When Children Doubt
One of the most attractive aspects of children’s ministry is the simple faith that children often exhibit when it comes to spiritual things. Christ even used children as an example to adults of what real faith looks like. Children rarely question or doubt spiritual things, and many people believe that children are actually able to be more tuned into their spiritual selves because they are not jaded yet. Fostering this kind of faith in a child can be extremely rewarding.
However, some children and often teens will, on occasion, face doubts. In many cases these doubts come in the form of doubting their salvation experience. Here are a few simple tips that can help teachers and parents meet these doubts when students face them.
Listen
Dismissing a child’s concerns is one of the fastest ways to make sure the problem gets worse. If the child is worried about something or doubting, it is imperative that their concerns be heard with compassion and sincere interest. Children know when they are not being taken seriously. Even if this cuts into class time or other plans for the lesson, make sure that the child feels listened to, and that they know you share their concern.
Bring Them Back to the Bible
Most doubts have a root in emotions. Emotions change depending on circumstances, but facts never change. The facts concerning our salvation are in the Word of God. The best way to keep a child’s doubts and emotions under control is to keep taking them back to the promises in the Word of God. Encourage children to memorize verses that help build up their confidence in the Lord’s salvation. This way the children can remind themselves of God’s promises even when they are by themselves.
Revisit the Gospel
If it appears that a child or several children have serious doubts concerning their salvation or they seem confused concerning the gospel, it might be a good time to revisit the plan of salvation with them again. This can easily be done by planning a lesson or series of lessons that cover salvation in detail on the child’s level.
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