How to Lead a Student to Christ

One of the most exciting things we get to see happen in church is seeing someone put their faith in Jesus. We get to watch, cheer on, and be a part of that person stepping into new life in Christ.

As a group leader, you’ll probably get this opportunity in your group. This doesn’t have to be scary, overwhelming, or forced. You don’t have to force anything and you don’t have to put an overwhelming pressure on yourself. You’re just creating an opportunity if they want it. That’s it!

3 Steps to leading students to Christ.

There are no magic words, but here’s a guide in case you need a little help leading a student to Christ.

Step 1: Explain

Explain what believing in Jesus is.

You can use the ABCs of faith in Jesus. Faith in Jesus means to ADMIT your need. BELIEVE Jesus is the way to God. And COMMIT to following Him.

Step 2: Extend

Extend the invite.

Without singling anyone out, extend the invite. You can say something along these lines:

We want to help if you want to put your faith in Jesus. I’ll lead us through a prayer of faith in Jesus. Is there anyone that wants to pray with me to put their faith in Jesus?

Step 3: Pray

Pray together.

If no one speaks up, that’s okay. Let them know that if anyone would rather talk privately after group about it, they can come talk with you. Pray together like this,

Okay, cool. Let’s still take a moment and pray. Jesus, thank you for the ones of us who already believe, help us to continue following you. If anyone is still considering or thinking through whether or not to commit to you, keep showing them your gift of new life in you is for them. Amen.

If someone says, “I want to.” Or “I think that’s me.” Immediately celebrate them.

Dude, that’s awesome! So glad to hear that and glad we get to be here for it. Let’s all pray with (name/names) together. 

You can either pray out loud and tell them to pray what you’re praying silently in their hearts. Or you can do the repeat-after-me style of prayer.

Use the ABCs again in your prayer.

Jesus, I admit that I need you. I don’t want to live for myself anymore. I believe you are the son of God. I believe you lived, died, and came back to life. And I believe that through you, I can have new life in God. I want this new life. So I put my faith in you. I’m committing to you. I want to live for you everyday. Thank you for your love and new life. Help me love you and live out the new life in you. Amen.

Next Steps

Congratulations! You just led a student through putting their faith in Jesus! They’re now starting a brand new journey in Christ! Here are some possible next steps for your student(s) to take.