Click here for a printable sheet of How To Lead Your Child to Christ.
How to Lead Your Child to Christ
Some things to consider ahead of time:
1. Realize that God is more concerned about your child’s eternal destiny and happiness than you are. “The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise ... He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9
2. Pray specifically beforehand that God will give you insights and wisdom in dealing with each child on his or her maturity level.
3. Don’t use terms like “take Jesus into your heart,” “dying and going to hell,” and “accepting Christ as your personal Savior.” Children are either too literal (“How does Jesus breathe in my heart?”) or the words are too clichéd and trite for their understanding.
4. Deal with each child alone and don’t be in a hurry. Make sure he or she understands. Discuss. Take your time.
A few cautions:
1. When drawingchildren to Himself, Jesus said for others to “allow” them to come to Him (see Mark
2. Remember that unless the Holy Spirit is speaking to the child, there will be no genuine heart-experience of regeneration. Parents, don’t get caught up in the idea that Jesus will return the day before you were going to speak to your child about salvation and that it will be too late. Look at God’s character – He is love! He is not dangling your child’s soul over hell. Wait on God’s timing. Pray with faith, believing. Be concerned, but don’t push.
3. After salvation has occurred, pray for your child out loud. This is a good way to pronounce a blessing on them.
4. Lead your child into assurance. Show your child that he will have to keep his relationship open with God through repentance and forgiveness (just like with his family and friends), but that God will always love him. “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5
If you wish to guide your child through the prayer, here is some suggested language:
“Dear God, I know that I am a sinner (have your child name specific sins he or she acknowledged earlier, such as lying, stealing, disobeying, etc.) I know that Jesus died on the cross to pay for all my sins. I ask you to forgive me of my sins. I believe that Jesus died for me and rose from the dead, and I accept Him as my Savior. Thank You for loving me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
