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2009 marks the thirtieth anniversary of the United Nation’s International Year of the Child. It is an excellent opportunity for the Adventist Church to adopt 2009 as a year to celebrate children in our churches and in our community. Moreover, 2009 is also the Year of Evangelism for the Church, it is therefore important to put children as priority in our evangelistic outreach and in nurturing their faith.
As our theme we put Children First in our ministry at home and at church. Why? Let’s check out the facts again:
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Jesus said, "Whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me." Matthew 18:5 -
This is the age when beliefs and values are formed. Future spirituality is determined by the quality of our discipleship of children. -
Children aged 5-14 are 5 times more likely to accept and follow Jesus Christ than any other comparable age – George Barna Survey 2001.
85% of all adult church attendees made a meaningful decision to have a relationship with Jesus Christ before the age of 16 – Billy Graham Organization. -
Fewer than 10% of parents who regularly attend church with their kids read the Bible together, pray together or participate in an act of service as a family unit – George Barna Survey 2001.
So here is an acronym by Julie Weslake of SPD to help you put Children First in 2009!
Faith foundations built through GraceLink Sabbath School, family worship, and mentoring.
Involvement of children in worship, small groups, service and evangelistic
ministries.
Reach out to community children though VBS, Kids Clubs and Kids Rallies.
Support and empower parents as disciple-makers through Kids In Discipleship.
Treasure children and ensure that they have a personal relationship with Jesus -- teaching them how to read the Bible and pray.
