Introduction
In research the CFC conducted in the Summer of 2023, pastors told us that they didn’t receive much seminary training on ministering to children, even though many of them did say that they considered children to be a valuable, important part of the congregation. We have also discovered that the way a pastor communicates to and about children profoundly shapes the way that a congregation is able to integrate children into the life of the community. One simple way pastors can help to enfold children into the congregation is by remembering them as they prepare to preach. We’ve gathered five questions you can ask yourself while preparing a sermon to help you think about children. (Even if your congregation does not have young children in the room during the sermon, considering application points and a child’s perspective can help you preach in a way that models for the parents and grandparents in the room how Scripture applies to children.)
1. How will children hear this story or passage of Scripture?
As you prepare, read the passage in a simple translation like the NIrV. Notice any phrases or words that might help you explain something to a child.
Ask yourself!
What will stand out to them? What might confuse them? What might capture their attention?
2. Is there something in the text that I can invite the children to listen for or to imagine or to draw or create before I read the Scripture?
Look for concrete, specific things like:
- People to listen for by name,
- Short, specific parts of the story: imagine what it would be like to walk with Jesus, to see him feed so many people with just a small lunch, etc.
Asking questions like “I wonder…” can invite children (and adults alike) to enter into the text. It also models an approach of wonder at the word of God.
- As you study, write down the real wondering questions you have. At the end, choose one or two that fit with your sermon.
Examples of wondering questions:
- I wonder which part of this story is the most important part.
- I wonder which part of this story is your favorite part.
- I wonder what (…..) would have been like.
- I wonder if you’ve ever felt/experienced/thought these things.
3. Is there an important new or often misunderstood word I can explain to children?
Theological concepts, words we don’t use much anymore, names that mean something, people who are important characters in the story of scripture, something from a worship song or prayer that ties into the sermon. These don’t have to be difficult words, but think about how often an average child hears words like grace, forgiveness, self-control, redemption, righteousness, etc.
Many of these explanations help adults just as much as they help children!
4. Is there something in this passage that connects to what we do in worship and why we do it? Can I take a minute or two to explain this?
Examples: Baptism, Lord’s Supper, gathering for worship, service, hospitality, giving, praying for one another, confessing sin, receiving forgiveness, celebrating special holidays, milestones, or seasons of the church year.
Again, these explanations often wind up helping adults just as much as kids
5. How does this passage apply specifically to children?
If you make direct application suggestions, try to include experiences and language common to children and teens.
- Think about contexts children often inhabit like: school, home, friendships, parents/siblings, sports, activities,
- Think about concerns children often think about: grades, friendships, lost toys, big events, parents divorcing, letting people down, feeling powerless, missing people they love, fear of the unknown, etc. Things that may seem small to us are the very real places children meet Jesus.