1. MINISTERING THE BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT
TO CHILDREN
by Gwen Davis
According to the Scriptures, as soon as any Believer is saved, he is a candidate for the Baptism in the Holy
Spirit. Children need the power of the Spirit to help them live an overcoming Christian life. Any child who
is a Believer can receive the Holy Spirit and should be given the opportunity.
I.
WHO IS HOLY SPIRIT?
II.
THE WORK OF HOLY SPIRIT IN THE LIFE OF EVERY BELIEVER
1. He is God, part of the Trinity- Father, Son and Holy Spirit. (Hold up 3 fingers like a W, also
show that finger has 3 parts but 1 finger)
a. Will- Father
b. Word- Jesus
c. Work- Holy Spirit
2. He is represented by various symbols in the Bible:
a. DOVE (Luke 3:22)
b. WIND (Acts 2:2; John 3:8)
c. OIL (Acts 10:38; Hebrews 1:9)
d. FIRE (Acts 2:3-4)
e. WATER (John 7:38-39)
f. WINE (Ephesians 5:18; Acts 2:15-16)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Tells us we need to accept Jesus (John 16:8)
We are “born again” by Him (John 3:6)
Tells us when we sin (John 16:8)
Teaches us the Truth (John 14:17)
Shows us things to come (John 16:13)
Helps us remember God’s Word (1Peter 1:23; 2Peter 1:20-21; John 14:26)
He is our Comforter (John 14:16)
Draws our attention to Jesus (John 15:26 & 16:14)
Helps us to be more like Jesus (Galatians 5:22-23)
III. HOLY SPIRIT AS THE POWER OF GOD
1. The Holy Spirit moved in creation. He displays God’s power and puts the Word into action.
2. In the Old Testament the Holy Spirit moved upon certain men at certain times to do special
tasks. Samson tore a lion apart (Judges 14:6). He killed 30 enemy men (Judges 14:19). Samson
also killed 1,000 enemy men with a jawbone (Judges 15:15). He was strong ONLY when the
Spirit of the Lord came upon him. Give other examples.
3. God promised the day was coming when EVERYONE could receive this power, even children!
(Joel 2:28-29)
4. After Jesus was baptized in water the power of the Holy Spirit came upon Him. Everywhere He
went He showed that God had POWER over Satan (Acts 10:38). He healed the sick, raised the
dead, etc. Jesus said He had to go away so He could send the Holy Spirit. He told the disciples
to wait to receive the POWER of the Holy Spirit before going out to preach the Gospel (Acts
1:4).
I.C.M.I.
Children‛s Ministry Manual ©2005
225

2. 1. Memory Verse (Acts 1:8) “But ye shall receive POWER after that the Holy Ghost is come
upon you and ye shall be my witnesses . . . . .”
2. Describe the Day of Pentecost according to the Bible. Act it out.
IV. THE BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Gives us power to witness. (Acts 1:8)
Gives us a new language, “tongues”. (Acts 2:4)
When we pray in “tongues” it builds our faith. (Jude 20)
Helps us pray in God’s will. (Romans 8:26)
Helps us worship. (1Corinthians 14:17)
We don’t understand but God does! (1Corinthians 14:2)
Helps us to resist the devil. (Ephesians 6:15)
V. OBJECT LESSON ILLUSTRATING THE BAPTISM IN THE HOLY
SPIRIT
1. Objects Needed: Clear water glass, pitcher of water mixed with vinegar, spoonful of baking
soda, tray to put under the glass.
2. Directions:
a. Show empty glass (Our lives are empty without Jesus)
b. Slowly pour water and vinegar into empty glass. Make sure water is to top of glass (When
we ask Jesus into our hearts, His life pours into us. As we obey the Holy Spirit, we become
more and more like Jesus.)
c. Stir baking soda into glass. It will bubble over. (Jesus wants us to have POWER to give life
to others, so He baptizes us with the Holy Spirit.)
d. “Now, we have power to tell others about Jesus!”
