It’s common to think that evangelism was designed for Christian adults to reach other adults, but have you considered the opportunity God may be giving you to share the Gospel with a child in your life?

Leading children to Christ is an important part of our call as believers. The Kingdom of God treasures children, and we should too. When it comes to sharing the Gospel, children are sometimes unintentionally overlooked. So, let’s focus on being intentional about pointing the next generation to Christ!

Reason this matters #1: Children are important to God.

The first truth conveyed in the Gospel message is that God loves the world! “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). No one is exempt from God’s love, and all are invited to trust in Jesus. It is fundamental for children to know this to be true of God and that He loves them unconditionally. Teaching children about God’s great love for them will build their confidence to trust in Him fully.

We see God’s heart for children clearly in how Jesus cared for them. In Matthew 19:14, Jesus welcomed children to Him by saying, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” Just in that one moment, Jesus showed us that children are important to Him. It is God’s desire for children to come to Him without constraint and that they know they have a place in His Kingdom!

Don’t forget that you are His child too! God has graciously chosen to relate to us as our Heavenly Father and we as His children! “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God…” (1 John 3:1).

Reason #2: Knowing and trusting in Christ is the most important decision a person can make.

As followers of Christ, we can all agree that a secure relationship with God influences every aspect of life. In light of this, the most important message we can give a child is that they are saved from sin and death when they trust in Christ alone. Help the child understand their salvation is secured in Christ because of what He did for them. To minimize confusion or doubts that may arise, clarify that their salvation is not dependent on their performance but is firmly anchored solely in the death and resurrection of Jesus! “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Leading a child to the Lord will help them build healthy spiritual disciplines early on. You have the privilege of showing them how to think about sin and where to take the burden of their sin. You can point them to Jesus and allow them to experience His unfailing mercy and forgiveness. The effects of spiritual disciplines will permeate into other areas of their life including their understanding of identity, how they deal with failure, where their source of hope comes from, and how they engage with the world and people around them.

Deciding to trust in Christ not only promises blessings for eternity but also equips us with the strength to live for Him in the present. When children grow up knowing that God loves them and can be trusted to guide their lives, it empowers them. Teaching children to rely on God’s promises is vital as they navigate an often confusing and daunting world.

It does not go unnoticed that many people have had negative experiences with Christianity as a child. Some people grow up with an unhealthy fear of God or an unhealthy fear of the world. The goal here is not to instill fear, but a steadfast resolve in the work and person of Jesus Christ. May it be so that the next generation grows up with confidence knowing that their eternity is secured in Christ!

Reason #3: Children are Spiritually Receptive!

An encouraging finding is that 63% of believers come to faith between the ages of 4-14 (Barna Group). This is good news!  This means that God has given children the gift of faith and the ability to embrace the Gospel as truth for their lives!

Jesus even used the faith of children as an example of how we should all receive the Kingdom. Mark 10:15 says, “Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” Why do you think Jesus said that? If you think about it, adults are more likely than children to be overthinkers. When a child receives a gift, they don’t question the giver’s intention or whether they deserve it. They accept it with great joy and anticipation. You see the sparkle in their eyes! In the same way, a child is more likely to receive the Gospel with joy, optimism, and free from skepticism. Such is the way we should all receive the gift of salvation!

Even if you see Christian kids straying away from God, remember that He is faithfully pursuing and transforming them throughout their whole lives. “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6).

Reason #4: Their Potential for Kingdom Impact is Immeasurable!  

Sharing the Gospel with a child is an exciting privilege. You are partnering with God to advance His Kingdom! When a child trusts in Christ, they have their entire lives to serve Him. As the saying goes, “There is no junior Holy Spirit” –– and that is so true! Our world could use more young people who have devoted their lives to God and are led by the Holy Spirit. God has a plan and a purpose for every person who is willing to be used by Him! Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

If you haven’t started yet, begin praying for the children in your life. Trust the Holy Spirit to guide you into fruitful opportunities for sharing the Gospel and rely on Him to do the work that only He can do in the hearts of these children. Together, let’s get excited about reaching the next generation for Christ!