Evangelizing Children with Scripture

Using Bible Reading to Connect Children with Jesus

Evangelizing children with Scripture …

Introducing non-Christian children to the person and message of Jesus through Bible reading is a powerful and effective method of evangelism. While non-Christian children usually have a limited or non-existent knowledge of the Scriptures, God’s Word can take root in even the youngest hearts.

Ten Practical Suggestions

Reading Scripture with children provides an engaging and relational way to help them encounter Jesus and begin to grasp the Gospel message. The following ten practical suggestions are designed to help adult Christians effectively use Bible reading as a tool for child evangelism.

1. Pray often

Before initiating any Bible reading with a child, take a moment to pray. Ask God to prepare the child to meet with God in and through His Word. As 1 Corinthians 3:7 reminds us, it is God who gives the growth. Ongoing prayer – before, during, and after you read Scripture with a child- is foundational to fruitful evangelism.

2. Pick age-appropriate Scripture

All Scripture is valuable, but children need to start where they can most easily connect with the message. For younger children, stories about Jesus (mainly from the Gospels) work well. For older children, consider reading through a Gospel, like Mark or John. Understanding a child’s background or prior exposure to Christianity helps in selecting a suitable text.

3. Make the invitation exciting and straightforward

Children respond to warmth and clarity. Rather than asking them to “study” the Bible, invite them to “read a story about Jesus” or “find out more about what the Bible says about God’s love.” Create anticipation and curiosity. For example: “Have you ever read the story about the man who walked on water?”

4. Choose a comfortable environment

Read in a setting that feels natural, safe, and non-intimidating – your living room, a park bench, or during a quiet break at a sports camp. Make it feel special and welcoming. A simple snack or fun bookmark can help the child feel at ease and valued.

5. Keep it short and focused

Children have limited attention spans. Restrict sessions to under 15 minutes, with no more than 5 – 10 minutes of actual reading. Leave time for discussion and questions. It’s better to leave a child wanting more than to overwhelm them.

6. Ask engaging, open-ended questions

Rather than telling children what a passage means, ask what they think or notice. Use approaches that engage the head and the heart. Ask, “What stood out to you?” “What was confusing?” How did … make you feel?” or “How might this apply to your life?” Pursue exploration over explanation.

7. Let the Bible speak for itself

Avoid turning the reading into a moral or behavioural lesson. The goal is for the child to connect with Jesus and His Story. Keep commentary brief and allow the text to do the heavy lifting. Resist the urge to over-interpret or correct too quickly.

8. Be honest about hard questions

Children, like adults, will ask tough questions. If you don’t know the answer, be honest. Say something like, “That’s a great question! I’m going to find the answer and we’ll chat about it next time.” Model humility and curiosity, qualities that demonstrate faith isn’t about having all the answers, but about seeking truth.

9. Make it relational, not just instructional

Build trust by showing genuine care. Start your time with a short catch-up: “How was your week?” Share briefly about your own life and what you’re learning from the Bible. Children often come to know God through relationships, so let your friendship reflect Christ’s love.

10. Encourage repetition and ownership

Reinforce learning by encouraging the child to re-read the passage during the week, draw a picture of the story, or tell it to a parent or sibling. If they have their own Bible, help them highlight key verses. If not, gift them one. As faith begins to take root, help them share what they’re learning with others.

A Privilege and a Responsibility

Bible reading isn’t just a teaching tool; it’s a window into the heart of God. When children read the Bible with a caring adult, they have an opportunity to encounter Jesus in a profoundly personal way. Evangelizing children through Scripture is both a privilege and a responsibility. As we invite them into God’s Word, we trust that His Spirit is at work, planting seeds that can grow into lifelong, resilient faith.

Take the First Step

If you know a child who doesn’t yet know Jesus, take the first step: pray, open the Bible, and invite them into the Story that can change their life. Start small, be consistent, and let the Word of God do what it’s meant to do: transform lives. Your simple act of reading Scripture could be the beginning of a lifelong journey of faith. So, trust God to work through His Word, and be ready to walk alongside a child as they discover the truth and love of Jesus for themselves.

To learn more about evangelizing children with Scripture, read the related articles.

What Does the Bible Say About Child Evangelism?

Leading a Child to Jesus

Summary

When evangelizing children with Scripture, adults are encouraged to pray consistently, create a welcoming and natural reading environment, and focus on short, engaging sessions that spark curiosity and discussion. The goal isn’t to instruct but to let Scripture speak, guiding children toward Jesus through open-ended questions, honest dialogue, and meaningful relationships. By fostering repetition and ownership and trusting the Holy Spirit’s work, Bible reading becomes both a sacred privilege and an effective tool for nurturing lasting faith in young hearts.

FAQ 1: How can Bible reading help non‑Christian children learn about Jesus?

Bible reading introduces non‑Christian children to Jesus in a relational, accessible, and Spirit‑led way. Even children with little or no biblical background can encounter Christ when Scripture is read with warmth, clarity, and prayer. Short Gospel stories, simple invitations (“Want to read a story about Jesus?”), and open‑ended questions help children meet Jesus personally rather than merely learn information about Him.

FAQ 2: What are effective ways to keep Bible reading engaging for children?

Scripture engagement grows when Bible reading is short, focused, and interactive. Choose age‑appropriate passages, read in comfortable environments, ask open‑ended questions, and encourage curiosity rather than lecturing. Children connect more deeply when adults listen well, keep sessions under 20 minutes, and let Scripture speak for itself. These practices help children experience the story rather than feel like they’re in a classroom.

FAQ 3: How can adults support a child’s spiritual growth after reading the Bible together?

Adults can support growth by building relationships, encouraging repetition, and fostering ownership. Check in on the child’s week, share your own reflections, help them reread passages, draw pictures of the story, or retell it to family members. Gifting a Bible, highlighting verses, and returning to hard questions with honesty all reinforce trust. These relational practices help seeds of faith take root and grow.

Soli Deo Gloria

2 Corinthians 4:5