In today’s world, many parents have shifted the responsibility of nurturing and training their children to school teachers and Children’s Ministry teachers. While these educators play a vital role in shaping young minds, parental involvement is crucial in helping children become who God has called them to be. Unfortunately, some parents blame school teachers and Children’s Ministry teachers for not disciplining or teaching their children effectively, rather than taking ownership of their role.
A Disturbing Encounter
I attended a funeral recently in a prominent town in the Volta Region of Ghana. During my visit, I met some children aged 8-13 and engaged in a game of football with them. As we prepared to leave, I asked if they attended church that Sunday. Shockingly, about 70% of the children replied, “We are traditionalists.” I was surprised and, in my shocked mood, I spoke to them about the love of Jesus. I further encouraged them to find a Bible-believing church and attend as we bid them farewell.
These children could be the close friends of our children. What influence will they have on our children if our children are not well-grounded in their faith?
A Wake-Up Call for Parents
This encounter served as a wake-up call, highlighting the need for parents to take up their responsibility in nurturing their children’s spiritual growth. We must prioritise teaching our children about God’s love and values, rather than relying solely on external educators.
Dear parents, let us rise to the challenge and take ownership of our role as parents, guiding our children to become the individuals God has called them to be. As parents and guardians, we have been entrusted with the precious gift of nurturing and guiding the next generation.
In today’s world, where moral and spiritual values are constantly being challenged, it is more crucial than ever to intentionally raise our children to follow Jesus Christ. This is where the Children’s Ministry’s ‘Win, Wean, and Unleash’ agenda comes in – a powerful framework for parents and guardians to raise children who are deeply rooted in their faith.
- Winning Their Hearts
The first step in this journey is to “win” our children’s hearts. This means creating a safe, loving, and supportive environment where they feel valued, heard, and understood. By doing so, we establish a strong foundation for our relationship with them, built on trust, respect, and open communication. As we win their hearts, we also model the character of Christ before them. We demonstrate His love, patience, kindness, and compassion, showing our children what it means to follow Jesus. This is not about being perfect; it’s about being authentic, humble, and willing to learn alongside our children. - Weaning Them from the World
As our children grow, they begin to face various influences from the world around them. This is where the “weaning” process comes in – gradually helping our children to discern between the values of the world and the values of God’s Kingdom. Weaning involves teaching our children to think critically, to evaluate information and ideas in light of biblical truth, and to make choices that align with their faith. It’s about empowering them to resist the negative influences of the world and be transformed by the renewing of their minds (Romans 12:2). - Unleashing Them for Christ
The final step in this journey is to “unleash” our children for Christ. This means releasing them into the world, equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to live out their faith boldly and authentically. Unleashing involves trusting that our children have been rooted and grounded in their faith, and that they are now ready to make a positive impact in the world around them. It’s about encouraging them to take risks, step out of their comfort zones, and to share the love of Christ with others.
The Children’s Ministry’s Win, Wean, and Unleash agenda is a powerful framework for parents and guardians who desire to raise children who are deeply committed to following Jesus Christ. By winning their hearts, weaning them from the world, and unleashing them for Christ, we can empower our children to become the next generation of leaders, disciples, and ambassadors for God’s Kingdom.
So let us run with this agenda, trusting that God will guide and equip us every step of the way. Let us be intentional about raising our children to follow Christ and watch with excitement as they grow into the men and women God has called them to be.
Written By Elder Jonathan Avornyo – Tokuroano District
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