VI. INVITATION TO RECEIVE THE BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT
1. Ask, “How many of you would like to have POWER to witness to your family and friends? If
you want Jesus to baptize you in the Holy Spirit, come forward.”
2. Give instructions to those who come forward:
a. They must be saved.
b. Illustration: Read Luke 11:11-13. Using a hand-size rock and a portion of bread, ask an
older man for bread. “I’m hungry, Daddy, please give me some bread.” Will he give you
a rock? No. How much MORE will our Heavenly Father give the Holy Ghost when we
ask?
c. Tell them when you lay hands on them Jesus is going to baptize them right then. He will!
As Jesus is doing His part, the child should begin to speak in new words as the Holy Spirit
gives him the ability (Acts 2:4)
3. Now lay hands on each head in FAITH and Jesus will do what He promised. Children receive
so easily. However, a few will need gentle encouragement to begin speaking in tongues while
the Spirit is moving upon and through them. It’s okay to keep your eyes open and watch what’s
happening. It is good to have each child who has received immediately help pray for the next
child, using his “new language”. Lead them in singing in tongues. Remind them that they have
received POWER to witness and a “secret language” to talk to God everyday.
4. The preceding instructions are ONLY guidelines. Allow the Holy Spirit to be creative! He is
too big to be put in a “box”. This study on the Holy Spirit could be taught in two or three class
sessions or summarized in one day.
226
I.C.M.I.
Children‛s Ministry Manual ©2005

3. THE HOLY SPIRIT
Gwen Moffat Davis
We have been privileged to witness the outpouring of Holy Spirit upon children in many nations. Literally,
thousands of adults and children have easily received the Baptism of Holy Spirit through this simple
teaching. He has come in a variety of ways, painting a pallet of wonderful memories! However, we
believe that believing children already have Holy Spirit living within. The baptism or infilling of Holy
Spirit just brings a new dimension of His operations in and through us. We believe that all Believers (of
any age) can and should receive the Baptism in Holy Spirit—not to get to Heaven, but to have POWER
on earth to witness with resurrection power. According to the Scriptures, as soon as a Believer is saved,
he is a candidate for the Baptism in the Holy Spirit (Acts 19:2). We believe that “the promise is unto you
and to your children…” Acts 2: 39a. We believe that God promises in Joel 2: 28 that in the Last Days, “I
will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh and your sons and your daughters will prophesy….” If your doctrine
does not support that position, you may choose to teach only the first parts of this lesson.
I.
WHO IS HOLY SPIRIT?
1. He is God, part of the Trinity- Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
a. Hold up one finger and bend it. How many fingers is this? How many parts? That is like
our God. He is one God, revealed to us in three persons.
b. Hold up the middle 3 fingers like a W (in English)
• Will- Father is the Will of God.
• Word- Jesus is the Word of God
• Work- Holy Spirit is the Work of God
2. He is represented by various symbols in the Bible: (Study all verses, but tell it in your own
words)
a. DOVE Luke 3:22 A Dove is gentle, pure, tender, easy to be grieved. Is. 38:14, 59:11 We
must respect Holy Spirit. We must not draw attention to ourselves in a meeting or grieve
Him when He is ready to speak or move. (Move the dove picture over the heads of the
children to show that He moves as He wills)
b. WIND Acts 2:2; John 3:8 On the Day of Pentecost, Holy Spirit came like the sound of a
mighty, rushing WIND. Wind can be very gentle or very powerful. We do not know which
way it will blow. Have you ever seen the wind? No, we cannot see the wind, but often we
can feel it. Sometimes, we can see what it does. That is how Holy Spirit is. Sometimes we
can feel Him. Sometimes we can see what He does, but we can’t see Him! The Hebrew and
Greek word “spirit” means “wind”. The word “wind” in Acts 2:2 is “ruach” which means
“breath of God”. Ezk. 37:5; Jn.20:22; Job 41:21; Is. 42:5; Ps. 147:18
c. OIL Acts 10:38; Hebrews 1:9 Oil was an Old Testament symbol for God’s authority and
ability for service. It was often poured on the head of the one chosen by God. (Use the
picture of the vessel to pour over the head of a child) I Samuel 16:13, Exodus 29:7 Oil
was also used as a symbol of healing, light, unity, joy, gladness and blessing. Holy Spirit
anoints us to do what God calls us to do. Now, He abides in us to give God’s ability and
authority to do or say what He tells us to do or say. He also brings healing, unity, and
blessing. Ex.25:6; Lk.10:34; Joel 2:19, Esther 2:12, Duet. 11:14; Ps. 92:10b
d. FIRE Acts 2:3-4 On the Day of Pentecost, Holy Spirit came with visible tongues of Fire!
