Christ & The Call to Foster
Throughout Scripture, God’s heart for orphans and vulnerable children is clearly proclaimed. God declares himself to be “father to the fatherless” (Psalm 68:5), executing justice on behalf of the vulnerable (Deuteronomy 10:18). A faith in Jesus leads us to work with Jesus. (James 2:17)
Should Christians consider foster care?
Protecting vulnerable children shows the heart of God. A Christian family should not only support organizations providing foster care but should also prayerfully consider foster care, for these reasons:
- foster care shows the love of Christ
- foster care supports and preserves families
- foster care is the mission field within your own home
- foster care is pro-life
- foster care helps heal the brokenness of the world
The need for foster care is great, and we have a great God who wants to use His people in great ways to make a difference in this world.
Biblical Invitations to Support Children in Foster Care
The Biblical invitation that James 1:27 describes cannot be ignored.
In the gospel, we are orphans and God has adopted us. If we truly believe this truth, we must model the model set before us.
- Might these little ones be numbered among those Jesus calls “the least of these?” (Matthew 25:40, 45)
- Foster care provides daily reminders of our need for the gospel. Reminds us that our sin doesn’t affect just us. Others (even children) pay the consequences of our brokenness.
- Foster care puts the need for the gospel on display for our family. It is a chance for our children to see Jesus’s commands in action.
- Christians should consider foster care because we are called to be salt and light in the world (Matthew 5:13–14). Foster parents are difference-makers. Taking in a foster child may not change the world, but it will change the world for that child.
- Christians should consider foster care because being a foster parent is a wonderful way to demonstrate the love of Christ. Jesus had compassion on the “harassed and helpless” multitudes (Matthew 9:36); He received children to bless them (Mark 10:16); He taught us to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:31). Fostering a child moves us beyond theoretical discussions of love to the place where we are living bold, practical love.
- Christians should consider foster care because of God’s commands to care for the orphan and the needy. “Defend the weak and the fatherless” (Psalm 82:3; cf. Isaiah 1:17). While children in foster care may not literally be fatherless, they are all experiencing separation from their birth families, and they need defending and care.
Christians have a long history of tending to the needs of the orphan, the sojourner, and the widow. Children are in need today. If you are in a position to help them, please consider reaching out for more information to get started.
If you are interested in learning more about becoming a foster parent to a child in need, please reach out to care@palmerhome.org for more information.
Ways to Support Palmer Home
Palmer Home has provided care to children in need for 128 years. We could not do this work without the support of our communities.
Our supporters help impact the children and families we serve by spreading awareness about our mission and programs, providing financial support, and volunteering their time and efforts. There are numerous ways to get involved:
Build Awareness
- Invite a Palmer Home representative to speak to your church, civic group, or organization.
- Allow us to host an interest meeting at your next gathering or community event.
- Share our videos or print materials at your next meeting or church event.
Support Financially
- Collect a special offering to support Palmer Home and our services.
- Join our monthly donor program to become a Palmer Home hero to a child in need.
- Help children and families thrive by supporting a fundraising event.
Serve With Us
- Bring a group of coworkers or friends to serve on our campus.
- Donate common household goods and paper products to help us support more families.
- Volunteer your time as an event volunteer, mentor, or respite care provider.
About the Author
Whit Lewis is a pastor and currently serves as the Vice President of Children’s Programs at Palmer Home for Children. A husband and father of 3, Whit is passionate about the gospel, family, and Mississippi State football.
