Kids & Parents: How Do I Talk to My Kids About Faith When I Don't Have All the Answers?
You don’t have to be a walking encyclopedia of theology to lead your child to Jesus; in fact, your willingness to say "I don’t know" might be the very thing that makes their faith real.
How do I talk to my kids about faith when I don't have all the answers?
You talk to your kids about faith by being honest about your own journey, inviting their questions without fear, and looking for answers together in the Bible. Authentic faith is caught through your humble dependence on God, not through perfect academic explanations.
The "Imposter Syndrome" of Christian Parenting
If you’ve ever sat at the kitchen table while your seven-year-old asked, "If God made everything, who made God?" and felt a cold sweat break out, you aren't alone. Many parents in Memphis and around the world feel like "spiritual imposters." We want our kids to love Jesus, but we’re afraid that if we don't have a ready-made answer for every hard question, their faith will crumble, or worse, they’ll think we’re faking it.
But here is a secret: The Bible doesn't call you to be a perfect expert; it calls you to be a faithful witness.
In the Assemblies of God tradition, we believe that the Holy Spirit is our Great Teacher. When you lean into Him, you aren't just giving your kids information; you are modeling a life of discipleship.
Definition: Discipleship Discipleship is the lifelong process of following Jesus, learning His ways, and becoming more like Him through the power of the Holy Spirit. It’s not just for kids, it’s for parents, too!
Why Your Honesty Matters More Than Your Knowledge
When you admit that you don't have all the answers, you teach your children two vital lessons:
It is safe to wonder about God.
God is bigger than our human understanding.
If you always have a "pat answer," your child might feel like they are "doing it wrong" when they have a doubt. But when you say, "That is an incredible question. I'm not 100% sure, but let's see what we can find out together," you are inviting them into a shared adventure.
5 Practical Ways to Have Faith Conversations at Home
You don't need a pulpit or a degree. You just need a willing heart and a few simple rhythms. Here are five ways to start discipling your kids today:
1. Embrace the "I Don't Know"
The next time a hard question comes up, don't panic. Use it as a bridge.
The Message: "I’m still learning, too."
The Action: Suggest looking it up in a study Bible or reaching out through www.famemphis.org. This shows your kids that the Church is a community where we help each other grow.
2. Turn "Routine" into "Relational"
Deuteronomy 6:7 tells us to talk about God's Word when we sit in our houses, walk by the way, lie down, and rise up.
The Memphis Rhythm: Whether you’re stuck in traffic on I-40 or grabbing BBQ at a local spot, use those moments.
The Prompt: "I saw a beautiful sunset today. It reminded me how much God loves variety. What’s one cool thing you saw today that God made?"
3. Use the Bible as a Map, Not a Quiz
Don't just read the Bible to them; read it with them. Use a version they can understand, like the NLT or a high-quality Children’s Storybook Bible.
The Approach: Focus on the character of God. Instead of asking "What happened in this story?", ask "What does this story tell us about who Jesus is?"
4. Model Vulnerable Prayer
Let your kids hear you pray for things you’re worried about. Let them hear you thank God for small wins.
Takeaway: Prayer isn't a performance; it’s a conversation. When they see you talking to God as a Friend and Father, they will realize they can do the same.
5. Invite the Holy Spirit into the Living Room
At www.boundlessonlinechurch.org, we often talk about how God isn't limited by location. He is in your living room just as much as He is in a church building.
The Practice: If a child is anxious or upset, stop right then and ask, "Can we ask the Holy Spirit to give us peace right now?" This teaches them that God is a "very present help in trouble" (Psalm 46:1).
Understanding the Big Picture
As you lead your family, you are participating in what theologians call Sanctification.
Definition: Sanctification Sanctification is the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life, setting them apart for God’s purposes and making them more like Christ in character.
Your parenting is part of your sanctification. God is using your children's hard questions to grow your faith just as much as He is using your answers to grow theirs.
Faith Concept | Simple Definition for Kids | Why It Matters |
Grace | Getting a wonderful gift you didn't earn. | Helps kids understand God's love isn't based on their "goodness." |
Repentance | Doing a U-turn and heading back to God. | Teaches kids that mistakes aren't the end of the road. |
Faith | Trusting God even when we can't see the whole plan. | Builds resilience during life's "I don't know" moments. |
Life Takeaway: You Are the Primary Disciple-Maker
You might not feel like it, but you are one of the most influential voices in your child’s spiritual life. Your church, whether you join us in person through www.famemphis.org or online through www.boundlessonlinechurch.org, is here to partner with you, not replace you.
When you show up with a messy, honest, seeking faith, you give your children permission to do the same. That is how a legacy of faith is built, one "I don't know, let's find out" at a time.
Are you willing to be a learner alongside your child this week?
We'd love to connect with you. Visit www.boundlessonlinechurch.org to join our community from anywhere, or if you're in the Memphis area, find us at www.famemphis.org.
Need prayers? Text us day or night at 1-901-213-7341. (Note: This line is for prayer and pastoral support, not emergency services. If you are in immediate danger or need urgent help, please call 911.)
Phone: 901-213-7341
Join us: www.famemphis.org and www.boundlessonlinechurch.org
Need prayers? Text us day or night at 1-901-213-7341. (Note: This line is for prayer and pastoral support, not emergency services. If you are in immediate danger or need urgent help, please call 911.)
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