Fire purifies, separates, and draws a crowd. When a house is “on fire”, people run to see
it. When a person is spiritually “on fire”, people are drawn to Jesus in them! Duet. 4:24
says that God is a consuming FIRE; Psalm 104:4 says He makes His ministers flames of
I.C.M.I.
Children‛s Ministry Manual ©2005
227

4. FIRE. Jeremiah 20:4 Sometimes God’s Word is like FIRE in our bones. Duet. 5:4; Ps. 39:3;
Malachi 3:1-6;
e. WATER John 7:38-39 Water cleanses, refreshes, quenches thirst, and causes life to appear.
Jesus said that “out of your inner most being shall flow RIVERS of LIVING WATER.” He
was speaking about Holy Spirit. We can have a daily supply of fresh, LIVING WATER
flowing in and through us! In the Bible, Holy Spirit is like water, rain, rivers and a fountain.
Hosea 6:3; Rev. 22:1; Ps. 36:8, 46:4; Is. 41:17, 18, 44:3. Ezekiel 47 talks about the River
bringing LIFE and HEALING.
f. WINE Acts 2:15-16 On the Day of Pentecost the disciples prayed so fervently that people
thought they were drunk. Peter stood up and said, “ These are not drunken like you think
they are……but this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel.” Sometimes Holy Spirit
moves in us so powerfully and joyfully, that it might seem like we are “drunk”. In the
Bible, “wine” speaks of abundance, blessing, and prosperity. Is. 16:10; Is. 24:11; Joel 1:5;
2:19; 24. Job 32:18, 19. Ephesians 5:15-20 says to not be unwise, but understand what the
will of the Lord is: “be not drunk with wine…..but be filled (continuously) with the Spirit”.
Have you ever seen someone addicted to earthly wine? How often do they want to drink?
Everyday!! How much do they want to drink? Until they come “under the influence”.
When they are “under the influence” how do they conduct themselves? They lose selfconscienceness. They become bold. They don’t worry about tomorrow. They are free
from fear. They become generous (wanting to buy for everyone). They are ready to fight.
They don’t get hurt easily. They have a loud song to sing coming down the street in the
midnight hour when you are trying to sleep. God does not want that for His children, BUT,
He wants us to be continuously FULL OF HOLY SPIRIT. He wants us to “live under His
influence” until we are free from fear of men, bold, not worried about tomorrow, generous,
ready to fight the enemy, not easily offended, and with a SONG OF VICTORY IN THE
MIDNIGHT HOUR!! He wants us to be wise and be prepared for these Last Days. We can
live full of Holy Spirit, speaking to ourselves in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs!
II.
228
THE WORK OF HOLY SPIRIT IN THE LIFE OF EVERY BELIEVER
1. He tells us we need to accept Jesus (John 16:8) He is the One who convicted us of sin and drew
us to Jesus when we heard about Him.
2. We are “born again” by Him (John 3:6) When we said “yes” to Jesus, His blood cleansed us
from sin and we were born of God’s Holy Spirit. Now Holy Spirit lives in us.
3. He tells us when we sin (John 16:8) Every time we are tempted to sin, Holy Spirit warns us like
a bell ringing. He makes a way to escape the temptation. I Cor. 10:13
4. He teaches us the Truth (John 14:17) Like a shield, He protects us from religious teaching that
sounds good but is not true. When it is the truth, inside of us, He says “amen”. Even if we
don’t understand it with our mind, He lets us know that it is the truth! I John 2:27
5. He shows us things to come (John 16:13) Holy Spirit shows us things that our natural eyes
have not seen and our ears have not heard. I Cor. 2:9, 10 He can give us a prophecy, a dream,
or a vision.
