Why Preschoolers Need the Gospel, Not Just Goldfish

Have you ever found yourself handing out a snack cup of Goldfish crackers and thinking, “Is this all there is to preschool ministry?” 

Ministry to preschool feels like organized chaos: diapers to change, tears to soothe, noses to wipe, toys to clean up, and snack crumbs everywhere. And yet, I believe with all my heart that this is holy ground. In the middle of all that activity, a quiet miracle is happening: the gospel is being planted in tiny hearts.

Preschoolers are not too young for Jesus. Jesus cares about them right here, right now, at the little age and size that they’re at. They’re people made in the image of God, capable of experiencing His love, learning His Word, and beginning a lifelong relationship with Him- even before they can read or tie their shoes.

Preschoolers need the gospel because it’s good news for them too, not just for us. Here’s why: 

1. Preschoolers Are Already Asking Big Questions

Even if they can’t express them clearly, preschoolers are constantly trying to make sense of their world. Their hearts are asking questions like: Am I loved? Am I safe? Do I belong?

The gospel answers all of these: Yes, you are deeply loved by Jesus. Yes, He is always with you. Yes, you belong in God’s family. Every time we remind a child that “Jesus loves you no matter what,” we’re planting the seed of gospel identity. That’s not fluff. That’s formation.

2. Preschoolers Learn Through Repetition and Relationship

Preschoolers thrive on rhythm and repetition. The gospel fits that beautifully: Through repeated songs like “Jesus Loves Me.” Through storybooks that echo gospel truths Through teachers who consistently say, “God made you and loves you.”

They learn best in the context of relationships- when trusted adults show up week after week to embody God’s love with kindness, patience, and joy.

3. The Gospel Shapes Behavior Without Shame

Preschoolers are learning how to live in a world with other people. Tantrums happen. Sharing is hard. Feelings are big.

It’s tempting to manage behavior with rules or rewards. But what if we framed discipline as discipleship?

• Instead of saying, “Be nice.”

• Try: “Jesus is kind, and He helps us be kind too.”

• Instead of: “Don’t hit!”

• Say: “God made our hands to help, not to hurt.”

• Instead of shame, we give grace.

• Instead of behavior charts, we offer gospel-centered coaching.

Because Jesus doesn’t just correct us…He transforms us.

4. The Gospel Gives Them a Language for Faith

Preschoolers are learning how to talk. They talk about their feelings, their families, their day. This is the perfect time to help them form a spiritual vocabulary too.

Simple gospel truths become anchors:

• “God made me.”

• “Jesus helps me.”

• “God is with me when I’m scared.”

• “Jesus forgives me.”

These phrases become the foundation of their theology. These are words they’ll carry into the next season of life.

5. The Holy Spirit Works in Little Hearts

This is the greatest reason of all: Jesus takes preschoolers seriously. He said, “Let the little children come to me… for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” We must never underestimate what God can do in a preschooler. Their hearts are open. Their wonder is real. They are not too young for faith. We’ve seen it:

• A toddler praying, “Thank you Jesus, Amen.”

• A preschooler asking if Jesus can help their sick grandma.

• A 4-year-old singing “God is so good” with eyes closed and arms raised.

That’s not pretend. That’s the Holy Spirit.

Don’t Just Hand Them a Snack- Hand Them a Savior

Goldfish are great. Bubbles are fun. Coloring pages are awesome. But let’s make sure we’re giving preschoolers what they really need: the love, hope, and rescue of Jesus. They may not remember every craft. But they will remember how they felt in your care, and the seed of truth you planted in their hearts.