How to have Gospel conversations with your kids.

As parents, we have a lot of conversations with our kids. We teach a lot of lessons, from how to tie your shoe, to how to be nice when someone opens the door for you, to doing homework because well, you have to. Some conversations and lessons are more fruitful than others, can I get an amen? But among all the lessons, there's one conversation that stands paramount: the Gospel. It’s not just about knowing Bible stories; it’s about nurturing a living, breathing faith that grows with them.

You might think, "My child is too young for deep theological discussions!" But the truth is, laying a foundation for gospel conversations from an early age is incredibly important. It's how they learn to articulate their feelings, understand their world through a biblical lens, and ultimately, communicate their faith as they grow. These aren't just one-off talks; they are a continuous dialogue that shapes their hearts and minds.

Think of it this way: if we want our children to confidently share their faith later in life, we need to equip them with the language and understanding of that faith now. These conversations build emotional intelligence, spiritual discernment, and a strong sense of identity rooted in Christ. They learn that their feelings matter, that God is relevant to every aspect of their day, and that their faith is a journey they don't walk alone.

Remember Matthew 18:3-4 “And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”

This verse is a powerful reminder of the qualities that are valued in God's kingdom: humility, trust, and a lack of worldly ambition. Jesus used a child as a living example to teach his disciples a fundamental truth about faith and greatness.

Teaching the gospel is a constant. Consider Deuteronomy 6:6-7 "These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."

Teaching faith isn't a scheduled event, like a once-a-week Sunday school class. Instead, it's meant to be a constant, natural conversation that happens throughout the day—while you're at home, traveling, going to bed, and waking up. The instruction is to "impress" them, which means to diligently and persistently ingrain them into their minds and hearts.

Teaching should be intentional and loving. Ephesians 6:4 tell us, "Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord."

This verse instructs fathers not to provoke their children to anger through harshness or unreasonable demands, but to take an active role in their spiritual upbringing. It combines "training" (which includes discipline and practical application) with "instruction" (the verbal teaching of God's Word). It's a call for intentional and loving discipleship within the home.

So, how do we start? It doesn't have to be complicated. Simple, open-ended questions woven into your daily routines can unlock incredible opportunities for spiritual growth. Here are some questions you can use, along with verses to guide your discussions:

Guiding Questions for Gospel Conversations:

1. How do you treat others, and is this how you want to be treated? This question opens the door to discussions about empathy, fairness, and the Golden Rule.

• Verse: "Do to others as you would have them do to you." – Luke 6:31

2. Other than humans, is there anything else that obeys God? This is a wonderful way to talk about God's sovereignty over creation and His power. You can discuss animals, weather, and the natural world.

• Verse: "The men were amazed and asked, 'What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!'" – Matthew 8:27

3. How did God show His love for you today? How can you show that you love God? This encourages children to see God's hand in their daily lives and to consider practical ways to respond to His love.

• Verse: "We love because he first loved us." – 1 John 4:19

4. What do you want to thank God for? What are some ways you can praise God? Cultivating a heart of gratitude and praise is vital for spiritual well-being.

• Verse: "Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name." – Psalm 100:4

5. What are some ways you showed your love for God today? This helps children connect their actions with their faith and understand that loving God involves how they live.

• Verse: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." – Deuteronomy 6:5

6. Why is the Bible important? Do you trust what it says? Understanding the authority and truth of Scripture is foundational. This question invites trust and curiosity about God's Word.

• Verse: "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness." – 2 Timothy 3:16

7. How did you serve someone today? Did anyone serve you? Who can you serve tomorrow? These questions foster a servant's heart and help children recognize acts of service, both given and received.

• Verse: "You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love." – Galatians 5:13

8. Where did you see God be great today? How do you know He is great? This encourages children to look for God's majesty in everyday moments and articulate His attributes.

• Verse: "I know that the Lord is great, that our Lord is greater than all gods." – Psalm 135:5

Making it a Daily Rhythm

These conversations don't need to be formal lessons. They can happen in the car on the way to school, during dinner, or as you're tucking them into bed. The key is consistency and creating an open, safe space for them to express their thoughts and questions.

As you engage in these gospel conversations, you'll be building more than just spiritual knowledge; you'll be deepening your relationship with your children, equipping them with tools for life, and, most importantly, pointing them toward the One who loves them most.