In this post we will discover:
- What the Bible says about your role as a parent in teaching your kids about Christ
- What it looks like to introduce your children to Jesus
- Where do we start in growing our kids’ faith
- Top Tips for integrating Jesus into our kids’ lives
- Common Questions about teaching your kids about Christ
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You are called to be your kids’ primary faith instructor! Not your Pastor, Children’s Director, Sunday School Teacher, Youth Leader, or AWANA volunteer. You!! Don’t feel equipped? I can help! I’m a Parent Coach here to help you become more peaceful, purposeful, and playful as you disciple your kids every day.
What does the Bible say about teaching your kids about Christ?
Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
Deuteronomy 6:4-9 NLT
Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.
Proverbs 22:6 NLT
I could have no greater joy than to hear that my children are following the truth.
3 John 1:4 NLT
The living, only the living can thank you, as I do today; a father will make your faithfulness known to children.
Isaiah 38:19 CSB
but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 19:14 ESV
But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the Holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 3:14-15 NLT
But watch out! Be careful never to forget what you yourself have seen. Do not let these memories escape from your mind as long as you live! And be sure to pass them on to your children and grandchildren. Never forget the day when you stood before the Lord your God at Mount Sinai, where he told me, ‘Summon the people before me, and I will personally instruct them. Then they will learn to fear me as long as they live, and they will teach their children to fear me also.
Deuteronomy 4:9-10 NLT
What does it mean to teach your kids about Christ?
“The goal of every Christian parent and every local church congregation should be to help their children know God and to live in a faith-filled relationship with Him-to journey with Christ.”
Leon M. Blanchette Jr., A Theology for Family Ministries
As Christian mamas we want our kids to know and experience the incredible love of Christ Jesus, our Savior. God calls us to pass on our faith to our children so that they may walk with Jesus all the days of their lives. In biblical times, Jewish kids used to memorize whole books of the Torah. This isn’t realistic for today, so what do we do?
We play. We sing. We read. We model. We pray. Together with our kiddos, we invite Jesus into our day-to-day routines. Showing our children the goodness of God’s love through celebrating the blessings and trusting Him in the hard times.
It is simple. It is fun. It is impactful! This is how we teach kids about Christ on their level and in a way that makes them want to stick with it and, eventually, take ownership of their faith.
How do you get started introducing Jesus to your kids?
The most important first step in introducing your kids to Jesus, is you having a vibrant, life-giving relationship with Him. You must spend time with Him. You must know you are loved and you must love Him. When you are closely following Jesus, you won’t be able to stop from sharing Him with your children.
I regularly use two Bibles, the She Reads Truth Bible and the NLT Inspire Journaling Bible in my quiet times. Sometimes, I just want to read and study God’s Word, while other times I want to get a bit more creative and playful in the Word. I also am almost always reading a devotional and a Christian book or two, as well.
Do you want to chat and see what it would look like to have me come alongside you as you begin this journey? Click below to book a free consultation.
10 Tips for Growing your Child’s Faith
Ultimately, it is not our responsibility whether our children choose to follow Christ or not; it is theirs. Even if we do everything right, which we won’t, and our kids may choose their own path or take a detour. Your job is to teach them well, pray for them often, and then, trust God with the rest. If you would like a little more personal help, I would love to coach you in creating a playful Family Faith Plan. You can sign up for a free 15-minute call here, or jump right in with an hour of coaching and a printable, personalized Family Faith Planner.
However, here are a few tips to help you teach your kids about Christ:
- Have several age-appropriate Bibles and Bible Storybooks around your house. And, read them playfully! For tips on reading Bible stories with little ones, check out this post. Here is a whole list and descriptions of some of the Best Kid’s Bibles, but a few of my favorites are:
- Children of God Storybook Bible by Archbishop Desmund Tutu
- The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones
- Hands-On Bible NLT (ages 8 and up)
- Pray with your child each night, big bold prayers!
- Learn fun blessings to use at mealtimes.
