The Call to minister to Children

One of the most discussed issues in the Body of Christ today is whether children can understand spiritual matters. The answer to this question does not entirely lean on a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’. The main emphasis should be training up our children in the ways of God. This should be done in the simplest of ways possible to bring lasting understanding in our young generation. This is where ministering to children comes in. When we minister or train our children in the ways of God, then they will understand spiritual matters. An important point to understand is that when we train our children, we are instilling discipline in their lives. What a blessing it is for us as believers and followers of Jesus Christ that God has given us His Word as a means by which we can fashion our children.

Jesus’ words in Matthew 28:19 commissioned us to make disciples of all nations. He did not limit this outreach to adults. This commission must also include children. Children are a large percentage of each nation’s population. We have been called to make disciples of the children just as we have been called to make disciples of adults. Childhood is the best time to learn a spiritually disciplined lifestyle because a child will not forget what he or she has been taught. Proverbs 22:6 (ESV) Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.

Children Have Always Had an Important Role In God’s Plan.

God chose Abraham as a covenant partner based on his willingness to train his descendants. Genesis 18:19 (ESV)– For I have chosen him, that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing righteousness and justice, so that the LORD may bring to Abraham what he has promised him“. God knew that if He had one man who would raise godly children and grandchildren then eventually He would have a whole nation of believers.

Throughout the Old Testament, God used children to accomplish His will on the earth. As a young boy, David delivered Israel by killing a giant (I Samuel 17:1-4,10,32-37,40-51). When Samuel was a boy, the Lord visited him, telling him about the judgment which would come upon Eli’s house (I Samuel 3:1-21). Jehoash was only seven years old when he became king and did what was right in the eyes of the Lord (II Kings 11:21-12:2). Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reinstituted the book of the Law (II Kings 22:1-23:2).

Because of God’s purpose for our children, He has ordained two institutions to train up children. These are Parents and the Church. The result of a strong nation that is dependent on God is as a result of ministering to Children. Let’s take up this responsibility and see to it that children are thoroughly prepared for the future by following God’s command and plan for them.