We recently hosted gatherings for church leaders on Talking Toddlers and Finding Jesus, exploring the incredible ways people encounter Jesus, from the earliest moments of life right through to the later years. It was deeply moving to hear stories of faith discovered, rediscovered and nurtured through the love, patience and faithful presence of God’s people.
As I’ve reflected on these conversations, three key takeaways stand out:
1. Our children’s ministry has a powerful impact
The Talking Toddlers research revealed that 40% of people come to faith before the age of five, before school begins and before many of life’s big choices are even imagined. What an incredible opportunity we have to plant seeds of faith that can last a lifetime. The impact we have within families, homes and church communities should never be underestimated. Even when people drift or walk away for a season, those early roots often remain.
Churches play a vital role in nurturing children’s faith. Personally, I’m so grateful for the parent-and-toddler leaders and Sunday school teachers who, week after week, faithfully shared Bible stories, sang songs, and modelled God’s love to my own children who are now following Jesus as teenagers.
"The impact we have within families, homes and church communities should never be underestimated."
2. God meets people where they are
In our Finding Jesus report, 39% of new Christians said an encounter with God prompted their decision to follow Him. These experiences ranged from physical healing and emotional breakthroughs to hearing God’s voice or sensing His presence. This is a powerful reminder that God is alive, active and reaching out to people today, and meeting them right where they are.
One of the stories in the report was about Annie, who was once a rising star in the world of witchcraft. On the morning of her sister’s baptism, Annie’s crystal bracelets suddenly “felt like shackles”. As she reached for her pentagram, she heard a clear voice say, “You won’t need that today.” Later, at her sister’s church, the minister asked if anyone else wanted to be baptised. Annie began to shake and heard the same voice say, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” She was baptised that day and began her journey of following Jesus. This is just one of many stories of people encountering the living God.
Another recurring theme in the report was how often people felt prompted to open the Bible – sometimes for the very first time – and found peace and joy as they read. This is a reminder that God’s word is living and active. As followers of Jesus, we’re called to guide, encourage and help others discover how the Bible can transform lives.
"At its heart, the gospel is an invitation into belonging; to be part of God’s family, to know His love and to find our home in Him."
3. People long to belong
Even in a world full of online ‘friends’, many people are lonely. Beneath the noise and business, there is a quiet ache and a longing to be seen, known, welcomed and loved. The Finding Jesus report revealed that 38% of people said it was the ‘hospitality, generosity or service of Christians’ that helped them explore faith. This shows us that before people are ready to hear about Jesus, they often need to experience His love through us.
At its heart, the gospel is an invitation into belonging; to be part of God’s family, to know His love and to find our home in Him. We can help people experience this belonging through our own acts of hospitality; a welcoming smile, a text message, a coffee, an open door, a meal or an invitation to church. When we show genuine interest and kindness, we reflect the heart of Jesus and create space for others to encounter His love.
All of these conversations and stories have really encouraged me personally. Whether we are reading Bible stories to toddlers, guiding new believers as they explore Scripture, or simply opening our home and hearts to someone who is searching, we can trust that God is alive, at work and moving in powerful ways across generations and throughout our communities today.
