That’s a Great Question! Turning Curiosity into Discipleship

You’re driving to school when your 6-year-old pipes up from the back seat, “If God knew Adam and Eve were going to sin, why did He even make the tree?” You pause. Your mind races. You weren't prepared for deep theology before your second cup of coffee. Do you change the subject? Give a quick, nervous answer? Or panic a little and hope they forget?

Here’s the truth: that question isn’t a problem—it’s a moment filled with potential. When a child asks a deep or tricky question about faith, it’s not a test of your Bible knowledge. It’s an invitation. A doorway. A sacred moment to disciple their heart.

1. Don’t Panic—Affirm Their Curiosity

The first key to discipling your child through questions is to respond with curiosity, not fear.

When your child asks a spiritual question—big or small—start with something like, “That’s a great question,” or “Wow, I love how you’re thinking about God.” This tells them their thoughts are safe with you. It opens the door for more dialogue.

Remember: curiosity is evidence of spiritual growth. Kids process faith through exploration. God designed their developing minds to be full of wonder—and you get to be their guide.

Tip: Even if their question catches you off guard, your calm, affirming tone will teach them that faith isn’t fragile—and that it’s okay to ask.

2. Be a Fellow Learner, Not a Bible Scholar

One of the biggest reasons parents avoid tough questions is fear of not knowing the right answer. But here’s some freedom: you don’t need to be a Bible encyclopedia. In fact, it’s often better if you aren’t.

Instead, model a learner’s heart. Say things like, “I’m not sure, but let’s look that up together,” or “Let’s ask Pastor Mike on Sunday.” Your humility shows your child that following Jesus is a lifelong journey of discovery.

This builds their trust—and removes the pressure from you to have all the answers.

Tip: Keep a kids’ study Bible or Bible Q&A book nearby for these moments. It turns the unknown into a shared adventure.

3. Keep Jesus at the Center of Every Answer

Even when answering difficult questions, always bring the conversation back to who God is and what He’s like.

For example:

• “Why did Jesus die?” → “Because God loves us and wanted to save us.”

• “Why do bad things happen?” → “God is always with us, even when life is hard. And one day, He’ll make everything right.”

Don’t worry about having a polished theological response. Focus on giving your child a clear picture of God’s goodness, love, holiness, and trustworthiness.

Kids often don’t remember complex explanations—but they’ll remember how your answer made them feel about God.

Tip: Ask yourself, “What does this answer tell my child about who God is?” Let that shape your response.

4. Use Tools That Speak Their Language

Let’s be honest—some spiritual concepts are hard for adults, let alone children. That’s why having the right tools makes all the difference.

Here are a few kid-friendly resources to keep on hand:

• The Jesus Storybook Bible – Rich theology in age-appropriate language.

• The Big Book of Questions and Answers About Jesus by Sinclair Ferguson – Simple, doctrinally sound responses.

• Illustrated catechisms or devotional books – These help reinforce key truths over time.

Also, don’t overlook object lessons or illustrations from nature and daily life. For instance:

• Talking about God’s love? Point to how the sun shines on everyone.

• Discussing sin and forgiveness? Use spilled milk and a clean towel to show how God washes us clean.

Tip: Make use of drive time, bath time, and bedtime—natural rhythms for gentle faith conversations.

5. Prepare for the Next Big Question

The more comfortable your child feels asking you about God, the more questions they’ll ask. That’s a good thing! But it helps to have a “ready list” of go-to answers and verses for common questions.

Here are a few categories to anticipate:

TopicCommon QuestionsHelpful VersesGod’s Existence“Who made God?”Psalm 90:2; Genesis 1:1Sin and Salvation“Why did Jesus die?” “What is sin?”Romans 5:8; John 3:16Heaven and Hell“Will our dog be in heaven?” “What is hell?”Revelation 21:4; Matthew 25:46Suffering and Evil“Why do people get sick?” “Why is there war?”Romans 8:28; John 16:33Prayer and God’s Will“Why didn’t God answer my prayer?”1 Thessalonians 5:17; Isaiah 55:8-9

You don’t have to memorize these—but having them bookmarked can give you peace of mind and readiness.

Tip: Keep a journal of your child’s questions and how you responded. It helps you reflect, pray, and improve over time.

Conclusion: Your Presence Is More Powerful Than Your Precision

Discipling your child doesn’t require seminary training. It requires a willing heart, an open Bible, and the humility to walk alongside them as they discover God’s truth.

When your child says, “Mom, what does it mean that God never sleeps?” or “Dad, why can’t I see Jesus?”—you’re not being tested. You’re being invited into a moment of soul formation. You’re doing holy work.

So breathe deep, smile, and say it loud: “That’s a great question!”