Talking With Kids About Becoming a Christian

Why does your church have VBS? Kids can have lots of fun with a theme and learn all kinds of stories from the Bible, but we must keep the main thing the main thing – helping unsaved children come to an understanding of their need for a Savior.

Reaching children with the Gospel is more urgent than at any other time in history. Research indicates that nearly half of all Americans who accept Christ do so before the age of 13 (43%).

 You cannot make a child accept Jesus.  It is the role of the Holy Spirit to know when a person is ready to accept Christ.  Your responsibility is to share the message of salvation clearly. Don’t use fear tactics.

Things to Know About Kids  Children develop at different rates.  Kids have short attention spans.  Kids without church experience will not understand “church” words and phrases.  Lost  Asking Jesus into your heart  Sin  Savior  Lord  Confess  Soul  Invitation

Avoid high pressure group appeals.  Remember that children come to know Jesus one at a time.  Consider using a response card to lower peer pressure.

Avoid yes/no questions. Example: “What is sin?” not “Do you know what sin is? Ask appropriate questions when talking with kids about salvation.

Ask “why” questions. Example: “Why did Jesus die on the cross?” Ask appropriate questions when talking with kids about salvation.

Avoid asking leading questions: Example: “You want Jesus in your heart, don’t you?” Ask appropriate questions when talking with kids about salvation.

Use language a child can understand when responding to a question. Example: “Jesus died for your sin.” not “Jesus is the propitiation for your sin.” Ask appropriate questions when talking with kids about salvation.

when a child says:  I love Jesus!  I want to get baptized! Don’t jump to conclusions…

 Listen carefully to the child.  Consider rewording your explanations. Avoid giving more information than a child asks for or needs.

 Remember that kids have short attention spans.  Be ready to interrupt your plans to talk with a child who has questions. Let the child and the Holy Spirit guide the conversation.

You may have to do this over and over. Make a distinction between baptism and becoming a Christian.

 Use the Bible…preferably the child’s.  Look up the verses in the Bible.  Help kids to understand unfamiliar words.  Use caution when using visual aids. Have a plan!

 Don’t let this important time turn into a lecture, a presentation, or a quiz.  Give time for thought.  Don’t rush.  Don’t be afraid of silence. Remain conversational.

 regardless of whether the child accepts Christ. Pray with the child…

 Encourage the child to express his own thoughts.  Clearly explain that the parent is not to answer for the child.  Consider a “creative” seating arrangement. Involve parents whenever possible.

I will ask a question. You decide if it’s appropriate, inappropriate, or questionable. Let’s practice!

Do you love Jesus? Let’s practice!

What do you think this verse means? Let’s practice!

What questions do you have about becoming a Christian? Let’s practice!

Is Jesus knocking at the door of your heart? Let’s practice!

Why do you want to become a Christian? Let’s practice!

What does a person have to do to become a Christian? Let’s practice!

Would you like to join the church? Let’s practice!

Don’t you want to go forward and talk to the pastor? Let’s practice!

Can you describe what you think a Christian is? Let’s practice!

Will you repeat this prayer after me? Let’s practice!

Do you want to go to heaven when you die? Let’s practice!

Keep in mind:  You may not see immediate results.  Leave the results to God.  Claim God’s promise in Isaiah 55:11, “So my word that comes from My mouth will not return to me empty, but it will accomplish what I please and will prosper in what I send it to do.”

Go! Share the Good News!