Igniting the flame of evangelism in kids.

When it comes to evangelism, it is not enough to simply teach children about it; we must encourage and empower them to actively practice evangelism themselves.

Interestingly, many children have already mastered the art of evangelism within the realm of video games. When they discover a game they enjoy, they enthusiastically share their excitement with their friends, persuading them to purchase the game as well.

This observation highlights the significant influence that children have over their peers. So, why not harness that influence for the sake of sharing the message of Christ?

To train the kids in my class to become effective evangelists, I employ four essential strategies:

1. Cultivating a heart for the lost.

Children who have grown up in the church often struggle to understand the concept of lostness. They may perceive non-believers as “bad” people whom their parents discourage them from associating with. However, it is vital to help them grasp that there are billions of individuals in the world who have yet to encounter the love and salvation of Christ.

To instill this understanding, I utilize two methods. First, I teach on the topic, explaining the significance of reaching out to those who do not know Christ. Second, I invite individuals who did not grow up in the church to share their personal testimonies. Storytelling serves as a powerful tool for kids to connect with experiences they may not have had themselves.

2. Encouraging kindness towards newcomers.

One of the simplest ways to engage in evangelism is by reaching out to those who are new. I teach the kids in my class to be vigilant and welcoming towards new students. I emphasize the importance of not only focusing on their existing friendships but also introducing themselves, asking questions, and initiating conversations with newcomers.

While we train our adult volunteers to do this, it is equally crucial to equip our children. From the perspective of a new child, making friends with another child is often more appealing than approaching an adult.

3. Encouraging invitations to church.

Inviting friends to church is something that children naturally enjoy doing. It is beneficial to have several events throughout the year that focus on evangelism, such as Vacation Bible Adventure (VBA) or alternative activities during Halloween.

Prior to these events, I spend several weeks teaching on evangelism, and I motivate the kids by offering a prize to the child who brings the most friends. During VBA, I preach a salvation message and give an altar call. Witnessing their friends respond to the call stirs the children’s hearts and ignites their enthusiasm for evangelism.

4. Teaching the kids to pray the prayer of salvation.

The prayer of salvation, as outlined in Romans 10:9, states that believing in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead and confessing with your mouth that Jesus is Lord leads to salvation.

After thoroughly teaching on this prayer, I engage the children in role-playing and encourage them to practice praying it with one another. We continue until each child is confident in leading another child to Christ. This exercise instills confidence in their ability to share the Gospel, leading them to speak more boldly about Jesus to their friends.

By implementing these four strategies, we can empower children to become passionate and effective evangelists. It is through nurturing their hearts, encouraging kindness towards newcomers, promoting invitations to church, and equipping them with the prayer of salvation that we can witness a generation of children actively spreading the love and message of Jesus Christ.

• What kid events do you have coming up?
• What can you do to ignite the flame of evangelism in your kids?

Are you looking for lessons to teach your kids on salvation? Click here to check out The Core – it has several powerful lessons.