For a few amazing years, I was able to focus my work and leadership in early childhood ministry. That season was filled with moments of joy, growth, humor, and wonder—preschoolers are defined by these attributes!
I delight in thinking back on moments when a young child would ask their small group leader a simple-yet-big question like, “Who is Jesus?” Oh, to think of the ways that God is at work in moments and questions like this.
As I think about my own ministry experience and connect with ministry leaders, I notice a question that rises to the surface. The question is: “Am I doing enough?”
I wonder if there is a better question for us to be asking—one that can turn our focus.
Instead of asking, “Am I doing enough?” what if we focused more on asking ourselves and encouraging all who we lead to ask, “Who is Jesus?”
By asking this question, we are invoking evangelism. Now, don’t let the word “evangelism” intimidate you or send your brain in the wrong direction—let’s lean in together.
We are called to share the good news of Jesus with those around us. It’s that simple.
We are called to share the good news of Jesus with those around us. It’s that simple. Evangelism is sharing the good news of Jesus.
If you lead a children’s ministry, you are being called to share the good news of Jesus with the children, volunteers, and families you lead. And it’s important because Jesus loves children. And children need to know that He loves them and is near.
It’s not always easy, and that’s okay, but it really is that simple.
Evangelism
As we help kids wonder about who Jesus is, we have the profound opportunity to introduce them to Jesus. And as they are introduced to Jesus, they begin to know Him for themselves. As they grow in knowing who Jesus is, they may welcome and grow in relationship with Him.
The best part?
God is already pursuing each of these children—just like He pursues each of us. We are simply creating space for children to spend time with their Heavenly Father, who has good plans for them and wants a relationship with them.
As leaders, we go first.
If we want those in our ministries to know who Jesus is and be able to share it with others, we must be intentional in sharing Him ourselves. We can no longer assume that children are being introduced to Jesus in their homes or especially in their schools.
If the next generation is going to be bold in sharing their faith, we have a responsibility to teach and equip them as they grow. This includes equipping those who influence them—their parents and our volunteer leaders.
I wonder what your volunteers would say today if you asked them “Who is Jesus?” I wonder what families in your ministry would say. I wonder what you would say. Here is a thought on starting to prompt this question in each group.
Gospel Light
With our easy-prep lessons, teachers can focus on building relationships with kids and pointing them to Jesus as they explore God’s Word.
Evangelism: Asking Questions
Who is Jesus to your volunteers?
As you gather with your volunteers to huddle or pray before weekend services, take a moment to ask them this question. You may ask your team, “Who has Jesus been to you this week? How have you seen Jesus at work in your life this week?”
Expect some awkward silence, and then ask it again next week. Encourage your volunteers to turn to Scripture for answers.
Who is Jesus to your families?
Have you ever asked the families in your ministry, “Who is Jesus?” Simply asking this question is a great place to start. You may challenge parents to share who Jesus is with their children. You may encourage families to think of three people they can share the good news of Jesus with.
Then, you can celebrate with them as they grow in this together. And encourage families to dive into Scripture together to uncover the answer.
Who is Jesus to you?
I encourage you to pause and think about this today. Then, share it with someone. Then, share it with someone else. This is a muscle that we must practice using. It may feel shaky at first, and that is more than okay. You may feel tempted to overcomplicate this, but there is no need.
It can be as simple as saying, “I was challenged to ask myself the question, who is Jesus? and it got me thinking…” And as you go deeper, make sure your thoughts are aligned with Scripture.
We have to make sure we are sharing the real, true Jesus with those around us.
Sharing Jesus
Let’s not wait to get started with evangelism (sharing Jesus!)—there is urgency in the gospel.
I’ll go first. Jesus is my closest friend. He has shown me love and grace in ways that I could never deserve. When I read the gospels, I see Jesus’ gentleness, His compassion, His peace, His authority, and I want to be more like Him.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6 NIV
To help cast vision, here is a tangible example. The staff of my church gathers every Thursday morning and for 30–45 minutes, 15 ministry leaders share stories of how they have seen God at work during the past week. They share stories of sharing the gospel or seeing Jesus meet them as they evangelize.
I have never witnessed anything like this. The joy and encouragement in the room is almost tangible. The presence of God is there.
Each leader leaves those Thursday morning conversations feeling filled up to go share the gospel again. It has become a natural rhythm of our church, and we model that for the next generation.
I am so excited thinking about the next generation of our church growing up excited to share their faith because they have seen it modeled by the generations before them. May that be more and more true of the ministries we build and lead.
