The Lausanne Global Conversation is on the World Wide Open Network
Autor: The Children’s Team
Fecha: 01.06.2010
Category: Evangelismo entre Niños
“Nota del editor: El presente Texto Previo para Ciudad del Cabo 2010 fue escrito por el Equipo de Niños como una reseña del tema a debatirse en la sesión Multiplex sobre “Nuevas voces para un mundo nuevo: Los niños”. Los comentarios a este texto realizados a través de la Conversación Global de Lausana serán remitidos a los autores y a otras personas para ayudar a dar forma a su presentación final en el Congreso”.
Los niños están siendo atraídos por todos los ángulos por partidos políticos, otras creencias, el secularismo, corporaciones y un sin fin de otras causas. Por sobre todo, los niños del mundo necesitan conocer a Jesús. Necesitan conocer la verdad de Sus afirmaciones, experimentar una relación personal con Él y ser capacitados para seguirlo y servirle durante el resto de su vida.
Imagine si, como el cuerpo global de Cristo, afirmáramos que una de nuestras metas principales es presentar a los niños a Jesús y discipularlos de tal modo que los alentáramos a vivir una fe cristiana profunda, duradera y comprometida con la comunidad.
Para considerar este paso necesitamos primero examinar nuestras convicciones acerca de la razón por la cual los niños son importantes en el contexto de Dios, la iglesia y el mundo. Segundo, necesitamos explorar las tendencias emergentes dentro del cuerpo de Cristo en relación con los niños y comprometernos con los principios y acciones que surgen de éstas. ¡Ahora es el momento de consolidar nuestra base bíblica para priorizar a los niños y sumarnos a lo que Dios está haciendo entre ellos!
¿POR QUÉ LOS NIÑOS? NUESTRAS CONVICCIONES FUNDAMENTALES
Dios es…
Dios es Dios para cada generación de la historia humana. El Dios de nuestros padres nunca cambia, y desea tener con nuestros hijos una relación transformadora de la vida. Su intención inquebrantable es, y siempre ha sido, que la antorcha de la fe sea pasada a las generaciones siguientes por medio de la familia y de la iglesia.
“Lo que hemos oído y sabemos y nuestros padres nos contaron, no lo ocultaremos a nuestros hijos. Con las generaciones futuras alabaremos al Señor y hablaremos de su poder y maravillas. Dios estableció una ley para Jacob; puso una norma de conducta en Israel, y ordenó a nuestros antepasados que la enseñaran a sus descendientes, para que la conocieran las generaciones futuras, los hijos que habían de nacer, y que ellos, a su vez, la enseñaran a sus hijos; para que tuvieran confianza en Dios y no olvidaran lo que él había hecho; para que obedecieran sus mandamientos” (Salmos 78:3-7, Dios Habla Hoy).
La Iglesia es…
La iglesia es el instrumento principal de la gracia de Dios para salvar al mundo. Desde que el movimiento de Lausana nació en 1974, muchas iglesias tomaron iniciativas en la misma dirección, tanto en el ámbito local como el global. Movimientos tales como AD2000, el movimiento Pueblos No Alcanzados, y el impulso dado a la Ventana 10/40, han transmitido la visión de alcanzar y discipular a las naciones y a aquellos que nunca han oído.
Otras iniciativas han buscado capacitar a las familias para criar a sus hijos en la amonestación del Señor. Pero la cruda realidad es que ni las familias ni la iglesia han hecho todo lo que podrían o deberían para pasar la antorcha de la fe a la generación siguiente. La iglesia no siempre ha apoyado a las familias ni valorado correctamente el lugar y el rol de los niños.
La iglesia no está supliendo las necesidades de nuestras familias y niños. La incompetencia de nuestros esfuerzos ha dejado no sólo a nuestros niños, sino a nuestras sociedades desnudas y expuestas. La fortaleza e influencia de las familias, particularmente las familias cristianas, han disminuido. Muchas ya no son fuente de estabilidad, ni guía, ni seguridad, ni esperanza. El mundo que hoy existe para los niños y jóvenes demuestra ampliamente que nuestros esfuerzos no han sido suficientes frente a la tarea.
