When I first learned about God’s big story and the reality of unreached people groups, I wanted to tell everyone I knew. I loved sharing about what God was teaching me and inviting others into that journey. Little did I know there was a word for that – mobilization.
Mobilization is not a biblical term, but we see it modeled in Scripture. Paul was an incredible mobilizer. Through his letters, he encouraged churches, individuals, and even whole families to step into the work God was doing. When we mobilize God’s people into God’s mission, we are simply pointing those who know and follow Jesus towards entire groups of people that do not.
Mobilization does not require a special program or training. It takes place best in the context of a relationship. God has given each of our families a network of friends and family members that we have opportunities to influence. Through conversation and friendship, we can invite others to join with God in His story. Here are a few ways your family can practice the habit of mobilizing. Read through the list and pick one you can try this week.
- Share what you are learning. Think of one friend, maybe another mom or dad from your church, who you would enjoy spending time with this week. Ask them to meet you for coffee. As you spend time together, ask if you can share what God has been teaching you. Explain what you have learned about God’s big story and how it is changing the way you love and follow Jesus.
- Invite others over. Think of a family that you enjoy spending time with and invite them over for a meal. Afterwards, share about how your family has been praying for unreached peoples and ask your friends to join you in your prayer time. Involve your children in sharing specific information on the people group you are learning about. Then pray together for them while placing your hands on a world map. If you’re focusing on a people group featured in One Big Vision, print out extra coloring pages for all the children to use after you pray.
- Play together. Invite your children’s friends over for the afternoon to play. You can also invite their moms, put on a kettle, and make it fun for everyone. Lead the children in playing a game from an unreached people group, acting out a Bible story, or eating snacks from a different culture. You could also have story time and read One Big Adventure to the whole group. As you plan, ask your children to contribute their ideas on how you can use the play date to share what you have been learning about God’s love for all peoples.
- Pass along a resource. The Big Story Series or a Bible study like Xplore are great tools to help people catch a vision for how they can be a part of God’s story. Send a text or email message to three or four close friends, telling them about the resource and giving them the link. You could also print out one family devotion from One Big Story and hand it to a friend at church. Share how your family has been using the resource, what you enjoy about it, and why you think their family would enjoy it, too.
