A child’s decision

A child’s decision to become a Christian is by far the most important decision they will make. Parents, ministers, and children’s leaders often consider how to help a child make this decision. The discussion of salvation begins with the child. 

When a child is ready to become a Christian, I believe there are five crucial questions to ask. The child’s responses will help determine whether the child has a clear understanding of the necessity of salvation and is ready to become a Christian. 

1. What is sin? 

Without the prompting of the adult, the child should respond with the meaning of sin. The adult should always consider the child’s age and that the child will provide an age-appropriate response.

2. Who sins? 

The child should know that everyone sins, including themselves. If a person does not sin, they do not need a Savior. Many times, the conversation ends here because they do not believe they commit sin.

3. When a person sins, who is the sin against? 

When we sin, we sin against God. This is another idea or concept that may be difficult for a child to grasp. 

4. What happens when we sin against God? 

We are separated from Him.

5. What did Jesus do for us and why? 

Jesus died on the cross to take the punishment for our sins. He arose from the grave and is our living Savior. Jesus brings us to God, where sin had separated us.

If the child can answer these questions or similar ones, the child is ready to hear the gospel presented simply and sincerely. If the child is unclear about one or more questions, I suggest affirming the child and their curiosity about Christianity. Tell the child that he or she is taking a step toward God. Encourage the child to continue thinking and asking questions. Always pray with the child, asking God to work in the child’s life. 

The person presenting the gospel to a child should remember to:

• Use words the child will understand.
• Encourage the child to answer questions and to ask questions. Remember to engage the child in the gospel conversation. This should be a two-way conversation, not a short lecture.
• Ask open-ended questions that cause the child to think on their own and respond in their own words.
• Listen intently. Does the child understand what is being stated?
• Never pressure a child. The child will make the decision when he or she is ready. Remember, this is a decision between God and the child, not the presenter and the child. 

Lifeway provides excellent resources for presenting the gospel to children—for example, The Gospel: God’s Plan For Us and the 3 Circles conversation guide. Also, remember when the child is ready to pray the prayer of salvation, allow the child to voice their own prayer. A child needs to remember that they asked Jesus into their life. 

B&H recently published an excellent book for pastors, children’s ministers, and church leaders titled Children and Salvation, written by theologians and children’s ministry experts. This is a significant piece of writing, as it is only the third of its kind in the Southern Baptist Convention world. The first was written in the 1950s by Gaines Dobbins; the second, in the 1970s, by various theologians; and this writing was published in 2025.