Simple Tips for Answering Children’s Questions about God
It’s inevitable as the leader of a children’s missions discipleship group: You will have to answer a child’s questions about God. Whether you are a new or seasoned leader, it isn’t something to fret over, especially if you keep in mind these simple tips.
Pray for children and your sessions.
This may seem simple, but how many times do we get caught up in everything else we’re doing and forget to pray? Prayer is our offensive and defensive weapon — the tool we can use for the kingdom to both score points and prevent Satan from scoring points.
It’s good to remember, as you disciple children to live on mission, that God’s call on their lives may just begin while you lead them! We can never take that too lightly, and we should always ask for wisdom and discernment about how best to answer any child’s questions, whether about God, missions work, or things that happen in their own lives. Don’t let it overwhelm you, though. Remember, in the Book of Luke, we are told, “The Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say” (Luke 12:12 NIrV).
Be prepared.
When you prepare to teach each week, take time to look at the “Terms to Know,” “Optional” and “Tips” provided in Missions Journey: Kids Leader. These are designed to help answer some questions or prepare you to steer a child into a deeper conversation, depending on the age group you are leading. Consider, also, what might prompt a child to ask a question; think through how you might answer it. Or if you have questions about something yourself, try to answer them before you teach.
Consider a child’s maturity level and age.
It’s good to remember that children are concrete, literal thinkers. They understand things we can see, touch, hear, taste, or smell (e.g., soap, desks, food, and telephones). Try to keep your answers simple and truthful. Spend most of your time discussing concrete concepts, and clearly explain any abstract ideas (jealously, redemption, etc.) you may need to discuss.
Relate to a child’s experiences and context.
When answering a child’s question(s), try to help relate the question back to something the child may have done or experienced. For instance, if children ask about the Holy Spirit, you could compare Him to the wind, which is invisible but can be felt and we can see its effects.
Be honest.
No one can have all the answers, even if you are a seminary-trained pastor! It’s OK to be honest with children who ask questions and tell them, “I don’t know.”
If it’s something you think might be easy to find an answer for during class, invite them to search for the answer with you. This is a great way to build Bible skills! Or, if you need more time to consider and search for the answer, tell the child, “I don’t know, but I will find out.” If you tell a child this, be sure to honor your word and share what you have learned the next time you meet!
Encourage questions and finding answers.
This can be a little scary as a leader, but discipling children means teaching them to stand on their own two feet on the Word of God. God made Himself knowable, both by sending Jesus and by giving us His word, the Bible.
Make sure children are confident they can take anything to the Lord, that no question is too hard to ask. In time, they will be like the Bereans, of whom it was written: “The Berean Jews were very glad to receive Paul’s message. They studied the Scriptures carefully every day. They wanted to see if what Paul said was true” (Acts 17:11).
