Christian faith is the greatest gift we can pass on to children. It is the heartbeat and passion behind all Christian ministry with the next generation. The challenge remains the same today as it has always been: How can we help children encounter Christ and grow in faith?
Scripture at the centre
In the Bible, God reveals who he is. Through the stories of Jesus we see that God has come to us, and through the whole of Scripture we discover who we are and what life is about. That is why biblical teaching lies at the core of our children’s ministry.
Yet faith itself cannot be manufactured. Faith is created by the Holy Spirit through God’s Word. Children need to meet the words of Scripture, because it is through them that faith is born and grows.
This is why a long-term plan for teaching the Bible can be so valuable for leaders. It helps ensure that children encounter the rich variety of God’s Word across time, rather than just the most familiar stories.
Communicating the message
Our task as leaders is to create a meeting point between the Bible and the children. This happens in two movements:
- Children into the world of the Bible. They need to hear, imagine, and experience what God has done, so that in the stories of Scripture they encounter the living God.
- The Bible into the world of the children. God’s Word must connect with their everyday lives—their joys, worries, questions, hopes and struggles—so that faith is not an abstract idea but a light that shines into their world.
Knowing the children
To make this possible, leaders must consider the children’s perspective:
- What do they need to see, hear, taste, feel or do in order to experience the text?
- Where do their own worries and joys connect with the story?
- How can songs, drama, games, conversation or prayer open the text for them?
Children differ in age, background and learning styles. That is why variety matters. Storytelling, crafts, singing, digital media, active play—each opens different doors into the same biblical truth.
Preaching and teaching
In preaching to children, we aim to hold together these two movements: children entering the biblical story, and the Bible entering children’s lives. Sometimes the focus will lean more on one movement than the other, but together they create space where God’s Word comes alive.
The messenger
At the heart of all communication stand two essentials: love for God and love for the children. Authenticity matters. Children sense quickly whether we believe what we say, and whether they themselves are important to us. The most effective leaders are those who live close to God and who see each child through his eyes.
Breadth and focus
We must use every tool at our disposal—stories, songs, creativity, the senses, even digital resources. At the same time, we never forget the true centre: it is God who works through his Spirit to create faith. This is why prayer remains the foundation of all our work.
Looking ahead
In 2025, new opportunities are opening for children’s ministry across Europe. Leaders are learning to combine traditional storytelling with digital platforms, creative arts, and cross-cultural encounters. Conferences such as ELSA Albania 2026 will give us space to share best practice, encourage one another, and continue asking the vital question: How can we pass on the faith to the next generation?
About the Author
Birgitte Kjær is teacher and has a MA in Theology/Religious Studies and Education. She is an author of several devotional books for families.
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