Have you ever asked a question to a group of children and the answer most often given is God” or “Jesus”? Often, the answers are correct, but it seems as though kids often lack the ability to understand the differences that exist within the Trinity. God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are one, but also play very different and specific roles. I don’t think it is that we are doing anything wrong in our teaching, but more that there is a consciousness that develops as kids grow and mature in their spiritual lives. No longer is “Jesus” or “God” the generic answer that will satisfy many posed questions. Yes, the Trinity is a mystery and challenging, but it is also a beautiful opportunity for a depth of understanding into the richness of the characteristics of each.

For a child, one needs to understand the role that God our Father plays. The roles of God the Father include creating the world, which is described in Genesis 1. He loves and cares for His children. James 1:17 (NKJV) so beautifully states, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down for the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” God also sent His son, Jesus, to the earth (John 3:16). He is our Abba, Father. He fulfills the role of a daddy. Of course, there are an infinite number of other attributes of the Father, but it is our job to help children see that the roles of the Godhead are very different.

Jesus is probably the easiest for our very young students to grasp. That is evidenced by the fact that His name is often on their lips. Jesus is God who became human. He shows us what God is like. Jesus died for us and rose again to save us. Children love to hear the accounts of His birth, the miracles, and even His death and resurrection. He came to rescue us. He is currently making intercession for us on our behalf. Hebrews 7:25 (NKJV) states, “Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” Again, the workings of Jesus and all that He is in our lives are beyond our human understanding.

Probably the part of the Trinity that may be overlooked too often is that of the extensive and important role of the Holy Spirit. How vital it is that we help children to understand that the Holy Spirit resides within each of us if we are a child of God. He develops us into Christlikeness. He gifts, fills, teaches, guides, prays, comforts, counsels, and seals us. Children will not comprehend all of this, but these vital roles should not be overlooked. Introduce them and then revisit periodically. Children should be instructed not to hinder the Holy Spirit’s work in their lives. They should be very careful to welcome the Holy Spirit and all that He desires to do to help them. John 14:26 (NKJV) “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.”

There are many effective strategies for relating the truths of the Trinity. There are hundreds of illustrations, many of which are multi-sensory. The purpose of this writing is to encourage us to help our kids focus on the three different members of the Trinity and the crucial and indispensable work of each.

Sun = God
Light = Jesus (reveals God)
Heat = Holy Spirit (felt and experienced)

Karen Bishir grew up hearing about Jesus' love and forgiveness from a young age, and when she came to understand the message of salvation through faith in Christ, she embraced God’s grace and forgiveness. Raised in a pastor's home, Karen has continued to live in ministry throughout her adult life alongside her husband, Terry, who pastored Liberty Baptist Church for 38 years. They are blessed with four married children and 14 grandchildren. Karen is deeply involved in Liberty’s music, women’s, and children’s ministries, and her passion for teaching has led her to serve in homeschool, Christian, and public school settings, as well as within the church. She treasures time with children and their families, and her heart’s desire is to see God working in lives across all generations.