Women's Conference | May 1 - 2
Registration is OPEN for our annual Women's Conference in Plano, TX. Learn more here.
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40-Day Invite Challenge: Family Edition
This year, we’re inviting our Kids Ministry families and our church to step into a 40-Day Invitation Challenge.
We want to challenge you and your family to be intentional with the people in your life who don't know the hope of Jesus.
God cares about everyone — but this week, we’re asking Him to show us one friend we can love on purpose.
As a family think about those in your life who don't know Jesus. Then think about one person who you would like to pray for and get to know better.
Action: Everyone right down a one name. As a family, put the names somewhere visible (on your fridge, mirror, in your Bibles, etc.).
Challenge: Talk with their "one" throughout the week and learn something new about them! Ask God to help you notice them. It can be as simple as asking them what their favorite hobby or sport is.
Before you invite, you pray!
Action: As a family, pray daily for your one. Even simple, short prayers matter. This can be at meal time, before bed, in the car, or taking a walk as family. Pray for opportunity, blessing, courage, and a soft heart.
Challenge: Take turns praying out loud together for each of your ones.
Encourage your kids to:
- Pray for the their one every day.
- Pray: “God, help them feel loved.”
- Pray: “Give me courage.”
- Pray: “Help me be kind.”
Connection comes before invitation. Jesus didn’t start with the sermon. He started with presence. Remind your kids how important it is to build relationships and to be light to those around them.
Action: Small steps make a big difference.
Challenge your kids to make an effort to connect with their one by:
- Sitting with them at lunch.
- Ask them, “How are you?”
- Share a snack.
- Play with them at recess.
- Say something encouraging.
Challenge: Parents share how you are making small steps with your kids. Parents try a simple text: “You were on my mind – how can I pray for you?” Ask one caring question: “How are you doing…really? Grab coffee or lunch (presence matters!) Serve them in a practical way (ride, meal, childcare, encouraging word) or mention something meaningful you heard or learned at church without inviting yet.
Easter is coming, and everyone is invited!
Action: This week our challenge is to make a simple invite. As a family talk about ways you can invite your ones. Maybe it's an invitation to the whole family or maybe it's asking if their kids would like to join the family on Sunday morning.
Challenge: Challenge your kids to invite their "one."
Help kids practice what to say:
- “Hey, do you want to come to church with me for Easter?”
- “There’s going to be fun stuff — you can sit with me!”
Remind them:
- Be kind.
- Be clear.
- No pressure.
- It’s okay if they say no.
Remember that God is after our obedience and not the outcome of the invitation!
The fruit is in the follow up. Whether they come or are not, make sure to follow up with them. Let them know you are grateful they came or that you missed them and the invitation is always open. Encourage your kids that we are just called to be faithful and God does the rest.
Action: Remind them that every conversation and prayer matters.
Some helpful words to say:
- If they came: “I’m glad you came. Was it what you expected? Any questions?”
- If they didn’t: “That’s okay — maybe next time!”
Remember to encourage your kids to keep being their friend. Keep praying. Keep loving. Keep being the light of Jesus.
Easter Resources for Families
NextGen Pastor Lauren Van Hoy rounded up some of her favorite Easter books, devotionals, and activities for families.