Simple ways to respond when kids ask difficult or unexpected questions about the Bible.
Kids can come up with some pretty interesting Bible questions, usually when you’re least expecting them. Maybe you’re reading a Bible story at home or teaching Sunday school when someone asks, “Where did God come from?” or “Why did God let that happen?”
And suddenly, you’re not quite sure what to say. That’s okay. You don’t need to have every answer ready, but you do want to take the question seriously.
1. It’s Okay to Say You Don’t Know
You might be tempted to come up with a quick answer, especially when everyone is looking at you. But if you’re not sure, there’s nothing wrong with saying so.
Something as simple as, “That’s a good question. I’m not sure, but I’d like to find out,” is a perfectly reasonable response.
It also gives you a chance to show that adults are still learning about the Bible, too. You don’t have to pretend to know something just because you’re the one teaching.
2. Find Out What They’re Really Asking
Sometimes a question is exactly what it sounds like. A kid wants to know how Noah got all those animals onto the ark, or why David picked up five stones.
Other times, there may be more behind it. If someone asks whether people go to heaven when they die, they might be curious about heaven. Or they might be worried about someone they love.
Before jumping into an explanation, you could ask, “What got you thinking about that?” Their answer can help you understand what they actually want to know.
3. Look Into It and Come Back to Them
If it’s a question you can answer by reading a Bible passage together, that’s a great place to start. You could also check a trusted Bible reference or ask your pastor or children’s ministry leader for help.
Just remember that not every question has a simple answer. Sometimes the Bible gives us a clear explanation. Other times, we need to understand the context, or admit that Scripture doesn’t tell us everything we’d like to know.
And if you tell someone you’ll look into their question, make a point of bringing it up again. Even a short conversation the following Sunday lets them know you remembered.
Keep the Questions Coming
You don’t have to turn every question into a long discussion. Sometimes a simple answer is enough, and sometimes you’ll need to come back to it.
What matters is that kids feel comfortable asking. They should know their questions are welcome, even when you don’t have an answer right away.