The moment your child chooses to trust Jesus is a moment worth marking! It's the start of something that will shape the rest of their life.
At LCBC, we’re passionate about introducing the next generation to Jesus and helping them fully follow him. And as a parent or caregiver, you’re one of the most important people in that story. But you don’t have to be a theology expert to lead your child spiritually. You just have to show up and guide them in their journey.
What Does It Mean to Trust Jesus?
We often use the ABCs to help explain what it means to begin a relationship with Jesus. These are simple truths they can remember and grow with over time:
- A — Admit that we have made mistakes and need Jesus (Romans 3:23)
- B — Believe that Jesus died on the cross for our sins (Romans 5:8)
- C — Choose the gift of forgiveness and new life (Romans 10:9)
What if I Haven’t Trusted Jesus Yet?
Many parents wrestle with faith while trying to support their kids in it. If your child has become a Christian, supporting them doesn’t require you to have perfect answers or unshakeable faith yourself. Simply showing up with love, curiosity, and openness—even if you’re doubtful, skeptical, or not sure what you believe—is the best thing you can do for your child.
What Do I Do After My Child Trusts Jesus?
If your child has decided to trust Jesus, it’s not just a passing decision—it’s a beginning. Here are some ways you can come alongside them on their faith journey so they can develop a faith that’s growing, developing, and theirs.
Celebrate!
Your child’s decision is worth celebrating! Making the moment meaningful helps reinforce how much it matters.
- Write the date in your child’s Bible. (Don’t have one? Ask a staff member at your location!)
- Go out for ice cream or a special meal.
- Share the news with family and friends.
Ask Thoughtful Questions
You don’t need to sit your child down for an interview after they trust Jesus—but questions like these can help you get to know how their faith is forming. Plus, it gets them used to talking about it!
- What are you most excited about now that you’ve trusted Jesus?
- What does it mean to Admit we need Jesus?
- Why is it important to Believe in Jesus?
- What does it look like to Choose to follow Jesus every day?
- How can our family help you fully follow Jesus together?
- What is one way you want to grow as a follower of Jesus?
Take Steps to Live Out Their Faith
Trusting Jesus is the starting point. Following him is the everyday journey. Here are some ways you can help your child take the next step—and the one after that.
Gather — Make showing up to church a regular rhythm for your family. Being around other people (and kids!) who are learning to follow Jesus matters more than you might realize.
Connect — Help your child build relationships with other kids and families who are on the same journey. Faith grows in community.
Serve — Look for concrete ways your child can serve others, even if they’re small—at home, at church, or with a friend. Serving teaches them to live the way Jesus lived.
Get Out — Encourage your child to take their faith with them—to school, to practice, everywhere—and share it with others! Following Jesus isn’t something that’s meant to stay inside church walls.
Live Generously — Talk about what it looks like to share without expecting something in return. Generosity uniquely reflects the heart of Jesus.
Talk About Baptism
Baptism is a symbolic act that celebrates a life changed by Christ. If your child has trusted Jesus, baptism is a natural next step! It’s a way to tell their story and share their decision with others. Here are some tips for talking about baptism with your child.
Help Them Learn to Talk to God and Hear from Him
Having a relationship with God requires the same things a normal relationship does: you need to talk, and you need to listen.
We talk to God through prayer. If you aren’t already, taking time each day to pray with your kids teaches them what it looks like to talk to God and lays the foundation for them to talk to him on their own. You can try some prayer starters like:
- “God, I need help with...”
We listen to God by reading the Bible. Even if it’s just a few minutes, reading the Bible daily shows us more about who God is, how much he loves us, and what he wants for our lives. A Bible Reading Plan is a great place to start. Here are some Bible Reading Plans you can do with your child:
A Word for You
You don’t have to have all the answers. Some of the most meaningful moments in your child’s faith will happen in ordinary places—bedtime conversations, car rides, prayers before dinner. Your presence and your example carry more weight than you probably realize.
We’re glad to be on this journey with you. If the team at your location doesn’t already know that your child chose to trust Jesus, we’d love for you to share it with us so we can celebrate and support you!
My child (Kindergarten – Grade 4) trusted Jesus!
My student (Grade 5 – 12) trusted Jesus!
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LCBC stands for Lives Changed By Christ. We are one church in multiple locations across Pennsylvania. Find the location closest to you or join us for Church Online. We can’t wait to connect with you!