- Apologize to your kids when you make mistakes or lose your cool. Explain that Christ died for you and your mistakes, too. Also, forgive your children quickly, frequently, and deliberately.
- Talk about God as Creator when you are outside in nature. Notice His creativity, His artistry, and His generosity in making things for us to enjoy.
- Sing Sunday School songs from your childhood, if you know any.
- Listen to praise music together.
- Tell your kids what a great job God did when He made them! “Wow, I love how silly God made you!”
- Teach in your child’s Sunday School class. Your Children’s Ministry Director will love it and you get free training on sharing Christ with kids.
- Have other Christian adults regularly in your child’s life.
BONUS TIP!!
11. Keep faith fun! Jesus died for us to have an abundant life. Our God is not boring, so our faith does not need to be boring either. Laugh, sing, play, celebrate every day!
Want to jump in with a guided 5-day Bible Play Challenge? It’s free! Join the challenge here.
Here are a few playful ideas for teaching some favorite Bible stories:
Read More…
To see 10 similar tips with a little more depth, check out this guest post I did over at BabyDevotions.com.
Common Questions/FAQ About Teaching your Kids about Jesus
- What age can I start teaching my child about God?
- Now! Whatever age your kids are at is the right time to start teaching them about God. If you are pregnant, then sing praises and pray over your belly. While you are nursing, you can point out each of the fingers and toes God created to your baby. Your toddlers will love a scavenger hunt for all the yellow things God made in your yard. Your preschooler can grow in independence as they are responsible for leading the blessing at dinner. Early elementary kids can find sight words in their Bible. Preteens need to know they were created for a purpose by a loving Creator and teens need the dependability of Jesus’ unconditional love.
- How do I teach my kid to pray when I am uncomfortable with praying out loud?
- You honestly tell your child that you are scared and uncomfortable with praying out loud, but you know it is important so you want to do it with them. Then, alongside your child, you openly tell God how you feel and to help you overcome your fears.
- Learn and recite the Lord’s Prayer together. Using Jesus’ words instead of your own can feel less intimidating.
- I barely have time to eat or shower, how do I make time to spend alone with the Lord?
- Short answer is that we make time for those things that are important to us, but here are a few tips. I love listening to the Bible Recap Bible in a Year through the YouVersion Bible App while I get ready each morning. I listen at x2 the speed and finish the daily chapters and the coresponding podcast before my hair is up and I am out the bedroom door.
- Or, start by getting a Bible app on your phone and doing a short, daily devotional. Join a Bible Study with friends so that you get the extra social motivation. Buy a simple devotional book; I LOVE this one. Leave your Bible open on the kitchen counter and read few verses when you get a chance.
- One thing that I try to remember is that my laundry will need to be done again tomorrow, but I may miss this moment with the Holy Spirit if I don’t take it now.
- What do my kids need to know about Jesus?
- To begin with kids only need to know there is a one true God and He loves them. As they grow and become more receptive, we can teach our kids to obey God, talk to God, and that God is always there for them. Deep theology is not necessary for kids, not even teens if they are just being introduced to Him. Other characteristics of God can then be introduced as certain situations arise, ie, your child is afraid of the dark, you can talk about how He is always with us.
- Why can’t the church just teach my kids about God?
- Taking your kids to church is great and we do want your children to be learning about Jesus from your wonderful, church staff and volunteers while there. However, we do not eat just once a week to fill our bodies, and how much more important is it to nurture your little ones’ hearts and souls? Your kids look to you, trust you, and imitate you. Use that influence you have in their life to point them towards the One who created and loves them, Jesus. Read more about this here.
The Last Thing You Need to Know about Teaching your Kids about Christ
What a privilege we have as mamas to introduce our children to the most important man they will ever meet! Make the most of it and have fun with your little ones as you walk the Christian life together, so that when they are old they will continue to serve our Lord, Jesus.
I can’t wait to join you as you teach your kids about Christ and grow together in y’all’s faith.
Comment below who introduced you to Christ and how old you were.
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