with your children. Consider ways you can connect with ministry in your community to support families and children. Consider inviting other families to volunteer with your church to minister to the underserved in your community.

Empty Nesters

Empty nesters may have more time flexibility, so consider planning short- or long-term mission trips to share the gospel locally, or internationally.

Senior Adults

Senior adults may have some physical limitations so consider providing opportunities to prayer walk or prayer drive in different areas of your community to pray for ministry opportunities in those areas. Consider partnering senior adult groups with youth experiences where the seniors are the prayer support during youth camp or Disciple Now weekends. Create an adult prayer group that meets during youth discipleship weekly to pray while the students meet.

Retired Adults

Encourage retired adults to connect in schools as mentors or volunteers, especially in underserved communities. Opportunities range from volunteering as a mentor to a student, to helping in classrooms, to even being a room parent in schools where there isn’t a lot of parental engagement.

Work with your church to provide after-school-care for a local community. Provide Bible stories, help with homework, snacks, and recreation for the students.

Look for ways you can connect with others in your church or community who share your life-season and be creative with ways to engage in your community to share Jesus.

For more ideas and resources, contact teri.wmutx@txb.org