La iglesia está en una posición vulnerable. Alrededor del mundo, en lugares donde hace tiempo que la iglesia estuvo establecida, ahora está en decadencia. Aun donde la iglesia es relativamente nueva, enérgica y está en crecimiento, vemos fisuras y signos de decadencia; hasta es posible que el crecimiento de estas iglesias se esté haciendo más lento. A la iglesia se la percibe como cada vez más irrelevante y sin repuestas para ofrecer ante los temas candentes de hoy. Hay una lucha constante por seguir siendo una comunidad que lleva adelante la gran comisión de Jesús en un mundo que está en permanente cambio.
Sin embargo, lo que podría producir un cambio radical y duradero en la sociedad, y vitalidad en las iglesias, ya está en nuestras manos: los niños de las familias cristianas; los niños de las comunidades en las cuales la iglesia está plantada; los niños dentro y fuera de la iglesia. Nuestro egoísmo y estilos de vida indulgentes están haciendo que se nos escapen entre los dedos estos preciosos compañeros de misión.
Para el debate:
El mundo está…
El mundo está convulsionado. Cada generación puede honestamente afirmar que la suya no tiene precedentes en cuanto a necesidades y desafíos. Pero sin lugar a dudas, nuestra generación, con su mentalidad postmoderna, la globalización, el terrorismo, la Internet y la aceleración de los cambios tecnológicos, crea complejidades y oportunidades sin parangones en el amanecer del tercer milenio.
La información inunda nuestros sentidos para bien o para mal, mucho más allá de la más alocada imaginación de nuestros predecesores. Los niños y jóvenes de hoy nunca han conocido un mundo sin realidades virtuales. El suyo es un mundo de medios sociales, blogs, mensajes de texto e intercambio de videos. Nunca han tomado una fotografía que no pudieran ver instantáneamente. La tecnología es su niñera y mentor. Nuestros niños tienen todo con lo cual vivir, pero nada por lo cual vivir. En su mente y su vida hay una sobrecarga de información inimaginable, pero ninguna Verdad innegable; nada que fundamente su existencia, que provea sentido o propósito; nada que sugiera una razón para vivir que sea más persuasiva que la gratificación instantánea o una búsqueda de escape.
El mundo no es amistoso para con los niños. Ellos llevan el impacto de las amenazas y peligros de nuestros tiempos: los desastres naturales y humanos, los conflictos armados, la comercialización descontrolada, la polución ambiental, la violencia, el abuso y la negligencia. Sean ricos o pobres, las paredes y cimientos seguros de la vida de nuestros niños están resquebrajadas y se están desmoronando.
Los niños no son…
Los niños no son un grupo humano remoto ni desconocido. La iglesia hoy día puede no estar buscando a los niños, pero no necesitarían buscar lejos para encontrarlos. Se los encuentra…
Los niños son preciosos para Dios. Algunos líderes cristianos piensan que la Biblia dice muy poco acerca de los niños. Sin embargo, cuando leemos la Palabra de Dios pensando en el niño, vemos que los niños no sólo están presentes allí, sino que se los destaca. De hecho, hay más de 1500 referencias a los niños y a la niñez (incluyendo a los huérfanos, la función de los padres y la formación de los hijos). A menudo, los niños y los jóvenes desempeñan roles importantes, y aun cruciales, en los planes de Dios.
Para Dios, los niños:
Para el debate:
Los niños son un grupo de personas que sufren. Casi una tercera parte de la población mundial, aproximadamente 2 mil millones de personas, tienen menos de 15 años (3). La mayoría de los niños del mundo, el 88% de los menores de 18 años, viven en un mundo menos desarrollado.(4) Los expertos estiman que mil millones de niños nacerán en la década comprendida entre 2003 y 2013, y más del 90% de ellos a madres y padres que ganan menos de 1 dólar por día(5). Extrapolando estadísticas de población, aproximadamente mil millones de niños viven en partes del mundo donde quizás nunca han oído de Jesús. Los niños se cuentan entre los grupos humanos más marginados, explotados y sufrientes del mundo. En Mateo 18:6, Jesús hizo una sugerencia alarmante para aquellos que hagan pecar a cualquiera de los pequeños que creen en Él.
