Dear friend,

 

 

- Deuteronomy 6:6-7 -

 

This spring I—and sometimes our whole family—traveled to speak 13 times between March and July. Three of those times I had the privilege of offering a session on answering your kids’ theological questions—by far my most popular session on the road! In today’s email, I am going to share the CliffsNotes version of this session with you.

 

I have three children ages almost ten, eight, and five and each of them interacts with faith in their own way. Some of my kids engage with faith more emotionally, others more intellectually. All have questions—good ones! Answering those questions can be complicated, especially when I don’t have a straight answer off the top of my head. Below are a few tips for answering kids’ questions and how to grow in your ability to disciple them well. 

 

We cannot confidently answer our kids’ questions when we don’t engage with the areas of doubt in our own lives. This means we must push ourselves to study things we don’t understand; don’t just stay in the same familiar/comfortable passages! We may have to move beyond the devotional resources we’ve been using to really grow and be equipped as disciplers, but this effort will be worth it—we will have what it takes to answer our kids.

 

 

 

 

God gives the wisdom we need when we ask for it. He never shames us for asking for wisdom! You can admit that you don’t know! Your kids are gracious, and so is God. What an example for your kids to see you seek God in real time alongside them. Look for the answer alongside your kids and model the kind of seeking faith we hope they’ll have.

 

Kids love to join us in things we’re interested in. How can you find joy in the study of God? What are you curious about? What questions can you explore together? Look for the enjoyment and delight of God’s Word together. Try new formats and models for your family: at the dinner table, in the car, at bedtime.

 

Remember that God will give wisdom to them just as He gave it to you! You don’t have to answer all their questions—but you do have to show them how to find the answer. Start with the Word of God, modeling a life built on it. And direct them back to His voice in prayer! They will pick up more through your example than you may think.