The mission statement Children’s Ministries is best understood in the context of the great commission in Matt. 28:19-20. This mission requires leaders and teachers to reach out to children and draw them into a loving, productive and lasting relationship with Jesus Christ and with their church and to train, resource, and support those who minister to children. It is more than just baptizing children, it makes the children disciples of Jesus for ever.
What is Children’s Ministries?
Children's ministry is a ministry that ministers to all children
- Children from non-Christian homes
- Children from an inadequate homes
- Children who have suffered a serious loss
- Very bright, talented children
- Mentally retarded children
- Withdrawn children
- Physically handicapped children
- The "Show off" children
- Hyperactive or learning-disabled children, etc.
For many years Sabbath School , with its publications, has been the backbone of our ministry to children, but one hour per week is not enough if we want our children to have a meaningful Christian experience.
The goal of CM is to empower and resource those at every level who engage in ministry to children so as to develop:
- Relational ministries, in which volunteers understand and help the children form a lasting friendship with Jesus that is based on the gospel elements of grace, worship, community and service.
- Inclusive ministries, in which both the volunteers who minister and the children to whom they minister will be valued and involved.
- Informed ministries, require trained personnel, who understand the mission and methods of CH to mobilize the children for outreach programs.
- Professional ministries networks empower those who minister to children to encourage, inform, train and empower others for effective ministry to children.
- Cooperative ministries join with other ministries, such as family, youth, pathfinder, and pastoral ministries for wider ministry and service.
Additional ways to strengthen children’s spiritual life:
- Children’s prayer meeting
- Week of prayer readings
- Adventurers
- Camp meetings
- Participating in every church activity
- Musical performance
- Community service
- Witnessing
- Children preachers
Ministry to Children outside the Church
- Vacation Bible School
- Correspondence Bible Courses
- Branch Sabbath School
Materials:
The much-needed children’s ministries’ materials that were lacking are now available. We would like to encourage all churches to get these materials.
Challenges:
Many churches are not actively involved in children’s ministries activities. Children are still left out in most church programs even if it is children’s Sabbath. We would like to encourage children’s participation in churches.
