In a world where faith sometimes meets resistance, children may hear stories of Christians being mistreated or excluded for their beliefs. As ministry leaders and parents, we carry the responsibility—and privilege—of guiding them through these realities with tenderness, truth, and trust in God’s sovereignty.

Why Talk About Persecution?

Jesus said, “If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you” (John 15:20). While this may feel heavy, it’s part of the Christian journey. Children deserve to know that following Jesus is both beautiful and brave—and that they’re not alone when faith is challenged.

Keep It Age-Appropriate and Hope-Filled

• Start with Scripture: Use stories like Daniel in the lion’s den, Paul in prison, or Stephen’s courage to show how God strengthens His people.
• Focus on God’s presence: Emphasize that even in hard times, God is near, faithful, and working through His children.
• Avoid graphic details: Instead, speak in terms of exclusion, teasing, or unfair treatment—things kids may relate to in school or social settings.

Use Creative Tools to Build Empathy

• Role-play skits: Act out scenarios where someone stands up for their faith kindly and courageously.
• Craft “Courage Cards”: Let kids decorate cards with verses like Joshua 1:9 or Romans 8:38–39 to remind them of God’s love and strength.
• Prayer maps: Create a world map with stickers representing places where Christians need prayer. Keep it hopeful—God is moving in every nation.

Invite Honest Questions

Children may ask, “Why would someone hurt Christians?” or “Will this happen to me?” Respond with calm assurance:

• “Some people don’t understand Jesus yet, but we can pray for them.”
• “God gives us courage and wisdom. You’re never alone.”
• “We follow Jesus because He’s worth it—and He helps us love even when it’s hard.”

Celebrate Faithfulness

Share stories of believers who chose kindness, forgiveness, and joy in the face of hardship. Highlight how their faith made a difference. You might say:

“They didn’t stop loving Jesus—and they didn’t stop loving others.”

Equip Kids to Respond

• Teach them to pray: For persecuted Christians, for those who misunderstand faith, and for their own courage.
• Model grace: Show how to respond to teasing or exclusion with kindness and truth.
• Encourage small acts of boldness: Wearing a cross, inviting a friend to church, or saying “I believe in Jesus” with confidence.

Children don’t need to be shielded from every hard truth—but they do need to be shepherded through it. When we speak with sensitivity, anchor in Scripture, and invite creative engagement, we help them grow into resilient, compassionate followers of Christ.

Barnabas Aid hosts the Suffering Church Action and Awareness Week from 27th October to 3rd November 2025, and the International Day of Prayer (IDOP) on Sunday, 2^nd November 2025.  For more details on how you can help the persecuted Church, visit: https://www.barnabasaid.org/au/

Free lessons to download:

Pass the Salt! (The Early Church is Scattered) https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Pass-the-Salt.pdf

You Belong to the Day: https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/You-Belong-to-the-Day-Paul-and-the-Thessalonians2.pdf

Praise God When? https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Praise-God-When.pdf

Everyday Armour (Saul’s Conversion): https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Every-Day-Armour-Lesson-1.pdf