We were in week four of a five week series entitled ‘Living out God’s purposes’ in Student Quest this week. It’s actually centered around our student ministry purpose statement, ‘We are real people, in love with a real God, making a real difference in the world.’ That statement contains five values, or purposes:

• Real People: Fellowship
• Real God: Worship, Discipleship
• Real Difference: Evangelism, Service

We’re using a study called ‘Living out God’s purposes’ from the Live Curriculum as our launching point. This week I taught the high school students while Jennifer B taught the middle school students. The series is actually looking at the story of Mary and how she lived out God’s purposes in her life.

After Mary learned about her “calling,” we see in Luke 1:38 that she willingly submitted to what God had chosen her to do. Mary realized that she had been selected for a unique purpose, and she was willing to obey God and fulfill this plan. She is a great example to us of the value of discovering our place in service and ministry.

We challenged our students this week to work through their S.H.A.P.E. for ministry: their spiritual gifts, their heart (passions), their abilities, their personality, and their experiences. God has created each of us uniquely and calls every Christian to find a place of service.

I’d encourage you to find time this week to talk with your child. Here are some questions that you might want to include in your chat:

• What words would you use to describe Mary’s attitude and response to God’s calling?
• When someone asks you to help or serve, what’s usually your immediate reaction? Why do you respond that way?
• What are some examples of ways you’ve served God and others? Through those experiences, what did you learn about yourself and the way God created you?

Maybe take a little time to talk as a family about the importance of contributing to the body of Christ through ministry. Just as each member in your family has a specific place within your home, every member of the church family plays a unique and specific role to the life of the body. Have an awesome day!