Lesson 3: Sharing the Gospel with Children

Objective: You will learn a simple method of sharing the Gospel with children.

Note: This is just one of many ways to share the Gospel with children. It is easy, fun and specific. However, teachers may have a way which is more locally relevant. For example, in Tanzania teachers have a song which is very close to this method.

We stated that spiritual formation begins with understanding and responding to the Gospel. So, let us consider this question: What is the Gospel?

In small groups, or on your own, take a moment to discuss or think about the question: What is the Gospel? What are the most essential parts of the Gospel? The parts that cannot be left out.

5 Essential Parts of the Gospel

There may be many traditions in our church when it comes to sharing the Gospel. Some churches may believe that there is a certain age that a child can respond to the Gospel. Others may believe that there are certain sacraments involved. Others may include other traditions.

We won’t address those things here, instead, it’s likely we can all agree that there are basic elements of the Gospel which must be included as we share it with others. Here are 5 things that this curriculum recognizes are essential to understanding the Gospel:

1. God loves. He created us and loves us more than we can imagine!
2. We sinned. The Bible says that we all sin and that sin separates us from God’s love.
3. Jesus died. The penalty for our sin—separation from God—brings death, both physical and spiritual death. But Jesus stepped in and paid that penalty for us by dying on the cross.
4. God forgives. Because Jesus died on the cross, God offers us forgiveness of sin.
5. We accept. God’s forgiveness is a gift to us, but a gift must be accepted. It’s our choice, and we can choose to accept God’s forgiveness and become part of His family, or not.

These five things are essential parts of the Gospel which children must understand in order to accept Christ as their Savior.

Now, here is an easy way to share these five things with children. This method helps us stay focused on what’s important without getting distracted talking about other things. We call it the “Gospel in 10 Words” because, in English, it’s only ten words. It might be more words in other languages.

* You will want to stand and say the words in bold type below as you follow the directions and do the motions with your body. Practice this a few times.

The Gospel in 10 Words:

God loves. (hands together with arms extended in front)

We sinned. (left arm straight out to the side; right arm still in front - symbolizing our separation from God)

Jesus died. (both arms stretched out to sides, symbolizing his death on the cross.)

God forgives. (right arm back to front; left arm still to side – reaching out to everyone)

We accept. (hands together with arms extended in front – back in harmony with God)

This is a fun way for children to learn the Gospel. It also helps us to stay focused on what’s most important to share about the Gospel. And it’s memorable. Children will often take this method and share it with their friends—and children are the best evangelists to other children. Finally, it’s a method that you can take with you wherever you go—it does not require any supplies or tools!