77. How to Teach Kids About Missions: Integrating Missions Into Everyday Discipleship with Dr. Paul Chitwood

Missions isn’t simply a topic we teach during VBS or highlight once a year. It’s an essential part of helping kids understand God’s heart for the world and their role in His mission. In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling, Jana Magruder sits down with Dr. Paul Chitwood, president of the International Mission Board, to talk about integrating missions education into discipleship in kids ministry. Together, they explore how kids can begin developing a biblical understanding of missions from an early age and how leaders can make missions a natural part of the way they teach and disciple kids. When children learn that God’s story extends far beyond their church, community, and culture, they begin to see the world differently. Missions education can help kids develop compassion for people, a heart for the nations, and a desire to participate in God’s work. The goal of kids ministry isn’t simply to help children know more about the Bible. It’s to help them know Jesus and understand what it means to follow Him. And that includes helping them see the world through God’s eyes and live with a heart for the nations. SHOW LINKS: State of Theology Report  Lifeway VBS  International Mission Board  FUGE Camps  Check out Lifeway Kids Curriculum Connect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback! Join us at ETCH 2026