Para el debate:
Los niños están abiertos a las Buenas Nuevas. Muchos que son líderes cristianos hoy pueden señalar un despertar a la fe en su niñez. Estudios realizados por el George Barna Research Group muestran que en los EE.UU. de Norteamérica, la probabilidad de que alguien llegue a confiar en Jesús es del 32% para aquellos que tienen entre 5 y 12 años, pero sólo de un 6%, a partir de los 19. Parecería ser que al llegar a los 13 años, la identidad espiritual está mayormente definida. (6) Esta es la premisa de una idea llamada la “Ventana4/14.” (7) Estudios no oficiales en diversos contextos sugieren fuertemente que la apertura de los niños a las Buenas Nuevas está presente en culturas y sociedades de todo el mundo, más allá del trasfondo religioso o cultural.(8) Cualquier estrategia de misiones seria incluirá esfuerzos cuidadosos y apropiados para alcanzar a los niños y jóvenes.
Para el debate:
Los niños son formadores de su mundo. Son los mayores agentes potenciales de cambio y transformación en el mundo hoy. Los niños influyen sobre otros niños y sobre los adultos. Muchos grupos están buscando usarlos para avanzar con su agenda. Por ejemplo, en la mayoría de las publicidades destinadas a la familia, los niños son los objetivos, porque son ellos que tienen el poder de influir en las decisiones familiares. Debemos protegerlos de las influencias dañinas y manipuladoras y guiarlos a la Verdad que se encuentra en Cristo.
Muchas personas que llegaron a Cristo como niños dan testimonio de que fueron sus amigos o pares quienes más influyeron en su decisión de fe. Esto significa que no sólo son un campo misionero significativo, sino que también una fuerza misionera importante. La Biblia está llena de ejemplos de niños y jóvenes que fueron usados por Dios para hacer y revelar asuntos significativos; entre ellos se cuentan Miriam, Samuel, David, Josías, Ester y Timoteo, para mencionar solamente algunos.
Los niños están listos para aceptar cualquier desafío. Por cierto, se desarrollan al enfrentar lo aparentemente imposible. Debemos respetar sus habilidades, reconocer sus talentos y ayudarlos a desarrollar sus dones. Son sensibles a la voz de Dios y ansían participar en los propósitos de Él, y no están restringidos por ideas preconcebidas de lo que es posible o práctico. Dios puede usar, y usa, a los niños y los jóvenes –sus oraciones, su perspicacia, sus manos y sus pies– para cambiar los corazones de la humanidad. Ellos representan “energía limpia” para transformar al mundo. (9)
¿QUÉ HACER AHORA? PRINCIPIOS CLAVE PARA LA ACCIÓN BASADA EN LAS TENDENCIAS EMERGENTES
Teniendo presentes estas convicciones y con un deseo ferviente de capacitar al cuerpo de Cristo para la tarea de discipular a los niños, ofrecemos los siguientes principios para la acción, basados en tendencias emergentes que hemos identificado. Percibimos un movimiento global de Dios llamando al cuerpo de Cristo a discipular a los niños de manera más eficaz.
1. Discipular para una fe profunda y duradera.
Hay una conciencia creciente en cuanto a que el futuro de la iglesia comienza con la evangelización de los niños, pero esto se logra discipulando y capacitando a los niños como compañeros del ministerio hoy, y desarrollándolos como los líderes seguidores de Cristo de mañana. Una clave para este proceso es el desarrollo de relaciones entre los niños nuevos en la fe y los cristianos que están más adelante en el camino.
Para el debate:
2. Asociarse con otros en una agenda del reino.
Hay una conciencia creciente en cuanto a que el trabajo en equipo es vital para el cumplimiento de la gran comisión, incluyendo la tarea de discipular a los 2 mil millones de niños del mundo, ya que ninguna iglesia, denominación o agencia tiene todas las respuestas ni la capacidad para hacer esto. Las familias, iglesias, denominaciones, agencias que proporcionan recursos, misiones y agencias de cuidados están captando una visión global de asociaciones con mentalidad de reino, para el cuidado, la evangelización y el discipulado de los niños. Al estilo de nuestras asociaciones, debemos volver a los valores del reino reflejados en líderes siervos, humildad, oración, integridad, generosidad y equilibrio global.
