Leading a child to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ is one of the biggest privileges we have as Sunday School teachers. However, it is also one of the biggest responsibilities we have. Children are very vulnerable and are easily swayed by the influence of those they respect. If you have the opportunity to talk to a child about his salvation need, be very careful.
First, remember that the child must have a thorough understanding of salvation. Start the conversation with prayer, and then ask the child probing questions to find out where they are spiritually. If the gospel has been clearly presented, have them read scriptures that emphasize what has been taught. Then ask questions like:
· Where would you go if you were to die tonight?
· Why should/shouldn’t God let you get into heaven?
· What did Jesus do for you? Why?
If they do not have clear answers to these questions, they are probably not ready. Children need to understand what sin is, how it affects their ability to get into heaven, and what Jesus did for them on the cross.
One of the biggest mistakes you can do is have a child pray a prayer when they do not truly understand the gospel. Salvation is not a matter of praying a set prayer. It is a decision that is first made in the heart.
Avoid scaring a child into making a decision because of a fear of hell. Yes, hell is the reality for the unsaved, but a desire to avoid hell does not make someone a Christian. Be sure the child understands that she is a sinner and that Jesus paid the price for her sin by dying on the cross.
The best way to deal with a child who indicates a desire for salvation is to let him tell you what he needs. If he has a clear understanding of the gospel, lead him in the prayer of salvation. Explain to him that praying is just talking to God, and have him explain to God that he knows he is a sinner, he knows Jesus died on the cross for his sins and rose again, and he wants to accept the gift of salvation and become a Christian.
If a child makes this profession of faith, remind her that she will still sin. Send her to I John 1:9 and explain that part of growing as a Christian is learning how to confess sin when it happens. Then, remind her that nothing can take her out of the Father’s hand now that she is a Christian, even her own mistakes. God promises that she is His child forever!