Responsible Evangelism With Kids

The following is reprinted from the Kids Ministry 101 web site, and written by Bill Emeott. Bill has served as Lead Childhood Ministry Specialist at LifeWay Christian Resources since January 2003. As Lead Specialist he works with the LifeWay Kids team to develop and communicate LifeWay's message for childhood ministry though leadership training and events. Prior to coming to LifeWay Bill served as Childhood Minister in the Atlanta metro area and received degrees from Mercer University and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Bill is a member of First Baptist Church Nashville, Tennessee where he teaches kids in Sunday School, Discipleship, and Vacation Bible School.

Responsible Evangelism with Kids: Part 1

As I travel across the country, I consistently hear the same concerns: Help me get more folks involved in Kids ministry (Enlistment); Help me get a grip on Classroom Management (Discipline); and NUMBER ONE – Help me understand better about Children and Salvation!

I want to share with you 13 principles of Responsible Evangelism with Kids. I’ll do this over the next several posts. I believe these principles, when followed, will make for a really good foundation as you join kids on their spiritual journey.

1.      Responsible evangelism with kids begins with PRAYER.  As much as you love the kids you work with each week… much more so the Lord Jesus Christ loves them and desires to spend an eternity with them. Pray to the God of the Harvest. Ask Him to lead you as you have conversations with kids about becoming a Christian. He will honor your heart and your prayers.

2.      Responsible evangelism with kids depends on the guidance of the Holy Spirit.  It is the work of the Holy Spirit that calls a person (adult and child) to Him and to eternal salvation. We should never work apart from the Holy Spirit in attempts to manufacture conviction or manipulate a child’s innocence and emotions.

3.      Responsible evangelism with kids understands how kids develop. Understanding basic characteristics of boys and girls will help when talking with them about salvation. For instance, if you understand that most young children are very concrete in the way that they think and process information, you will work hard to discern a young child’s thinking and understanding of the basic concepts of sin and the gospel (which can be very abstract).

4.      Responsible evangelism with kids deals with each child individually. It is not uncommon for a child to “walk the isle” or “raise their hand” in a group setting. Too often I’ve talked with folks who are confused and who struggled with the decision they made as a child. They believe they may have simply “followed the crowd.” Our job, as responsible evangelists, is to make sure that each child is counseled individually and help each child make a very personal decision to follow Christ.

5.      Responsible evangelism with kids does not rush a child. Deciding to follow Christ as personal Lord and Savior is often a process for children. They may start a conversation, receive information, process that information and return with more questions at a later date. Just because a child is curious doesn’t mean they’re under conviction. It’s okay for the process to naturally unfold over a period of time.

Bottom Line:  It is a privilege to walk with a child toward God. It is a blessing to share God’s redemptive plan with a Child... but with every blessing comes responsibility!

Responsible Evangelism with Kids: Part 2

Responsible evangelism with Kids is perhaps the most important elements of a Kids Ministry. The way we approach boys and girls should be with the utmost integrity. Below are principles 6-9 in this series of posts:

6.      Responsible evangelism with kids is conversational. It is so important to have a conversation with a child instead of simply talking to a child. In order to discern a child’s intentions and understanding it requires a conversation. Refrain from asking questions that can be answered with a simple “yes” or “no.” Ask what, where, when questions to promote conversation.

7.      Responsible evangelism with kids uses language kids can understand. Most young children are very concrete in the way they think. Because we know this characteristic of young kids, we use words and terms that a child understands or we take great effort to make sure the language we use is defined and understood. Don’t just ask if a child is listening to what you say, but does he understand what you have said?

8.      Responsible evangelism with kids helps a child know the difference between becoming a Christian, being baptized, and joining the church.  Unfortunately many people confuse becoming a Christian with being baptized. We must work hard to help children understand that baptism does not bring salvation; it simply is a testimony of what has already taken place in a person’s heart. Becoming a church member is a progression that takes place after salvation and in many churches, after baptism.

9.      Responsible evangelism with kids recognizes that children have short attention spans. It’s been said that a child’s attention span is about 1 minute for every year old they are. So, when talking to an 8 year old about becoming a Christian, we can expect that child to begin “drift off” after about 8 minutes. It’s important to watch for signs that a child is “over it” and has reached her capacity for listening and taking in the information you are sharing. When preparing to share the gospel with a child, take into consideration her age and adjust accordingly.

Bottom Line: Sharing Christ with a child is one of the sweetest privileges you can have. Doing it in a responsible way can make the difference in a child’s Christian foundation. We want that foundation to be deep and strong.

Responsible Evangelism with Kids: Part 3

This is the last of a series of three posts titled “Responsible Evangelism with Kids.” I’ve been encouraged by the many direct comments made to me regarding these posts. I think that perhaps others have dealt or are dealing with this topic. Please know that these 13 points are one person’s attempt to clear up some confusion that I’ve seen out there regarding child evangelism. I’m sure there are more, but these have seemed to rise to the top of my list.

10.  Responsible evangelism with kids refrains from offering rewards. I often start a conversation with a child by asking them the question, “Why do you want to become a Christian.” On occasion I receive an answer like this, “I want to get a new Bible like my big sister got when she became a Christian.” I’m all for celebrating, but responsible evangelism with kids is careful to make sure that the celebration or reward doesn’t become the motivation for the decision. Perhaps the gift should become a time of responsible discussion with other children who witness the celebration of new life.

11.  Responsible evangelism with kids uses the Bible to show the way.  There are many different “tools” that one can choose to use when sharing the plan of salvation with a child. I won’t go into my convictions about that right now but what I will say, without reservation, is that if you are not using the Bible to show a child the way to salvation, you are missing the Greatest Tool available. God’s Word is sharp and powerful. It can cut between bone and marrow. Alone, it is sufficient and all you really need to help a child understand the way to God’s grace and His free gift of eternal life.

12.  Responsible evangelism with kids, whenever possible, involves the parents.  I am convinced the parents really do want to be a part of this most important time in the life of their child, they simply don’t know how or don’t feel equipped to do it. As responsible evangelist, we must equip parents to be the Deuteronomy 6 parents God has called them to be. Don’t take away the privilege of a Christian parent to introduce their child to their Heavenly Father.

13.  Responsible evangelism with kids follows up after a child makes a decision to follow Christ.  All too often, we walk with a child through the journey of becoming a Christian only to leave them to their own means for discipleship and Christian growth. We must do better with this! Do you have a systematic plan that helps a child continue his journey of faith past conversion to become a life-long, growing disciple? Start with a new Christian’s class for kids. Take the time to help a child review what’s happened in their life and create a point of remembrance regarding the decision they’ve made. The key to a successful Christian life is discipleship. Help start a child on the road to success!

Bottom Line: There’s really nothing more important in Kids Ministry than a strong and responsible philosophy of evangelism.  Use these thoughts/principles to make sure you’ve clearly determined what you believe and how you will join the children in your ministry on their spiritual journey.

I reprinted this information from Bill because it is an excellent resource for parents, as well as children's workers in the local church. Use it, share it, and let's share Christ responsibly with our kids!