Kids’ events can be a blast. The high-energy games, the crazy themes, the creative elements that make everything come alive. But here’s the real question: Are we just entertaining kids, or are we leading them into an encounter with Jesus?
A truly powerful kids event isn’t just fun. It’s an invitation into God’s presence. It’s where kids don’t just hear about Jesus. It’s where they experience Him for themselves. If we want to see kids marked by Holy Spirit, we have to create space for Him to move.
1. Fun Opens the Heart, but Presence Transforms It
Yes, we want kids to have fun. Joy breaks down walls and prepares hearts. But if fun is all we offer, we’ve missed the point. The goal isn’t just excitement. It’s encounter.
So, use the fun as a tool:
• Games that teach biblical truths
• Worship that engages their whole heart
• Messages that make Jesus real, not just a story
• Prayer moments that expect God to move
Fun gets them in the room. His presence keeps them coming back.
2. Make Room for Holy Spirit
Holy Spirit is not too big for a kids’ event. He’s exactly what they need. Kids don’t get a junior version of Jesus. They are fully capable of hearing His voice, feeling His presence, and walking in His power.
So we have to be intentional about making room for Him:
• Teach them to listen: Pause and ask, “What is Jesus saying to you?”
• Give space for response: Don’t rush to the next thing. Let kids linger in His presence.
• Pray with expectation: Believe that kids can encounter God in real ways.
Holy Spirit doesn’t just move in adult services. He’s ready to pour out on this generation.
3. Worship That Leads to Encounter
Worship at a kids’ event isn’t just about motions and hype. It’s about meeting with God. When kids realize worship is about Him, everything changes.
• Model real worship: Kids follow what they see, so worship like you believe He’s in the room.
• Teach them to engage: Help them understand they’re singing to Jesus, not just about Him.
• Let them linger: Don’t cut it short just to stay on schedule. If His presence is moving, stay there. **THIS IS IMPORTANT!!**
Because one moment in God’s presence can mark a child for life.
4. Create an Atmosphere of Expectation
Kids rise to the level of expectation we set. If we expect them to just sit and listen, that’s what they’ll do. But if we expect them to encounter Jesus, respond to His voice, and be transformed they will.
Speak life over them. Tell them:
• “God is going to speak to you today.”
• “Holy Spirit is here, and He wants to fill you.”
• “You can hear His voice, and He wants to use you.”
When kids know that God is real, personal, and powerful, they will step into something deeper.
5. Don’t Just End. Send Them Out
The goal isn’t just to give kids a great event. It’s to send them out different than they came in.
• Challenge them to keep pursuing Jesus at home.
• Encourage them to pray for their friends.
• Remind them that God’s presence isn’t just for church. It’s for every moment.
Because an encounter at an event is amazing, but a lifestyle of encountering Jesus? That’s what changes everything.
Let’s Raise a Marked Generation
A kids’ event focused on encountering Jesus is more than a fun day. It’s an opportunity for kids to be marked by the presence of God. It’s where faith becomes personal, worship becomes real, and kids step into who they were created to be.
Let’s not just entertain kids. Let’s equip them, empower them, and get them in the presence of Jesus. Because when kids encounter Him, they’ll never be the same.
Unshakable kids. 