Para el debate:
3. Reflexione sobre los niños desde una perspectiva bíblica: en iglesias, seminarios y escuelas bíblicas.
Existe una sensación de que, en los próximos años, capacitar a trabajadores cristianos para cuidar a niños y jóvenes será un importante desafío y una gran oportunidad para las iglesias, los seminarios y las escuelas bíblicas. Muchos seminarios están abordando esto no como una nueva moda ni distrayendo la atención de otras clases de capacitación valiosa, sino como la mejor manera de lograr lo que ya decidieron hacer: capacitar a toda la iglesia para llevar todo el evangelio a todo el mundo. La intención no es sólo producir líderes que estén mejor preparados para cuidar, evangelizar y discipular a niños, sino formar también líderes que entiendan la importancia del ministerio integral a los niños, y que a la vez puedan influenciar a otros en todos los niveles y en todos los contextos a favor de aquellos niños.
Para el debate:
4. Reconocer y alentar el potencial de los niños.
Los grupos políticos, las compañías de marketing, los activistas ecológicos y personas de otras creencias comprenden claramente el potencial de los niños, y existe un interés emergente en el sentido de que tal conocimiento sea rescatado por el cuerpo de Cristo, porque [ese potencial] es nuestra herencia. Si se pudiera alentar a los niños a desarrollar sus dones y capacidades dados por Dios en el contexto de las relaciones con creyentes más maduros, entonces la fe de ellos tendría su fundamento en la vida diaria y nuestros esfuerzos de discipulado serían más duraderos. En otro nivel, dentro de los círculos de las misiones, se está viendo a los niños como importantes compañeros de misión. Y aun en otro nivel, muchos de los desafíos actuales del mundo son tan extremos que, pensando de manera realista, resolverlos llevará muchas generaciones y la esperanza de un cambio real radica en nuestros hijos y los de ellos.
Para el debate:
5. Compartir y contextualizar los recursos.
A la luz de la enormidad de la tarea de discipular a 2 mil millones de niños, y de la realidad de la falta de recursos en muchas iglesias para esta tarea, hay un creciente espíritu de generosidad y voluntad de compartir respecto de los recursos para el cuidado, evangelización y discipulado de los niños. También se está reconociendo de modo creciente que los recursos han tendido a desarrollarse en ciertas partes del mundo y distribuirse en otras, y que para avanzar juntos necesitamos facilitar el desarrollo y distribución de materiales adecuados y contextualizados en y de todas partes del mundo.
Para el debate:
6. Adaptarse al contexto tecnológico de los niños.
Aunque aún existen marcados contrastes entre las situaciones urbanas y las rurales, hay un creciente reconocimiento de que el contexto tecnológico de los niños es un foro importante en el cual alcanzarlos. Mientras que los adultos pueden migrar a este contexto, los niños se están transformando en ciudadanos de este contexto desde edades muy tempranas. Los niños de todo el mundo se están pareciendo más entre ellos como resultado de la globalización y la Internet. La tecnología magnifica grandemente el impacto de la globalización, el individualismo y secularismo en los niños, pero también abre oportunidades increíbles para la misión, así como oportunidades para hacer que la fe de los niños esté fundamentada en la vida cotidiana.
Para el debate:
CONCLUSIÓN
Dios, en Cristo, está reconciliando consigo al mundo (2 Corintios 5:19). “La salvación es totalmente Su idea, y totalmente Su obra. Lo único que nosotros hacemos es confiar que Él lo hará… no desempeñamos el rol mayor. ¡Si así fuera, probablemente estaríamos alardeando de que hicimos toda la obra!”(10) También es verdad que “Él nos crea a cada por medio de Jesucristo con el propósito de que nos unamos al trabajo que Él hace, la buena obra que ha preparado para que nosotros hagamos, obra que más vale que estemos haciendo”. (11) Mientras tratamos de discernir la voluntad de Cristo para la evangelización del siglo XXI, parecería ser que ahora es el tiempo para sumarnos a las obras admirables que Dios está haciendo con los niños a través del cuerpo de Cristo. No hay niños “no alcanzados”. El tema es: “¿Quién los está alcanzando?” Están siendo atraídos por todos los ángulos por los partidos políticos, otras creencias, el secularismo, las corporaciones y un sin fin de otras causas. Por sobre todo, los niños del mundo necesitan conocer y seguir a Jesús. Él es su esperanza, su verdad, su paz y su futuro. El cuerpo de Cristo necesita niños con una fe profunda y duradera como compañeros de misión hoy y líderes de la iglesia y del mundo mañana.
