A Guide for Parents: Teaching Your Kids About Jesus
This guide is designed to help parents have a meaningful, structured, and engaging conversation with their children about Jesus and the gospel. It blends fun, teaching, discussion, and reflection, making it a memorable experience for your kids.
1. Start with Ice Cream
Begin with a relaxed and enjoyable moment—everyone gets ice cream. This helps set a positive, welcoming atmosphere and makes the conversation feel like a special occasion.
2. Teaching Respect & Listening
Give each child $10 in play money (or real cash if you prefer). Explain the rule:
Every time they interrupt, they lose $1.
If they don’t interrupt, they receive a bonus at the end (I gave the one child who made it through perfectly, an extra $1).
This teaches respect, patience, and listening, which are important when learning about faith.
3. Open with Prayer
Pray together, asking God for wisdom, open hearts, and understanding as you talk about Jesus.
4. Explain Why This Matters
Tell your kids: “This is so important to Mom and me. We love you, and we want you to know the most important thing in life—how to have a relationship with Jesus.”
5. Explain the Gospel Clearly
Walk them through the four key parts of the gospel:
Creation – God made the world and created us in His image (Genesis 1:1, 27).
Fall – Sin entered the world, separating us from God (Romans 3:23).
Redemption – Jesus came to save us by dying on the cross for our sins (John 3:16).
Resurrection – Jesus rose from the dead, giving us victory over sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
6. Share Your Personal Faith Story
Talk about what knowing Jesus has meant for you in these areas:
Forgiveness – How Jesus has forgiven your sins.
Purpose – How He has given meaning to your life.
Truth – How you trust the Bible as God’s truth.
Love – How His love has changed you and your family.
7. Ask If They Have Questions
Encourage your kids to ask anything about the gospel, Jesus, or faith.
Then ask: “So what do we do with this? What does the Bible say?”
What the Bible Teaches About Following Jesus:
Romans 10:9-10 – If we confess and believe, we are saved.
We repent – Turn away from sin (Acts 3:19).
We get baptized – Explain why baptism is important (Acts 2:38).
We seek to love God in everything we do (Matthew 22:37).
We seek to love our neighbor (Matthew 22:39).
The Bible teaches us how to love God and love others.
8. What Happens When We Die?
Explain heaven vs. hell in an age-appropriate way. Let them know:
Heaven is where we will be with Jesus forever.
Hell is separation from God, but Jesus made a way for us to be saved.
9. Will We See Each Other Again After We Die?
Yes, if we have trusted in Jesus! Reassure them that those who believe in Jesus will be together with Him forever.
10. Read the Definition of Faith
Ask: “Do you choose to believe?”
Explain that faith is trusting in what we cannot see (Hebrews 11:1).
This is a personal choice—it can’t be just Mom and Dad’s faith; it needs to be yours.
11. Look Each Child in the Eye and Ask Each Child, One at a Time:
1. “Have you confessed with your mouth that Jesus is Lord?”
2. “Do you believe God the Father raised Jesus from the dead?”
If a child isn’t ready, assure them that God is patient and they can ask more questions anytime.
12. Lead a Prayer of Commitment
For kids who are ready, lead them in a repeat-after-me prayer to accept Jesus. Keep it simple: “Jesus, I believe in You. I know I have sinned, but I ask for Your forgiveness. I trust You as my Savior, and I want to follow You forever. Amen.”
13. Next Step: Get Baptized
Explain that baptism is our way of showing the world that we follow Jesus.
Ask: “Let’s do it this weekend!”
If they’re ready, set a date to make it happen.
14. Five-Minute Break & More Ice Cream
Give them a short bathroom/snack break to process what they’ve learned.
15. Teach Them How to Study the Bible
Introduce the structure of the Bible:
Chapters & Verses – How the Bible is organized.
Study Notes – How to use them for understanding.
Index in the Back – Finding verses when they need guidance (e.g., when scared, sad, or confused).
Give them a daily Bible reading plan (available for free online and at many churches, including Essential Church).
While reading the entire daily schedule may be too much for young readers, I encourage my kids to read the New Testament reading first. If they want to continue on for the Old Testament readings, great—but it’s not mandatory at this point in their walk with Jesus.
Use a Pen/Highlighter – Mark what stands out.
Ask Questions – Encourage curiosity about Scripture. Use guide below on some of the best questions to ask!
How to Study the Bible Daily
1. Follow a Reading Plan – Start with the New Testament.
2. Ask Questions Using the ACTS Model:
Adoration – What does this passage teach about God?
Confession – Does this passage reveal sin in my life?
Thanksgiving – What can I thank God for?
Supplication – How should I pray in response?
16. Talk About Church
Ask: “Anything about church you want to talk about?”
“Anything you’ve heard or seen that confuses you or bothers you?”
This lets them express doubts or concerns in a safe space.
17. Teach Them About Prayer
Explain:
Prayer is talking to God.
He is a person who sees us and listens.
Be respectful when you pray.
Model the ACTS prayer method:
Adoration – Praising God.
Confession – Admitting sins.
Thanksgiving – Thanking Him.
Supplication – Asking for help.
I’m praying for all who may use it in the future.
I’d love to hear how your conversations with your children goes! Shoot me a message.
“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” – Joshua 24:15
Resources referred to in the above article:
Prayer and Questions to Ask While Reading The Bible
The ESV Study Journaling Bible I bought for my 11 and 13 year old
