There’s a temptation in kids ministry that’s subtle, but dangerous: to teach about God without pointing kids to Him. We can give them good morals, strong character lessons, and fun Bible stories and still miss the very thing that transforms their hearts. I’m speaking of the gospel.
It’s not enough for our kids to know right from wrong. They need to know Jesus. Because the gospel isn’t just a story we share at Easter or during altar calls. It’s the foundation of everything we teach. Every lesson, every small group moment, every worship set should lead them back to the cross, the empty tomb, and the hope of new life in Him.
The Gospel Isn’t a Message. It’s the Message
If we want to raise unshakable kids, the gospel must become the heartbeat of our ministry.
Our kids don’t just need to know what David did with a sling or how Moses parted the sea. They need to know why Jesus died and what that means for them. They need to understand that they are loved, chosen, and rescued. Not because they earn it, but because of grace.
Without the gospel, we’re raising performers, not disciples. And let’s be honest, performers burn out. Disciples endure.
Don’t Assume They Know
We’ve got kids who can recite memory verses and list the fruit of the Spirit but still don’t know why Jesus had to die. That’s not on them. That’s on us.
We can’t assume the gospel is understood just because it’s familiar. We’ve got to slow down. Say it clearly. Say it again. And say it like it matters because it does.
“For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” – 1 Corinthians 2:2
If Paul could preach like that to adults in Corinth, surely we can do the same for the kids in our ministries.
Every Message Can Lead to Jesus
If the theme is obedience, identity, forgiveness, courage, it can all point back to the cross.
- Teaching on Jonah? Show how Jesus is the greater rescue.
- Talking about the armor of God? Remind them it’s His armor we wear because of the victory He already won.
- Walking through creation? Help them see that the God who made them also died to save them.
The gospel isn’t an add-on. It’s the reason the story matters in the first place.
Keep It Simple. Make It Clear. Trust the Spirit.
Don’t overcomplicate it. The Holy Spirit is more than able to work through a simple gospel message given with love, clarity, and conviction.
You don’t need deep theology to explain the beauty of grace to a third grader. You just need to believe it enough yourself to say it boldly.
Let them know:
- Sin separates us from God.
- Jesus came to rescue us.
- He died and rose again.
- We can be forgiven and made new.
- This gift is for them. Right now.
And then give them a chance to respond. Again and again.
This Is What Matters Most
We can create the coolest spaces, plan the best games, and have the most engaging curriculum but if we miss the gospel, we’ve missed everything.
At the end of the day, we’re not building church attenders. We’re raising kingdom carriers. We’re making room for kids to encounter the Savior, not just learn about Him.
So keep the gospel front and center. Not just because it’s the right thing to do but because it’s the only thing that truly changes lives.
Final Thoughts: The Cross is Enough
Parents and leaders hear me out.. You don’t need to make the gospel more exciting. You just need to make it central. When you preach it, live it, and circle back to it in every lesson you give kids more than knowledge. You give them a chance to meet the Rescuer.
Let’s never assume they know. Let’s never get tired of telling the story. Let’s never teach a message that doesn’t somehow lead them back to the cross.
Because if we want to raise unshakable kids, we must build on the unshakable foundation of the gospel. And that foundation, Jesus Christ, crucified and risen, is more than enough.
Let’s keep the main thing…the main thing.
Unshakable kids. 