Teaching Kids to Share Their Faith
It's important
Years ago, a mother told her nine year old son and eight year old daughter that she was expecting. The kids were asked to keep this a secret, as they were the first ones to know. Later that day, that family's pastor stopped by for a visit. He had barely stepped in the door when the good news was shared with him. I still remember the way my mother looked at me when I blurted it out, but how was I supposed to keep such good news to myself?
As Christians, we are in possession of the greatest news of all. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is exciting and our kids should want to share that news with their friends and family, and even random strangers at the grocery store. Let's take a look at some steps we can take to help them clearly communicate that message.
Keep It Simple
It is quite possible that kids grasp the Gospel message far more clearly than the greatest of theologians. For them, it has yet to be tainted by theological theories and apologetic arguments. It is simply a message that Jesus died for our sins. Kids seem to grasp this message with stark clarity and we would do well to let them keep it simple. Even Jesus said, "...anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."
Let Them Teach
Giving kids opportunities to share their faith in the safety of our presence, but without our interference, helps prepare them for a world where their message will be less receptive. As kids share, they will work through many issues and will finely tune the message they are sharing.
Value the Word
The Word of God is extremely powerful and it is our responsibility to teach it. We need to teach the Word, but we also need to instill in our kids the value of it. We do this by example. If we value God's Word, chances are those we lead will catch the value.
Their Story Matters
The Gospel matters because of what it means for us. The Good News isn't so great if it is for someone else. Revelation tells us that the saints overcame by the "blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony." We do well to teach kids to share the good news of Jesus as it relates to them. Teaching kids to value their testimony of what God has done in their lives gives them a valuable tool for evangelism.
The world we live in will become increasingly hostile against the message of the Gospel, but in the midst of culture, the Gospel is ever more relevant. Teach kids to be passionate in sharing the purest and simplest message, Christ and Christ crucified.
