Overview
Step One: Lay a Foundation
Create a nurturing environment where your child can learn about God through Bible stories, scripture, and your everyday example. Engage in conversations about faith throughout your daily life, as emphasized in Deuteronomy 6:6-7.
Step Two: Discern Readiness
Pay attention to your child's emotional and spiritual maturity. It's crucial not to rush the decision for them to accept Christ. They need to grasp the concept of a personal relationship with Jesus, not just follow what they think you want to hear.
Step Three: Ask Questions
Gauge their understanding by discussing key concepts of faith. Use scripture, like Romans 6:23, to help them articulate what sin is and how it impacts their relationship with God. Focus on the two main ideas: recognizing Jesus as Savior and Lord.
Step Four: Guide Your Child in Prayer for Salvation
If your child shows a grasp of these concepts, help them express their decision through prayer. Encourage them to use their own words rather than repeating a script, reinforcing that this is their personal commitment to God.
By following these steps, you can create a supportive environment for your child to explore and embrace their faith in Christ.
Step Five: Following in Believers Baptism
Once your child accepts Christ as their personal savior, it is the perfect time to start talking about following in believers’ baptism. Though this step is not required for salvation, it is a great way for your child to tell your family, friends, church, and the world that they belong to God and that they are turning away from living a life in constant sin and doing their best to follow God and His word and use their life to share God and His love.
Preschool (3-5)
Podcast:
Development Stage:
In this vibrant phase of development, children aged 3 to 5 are exploring the world around them with boundless curiosity, often blurring the lines between imagination and reality. This is a wonderful time to nurture their inquisitive nature and guide them in understanding God and His Word. Here are some tips and resources to help you in this journey:
- Bible Storybooks: Choose age-appropriate storybooks that present biblical narratives in a fun and relatable way. Look for titles that feature vibrant illustrations and interactive elements.
- Songs and Music: Incorporate children’s songs that teach about God. Singing simple worship songs or catchy Bible verses can make learning about faith enjoyable.
- Crafts and Activities: Use crafts to illustrate Bible stories or concepts. For example, making a rainbow to discuss God’s promise to Noah or creating a heart to represent God’s love.
- Nature Walks: Take walks and encourage your child to observe nature. Discuss how God created everything they see, helping them connect their experiences to faith.
- Questions and Discussions: Embrace their “why” questions! Respond with simple, honest answers and encourage discussions about God and His creation.
- Prayer Time: Introduce simple prayers. Let your child express their thoughts to God in their own words, making prayer a natural part of their daily routine.
- Interactive Games: Create games that incorporate biblical truths or stories. For example, a scavenger hunt with items related to the Bible can spark excitement and learning.
By embracing their natural curiosity and guiding it toward an understanding of God, you can help foster a strong spiritual foundation during these formative years.
Expectations:
- Expect Lots of Questions: Kids at this age are naturally curious and may bombard you with “Why?” and “How?” Be prepared to answer in simple, clear terms.
- Imaginative Play is Essential: Play is their primary way of learning. Expect them to engage in imaginative scenarios, sometimes blurring the line between fantasy and reality.
- Emotional Ups and Downs: Children may experience intense emotions and mood swings. They’re learning to navigate feelings, so patience is key.
- Desire for Independence: Expect them to want to do things on their own, leading to both triumphs and tantrums when they encounter obstacles.
- Limited Focus: Their attention span is still developing, so activities may need to be brief and engaging. Be ready to switch gears frequently.
- Consistency Matters: Establishing routines provides comfort and security. Expect some resistance to change but recognize that children thrive on predictability.
- Learning to Share and Take Turns: Expect challenges in social interactions as they learn important skills like sharing, cooperation, and empathy.
- High Energy Levels: Kids in this age group are often full of energy and need plenty of opportunities for physical play and movement.
- Testing Limits: They may push boundaries as they learn about rules and consequences. Consistency in setting limits is important.
- Desire for Connection: Expect them to seek your attention and affection. Quality time together fosters a strong bond and helps them feel secure.
Leaders:
- Pastor Matt and Amanda Dunlap
Resources:
- The Faith of a Child by Art Murray
- Leading Your Kids to Christ: 30 Days to Prepare Your Heart by Criswell Freeman
- God’s Great News for Children by Rick Osborne and Marnie Wooding
- Habits of the Household by Justin Earley