What is evangelism? Evangelism is a critical part of the Christian life, so it’s important to help the children in our lives understand what evangelism is and how they can practice it. Let’s break the word down letter by letter.

E is for every nation, tribe, people, and language. Revelation 7:9 shares the scene. “After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb” (NIV). They have gathered from every corner of the globe and are worshipping God. What an exciting scene to try to imagine! Help kids understand what the future holds for those who love Jesus.

V is for verily. Mark 6:11 says, “And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you . . . Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city” (KJV). Jesus is sending His disciples out to preach repentance to the people, and He knows not all will receive the message. He reminds them that there will be a day of judgment. This reminds us that ultimately, justice will be done. There is both comfort and terror in that. We can rest knowing that God will make everything that is wrong finally right again. But it also compels us to share His love with as many as possible because the day of judgment is truly coming. Help kids understand why it is important for everyone to hear and have the chance to believe.

A is for all people. In one of the most precious verses of the Christmas story, Luke shares the words of the angels to the terrified shepherds, “And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11 KJV). Remind kids of the joy that Jesus brings, not just in Heaven forever but also today.

N is for never being driven away. Jesus’ call is clear, and no one who comes will be turned away. “Whoever comes to me I will never drive away” (John 6:37 KJV). Help kids realize that there is no one that God does not love and want to have a relationship with.

G is for going. God has commissioned each of us to do the part He gives us in sharing His love and His Gospel with every person on earth. “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Matthew 28:19-20 KJV). Help kids understand that going can mean going far away but it can also mean going to the people they already know and see often. They just need to take action and obey when God shows them the opportunity.

E is for everlasting life. It’s quite possibly the sweetest verse in the Bible, and it holds the entire Bible in one sentence. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 KJV). Help kids commit this verse to heart so that it is truly part of them.

L is for love. Love drew Jesus to leave Heaven to save us. Love motivates us to share His love with those who do not understand it. Love should also motivate us to encourage and build each other up. We’re not called to go it alone but to go together, working with God and each other. “But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ” (Ephesians 4:15 KJV). Help kids see ways they can help others share the Gospel.

I is for instant. In 2 Timothy 4, Paul is reminding Timothy of his calling and encouraging him to stand fast and be ready. In v. 2-3, he says, “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine;” (KJV). Help kids understand the importance of sharing now while they have the opportunity.

S is for shepherd. Jesus is the Good Shepherd, and just like a faithful shepherd, He knows where each one of His sheep are and when they have strayed. “I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep” (John 11:14 KJV). And like a good shepherd, He goes after it and is filled with joy when He finds it and brings it home (Luke 15:1-7). Help kids understand how happy Jesus is when people hear and believe in Him.

M is for me. Where does this leave me? What call does evangelism have on my life? God’s Word is clear—Jesus came to offer every person everywhere eternal, everlasting life with Him, the way we were created to live. He reminds us that the end will come and that we must share His Word while we have the opportunity. Jesus came to seek and to save the lost. He calls me and each of us to do the same. Help kids understand this privilege and responsibility. May I, and each of us, seek His grace to do so today and seek His forgiveness when we fall short.

Every nation
Verily . . . the end is coming
All people
Never drive away
Go ye . . . and teach
Everlasting life
Love
Instant
Shepherd calls
Me