Great Commission Ministry
Purpose Statement
The purpose of a Great Commission Children’s Ministry is to have a deliberate approach for reaching unchurched children, a plan for spiritual growth and a plan to connect children to the church, with the result of bringing unchurched children to spiritual maturity.
Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV) "Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Downloadable brochure to help with your children's ministry.
Why is a great Commission Children’s Ministry so important:
- Because the probability of accepting Christ for children between ages 5 and 13 is 32%. For a person over 18 it is just 6%
- Because a person’s moral foundations are generally in place by the time they reach age 9.
- Because most Americans determine their personal response to Christ’s death and resurrection by age 12.
- Because children can reach other children, developing a lifelong habit of outreach.
What is a Great Commission Children’s Ministry?
- It’s not a program or curriculum.
- It’s a ministry mindset that focuses on bringing unchurched children to spiritual maturity, empowering them to take the Gospel to other churches.
- Based on Matthew 28:18-20, a "Great Commission Children's Ministry"; has the following as its objectives.
Rate your children's ministry on a 1-10 scale (10 being best).
I. A deliberate approach toward reaching unchurched children through cultivating relationships
- Developing relationships-Adults cultivating relationships with children who attend-Adults reaching out to unchurched children-Children reaching out to unchurched children
- Planting the seed of God's truth-Using tools to plant the seed (park program, Bible clubs, sports events and more)
- Reaping a harvest by calling for a commitment to Christ-ideally seeing children reaching children--Teaching children to reach other children for Christ using specific tools (Jesus video, evangecube, etc.)--Providing events and opportunities to help children reach their friends for ChristII A plan for spiritual growth to develop…
- A love for Christ and others-Children knowing and loving Jesus
- Knowledge and application of biblical truths -Children learning the Bible and applying the Bible principles to their lives A desire for serving and reaching out by utilizing their spiritual gifts-Children involved in loving and serving others
- Leadership skills-Allowing children to be spiritual pace-setters
- Relationship with caring adult believers-Adults enjoying and loving children-not merely doing a “job”
- Relationships with peers within their own and other churches-Children enjoying being with other children who love and serve God
- The obedience of baptism-Children who follow God are instructed in baptism and many other ways to obey God (church attendance, etc.)
- Imitating Christ-Children being loving, obedient, bold, kind and caring
- Ministering to others-Children demonstrating kindness such as volunteering, sitting with the handicapped or visitors or reaching out to Christians
- Reaching their peers for Christ-Children being burdened for the salvation of their non-Christian friends by praying, inviting and sharing
- Reaching families for Christ-Children’s ministries reaching into the homes of non-churched families
- Obeying the whole counsel of God-Children are learning many things-not just the familiar Bible stories
- Impacting the local church-Children’s ministries are visible, appreciated and seen as equally important as ministering to youth or adults
Conclusion:
A. Note where you are strong and thank God.
B. Note where you are weak and prayerfully ask God (and other children’s workers) if you need to make changes. If so, how can these areas be strengthened?
CE National, Inc.
Children’s Cabinet