What is this Waypoint?
One of the greatest privileges you have as a parent is guiding your child toward faith in Christ. The Gospel Conversations waypoint is designed to help you intentionally plant seeds of biblical truth and clearly share the good news of Jesus in ways your child can understand.
As the primary spiritual voice in the life of your child, your role is not to pressure a decision but to faithfully and consistently help them understand the gospel so they can respond in their own time and in their own words.
Many parents feel both excitement and uncertainty when it comes to spiritual conversations. You may wonder if you will explain the gospel clearly enough, say the right words, or recognize the right moment. It can be tempting to rely solely on church programs or ministry events to lead your child to Christ. While those are valuable supports, God has entrusted you with the most significant influence in your child’s spiritual life.
You do not have to be a theologian. You simply need to be a faithful guide who points your child to Jesus one conversation at a time.
Put It Into Practice
Here are a few simple ways to help guide gospel conversations with your child:
- Pray for them to find and follow Jesus.
- Lay a Foundation
Help your child grow in their understanding of God through everyday moments. Read the Bible together, talk about truth, and model your faith. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 reminds us to teach God's Word throughout the rhythms of daily life. As situations with friends, siblings, or even you arise, your child will learn by experiencing life in your home, wathcing your example, feeling your love, and learning right from wrong as your point them to following Christ. - Discern Readiness
Do your best to recognize when your child is ready to understand the gospel. Be patient. Avoid rushing. A child may understand the words without being fully ready in their heart. Because children often want to please their parents, it is important that they see that faith is a personal decision, not simply repeating the right answers. - Ask Questions
Use simple questions to explore what your child understands. Romans 6:23 is a helpful verse to talk about sin and God's gift of salvation through Jesus. You can follow us with questions like these; what is sin? How does your sin affect your relationship with God? How they respond can help you gain understanding if your child is ready:
- Jesus as Savior: Jesus rescues us from sin and restores our relationship with God through His sacrifice.
- Jesus as Lord: Jesus leads our lives, and we choose to follow Him in trust and obedience.
- Guide Them in Prayer
When your child is ready, encourage them to respond to God in their own words. Romans 10:9 reminds us of the importance of believing in our hearts and confessing with our mouths. - Take Next Steps Together
After your child places their faith in Christ, continue walking with them. Help them grow through prayer, reading the Bible, worship, and obedience as they learn to follow Jesus. Attend a baptism class with them. If they are a middle or high school student, they can schedule a time to meet with our student ministry team to discuss their faith journey and next steps toward baptism.
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