What is the biblical way to lead a child to Christ?

Answer

There are three fundamental elements involved in guiding a child to a saving relationship with Christ: prayer, example, and age-appropriate instruction. We guide a child to Christ through the diligent application of all three elements from before the child is born.

The significance of prayer in the process of evangelizing children cannot be overstated. From conception, parents should seek God’s wisdom for themselves and grace for their unborn child. God has promised to give wisdom generously to all who ask Him “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”, (James 1:5), and His wisdom in all aspects of parenting is crucial, but nowhere is it more critical than in spiritual matters. Ephesians 2:8-9 informs us that salvation is by grace through the gift of faith, so our prayers for our children’s salvation should focus on seeking that gift of faith for them. We should pray for the Holy Spirit to draw our children to God from their earliest days and to sustain them through a life of faith and service to God until they are securely in heaven for all eternity (Ephesians 1:13-14). We should pray that God will draw us to Himself and become a reality in our lives so that we can be good role models for our children.

Our example as children of God provides the best visual model of the relationship with Christ we desire our children to have. When our children see us on our knees daily, they understand that prayer is a regular part of life. When they see us consistently in the Scriptures, studying, feeding, and meditating on God’s Word, they recognize the importance of the Bible without us having to say a word. When they realize that we

Not only do those who know God’s Word endeavor to live it out in practical ways every day, but they also come to understand the power of the Word in a life lived in its light. Conversely, if a child observes that a parent has a Sunday “persona” that differs drastically from the person they see every day, they will quickly spot the hypocrisy. Many children have been put off by church and Christ due to two-faced role models. This is not to say that God can’t overcome our faults and failures, but we must be prepared to confess them to God, acknowledge our failures to our children, and make every effort to “walk the talk.”

Furthermore, offering age-appropriate instruction in spiritual matters is crucial for guiding a child to Christ. There is a plethora of children’s books and resources such as children’s Bibles, Bible storybooks, and music for all age levels to read, sing, and memorize. Connecting every aspect of a child’s life to spiritual truth is also a vital part of spiritual education. Whenever a child sees a flower, a sunset, or a bird, parents have ample opportunities to relate the beauty and wonder of God’s creative power (Psalm 19:1-6). When our children feel safe and secure in our love, we can show them how much greater the love of their heavenly Father is. In times of hurt caused by others, we can explain the reality of sin and the only remedy for it— the Lord Jesus Christ and His sacrifice on the cross for us.

Lastly, sometimes too much emphasis is placed on getting a child to “say the prayer” or “walk the aisle” as proof of their decision to trust Christ as Savior. While these moments can be significant in solidifying in a child’s mind when and how they came to Christ, salvation is the Spirit’s work in the heart. True salvation leads to a life of progressive sanctification and discipleship, and this must also be conveyed.