How (and why) to put Jesus at the center of every lesson…

If you’ve been in Children’s Ministry for awhile you’ve probably heard this classic story:

A Sunday school teacher is giving a lesson and holds up a picture of a furry little animal with a bushy tail. She asks the kids, “What’s small, has a fluffy tail, climbs trees, and eats nuts?” The class is silent for a moment, and then one little boy slowly raises his hand and says: “Well… it sounds like a squirrel… but I know the answer is Jesus.”

It’s a little much to say that in KidMin, Jesus should always be the answer, no matter what the question is. But it’s not too much of a stretch to say that every lesson, in one way or another, should point to Jesus. 

Here’s why — and how to make it happen.

1. The Gospel is the Center of God’s Story

From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible tells one big story: God rescuing humanity through Jesus. When we teach, we can either share morals or show how each story fits into this greater plan of redemption. 

Whether you’re teaching the story of David and Goliath or Jesus calming the storm, always ask yourself, “How does this story point to Jesus?” This helps children not just learn Bible facts but see the bigger picture of God’s love and redemption.

Pro Tip: If you’re struggling to make a connection between a Bible story and the gospel, ask ChatGPT. It’s great for idea generation. 

2. The Gospel Shows Kids Their Need for Jesus

Our job as ministry leaders is not just to teach kids about the Bible; it’s to help them understand their need for Jesus. Kids need to know that Jesus died for their sins— not just for adults but for them, too. It’s about helping children see that their actions matter, but Jesus’ love is greater than their mistakes.

By constantly weaving the gospel into every lesson, you’re giving children an opportunity to understand that the good news of Jesus is not just for someday; it’s for today.  

3. How to Keep the Gospel Central

Here are some practical ways to make sure your lessons always point to Jesus:

• Start with the Gospel: Begin every lesson by reminding kids of God’s big story of creation, fall, redemption, and restoration.
• Ask Jesus-Centered Questions: After each Bible story, ask how it connects to the gospel. For example, “How does this story show God’s love for us?” or “What does this story teach us about our need for Jesus?”
• Use Jesus-Focused Language: Incorporate language that points to Jesus. For example, when teaching about Noah’s Ark, emphasize God’s promise of salvation through Jesus.
• Highlight Jesus’ Role: In every story, point to Jesus as the ultimate hero. For example, when teaching about the Good Shepherd, explain that Jesus is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep.

4. Every Moment Can Be Gospel-Centered

The gospel isn’t just something you teach in the lesson. It should be woven into everything your kids experience:

• Games: Incorporate truths that point to Jesus, like God’s faithfulness or the need for Jesus to save us.
• Crafts: Use the craft time as an opportunity to reinforce the gospel, whether you’re making a cross, a rainbow (God’s promise), or a heart (God’s love).
• Prayers: Lead kids in prayer that reminds them of God’s grace and their need for Jesus.

GO! Curriculum Makes Gospel-Centered Teaching Easy

At GO! Curriculum, we understand the importance of keeping the gospel central in everything we do. Our lessons are designed to help you teach the Bible in a way that always points to Jesus, making it easy for you to lead children in understanding the fullness of God’s story and His love for them.