It felt like everyone in high school was talking about the upcoming party. They were chattering with excitement about the great food, music, and games. As anticipation built, I felt more and more uncomfortable. Why didn’t I get an invitation? Maybe they had the wrong address. Or could it possibly be that I was intentionally left out?

In our children’s ministry, we talk with excitement about having an incredible relationship with the one true God. We build anticipation for an awesome eternal home, and we tell kids about the inner peace we can have even in the midst of trials. But do we give kids the invitation to be part of God’s family?

These steps can help the kids in your ministry know they are invited:

Present the Gospel Clearly:

God, who is in charge of the whole universe, loves you. The Bible tells us in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world.” God knows and loves each person and wants us to be part of His family. In John 14:2, we learn that God is preparing an amazing place called heaven for His family, where there are streets of gold, homes prepared for us, and only good things. Heaven is real and perfect, and so is God!

However, one thing separates us from this perfect God—sin. Sin is anything we think, say, or do that is against God. God created a perfect world, but the people He created chose to disobey Him. Romans 3:23 teaches us that we have all sinned and are separated from God.

But God has a rescue plan! John 3:16 continues, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son.” God’s rescue plan is Jesus! Jesus, God’s Son, was born on this earth. He lived a perfect life—He never sinned—and then He died to rescue us from the punishment of our sin. But that’s not the end! He literally rose again. He had victory over sin and death!

God loves us so much that He gives every single person a chance to be rescued from their sin and enjoy life with Jesus. It’s a free gift, but not an easy decision.

When we ask God to forgive us, our sins are forgiven, He takes away our shame, and He sees us as clean! We begin a new relationship with Him, becoming part of the royal family of God! Your sin is gone! Your life is transformed, and you can better understand who God is and who He created you to be. You will have eternal life and live in heaven forever when your life here on earth comes to an end.

Give a Clear Invitation:

No one else can make this decision for you. If you haven’t already asked Jesus to rescue you from the punishment of your sins and be the leader of your life, and you would like to do that today, here is the big invitation moment and a few options you can use as the Spirit leads you:

• Option 1: Pray with me right now.

• Option 2: __________ (a familiar person) would love to talk with you and answer any of your questions.

• Option 3: You can go home tonight and talk with God. Tell Him how much you love Him, that you need Him to save you from your sins, and that you want Him to lead your life. You can talk to God anywhere—He is always ready to listen to you.

Allow Space to Ask Questions:

Leave room for kids to ask questions and wrestle with tough topics alongside a leader. This will help them personalize their faith and make a sincere decision.

Leave Time to Pray and Talk to God:

The Gospel is often placed at the end of the lesson when parents may be waiting to pick up their kids. To avoid this, present the Gospel and invitation earlier in the lesson, at the first opportunity that it fits.

So, what happened? Did they have the wrong address, or was I not invited to the party? Sadly, I wasn’t invited. As expected, I felt left out and discouraged. I got over it, but obviously, not being invited made an impact because I’m still talking about it today.
Heaven and hell are way more important than a party and being accepted by high school peers. God loves everyone and wants us all to be invited into a personal relationship with Him, both now and for eternity. Our job is to pray, extend the invitation, and let the Holy Spirit do the work.

Kris Smoll is the founder and Executive Director of Discovery Land Global. She graduated from Moody Bible Institute and has led child discipleship at Alliance Church in Appleton, Wisconsin for over 30 years. She is an international speaker, strategic planner, and consultant. She is passionate about kids knowing the Word of God, boldly sharing their faith, and confidently living their lives for Christ.

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