Raising Kids Who Know Why They Believe

By Jen Ingram

Faith… it’s a powerful word, yet sometimes difficult to define.

What is faith?

We might turn to a dictionary for help: faith is complete trust or confidence in someone or something — a strong belief based on spiritual conviction rather than proof.

But the Bible gives us an even deeper understanding. In Hebrews 11:1 we read: “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”

I asked our Grace kids the other day how they know the Bible is true. Their answers were honest:

“Because you told us it was.”
“We just have to have faith.”

While those answers aren’t wrong, they aren’t enough to sustain or defend a lifelong faith. And that’s been weighing heavily on my heart.

We’re seeing more and more kids grow up in the church—memorizing verses and hearing Bible stories—only to later question or walk away from their faith. Often, it’s not because they never believed, but because they were never equipped to understand why they believe. In today’s culture, they’re wrestling with identity, purpose, and peace, and struggling to see the goodness of God through the darkness of the world.

As a Children’s Pastor—and as a mom—that’s heartbreaking.

Our kids need a faith that can stand when it’s questioned. Because at some point, it will be. And in that moment, “I just have faith” won’t be enough.

The good news? God has already given us everything we need.
He has given us His Word.

When we read the Bible with our kids and invite them to think deeply about what they’re hearing, we create space for the Holy Spirit to reveal truth—not just as something they’re told, but something they begin to understand and know for themselves.

Here are a few simple ways to start:
Encourage your kids to ask “why” and “how,” not just “what.” Questions like:
•    What does this story teach us about God?
•    What does this teach us about people? 
•    Why did this person make that choice? 
•    What would I want to ask God after reading this? 

Bring the Bible to life by using maps. Help them see that these places are real—trace journeys, explore locations, and connect Scripture to the world we live in today.

Learn the history of the Bible together. Resources like The Bible Project offer engaging, easy-to-understand videos that help explain each book and its context.

Teaching our kids to navigate the Bible, memorize Scripture, and understand God’s redemptive story is incredibly important. But helping them understand why it all matters is just as important—if not more.

Helping our kids grow in a faith they can both understand and defend is one of our greatest callings. Because we know this: following Jesus isn’t always easy. There will be doubts. There will be struggles. There will be moments of disappointment. But it is worth it.

Our kids need to know that faith in Jesus doesn’t mean a life without struggle— it means that in the struggle, they are never alone. They are deeply loved by the God of creation, saved by Jesus Christ, and held by a love that nothing can separate them from.

And that kind of faith… is worth building.