As parents and ministry leaders, one of our greatest responsibilities—and privileges—is guiding children in their spiritual growth. But faith isn’t something that automatically develops; it requires intentionality, real-life application, and consistent encouragement. A child’s faith journey begins with what they see and experience at home and in their everyday lives.
Many parents and teachers feel overwhelmed by the idea of teaching kids about faith. They wonder if they know enough, if they’re doing it “right,” or if they have the right answers. But here’s the good news—helping kids grow spiritually isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about showing them how faith is present throughout daily life, how to develop their own personal relationship with God, and how to trust Him through every season.
Here are nine practical ways to help kids build a strong foundation of faith. These aren’t complicated strategies; they’re simple, everyday moments that will help shape a child’s understanding of who God is and what it means to follow Him.
Prayer is part of the foundation of a personal relationship with God. Yet, many kids view prayer as something reserved for church, bedtime, or before meals. While those moments are important, we need to teach children that prayer is simply talking to God—anytime, anywhere, about anything.
One of the best ways to encourage a strong prayer life is by modeling it yourself. Pray with your kids before they go to school, when they’re feeling nervous about something, or even when you see an ambulance drive by. Let them hear you pray about big and small things, from thanking God for a sunny day to asking Him for wisdom in tough situations. Over time, they’ll learn that prayer isn’t just a routine—it’s a conversation with a God who listens.
If your child struggles with what to say when they pray, tools like Prayer Pact can help. This workbook teaches what prayer is and when we should pray, making it easier for kids to connect with God in a meaningful way. Prayer shouldn’t feel like a duty—it should feel like talking to a friend.
- Read the Bible Together
For kids to grow spiritually, they need to know what God says. But let’s be honest—sometimes, the Bible feels overwhelming, even for adults. That’s why it’s important to make Bible reading a natural, approachable, and exciting part of a child’s daily routine.
Start small. Choose a short passage or a story and read it together. Then, talk about it! Ask simple questions like, “What do you think this means?” or “How does this apply to your life?” Don’t worry about having all the answers—just create space for conversation. Even five minutes a day can make a huge difference over time.
If you’re looking for a structured way to help kids understand a core message of the Bible, A Kids Guide to Salvation is a great resource. It walks through the foundational truth of salvation, part of the Christian faith in a way that’s clear, engaging, and easy for kids to grasp. The goal isn’t just for them to read the Bible—it’s for them to understand and apply it.
- Help Kids Memorize Scripture
Psalm 119:11 says, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” When kids memorize Scripture, they are storing up God’s truth so they can rely on it when they need it most. But memorization shouldn’t feel like homework—it should be something kids enjoy and see as valuable.
Make Scripture memory fun by using songs, hand motions, or visuals. Write a verse on a sticky note and put it on the bathroom mirror. Say it together while driving to school. Let kids draw a picture that represents the verse. The more interactive it is, the more likely they are to remember it.
Choose short, meaningful verses that are easy to apply. When kids understand that these aren’t just words to memorize but truths to live by, Scripture becomes something they carry with them throughout life.
One of the most effective ways to help kids grow spiritually is to normalize faith conversations. Kids learn best when faith isn’t something separate from everyday life—it’s something woven into the little moments.
When your child is struggling with a friend, talk about what Jesus says about forgiveness. When they feel nervous before a big test, remind them that God gives peace. When they’re excited about something good that happened, encourage them to thank God. These small, everyday moments help kids see that God isn’t distant—He’s involved in every part of their lives.
Jesus used everyday experiences to teach His disciples about God. We can do the same. The more natural and frequent these conversations become, the more kids will see faith as something real and relevant—not just something they hear about on Sundays.
- Encourage Serving Others
A child’s faith grows when they learn that following Jesus means loving and serving others. Kids naturally focus on themselves, but we can teach them that faith is about looking beyond their own needs and seeing how they can make a difference in the lives of others.
Find simple ways to serve as a family—writing encouraging notes, baking cookies for a neighbor, or volunteering at a local ministry. Even small acts of kindness help children develop a heart of compassion.
- Worship Together
Worship is about more than singing at church—it’s about expressing love for God in different ways. Some kids connect with God through music, while others feel closest to Him through nature, art, or quiet reflection. Help your child discover how they best experience God and encourage them to worship in their own way.
Play worship music at home. Talk about the lyrics. Take a nature walk and thank God for creation. The more kids understand that worship is a lifestyle, the more they’ll naturally engage in it.
Baptism is a significant step in a child’s faith, but many kids (and parents) have questions about it. Why do people get baptized? What does it mean? Is it required for salvation?
Take time to explain that baptism is an outward expression of an inward faith. It’s a way of publicly declaring a commitment to follow Jesus. If your child is asking questions, A Kids Guide to Baptism is a great resource that explains it in a way kids can understand.
- Celebrate Spiritual Milestones
Faith is a journey, and recognizing spiritual growth helps kids stay motivated. When a child memorizes their first verse, chooses to be baptized, or starts praying on their own, celebrate it!
A simple celebration—like a family prayer, a special dinner, or a small gift—shows kids that their faith steps matter. Faith isn’t just about knowledge—it’s about transformation.
- Model a Real Faith
Kids learn more from what we do than what we say. If they see us trusting God, praying through challenges, and reading Scripture, they’ll understand that faith is real.
Be honest about your own faith journey. Share when you struggle, when God answers prayers, and how you rely on Him. The more authentic your faith is, the more kids will understand that following Jesus isn’t about being perfect—it’s about walking with Him every day.
Faith is a Journey—Keep Planting Seeds
Helping kids grow spiritually isn’t about perfection—it’s about consistently pointing them to Jesus. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or ministry leader, these simple steps can create a strong foundation of faith in the next generation.
For additional tools to guide kids in their spiritual journey, check out the Kids Guide to Christianity series. These resources provide engaging ways for kids to explore prayer, salvation, baptism, and Christian character—making faith something they can truly understand and apply.
Check out A Kid's Guide to Christianity
