Many children’s ministries have a reward system in place for when kids bring their bibles, memorize a verse, etc. Most have a place also where the kids can redeem these rewards for prizes.

Recently I heard Dale Hudson share how his church’s children’s ministry put a new spin on the reward system. Instead of the kids buying something for themselves, they are given an opportunity to serve others by purchasing mission items in India, like a goat or chicken.

By doing this the kids are learning not only are there rewards for doing good, but also that it is better to give than to receive. I think that this could be done as a local mission as well. Maybe the kids could purchase blankets for the nearby homeless shelter or clothing for a child that is in foster care.

(more…)