How Do I Help My Kids Know Jesus? A Gentle Place to Begin

We live in a fast-paced, go-go-go world.Schedules are full. Days are loud. Because of that... real, meaningful connection with our kids can easily stay at the surface.

But here’s a truth we can’t afford to miss:

Your kids need you to lead them in the faith.You are their greatest influence when it comes to Christ.

You get to pastor your kids!

Scripture reminds us of this in Deuteronomy (my paraphrasing)—to tell our children about what God has done in our lives, to talk about Him along the way, and to pass on the good news of Jesus.

But that leads to the honest question many parents ask:

How do I do that?

Where do I even begin?

You Can’t Lead Your Kids Somewhere You’re Have Not Been!

The starting point isn’t a perfect plan or polished words.

It’s you.

You can’t take your kids where you’re not willing to go—or where you haven’t yet been.

So ask yourself honestly:

• Where am I in my own faith journey?

• What is my current relationship with Jesus?

  
  

And hear this clearly: If you’re new to faith—that is wonderful. What a glorious adventure you’re on! And I will make myself available to help you answer questions and lock arms with you!

You don’t have to pretend.You don’t have to know everything.You just have to be willing to grow!

Begin by Getting to Know Jesus Yourself

If you’re not sure where to start, may i suggest:

Get into the Word

One of the most beautiful places to discover who Jesus really is is the book of John. Written by one of Jesus’ closest friends, it gives us an fantastic look at:

• the Light of the World

• the Good Shepherd

• the Way, the Truth, and the Life

Spend quiet time in its pages. Find a Bible reading plan (the YouVersion Bible app is wonderful) can guide you, as well!

Invite Help

Find someone you trust who has spent time with Jesus and ask them to walk with you.

Ask questions. Talk honestly.

Think of it this way: If you were planning an incredible vacation for your kids, wouldn’t you ask someone who’s been there for advice—the do’s and don’ts, what to expect?

Our faith adventure is no different!

Practice Quiet Before God

Slow down. Be still.

God already knows your heart. He knows your desires. And He meets us in the quiet.

A simple prayer might sound like this:

“Lord, here I am. I make myself available to You.I want to hear from You, follow You, and go where You lead. I want to sit in Your presence, gaze upon Your beauty, and leave this moment changed.”

Take the time you have—and simply be with Jesus.

Then… Invite Your Kids Into It

Once you’ve been with Jesus—tell your kids about it.

We talk about everything else:

• school

• sports

• schedules

• plans

But too often we miss the most important conversation of all:

Eternity.

Friends, our kids are the only thing we get to take with us into heaven. Why wouldn’t that be the most important thing we talk about?

Invite your kids into the places you’ve been with Jesus:

• the Word

• the quiet

• the questions

• the wonder

  
  

Help them understand that they, too, need these practices—not once, but every day of their wonderful lives.

You’re Not Behind—You’re Beginning

You don’t need perfect words.You don’t need a degree.You don’t need to have it all figured out.

You just need a willing heart and a desire to walk with Jesus—and invite your kids along the way.

And that… is more than enough!

A Note to Parents (And a Promise Going Forward)

In the days to come, I’ll continue adding blog posts here to encourage, equip, and walk alongside parents who desire to raise their kids in faith.

For 13 years as a children’s pastor, I often told kids this truth:

Church is an amazing place to learn about Jesus—but home is where the growth truly happens.

Parents, I am with you.

I long to see cities changed—because communities are changed—because homes are filled with the Word and the way of Jesus.

When even one person comes to faith, that beauty shines outward—into families, friendships, schools, and neighborhoods.

And our children? They are hungry.

Hungry for what is real. Hungry for what is authentic. Hungry for what is genuine.

That kind of faith is found in the pages of God’s Word and lived out day by day.

So step into faith with your kids. Invite them into the journey.

Let Jesus transform not only what you teach—but how you live!

You don’t have to do this alone. And you don’t have to have it all figured out.

Just begin!

If you’re looking for simple, story-based ways to start faith conversations at home, you’ll find encouragement and tools throughout this site.