Dios, en Cristo oramos que reconcilies contigo a los niños del mundo.
© The Lausanne Movement 2010
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Palabras clave: Los niños
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Comentarios: 55
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Reino Unido
Thank you for your paper on this important issue.
I would like to suggest that there is a significant group of unreached children. This group is hidden away behind closed doors in many countries. They are surrounded by negative percpetions in their communities whilst their families are embarrassed due to the stigma.
This group is disabled children, of whom "only 2% receive an education or access basic services" (World Health Organization).
The NGO I work for has a project to inspire a spirit of inclusion within communities, and reveal the potential of these children who are all unique and equally made in God’s image. (www.youth.throughtheroof.org)
How will we reach disabled children for Christ? God Bless you in your conversations.
13.10.2010
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ Tim_Wood:
This phenomenon is not limited to children. Disabled adults are also neglected. In our community we have a "Church of the Exceptional". It is a church for those who are mentally and physically challenged. It is a wonderful organization that is supported financially and otherwise by several local churches. Although this ministry creates a place to meet the needs of this unique group, I can’t help but wonder if they would be better served if we could include them in our "normal" churches. Why must we separate? Why can’t we be more accomidating to those are a little different from us?
Since this is a thread about children, I suppose I should say that the above principle could be applied to children as well. Wouldn’t the church be healthier if we worshiped together more often instead of age-appropriate classes?
10.12.2012
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
One thing that I think is being overlooked in these comments is the fact that the global church has done so much damage to the reputation of any church. Child molestation and exploitation by church leaders has pushed children and families away from Jesus. What are we doing and what else can we do to earn the trust of the world? What can we do to re-gain our influence after such awful acts?
10.12.2012
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
I came to know the Lord Jesus in a personal way when I was 13 through the help of a missionary. I have never truned away from the Lord since then.
Yes, reaching a child for the Lord and then nurturing him to grow in the Lord is so important. His whole life will then be for the Lord. Most parents recognize that, and therefore, invest in their child’s education.
We, the church of God, must reach the children of the world, and invest in their development as a whole person. Then we’ll have a whole person lving for the wholly for the Lord for a long time to come. Unfortunately, many of the children in the developing countries don’t have a chance. Let’s discuss in practical terms how we can strategically reach out to these. Our small mission organization is supporting 3 schools and a children’s hostel to give these children a chance.
10.09.2010
Sudáfrica
@ Freda_C:
Hello Freda,
thanks for sharing your personal story!
We at TWR are passionate about wanting to use radio to reach children in helpful ways, particularly here in Africa.
Would love to hear how you are involved with children.
Regards, Rudolf
10.09.2010
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ Freda_C:
Thanks for sharing your story and how God is working through you now. Your approach to reaching a community is going to have a tremendous impact on that community in the future. The children in your school are going to grow up knowing the love of Jesus and their nation will be transformed by the impact you are making in their life.
This is the essence of this article and children evangelism.
10.12.2012
Nueva Zelanda
I appreciate your comments on reaching and discipling children. I don’t see any reference to the part that Christian Camping plays in this ministry. One week at Summer Camp is equal to over a year of Sunday School or youth club. That week of summer camp is a powerful tool in reaching and discipling children, yet it seldom features in any discussion on childrens missions. Christian Camping is reaching 12 million children in 100 countries (identified) each year, and plays a major role in reaching those that traditional ministries don’t touch. I look forward to discussion on the place of Christian Camping at this congress
18.09.2010
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ Ross-Bay:
As a youth pastor for the past 10+ years, I have been a first-hand witness to many summer camps. I agree with a couple of your statements. The teaching and the exposure to Biblical truths during a week at camp can be greater than many kids will experience in a year of a weekly church program. And I also agree that there is not much talk about it on sites such as this. But I also think I have a challenge to the first and an answer to the second.
Summer camps are great, but one week does not a disciple make. Discipleship is a length process. On rare occasions, an adult leader at a camp will take on the task of discipling one student who he/she really connected with at camp, but most of the time, these relationships are short-lived as "life" takes over for both the adult and young person after camp.
