Encountering God in Sunday school

By Mikaela Cain

Your children can encounter God.

One of my favorite days as a children's pastor was when a 10-year-old boy said he would rather spend time worshipping God than playing video games. We all know how much 10 year olds love video games! He experienced something even more fun, real and powerful in God's presence than he experienced online. He was encountering God.

In the spirit-filled realm, when we speak of "encountering God," what we usually mean is growing as His friend. Our relationship with God should be both meaningful and invaluable. When we are thriving in this connection and truly listening to His voice, it transforms everything around us. You have likely experienced this yourself, and I have, too. We want this for our children, as well! Thank God Jesus came for the little children, too!

To us, nothing is more essential in a Sunday School experience or in discipleship at home than fostering encounters with God. This may be bold - but it's more important to us than reading or teaching the Bible. During our time as children's pastors, every lesson was crafted to prioritize and create opportunities for children to meet Jesus. Our motto was, “We are creating a safe space for children to encounter God and step into the world as agents of change.” As we disciple children, every aspect of our work should lead them to connection with God - for themsevles.

Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27-28).

And children are sheep, too.

They can hear God, be known by God and follow Him.

I've seen countless children give their lives to Jesus through an encounter with God. One girl asked Jesus into her heart and immediately saw the face of God as a grandfather, smiling and welcoming her into His heart. She was five years old! As leaders of children, we need to give or create space for them to meet with God themselves. As a mother, I've learned (and am still learning) that there are times to lead and times to wait and listen and let God speak to my own children. He is their Shepard!

I'm so grateful for all the resources and technology in our grasp as we raise children. I love Yippee and YouTube and Beginner's Bible Books. We have all of these and use them all! We love listening to worship in the car and on Alexa. But, none of this should ever replace hearing God for themselves. Sometimes, we need to lower the volume, be quiet, and provide them with the time they need to hear His voice for themselves! He is speaking to our children. Will we listen?

Our children's ministry lessons are designed to empower kids to encounter God through engaging Bible lessons, activities, and games. Explore our innovative curriculum for fresh strategies in nurturing these encounters. You'll definitely find it valuable!