6. He helps us to remember God’s Word (1Peter 1:23; 2Peter 1:20-21; John 14:26) Holy Spirit
wrote the Word. He helps us to understand it. If we are faithful to study and memorize it, He
will bring a verse to our mind faster than a computer….to help us or use us to help another.
7. He is our Comforter (John 14:16) In the middle of the fiery darts of the enemy (failed exam,
troubles at home, best friend leaves, etc.) He gives us PEACE. He comforts us. II Cor. 1:3
8. He draws our attention to Jesus (John 15:26 & 16:14) He lives in us to make Jesus real to
I.C.M.I.
Children‛s Ministry Manual ©2005

5. us. He helps us to love Him and want to please Him. He makes Jesus real to others when we
witness.
9. He helps us to be more like Jesus (Galatians 5:22-23) Like a tree needs nourishment to grow
and produce fruit, we must have Holy Spirit flowing in us to help us be like Jesus! He will
help us to think like Jesus, have love in our heart like Jesus, speak like Jesus, do what Jesus
would do, and go where Jesus would go! Romans 8:14 “For as many as are led by the Spirit
of God, they are the sons of God” When we yield to Him, He produces the fruit mentioned in
Galatians 5.
III. HOLY SPIRIT AS THE POWER OF GOD
1. The Holy Spirit moved in creation. He displays God’s power and puts the Word into action.
2. In the Old Testament the Holy Spirit moved upon certain men at certain times to do special
tasks. Samson tore a lion apart (Judges 14:6). He killed 30 enemy men (Judges 14:19). Samson
also killed 1,000 enemy men with a jawbone (Judges 15:15). He was strong ONLY when the
Spirit of the Lord came upon him. Give other examples.
3. God promised the day was coming when EVERYONE could receive this power, even children!
(Joel 2:28-29)
4. After Jesus was baptized in water, the power of the Holy Spirit came upon Him. Everywhere
He went He showed that God had POWER over Satan (Acts 10:38). He healed the sick, raised
the dead, etc. Jesus said He had to go away so He could send the Holy Spirit. In Mark 16:15,
He told His disciples to GO into all the world and preach to each person. But, He then told
them to wait to receive the POWER of the Holy Spirit before going out to preach the Gospel
(Acts 1:4).
5. Memory Verse (Acts 1:8) “But ye shall receive POWER after that the Holy Ghost is come
upon you and ye shall be my witnesses . . . . .”
6. Describe the Day of Pentecost according to the Bible. Act it out.
IV. THE BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT
1. Gives us POWER to witness. (Acts 1:8) The Greek word for “power” is “dunamis” which is the
origin of “dynamo”—a machine which generates a consistent and continuing supply of power!!
Holy Spirit within us generates power to enable us to be witnesses (martyrs) for Christ. Not
only are we enabled to bear witness of Jesus, we actually BECOME witnesses unto Him. The
same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead has come to empower us!! Hallelujah!
2. Gives us a new language, “tongues”. (Acts 2:4) It can be a Heavenly language or an earthly
language that we do not know.
3. When we pray in “tongues” or “in the Spirit” it builds our faith. (Jude 20) Our faith is built up
and ready to obey when God speaks.
4. It helps us to pray in God’s will. (Romans 8:26-27) When do not know how to pray like God
wants us to. We are limited by our human understanding. Father in Heaven has His divine
WILL in each situation. Jesus, the WORD, sits at His right hand praying the will of the Father,
but He is touched with the “feelings of our situation.” While we are praying in tongues, Holy
Spirit on earth moves in us to reveal the WILL of the Father, giving us the WORDS to speak,
and, sometimes, touching our hearts with the feelings of the situation. When Holy Spirit is
guiding us in this way, IT WILL BE DONE ON EARTH EVEN AS IT IS BEING SPOKEN IN
HEAVEN. Hallelujah! Eph. 6:18; I Cor.14:5.