I know camps tout thousands "making decisions" at camp, but what are we doing to "make disciples"? Don’t get me wrong, camp is GREAT starting point! But we must do more in the area of long-term discipleship if we want camps to have a real impact on the world of missions.
10.12.2012
Canadá
I enjoyed reading this -- I was pleased to see you included the need of protection. I am of the belief that we have to understand the pain of the abuse children encounter to minister effectively to them. To share the Gospel and not to share in the context of their hurt is missing the mark. My hope is to continue to wrestle with the spiritual impact of abuse. As a child evangelist I believe I and my colleagues have missed the mark in sharing a compact gospel without sharing it within context. Luke 4 is key to this.
The article at times seemed disconnected and I would like to see a different title for this article. I am unsure how the title reflects the thesis. The title may have been chosen to capture attention but that is all that it seems to have accomplished.
I am pleased to see an article on children.
07.07.2010
India
@ Melodie:
It is wonderful to see so much written about children and how to bring them into the christian fold, nurture them, love them enough to be able to teach them the principles we need to. In India, we have a billion people and the latest figures state that about 50% are children and young adults. Imagine the responsibility we have to steer these children and youth the right way, remembering that only 3% of our population are christians. Jesus, as our guide and saviour, is always there to assist us along our difficult and challenging path. The school we have started has a thousand children from underprivileged backgrounds, orphans, one parent, or one parent in jail, etc. We have a double responsibility to these children, but with our Guide, Jesus, the bible as our great Book, we CAN help these children become stab le and loving adults, capable to handling themselves in this difficult world, and to be able to teach their friends, all about Jesus, and to live a true christian life in a world full of misery, dangers, and wrong doings.
19.08.2010
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ u1634589:
Thank you! I have posted several comments on this thread about how parents should be the primary disciplers of their children (not a church program). But you have reminded me that there are young people who do not have the people in their life to fill this role. This is where the church needs to step up. James told us that "Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans..."
We must never neglect those who have no voice to speak for them...or to them.
10.12.2012
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
Thank you for examining the need for reaching children with the Gospel and for raising insightful questions about this topic. I am particularly interested in how we can disciple children in a "more lasting and effective" manner. In my context, many children are brought to or placed in church programs (often by unchurched parents who want their children in a safe environment where they will be taught good behavior), but then they disappear at the beginning of their teen years. How can we help them grow in their relationship with God during this transition?
Regarding whose responsibility it is for passing on faith, family or community, as the Church evangelizes children from non-Christian backgrounds we will have to be responsible for their growth and discipleship as well as take on the task of reaching out to their families.
21.09.2010
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ Angela_De_Lange:
I appreciate your comments, but wanted to challenge one of you thoughts. Instead of discipling children and teens "as we reach out to their families" what if our outreach to the families was the primary way we discipled the young people. Or better yet, what if our outreach to the family was our primary goal so that the family could disciple their children. This is the mandate in Deut 6.
In other words, our greatest service to young people, is to disciple their parents.
(By the way, I’m a youth pastor. If the above was fulfilled, I would probably be out of a job. But parental discipleship is the most Biblical discipleship for young people.)
10.12.2012
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
The author noted that to God children are a sign; they are God’s blessings to us. Have we dropped the ball when it comes to our children? Are we raising a generation of children who will not know God? What are we doing to fill in the gap between traditional Christendom and this new generation of children? Are we missing the greatest opportunity to complete the great commission? Will we allow this piece of the puzzle to fit into God’s plans? Are we being good stewards to our children? Children are an important part of the mission field. I had question after question and not many answers.
25.02.2011
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ ForHisGlory2:
"The author noted that to God children are a sign; they are God’s blessings to us. Have we dropped the ball when it comes to our children? Are we raising a generation of children who will not know God? What are we doing to fill in the gap between traditional Christendom and this new generation of children? Are we missing the greatest opportunity to complete the great commission? Will we allow this piece of the puzzle to fit into God’s plans? Are we being good stewards to our children? Children are an important part of the mission field. I had question after question and not many answers?"
