Paul’s Story and How to Help Your Kids Live Their Calling

May 30, 2026

I remember being a kid and listening to missionaries who visited my church. They told stories about their travels, and I was amazed at the different places they went and the people they met. I was also surprised that they chose to leave their homes and families to follow God’s calling to faraway places. Sometimes we think that only missionaries or people who work at a church are called by God. But the truth is, all Christians are called by God to serve him, all the time, whoever we are. 

Here are some things you can discuss with your kids as you learn about Paul, his calling, and how we are called too.

Track Paul’s journeys. The story we read today is about how Paul met Jesus and changed. But Paul’s story began before that and continued long after. We first meet Paul (then called Saul) at the end of Acts 7, when Stephen was killed. Paul later called himself “a true Hebrew” (Philippians 3:5), meaning he did all of the things that were expected of a Jew. He also persecuted the early followers of Jesus mercilessly (Acts 8:3). But after his conversion, Paul became a strong leader and missionary of the early church. He wrote many of the letters we find in the New Testament. He traveled all over the known world, planting churches and preaching the gospel of Jesus. As a family, you can look at a map of Paul’s missionary journeys and follow along as you read about Paul’s travels throughout the book of Acts.

Share stories. God has called all of us. How do you define what it means to be called by God? Is it through their occupations? Point out to your children how people might serve in their jobs—teachers, lawyers, plumbers, bus drivers, stay-at-home parents, and police officers. Many people live out God’s calling in their everyday lives. Share stories of those who live out their calling by being a creative artist, a kind neighbor, or a helpful grandparent, to name a few! These stories can help kids see how they can live for God every day too. 

Help find their calling. Your children have been called by God! They can serve God now! They don’t have to wait to be an adult! Sometimes it’s hard for younger Christians to know how they can follow their calling. Talk to them about how they can love and serve God as students, siblings, children, or friends. Explore ways they can share God’s love with everyone they meet in real and tangible ways each day. You can also share how you live out your calling each day and identify ways for your family to follow Jesus together.

God has called us. Our callings may not be as dramatic as Paul's, but they are real and important. Helping your kids explore their calling is an amazing step in their journey with Jesus.