Frequently Asked Faith Questions for Families
Here are some commonly asked questions by parents and guardians, answered from a Christian and United Methodist perspective, to help support faith conversations with your children:
WHAT IS COMMUNION?
Answer: Communion, also called the Lord's Supper, is a sacred act in which we remember Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins through sharing bread and juice. The bread represents Jesus' body, and the juice represents His blood, given to bring forgiveness and new life to all who believe. In the United Methodist tradition, communion is a way to connect with God, celebrate God’s love, and remember Jesus’ gift of grace. It is also a reminder of the covenant—a sacred promise or agreement—between God and His people. Through communion, we renew our commitment to this covenant and are invited to experience God’s presence.
Tip for Parents: You can explain communion to children by sharing that it is a special family meal in God's presence. Let them know that participating in communion is an expression of faith and gratitude.
WHAT IS THE TRINITY?
Answer: The Trinity is the Christian belief that God exists as three persons in one: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus), and God the Holy Spirit. While they are distinct in their roles, they are all one God—united in love, purpose, and power. This can be a complex idea, but it can be compared to examples like how water can exist as ice, liquid, and steam, yet it is still just water.
Tip for Parents: Use simple, age-appropriate illustrations (like the water example) to help children begin to understand this concept. Emphasize that the Trinity represents God’s presence and work in every part of our lives.
HOW CAN I PRAY WITH MY CHILD?
Answer: Praying with your child is a wonderful way to build a strong spiritual connection and model a relationship with God. Prayer is simply having an open, honest conversation with God. Begin by teaching children that they can pray about anything—grateful thoughts, their hopes, fears, or the needs of others. To pray with your child, set aside quiet moments, such as at bedtime, mealtime, or during difficult times. Use simple, clear prayers, and encourage your child to share their own prayers as well.
Tips for Parents:
WHAT IS SALVATION?
Answer: Salvation is the gift of God’s grace that brings forgiveness and new life through faith in Jesus Christ. It means being saved from sin and being given the promise of eternal life with God. Salvation is not something we earn but a free gift that comes when we trust Jesus and choose to follow Him. It allows us to live in a restored relationship with God.
Tip for Parents: Explain salvation in simple terms by sharing that it’s about saying “yes” to God and trusting Him. Let children know that God’s love is unconditional and always available to them, no matter what.
HOW CAN I TEACH MY CHILD ABOUT FORGIVENESS?
Answer: Forgiveness is the act of letting go of anger or resentment toward someone who has hurt you. Jesus taught us to forgive others just as He forgave us. Teaching children about forgiveness begins by modeling it at home—showing kindness, letting go of grudges, and emphasizing grace in daily life. Forgiveness allows us to build healthier relationships and experience God’s love and freedom in our own hearts.
Tip for Parents: Talk about the story of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) or other examples of forgiveness from Scripture. Let your child know that it is okay to ask for forgiveness and to extend forgiveness to others.
HOW DO I HELP MY CHILD UNDERSTAND GOD'S LOVE?
Answer: God’s love is unconditional, unchanging, and always present. To help your child understand God’s love, show them examples of love through care, kindness, and support at home. Share stories from the Bible, such as John 3:16 or the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000 (John 6:1-14), to illustrate how God’s love is present in all circumstances.
Tip for Parents: Ask your child simple questions like, “How do you feel knowing God loves you no matter what?” and share examples of God’s love they can relate to, like the beauty of creation, prayer, or community support.
WHY IS GOING TO CHURCH IMPORTANT FOR MY CHILD?
Answer: Attending church provides children with the opportunity to learn about God’s Word, build friendships, and participate in worship and service. It teaches them how to connect with God and their faith community while learning life lessons grounded in Scripture. Church also gives children a place to ask questions, grow spiritually, and connect with adults and peers who share faith values.
Tip for Parents: Emphasize that church is a safe, welcoming space where they can learn, worship, and grow. Make attending church a regular part of the family routine to reinforce the importance of community and spiritual growth.
