3 Ways to Encourage Your Children to Share Their Faith
I think most of us desire to see our children live out their faith but when life gets busy evangelism often takes a back burner. Here are three ways to encourage your children to share their faith:
1. Teach by Example: Children tend to imitate those they love and those whom they spend time with. And of course, we’ve all heard the old adage that actions speak louder than words. This holds true for evangelism as well. The best way to teach our children to share their faith is by doing so ourselves.
The gospel ought to permeate every aspects of our lives. It is not so much about making time to share the gospel as it is living out the gospel and incorporating non-Christians in our day to day routine. For example, inviting a neighbor to come along to a baseball game with your family, striking up conversations with other parents in the park, or inviting non-Christians over for dinner.
2. Provide them with Training: Whether a parent or children’s ministry leader, don’t neglect evangelism training for children. Older kids may fine the “Youth Can Tell It!” booklet helpful. Younger ones will probably require something simple. But regardless of the age, whatever method you use should incorporate a clear message of the gospel that saves us: Christ died for our sins and rose from the dead so that those who trust in him alone can be saved.
3. Use Visual Aids & Reminders: Sometimes we struggle knowing how to share our faith. Visual aids can help ease the difficulty. This could include a tract such as “CrossTalk,” a “Good News Wristband,” a “Good News Bracelet Kit,” or an “Evangecube.”
You can also teach your children how to use natural things around them as illustrations. For example, the beauty of a flower or animal showcasing God’s glory as our creator. One blogger created an Outdoor Bible Scavenger Hunt, which may be used to teach children to look for ways of incorporating Bible stories and nature.
What about you? What are your creative ways for inspiring kids to live out their faith?
Sarah Bowler
Sarah is the author of Bathsheba’s Responsibility in Light of Narrative Analysis, contributor to Vindicating the Vixens, and contributing editor for The Evangelism Study Bible. Some of her previous ministry experiences have included teaching and mentoring of adults and children in a wide variety of settings. Her small claim to fame is that she has worked with children of every age range from birth through high school over the past 20 years. She and her husband Ben reside in Richardson, Texas with their four children.
