Share the Gospel in Children's Ministry

Sharing the good news of Jesus, the gospel, must always be central in our ministries. The gospel is central to everything we do. And while there is so much that is important to what we do—environment, kids’ safety, volunteers, teaching methodology, you name it—the gospel is key.

Sharing the gospel should be simple, but sometimes we overwhelm ourselves with the how or when or where. Here are 3 ideas to help.

Keep it simple.
The gospel is simple, but we have a tendency to make it complicated. Instead, let’s choose to keep it simple and focus on the good news of Jesus.
Stay focused.
It’s easy to run down rabbit trails and try to provide answers to all the things in one conversation. The kids themselves often provide those opportunities with questions and prompts. To help keep it focused, stick to the message and help with the rabbit trails later.
Learn and practice so you’re comfortable.
There are so many ways to share the gospel with children. Learn one and use it!

Below is one way to help you share the gospel with kids using 10 words (including motions).

1. Keep it simple.
2. Stay focused.
3. Learn and practice so you’re comfortable.

God Loves

(Hold hands together outstretched in front of you)

God loves us and wants to have a relationship with us.
God wants us to be part of His family and to live with Him forever in heaven.

We Sin

(Move left hand outstretched to side. Right hand remains outstretched in front of you)

We sin, which is simply doing anything God doesn’t want us to do.
The Bible says that the punishment for sin is death, which looks like separation from God and broken relationship.

Jesus Died

(Both hands outstretched to the sides)

Jesus took our punishment for sin by dying on the cross and raising again.

God Forgives

(Move right hand back to be outstretched in front. Left hand remains outstretched to side)

Because Jesus died for us, our sins can be forgiven.
The Bible calls this a gift. Forgiveness gives us the opportunity to have a relationship with God.

We Accept

(Bring both hands together outstretched in front, as at the very beginning)

The Bible says we accept God’s gift by believing in our hearts that Jesus is God, that Jesus died for us, and by accepting His forgiveness for our sins.

God Loves
We Sin
Jesus Died
God Forgives
We Accept

Of course, as you are doing the motions that go with the 10 words, have the children join you! It is memorable and easy, and at the very least ought to plant the seeds of understanding in their minds.

There’s so much more to discuss about sharing the gospel and children. But sharing the gospel begins with a willingness to do so and an understanding of how to do so. May the Lord guide and direct you as you share His good news with them.