Raising Risk-Taking Christian Children: Exposing Them to the Mission Field

Should a Christian couple take their children into danger as part of their mission to take the gospel to the unreached peoples of the world?

Short answer: Yes.

Why? Because the cause is worth the risk, and by exposing their children to danger, they are more likely to raise Christ-exalting, comfort-renouncing, misery-lessening exiles and sojourners in this world.

As Christians, our ultimate goal is to spread the gospel and make disciples of all nations. This mission often requires taking risks and stepping out of our comfort zones. And while it may seem counterintuitive, taking our children into dangerous situations can actually be a valuable part of their spiritual formation.

It is important to provide for our households and ensure the well-being of our families. However, when Paul talked about providing for our households in 1 Timothy 5:8, he was referring to those who prioritize worldly comforts and security over their faith. As Christians, we are called to a different standard.

The greatest good we can do for our children is to raise them to be radical, risk-taking ambassadors of Christ. We want to raise children who are like dolphins cutting through schools of sharks, rather than bloated jellyfish floating with the plankton into the mouth of the whale called the world. We want to raise children who hear Jesus say, “The Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head” (Luke 9:58) and respond, “Let’s go!”

This does not mean neglecting our responsibilities as parents or exposing our children to unnecessary danger. It means teaching them the discipline and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4) and training them to endure hardships and struggles for the sake of the gospel.

In Hebrews 12:3–11, the writer encourages us to consider the example of Jesus, who endured hostility and even death for our sake. He reminds us that our struggle against sin has not yet reached the point of shedding our blood. The hardships and challenges we face in spreading the gospel can be opportunities for our children to experience the discipline of the Lord and grow in their faith.

We need to train our children to be soldiers for Christ, to be willing to deny themselves and take risks for the sake of the gospel. Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Perhaps we lose too many of our children because we have trained them to prioritize comfort and security rather than embracing the challenges and risks of following Christ.

Taking our children into danger as part of our mission to the unreached peoples of the world can provide them with a firsthand experience of what it means to live with joy in the service of the King. When we expose them to different cultures, languages, and hardships, we are teaching them to be global citizens and ambassadors for Christ.

Some may argue that it is irresponsible or even dangerous to expose our children to such risks. However, there are worse risks for our children than physical danger. Wasting their lives by conforming to the world's standards is a greater risk. We need to teach them that there are things far worse than death and that living a life of comfort and security without fulfilling God's calling is not worth it.

One of the great ironies of history is that sometimes non-Christians understand the importance of risking for a greater cause better than we do. John Adams, the second President of the United States, took his 10-year-old son, John Quincy Adams, with him to France in 1778. Despite the dangers of the voyage and the uncertain political climate, Adams and his wife saw the value in exposing their son to the great thinkers and leaders of the time. They understood that a life not given to great things is not worth living.

As Christians, our calling is even greater. We are not about establishing a temporary nation or seeking historical influence. We are about serving the King who is over all nations. Our aim is to make an eternal impact and rescue people from eternal suffering. Our children need to understand the urgency and significance of this mission, and one of the best ways to teach them is by example.

Taking our children into danger as part of our mission is not without risks, but we have a promise from God that if He is for us, no one can be successfully against us (Romans 8:31). Even if our lives, our spouses, or our children are taken, they cannot succeed in thwarting God's plan. In all these things, we are more than conquerors. By taking our children with us to the nations, we are showing them the truth of this promise and teaching them to trust in God's faithfulness.

In conclusion, as Christian parents, we have a responsibility to provide for our households and ensure the well-being of our families. However, our ultimate goal is to raise children who are committed to the cause of Christ and willing to take risks for the sake of the gospel. By taking our children into danger as part of our mission to the unreached peoples of the world, we are providing them with valuable opportunities for spiritual growth and formation. We need to train them to be soldiers for Christ and teach them that there are things far worse than physical danger. Our aim is not mere comfort and security, but eternal impact and the fulfillment of God's calling.