Giving the Gospel a Good Go for Preschoolers

WHY SHARE THE GOSPEL WITH PRESCHOOLERS?

  1. God tells us to share His Word with the children (Deut. 6:4-6; 31:12, 13;

Matt. 18:6, 14)

  1. Even small children are capable of learning (Isa. 28:9, 10; 2 Tim. 3:14, 15).
  2. They are lost in sin and we are responsible for them (Matt. 18:14).

CAN A PRESCHOOL CHILD BE SAVED?

Can preschool children trust Christ as their Savior? The Lord Jesus said, “Unless you change, and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 18:3). He spoke of little ones who believe in Him and the danger of offending them (Matt. 18:6).

Statistics show that 85% of those who make decisions for Christ do so between the ages of 4 and 14.

Examples of well-known Christians who came to Christ at an early age:

Richard Baxter, a Puritan preacher, was saved at the age of 6.

Corrie Ten Boom was saved at the age of 5.

Amy Carmichael was saved at the age of 3.

James Dobson was saved at the age of 3.

Jonathan Edwards, well-known preacher of the 18th century, was saved at the age of 7.

Leighton Ford, well-known evangelist, was saved at the age of 6.

Ruth Graham, wife of Billy Graham, was saved at the age of 4.

Anne Lotz, daughter of Billy and Ruth Graham, was saved at the age of 4.

Henrietta Mears was saved at the age of 5.

 Stephen Olford, well-known speaker and radio broadcaster, was saved at the age of 7.

Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna in the 2nd century, was saved at the age of 9.

Lord Shaftsbury, famous English reformer, was saved at the age of 8.

Dr. Isaac Watts, hymn writer, was saved at the age of 9.

WHAT ARE THE BASIC BIBLE TRUTHS FOR PRESCHOOLERS?

  1. God (gold)

God’s Word – Authority (2 Peter 1:21b) This is God’s book and everything in it is true.

God’s Work – Creator (Genesis 1:1) God made the world.

God’s Nature – Holy (1 Samuel 2:2) He is 100% good and always does what is right.

God’s Home – Heaven (Rev. 21, 22) God’s forever home.

God’s Love – He loves you (John 3:16a; Jer. 31:3) Make it personal & repeat it often.

  1. The child’s need (dark)

You and I have sinned (Romans 3:23).

Definition of sin: Anything you say or think or do that does not please God.

Examples of sin that the preschool child can relate to.

Born with a “want to” to sin (Psalm 51:5).

Sin deserves a punishment – to be away from God forever (Romans 6:23).

  1. Who Jesus is and What He did (red)

Perfect Son of God (2 Corinthians 5:21)

Willingly was punished for your sin (John 10:17)

Gave His blood (Hebrews 9:22b)

Died and rose again (1 Corinthians 15:3, 4)

Is now in heaven (Acts 2:33)

4. Invitation (clean)

  1. Review the need
  2. Review the way
  3. Read a condition and promise verse (John 1:12, Acts 16:31)
  4. Explain the condition
  5. Explain the promise
  6. Give an “alternate activity” – If you want to believe in Jesus as your Savior from sin, come sit on the mat next to me while the other children….

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Since preschoolers have sensitive emotions, we need to be careful not to manipulate them into a decision for Christ. Do remind them of the importance of responding to the Lord Jesus, and that you are available to talk with them when they are ready. Have a specific time and place where they can come to you. This method seems to work better than asking for a visible response, such as raising the hand, which often leads to all of the children responding, as they imitate each other.

COUNSELING FOR SALVATION

Counsel a preschool child carefully, reviewing the message of salvation simply and clearly. Be mindful of the fact that preschoolers want to please. They are imitators and tend to do what you do and say what you tell them to say. Avoid having a preschooler parrot what you say, then telling him he has been saved. Instead, use a gentle, unhurried manner; ask simple questions to discern his readiness; use a Wordless Book or a simple tract and your Bible to lead him to the Lord. (Use the “Key Questions” tool as a guide in counseling). If you discern he is not ready to receive Christ, pray with him and let him know you will be happy to talk with him again.

HOW CAN THE GOSPEL MESSAGE BE INCLUDED IN THE CLASS HOUR?

Songs

Bible Stories

Bible Verses

Games

Rhymes and Finger Plays

Visualized lessons

During pre-session time

Use the senses

Include the children

Teach simply

Review often

Compiled by Gloria Carlson

CEF Norcal, Silicon Valley, 1155 Broadway St. Suite 103, Redwood City, CA 94022,

650-306-0200

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