One of the most important questions every child will ask at some point is, “Who am I?”

That question is not new, but man, oh man… the voices answering it are louder than ever! Today, kids are surrounded by messages that their identity comes from what they do, how they perform, or how they label themselves. Culture tells them to look within or to look to peers, influencers, or social movements for validation and belonging. If we as church leaders and parents don’t step in and help anchor their identity in Christ, the world will gladly fill in the blanks for them.

In discipleship, we often tell kids, “You’re unique. God made you special. You have a purpose.” All of that is true, but if we stop there, we unintentionally set them up for confusion. Kids are literal. If we say, “You have a purpose,” but never explain how to find it or live it out, we leave too many unanswered questions. Those blanks won’t stay blank for long. Something else will come along to define them!

That’s why discipleship must start with identity. Before children can wrestle with calling, gifts, or service, they must know who they are in Christ. They don’t have to win, perform, or live up to some potential to be loved. When they put their faith in Jesus, they are already chosen, forgiven, and fully embraced as children of God. This is not an identity they create or earn; it is a gift given by a God who knows them and has a plan for them.

When kids grasp this, it changes everything. It frees them from performance-based faith. It anchors them in God’s unchanging truth rather than the shifting labels of culture. It gives them a solid foundation to navigate the hard questions about belonging and purpose. Instead of searching outward for approval, they can rest in the truth that they are already loved and known by their Creator.

But identity doesn’t stop at knowing. We also have to help kids connect their faith to their purpose. Scripture tells us that we are “created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10). For adults, spiritual growth deepens when we live out our faith through our God-given gifts and callings. The same is true for kids. When they see how their gifts matter in the church, their faith becomes personal, not just something passed down. Purpose brings ownership, and ownership fuels growth.

This is why teaching kids about identity in Christ cannot be optional in your ministry. It’s not just another curriculum unit or sermon series… it’s a foundation. If we don’t equip our kids to understand who they are in Christ, the world will be quick to tell them who they should be. And those competing voices are not slowing down.

As church leaders, we have a responsibility to step into this conversation boldly and clearly. Kids need consistent teaching, safe spaces to ask questions, and practical opportunities to live out their faith. They need leaders and parents who will remind them over and over again: You are a child of God. That is your identity. Everything else flows from that truth.

I believe in helping kids practice their faith by serving, not just absorbing information or being on their best behavior. Getting kids involved helps them see that their gifts and purpose matter now. And you don’t always need to plan a large event or a formal service project. Even small ways for kids to plug in during regular Sunday programming can make a big impact. I want to encourage you to start thinking today about how their kids can jump in and serve.

To help you get started, I’ve created a free resource: 100 Ways Kids Can Serve in the Church Today. This PDF is full of practical ideas and tips you can implement right away to help kids live out their identity and purpose. Email me at hello@christenclark.org to get your copy.

This topic is a true passion of mine, and it’s why I speak to parents and church leaders about the importance of grounding kids in their true identity. I regularly train leaders and encourage parents on this topic, helping them see how identity in Christ is the starting point for raising spiritually strong kids in today’s world. I’ve also seen this come to life in my podcast, The Collide Kids Podcast, where each episode helps kids understand that they are loved by God, created for a purpose, and uniquely gifted to live it out exactly as God designed.

If you’d like me to speak at your church or event, let’s connect!

Christen Clark is a speaker and consultant with 17 years in full-time church ministry and holds a master's degree from Dallas Theological Seminary. She hosts “The Collide Kids Podcast” and "7-Minute Devotions for Busy Parents Podcast”, creating practical, joy-filled resources for everyday discipleship. Christen and her family happily reside in Cumming, Georgia. Go to christenclark.org to connect with her today!