5. It helps us to worship. (1Corinthians 14:17; Acts 2:11; 10:46; Phil. 3:3; Eph. 5:18, 19; Jn.4:24)
When we sing in the Spirit, our hearts are worshipping Jesus. Holy Spirit can give us “new
I.C.M.I.
Children‛s Ministry Manual ©2005
229

6. songs” to sing……simply fresh songs from our heart to Jesus, or prophetic songs from His
heart to His people. He can anoint us to play instruments with a new melody or give us a
creative dance that brings His glory.
6. We don’t understand but God does! (1Corinthians 14:2)
7. It helps us to resist the devil. (Ephesians 6:15) Praying in the Spirit is a vital part of our armour
against the devil. As we are speaking in tongues, we have faith to obey God and faith to resist
the devil.
V.
OBJECT LESSONS
1. Have a dry large sponge. Explain how we are dry without Holy Spirit. Put the sponge in a
bowl of water until it is full. Then wring it out while talking about how He wants to use us to
give life to others. But then, we must again be filled ourselves. We must be continually filled
with Holy Spirit!!
2. (Show empty glass) “Our lives are empty without Jesus” (Slowly pour water, vinegar, and
food coloring into empty glass. Make sure water is to top of glass) “When we ask Jesus into
our hearts, His life pours into us. As we obey the Holy Spirit, we become more and more like
Jesus” (Stir baking soda into glass with a tray under it. It will bubble over) “Jesus wants us to
have POWER to give life to others, so He baptizes us with the Holy Spirit.” “Now, we have
power to tell others about Jesus!” (May use Eno if baking soda is not available)
3. Show a balloon full of air. Talk about temptation that comes to Christians. Put a burning candle
under the balloon until it pops. Then have a balloon full of water and talk about the power we
have when we are filled with Holy Spirit. Again, talk about temptations and troubles and put
the candle under the balloon. It will not pop! Holy Spirit gives us power to live a victorious
Christian life!
VI. INVITATION TO RECEIVE THE BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT
1. Ask, “How many of you would like to have POWER to witness to your family and friends? If
you want Jesus to baptize you in the Holy Spirit, please come forward.”
2. Give instructions to those who come forward:
a. They must know that they are saved. Lead them in a salvation prayer, if you are not sure.
b. Read Luke 11:11-13. Use the ICMI Luke 11 visuals ….and/or …. Give a hand-sized rock
and a portion of bread to an older man. You kneel like a child before him, saying,. “I’m
hungry, Daddy, please give me some bread.” “Will he give me a rock? No! How much
MORE will our Heavenly Father give the Holy Ghost when we ask? Are you hungry to be
filled with Holy Spirit? When? He is ready to fill you NOW. What kind of God would He
be to make you hungry, and then say ‘No?’ In the Bible, when any in a group were filled,
they were ALL filled. He is going to fill YOU right now! He is going to fill all of you!”
c. Tell them when you lay hands on them Jesus is going to baptize them right then. He will! As
Jesus is doing His part, the child should begin to speak in new words as Holy Spirit gives
him the ability (Acts 2:4) Now lay hands on each head in FAITH and Jesus will do what
He promised. Children receive so easily. However, a few will need gentle encouragement
to begin speaking in tongues while the Spirit is moving upon and through them. Never give
them a word to repeat. It’s okay to keep your eyes open and watch what’s happening.
d. OR…if the group is large, you can lead them all in a prayer and then declare “BE FILLED
WITH the SPIRIT in JESUS NAME…..NOW. Lift your hands and begin to praise Him
by faith.”
3. It is good to have each child who has received immediately help pray for the next child, using
230
I.C.M.I.
Children‛s Ministry Manual ©2005

7. his “new language”. Lead them in singing in tongues. Remind them that they have received
POWER to witness and a “secret language” to talk to God everyday. Let them lay hands on
the sick!
4. The preceding instructions are ONLY guidelines. Allow Holy Spirit to be creative! He is too
big to be put in a “box”.
I.C.M.I.
Children‛s Ministry Manual ©2005
231