Struggling to Explain Assemblies of God Doctrine? 10 Stories for Kids
- Layne McDonald, Ph.D.
- Feb 26
- 6 min read
Let's be honest: explaining theological concepts to a six-year-old who's more interested in Legos than the doctrine of the Trinity can feel like trying to nail Jello to a wall.
You know the truth matters. You know your kids need a solid foundation. But how do you make "the inspiration of Scripture" click for a third-grader without glazing their eyes over?
Here's the good news: theology doesn't have to be boring. And doctrine doesn't have to feel like a textbook.
What if instead of lectures, you had stories? Simple, beautiful narratives that make the truth stick?
That's exactly what you're about to get.
Below are 10 story frameworks rooted in Assemblies of God theology: each one designed to help you explain core beliefs in a way your kids will actually remember. You don't need a seminary degree. You just need a few minutes and a willingness to tell a good story.
Let's go.
Story 1: The Rescue Letter (The Bible as God's Word)
The Concept: The Bible isn't just a book. It's God's personal message to us.
The Story Framework:
Once upon a time, there was a little girl named Emma who loved exploring. One day, she wandered too far into the woods and got lost. She was scared and didn't know which way to go.
Then she saw something tucked under a rock: a letter. It was from her dad! He'd left clues and directions to help her find her way home. Every word mattered. Every instruction was true.
That's what the Bible is like. God wrote it for us because He loves us and wants to guide us home.
Parent Tip: Show your child the family Bible. Let them hold it. Say, "This is God's rescue letter for us."
Scripture Connection: 2 Timothy 3:16
Story 2: The Broken Window (The Fall of Man)
The Concept: Sin entered the world, and we all need help.
The Story Framework:
Imagine a little boy named Max who was playing ball in the house even though Mom said not to. CRASH! He broke the living room window.
Max felt terrible. He tried to fix it with tape, but it didn't work. He tried gluing the pieces, but they kept falling apart. He couldn't fix what he'd broken.
That's like sin. We all make mistakes, and we can't fix them on our own. We need help.
Parent Tip: Use this when your child makes a mistake. Say, "We all mess up. That's why we need Jesus."
Scripture Connection: Romans 3:23
Story 3: The Friend Who Paid (Salvation Through Christ)
The Concept: Jesus paid the price we couldn't pay.
The Story Framework:
There was a girl named Lily who borrowed money to buy ice cream but lost it before she could pay her friend back. She felt awful and didn't know what to do.
Then her big brother said, "I'll pay for you." He reached into his own piggy bank and gave his friend the money. Lily didn't deserve it, but her brother loved her that much.
That's what Jesus did. We owed a debt we couldn't pay. So Jesus paid it for us with His life.
Parent Tip: Ask, "Have you ever needed someone to help you when you made a mistake?"
Scripture Connection: Romans 5:8
Story 4: The Helper Inside (Baptism in the Holy Spirit)
The Concept: The Holy Spirit gives us power and courage.
The Story Framework:
Picture a boy named Jack who was afraid of the dark. Every night, he'd hide under his covers. But one night, his dad gave him a special flashlight. "This will help you be brave," Dad said.
With the light in his hand, Jack felt different. He wasn't alone anymore. He had help.
That's what the Holy Spirit does. When we ask Jesus into our hearts, God gives us a Helper: the Holy Spirit: who lives inside us and makes us brave.
Parent Tip: Pray together and invite the Holy Spirit to fill your home.
Scripture Connection: Acts 1:8
Story 5: The King Is Coming Back (The Second Coming of Christ)
The Concept: Jesus will return one day.
The Story Framework:
Once there was a kind king who had to leave his kingdom to prepare a beautiful castle for his people. Before he left, he said, "I'll come back for you. Get ready!"
The people who loved the king were so excited. They kept their hearts ready. They told everyone about him. They couldn't wait to see him again.
Jesus is like that king. He's coming back. And we get to be ready and excited.
Parent Tip: Focus on joy, not fear. Say, "We get to see Jesus one day! Isn't that amazing?"
Scripture Connection: John 14:3
Story 6: The Three-in-One Cookie (The Trinity)
The Concept: God is three persons, but one God.
The Story Framework:
Imagine baking a cookie with three ingredients: flour, sugar, and butter. They're all different, but when you mix them together, you get one delicious cookie.
God is kind of like that. He's God the Father, God the Son (Jesus), and God the Holy Spirit. Three persons, but still one God.
It's a mystery, but it's beautiful.
Parent Tip: Use everyday objects like an apple (skin, flesh, core) or water (liquid, ice, steam) to illustrate.
Scripture Connection: Matthew 28:19
Story 7: The Doctor's Promise (Divine Healing)
The Concept: God still heals today.
The Story Framework:
There was a little girl named Sarah who got very sick. Her family prayed and asked God to make her better.
God loves us so much that He cares about our bodies, too. Sometimes He heals us right away. Sometimes He uses doctors and medicine. But He always hears our prayers.
Jesus healed people when He was on earth, and He still cares about us today.
Parent Tip: Pray with your kids when they're sick or hurting. Let them see you trust God.
Scripture Connection: James 5:14-15
Story 8: The Water Party (Water Baptism)
The Concept: Baptism is a celebration of following Jesus.
The Story Framework:
Imagine a boy named Ben who decided to follow Jesus. He wanted everyone to know, so he had a special party: a baptism!
He went into the water to show that his old life was washed away, and when he came up, it was like starting fresh and new. All his friends cheered!
Baptism is like telling the whole world, "I'm on Jesus' team now!"
Parent Tip: If your child has been baptized, remind them of that day. If not, talk about it as something to look forward to.
Scripture Connection: Matthew 3:16-17
Story 9: The Family Meal (Communion)
The Concept: Communion helps us remember what Jesus did.
The Story Framework:
There was a family who had a special dinner every month. They'd set the table with bread and juice and remember Grandpa, who they loved so much.
Communion is like that. We eat bread and drink juice to remember Jesus: how He gave His body and blood for us. It's a way to say, "We'll never forget what You did."
Parent Tip: Even young kids can participate in a meaningful way. Talk about it before you take communion together.
Scripture Connection: 1 Corinthians 11:24-25
Story 10: The Growing Garden (Sanctification)
The Concept: God helps us grow more like Jesus every day.
The Story Framework:
Imagine a little seed planted in the ground. At first, it's tiny. But with water, sunlight, and care, it starts to grow.
That's what happens when we follow Jesus. We don't become perfect overnight. But little by little, God helps us grow. We become kinder, braver, and more loving.
It's called sanctification: and it's a beautiful journey.
Parent Tip: Celebrate small growth moments. Say, "I saw you share today. You're growing!"
Scripture Connection: Philippians 1:6
How to Use These Stories
Here's the beauty of these frameworks: you don't have to memorize them word-for-word. They're designed to be flexible.
Use them at bedtime. Use them in the car. Use them when your child asks a big question you're not quite sure how to answer.
Make them your own. Add your child's name. Change the details. The theology stays the same, but the stories can be as unique as your family.
And remember: you don't have to explain everything perfectly. You just have to point your kids toward Jesus.
That's what these stories do.
Let's Keep Going
Want more resources like this? Head over to Boundless Online Church for weekly content designed to help families grow together in faith. We've got crafts, activities, devotions, and stories: all rooted in truth and made for real life.
Because raising kids in the faith doesn't have to be complicated.
It just takes a little creativity, a lot of love, and a few good stories along the way.
Boundless Online Church An outreach ministry of First Assembly Memphis www.boundlessonlinechurch.org www.famemphis.org
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