Teaching Kids Theology Part 6
TLDR: Teaching theology is much like teaching math; you start with the basics and then build on them. As we teach a child theology, we start with the big ideas a child can handle, and then we build on them as the child grows and matures.
Theology is like math; it builds on itself. When you learn math, you start with the basics: numbers, addition, and subtraction. Then you move on to multiplication and division, which are based on addition and subtraction. After that, you progress to fractions, decimals, exponents, and algebra before moving on to higher math like geometry and calculus.
The Basics of Theology
Kids best learn theology the same way. We start with the basics, thinking in big categories like God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, people, sin, salvation, the Bible, Christian living, the church, and last things. And then within those categories, we think of the bigger ideas, like God is Creator. God is good. God is love. These bigger ideas in these big categories make up the foundation of theology that we teach to a child.
If we are introducing a young child—say a preschooler—to theology, we would begin with simple words too. “God made everything” might be better than “God is Creator.” At the same time, if we were introducing an older child to theology for the first time, we would likely use the latter phrasing.
Building on the Foundation
From there we’d move toward precision and expansion of these core ideas. “God is Creator” might become “God is Creator of everything from nothing.” We could then add on key ideas like God created everything good, he created everything for a purpose, and he created people as the pinnacle of all he made.
From there, we’d begin to connect ideas. We might focus on why God made people, which would lead to the relationship we can have with God, which would lead to sin breaking that relationship, which would lead to Jesus being God’s provision to make things right again.
That’s the beauty of theology—it’s all interconnected. And because most kids are naturally curious, these connections offer amazing opportunities for us to share the gospel with our kids. So, don’t be afraid of the questions your child might ask. Each question is a yearning for knowledge and understanding. It’s okay if you don’t have all the answers; no one does. Instead, when your child asks you something you can’t answer, say so, but then make a plan to research an answer together.
Moving at Each Child’s Pace
While there are suggested benchmarks for what a child should be learning (like the Levels of Biblical Learning), keep in mind that these are general guidelines. Each child is unique. Some kids might take a little longer in general or perhaps in one area. Others might move more quickly. And it makes quite a difference when a child begins learning theology.
What matters most is that we move with the child, going at the pace they need. Learning theology is not a race! It’s a marathon. It’s a life-long pursuit of understanding God and His ways. Know that whatever foundation you lay with God’s help will be a solid foundation that He will continue building upon for the rest of your child’s life.
If you are looking for a resource to help you grow as a theologian and to help you teach your children theology, Faith Foundations is for you. These ninety-nine devotions use an ancient tool called a catechism to teach the core doctrines of the faith. Each devotion features a Bible reading, a devotion, several engaging questions, a Jesus connection, and a suggested family activity. Faith Foundations releases October 21, 2025 but you can preorder a copy today.
brian dembowczyk 