Why Children and Youth Ministries Should be our greatest priority:
1. Jesus said so
Mark 10:13-16
13 Then they brought young children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. 14 But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. 15 Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it." 16 And He took them up in His arms, put His hands on them, and blessed them.
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2. George Barna Research says so.
“Having devoted more than two decades of my life and all of my professional skills to studying and working in ministries of all types, I am now convinced that the greatest hope for the local church lies in raising godly children” – George Barba
3. Children are God’s gift to us
Ps 127:3-5
3 Lo, children are a heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. 4 As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. 5 Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.
4. Children and youth are a vast mission field
2017 Census bureau report states there are 325.7 million people in the US.
74.2 million are 18 years of age or under. 1/4th of our population is age 18 and under.
5. Children have open hearts
Luke 18:16-17 (TLB) “Let the little children come to me! Never send them away! For the kingdom of God belongs to men who have hearts as trusting as these little children’s. And anyone who doesn’t have their kind of faith will never get within the kingdom’s gates.
6. Children and youth are most reachable
The Ages When People Make Faith Decisions for Christ as Savior
1% by age 4
85% between the ages of 4-14
10% between the ages of 15-30
4% after age 30
7. Children and Youth are the prize
THEREFORE children are seen as the BAIT that enables the church to land the REAL TREASURES - THE ADULTS rather than viewing the children as the REAL TREASURES.
8. Students are the hope for future generations
2 Tim 2:2-3
2 And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.
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2 Tim 1:5
5 when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.
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9. Children and youth
are our future missionaries and mission supporters
10. A Spiritual Champion is not formed by accident
OUR OUTREACH AND DISCIPLESHIP OF STUDENTS MUST BE DELIBERATE AND INTENTIONAL.
