At a very low point in the history of God’s people, God spoke with Samuel. Samuel responded to God’s call, and God used him in a remarkable way to bring His people back to obedience and blessing. The life of that one man changed the course of history—not just in his generation, but in future generations as well. Many believe that Samuel was about eleven years of age when God called him (1 Samuel 3). This is just one example of a child whom God has called and used. Many influential Christians throughout history have come to faith as children. It is generally believed that many people today have also been called and have come to faith in their early years. Even those who come to faith later in life often refer to things that God used in their childhood. Each child who comes to faith is a precious soul saved for eternity, and God may also choose to raise them up for a special and influential work for Him.
Often, children are intrigued by an open-air preacher on the street and want to stop, look, and listen. In view of this, we need to consider how we may best relate to children in an open-air setting. We need to be REAL:
Recognise
Recognise the children around us and the opportunity they bring. The Lord took the time to take them up in His arms and bless them, even when His disciples wanted to turn them away. Paul’s instruction to Timothy was to treat older men as fathers, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with all purity. I have found that helpful in relating to people of various ages. The person in front of me could be my dad—or that could be my little girl. It changes the way you speak to them. So, speak to children in a way that would be most helpful to them, bearing in mind the capabilities of your own children at that age, or a grandchild, a nephew, or a niece. I still remember with great fondness the little conversations that older Christians had with me when I was a child. With some of them, it was simply the fact that they loved me and took the time to speak to me.
Engage
Engage with them in a helpful way. Let them know that you have noticed their presence and that they are welcome—perhaps by looking in their direction and smiling at them (without staring for too long). Attract and maintain their interest using age-appropriate illustrations and by asking rhetorical questions to make them think.
For example, instead of using a courtroom scene to illustrate justice, you might speak about breaking the rules at school and how that results in detention or the loss of “Golden Time.” Keep everything compact and concise—don’t over-indulge yourself. It may also be helpful to briefly retell the testimony of yourself or someone else who became a Christian at a young age. This will not only allow them to see what is involved in conversion but also demonstrate that it is possible and show what it may look like for someone their age.
Avoid
Avoid things that may hinder their understanding. Avoid difficult or technical words and phrases. Avoid abstract concepts. Children (like many adults) can more readily relate to stories rather than concepts. It may be appropriate to change course in your preaching and illustrate the gospel by telling a Bible story that demonstrates its wonder. Our cue is from the Master Himself, who told the parables of the Lost Sheep, the Forgiving Father, and the Two Men Who Went to the Temple to Pray. These accounts can always be rehearsed beforehand so that they come to mind naturally in a flowing retelling. If you have people of various ages listening, then all will hear the gospel through these stories. If you choose to stay on your original course, make sure you relate it to those listening—including the children.
Literature
Always have some appropriate literature for children. Open-Air Mission has two leaflets for children, Journey Through the Bible and The Life of Jesus. The first includes a word search, which children always enjoy. There is also one for older children entitled How Great is God?. Many other books and booklets are available as well. Flyers for local church activities will also be a useful means of follow-up. Asking ‘What next?’ is a very important part of evangelism. A personal recommendation or invitation to a particular church or children’s activity can be of great benefit. Could you provide one, or call someone on the team to do so?
Parents and Guardians
Always be aware that the parent may be close by, either listening or not, and do not go beyond what the parent is comfortable with. Our society tries to take away the parents’ God-given responsibility and place it elsewhere. We must not do the same, so never undermine the parents’ authority or set a child against their parent. If a parent refuses to allow the child to listen further or take literature, do not berate them in public! Simply wish them well, praise God for the opportunity given, and commit both parent and child to the Lord.
Never move out of public view with a child, and always try to speak with them and their parents together. Safeguarding is important and must always be observed.
In many cases, the parent is happy for the child to listen, as they can see that they are showing interest. Before giving literature to a child, it is best to ask the parent’s permission. You could say, ‘I would love to give you’—looking at the child—’something to take away and read. Would that be alright?’—looking at the adult.
At this point, I like to have a word with the adult. It may be to encourage the parent to read something with the child and learn together. You could refer to the example of parents who brought their children to Jesus rather than sending them. The point is that they were doing it together and both were being enriched. Many parents are aware of the struggles and difficulties of raising children in today’s society but have not considered how the teachings and example of Jesus can shape a child in ways that will benefit them for the rest of their lives. Doing something together always strengthens the child-parent relationship and may be mutually beneficial. This may also lead to an opportunity for the parent to take something to read for themselves, opening the door to a gospel conversation and a challenge for them to seek the Lord personally. Again, follow-up could include a personal invitation to church, a Bible study, or another outreach opportunity.
In doing this, we may be the answer to the prayers of a godly relative who bears that child (and their parent) up in prayer every day. And that child may be the instrument that God will use in the future in a mighty way for His glory. Let us not only pray for the Lord to raise up men and women of God, but also actively work towards that same purpose.
Click below to order copies of children’s leaflets for your own outreach:
If you would like experience sharing the gospel with families, why not join an OAM beach mission?