A Gospel Summary for Kids

Kids ask great questions. Some, like “Why do bees sting?” and “Are we there yet?” can be answered with the help of Google or a measure of patience. Others, like “Why didn’t grandma get better?” and “How come my friend doesn’t like me anymore?” require a more thoughtful response.

Questions about God’s plan for the world fall into that second category. Being able to talk with kids about God’s salvation plan in a way that nurtures their faith is important, but it’s not always easy. That’s why Faith Formation Ministries developed this gospel summary for children.

This summary can be used in Sunday morning or Wednesday night children’s ministry, in VBS, in preparation for communion classes, and in other settings. One idea: challenge kids to illustrate each sentence and make a book or a mural together.

Also consider using this summary in children’s ministry leader trainings, publishing it on your church website or in the bulletin, and emailing it to parents as a helpful family faith formation resource.

This resource is part of the Dwell at Home series of resources for family faith formation. Check them out at DwellCurriculum.org/home.

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Long ago, God made the world and everything in it.

God’s creation was good. Everything was how God wanted it to be.

When God made people, God told them to take good care of the beautiful world.

Then sin came into the world. It spread to the whole creation, even you and me.

God didn't want the world to be filled with sin.

So God sent Jesus, who was God’s Son, to live in our world as a person, just like us.

Jesus showed us how to love God and love each other.

Then Jesus took the punishment for our sin by dying on the cross.

But Jesus didn't stay dead. God brought him back to life!

Everyone who believes in Jesus belongs to God’s family.

God sent the Holy Spirit so we can be a family that loves God, loves others, and takes care of the world.

We are excited for the day when God will make the whole world new again and we will see Jesus face to face.