Answer: Communion, also called the Lord's Supper, is a sacred act in which we remember Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins through sharing bread and juice. The bread represents Jesus' body, and the juice represents His blood, given to bring forgiveness and new life to all who believe. In the United Methodist tradition, communion is a way to connect with God, celebrate God’s love, and remember Jesus’ gift of grace. It is also a reminder of the covenant—a sacred promise or agreement—between God and His people. Through communion, we renew our commitment to this covenant and are invited to experience God’s presence.
Tip for Parents: You can explain communion to children by sharing that it is a special family meal in God's presence. Let them know that participating in communion is an expression of faith and gratitude.
WHAT IS THE TRINITY?
Answer: The Trinity is the Christian belief that God exists as three persons in one: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus), and God the Holy Spirit. While they are distinct in their roles, they are all one God—united in love, purpose, and power. This can be a complex idea, but it can be compared to examples like how water can exist as ice, liquid, and steam, yet it is still just water.
Tip for Parents: Use simple, age-appropriate illustrations (like the water example) to help children begin to understand this concept. Emphasize that the Trinity represents God’s presence and work in every part of our lives.
HOW CAN I PRAY WITH MY CHILD?
Answer: Praying with your child is a wonderful way to build a strong spiritual connection and model a relationship with God. Prayer is simply having an open, honest conversation with God. Begin by teaching children that they can pray about anything—grateful thoughts, their hopes, fears, or the needs of others. To pray with your child, set aside quiet moments, such as at bedtime, mealtime, or during difficult times. Use simple, clear prayers, and encourage your child to share their own prayers as well.
Tips for Parents:
- Model Prayer: Let your child hear you pray and show that prayer is a natural part of life.
- Start with Simple Prayer Forms: Teach them to say, “Thank you, sorry, please” (gratitude, confession, and requests).
- Ask Questions: Encourage your child to share what’s on their heart before praying.
- Be Consistent: Prayer becomes easier and more meaningful when it’s a regular part of the family routine.
WHAT IS SALVATION?
Answer: Salvation is the gift of God’s grace that brings forgiveness and new life through faith in Jesus Christ. It means being saved from sin and being given the promise of eternal life with God. Salvation is not something we earn but a free gift that comes when we trust Jesus and choose to follow Him. It allows us to live in a restored relationship with God.
Tip for Parents: Explain salvation in simple terms by sharing that it’s about saying “yes” to God and trusting Him. Let children know that God’s love is unconditional and always available to them, no matter what.
HOW CAN I TEACH MY CHILD ABOUT FORGIVENESS?
Answer: Forgiveness is the act of letting go of anger or resentment toward someone who has hurt you. Jesus taught us to forgive others just as He forgave us. Teaching children about forgiveness begins by modeling it at home—showing kindness, letting go of grudges, and emphasizing grace in daily life. Forgiveness allows us to build healthier relationships and experience God’s love and freedom in our own hearts.
Tip for Parents: Talk about the story of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) or other examples of forgiveness from Scripture. Let your child know that it is okay to ask for forgiveness and to extend forgiveness to others.
HOW DO I HELP MY CHILD UNDERSTAND GOD'S LOVE?
Answer: God’s love is unconditional, unchanging, and always present. To help your child understand God’s love, show them examples of love through care, kindness, and support at home. Share stories from the Bible, such as John 3:16 or the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000 (John 6:1-14), to illustrate how God’s love is present in all circumstances.
Tip for Parents: Ask your child simple questions like, “How do you feel knowing God loves you no matter what?” and share examples of God’s love they can relate to, like the beauty of creation, prayer, or community support.
WHY IS GOING TO CHURCH IMPORTANT FOR MY CHILD?
Answer: Attending church provides children with the opportunity to learn about God’s Word, build friendships, and participate in worship and service. It teaches them how to connect with God and their faith community while learning life lessons grounded in Scripture. Church also gives children a place to ask questions, grow spiritually, and connect with adults and peers who share faith values.
Tip for Parents: Emphasize that church is a safe, welcoming space where they can learn, worship, and grow. Make attending church a regular part of the family routine to reinforce the importance of community and spiritual growth.