Application

I have recently begun working at camp and to actually work at camp you occasionally have to fill out the proper forms (you know like apply for the job). Needless to say I had to write a page on how to lead a child to the Lord and since all of you need to take from my vast knowledge I decided to post it here.... shall we?

To Save a Child

This is an instructional page on how to lead a child to a saving knowledge in Jesus Christ. Before you attempt to bring a child to the Lord remember safety first. In all occasions where you attempt to work something for the Glory of the Lord remember to pray. This is not only a great way to keep you in contact with the Lord but also remember it is not you that saves the child but the Holy Spirit who works in both you and the child. Invite Him and draw on His strength first.
It is best when bringing someone to the Lord that you know them and they are comfortable with you. Most children respond well when they are with someone they know. Also perceive the situation: A child playing baseball or is very preoccupied with a craft may not want or have the attention to follow what you are saying or take it seriously. But a child that is, let’s say crying on Vesper Rock because of what the speaker said, this child may want to talk about life and love and maybe even Jesus.
Understand of course that you can never force Jesus upon someone but look for opportunity in conversation when it arises. For instance if a child says “Boy that sunset is so beautiful” One could respond “That’s one of God’s gifts to us: the beauty of creation” Therein turning the conversation to the fact that God loves us. But if a child says something like “Boy I really love candy” A comment like “That’s one of God’s gifts to us: Candy!” may not be quite right. But it is clear that at anytime and in anyplace you can speak about Jesus.
It is important that a child has some understanding of what they are doing and what you are talking about. A child that think Jesus shot fire from His eyes and therefore thinks he is cool might accept him as their savior on these terms alone. So talk to the child and fill them in on the truth about Jesus.
Often you will find that fear is an excellent tool to manipulate a child into ‘loving’ Jesus. But that sometimes draws the question of what that ‘love’ really means. Ultimately a child who accepts Christ out of fear isn’t that bad off considering we do have much to fear but make sure the child also gets the “Do not fear” aspects of God (i.e. love, relationship, fatherhood).
When it comes right down to it is difficult to pin-down exactly how to lead a child to the Lord but if you give them the understanding that they are sinners, that God loves them, that Christ died and rose for the sake of all of our sins and that they need a life devoted to Christ, then the child can do with it what they will. You can aid them by helping them pray and teaching them verses and even just laying out the choice. But just let them know and they’ll decide. They are after all just little people ready to make decisions in the real world.