Child Discipleship matters; not only does it matter, but it’s vital, it’s now, and it takes everyone.
The Bible implores us to tell the next generation about God’s work in the world. Deuteronomy 6:4-9, Proverbs 31:8, Psalm 78:4, and Luke 18:16 guide us as we focus on child discipleship. It matters because God’s Word says it does.
Paragraph 922 in the Manual of the church of the Nazarene says, “the Church of the Nazarene acknowledges that children are important to God and a priority in His kingdom. We believe God directed us to attend to all children—to love, nurture, protect, uphold, guide, and advocate for them. It is God’s plan that we introduce children to the life of salvation and growth in grace.” We pass down our faith to the next generation through the ministry of child discipleship.
Let’s think about the future. Think about how old you will be in 2050. Now, think about a child you know and how old he or she will be in 2050. We have a small window of time to impact this generation. Child discipleship is now because today’s children will become adults who shape the future of their communities and may be called to be leaders in our churches.
Child discipleship involves all individuals in your church understanding that they play an important role in passing their faith to the next generation. This could include being a Sunday school teacher, a front door greeter, or having consistent conversations in the foyer. Child discipleship matters; not only does it matter, but it’s vital, it’s now, and it takes everyone.
What is your church doing to intentionally disciple each child connected to your church? These are exciting days to be a part of the Church of the Nazarene regarding children!
Rev. Trey and Candice Brooks, Global Child Discipleship Advocates
Taken from The Journey Newsletter, a resource of Nazarene Discipleship International.
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