Here are you answers: Yes, we are dropping the ball! We are raising a generation of children who may never understand what a relationship with Jesus is about. They don’t have the examples to follow (which is really what discipleship is), they don’t have accountability in behavior, and they don’t have discipline. We have watered down the gospel in both direections to make it what WE want it to be and are allowing the next generation to miss it completely! We MUST change how we parent. (I realize I’m speaking in generalities here. There are some parents who are doing a great job raising disciples of Jesus, but very few are following the Deut 6 mandate.)
10.12.2012
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
If we don’t...who will? As I read this paper, I realize the challenge we have of reaching the next generation. With all the electronics and technology, they are being influenced by many people, groups and ideas. We must get creative and use every available resource to make sure we are getting our message to the people. Very thought provoking!
22.11.2011
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ brucec:
Those children living in less developed countries have no idea what it means to even take a picture, let alone a digital one. They may not know what electricity is, let alone understand how to use a computer. Whether a child is in the wealthiest nation in the world or the middle of an isolated jungle, he or she has one universal need. He or she needs to be loved by someone with the love of Jesus. Once that love is known, they are not only recipients, but conduits of that love. They will share it with others around them in a pure and wonderful way that no adult ever could.
10.12.2012
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
The article is embrancing and profound. Children are an important task group to be reached. My heart bleeds for them. There are so many intelligent children that we don’t pay attention because we are trying to reach things many times. I immagine how our Lord Jesus still suffers for the children in this world despised for us.
05.12.2012
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ brother_edward:
There is no doubt in my mind that young people have a vital role in the fulfillment of God’s mission in this world. As we try to teach them obedience, we are reminded of our own disobedience to God. If our hearts are in the right place, this reminder will draw us closer to God, and isn’t that (causing others to be drawn into a more obedient relationship with God) what authentic missionaries do? So, children, directly or indirectly, are some of the most effective missionaries ever!
10.12.2012
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
I believe the next wave of ministry to and with young people will be one in which the family is ministered to and through as a unit. The church will understand the biblical mandate that parents be the primary disciplers of children (Deut 6) and will come alongside parents to support, encourage, equip, and empower them to fulfill this God-given responsibility. This will also need to take place (and perhaps even start) with church plants and missionary outposts.
10.12.2012
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
Let me again thank you, th Children’s Team for your article. I wish I could see more responses about a most worthy subject. Can we begin to imagine the impact we could if we could lead 1/3. Of the 2 billion children to become disciples for Jesus Christ. They are disciple ready and are looking for something real in an unreal world. I am interest in other comments.
26.11.2011
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ Billy_Houze:
I have a friend who has a favorite illustration he uses with children. He talks about a pebble being thrown in the river. Not only is there the ripple effect we see, but the rock at the bottom, forever changes the flow of the river. Every child we reach can have a great effect on the Kingdom’s work. Like you, I would like to think of the impact if we could reach a percentage. As leaders, may we keep working to reach all we can.
26.11.2011
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ brucec: Brucec,I totally agree that each of us can make a major difference if we commit ourselves to the task of each one reach one. Even if we are at the bottom of the river, we can affect what resonates from the top as we go down. Simple put I want to join you and others to see if we can make a difference in the life of some child.
26.11.2011
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ Billy_Houze:
Billy, I was thinking about what you said about reaching one child. If we change the thoughts about global missions of one youth here in the US, or get one youth involved in missions through their technology, we can begin to see a change in our world. Either way we seek to reach children and youth, it all comes down to one at a time
28.11.2011
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
I do agree with you that the article is very provocative and presents a challenge for all, family and church. I also agree that with the interest of youth in technology,we have great opportunity to reach this generation. I was wondering as to how this would play out in our attempts to reach those youth of poverty or third world cultures as we go alone. I am interested in your thoughts about that
25.11.2011
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ Billy_Houze:
In thinking about how this could play out in poverty areas and third world areas, I wonder how much access people in these areas have to the technology we often take for granted. I have worked with people in poverty-stricken areas in the southeast US and have found they have a lot of access to cell phones and computers. I was recently in the Dominican Republic, which I wouldn’t necessarily consider poverty, but it was not like home, and they had cell phones and Facebook going a lot. I would be interested as you, about other places around the world.
Even if the people we are trying to reach don’t have technology, we can use what’s available to help motivate others to help the cause.
26.11.2011
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
In There Are No Unreached Children by The Children’s Team was a very
intriguing article to read. At my church
we are trying to re-develop our Youth and Young Adult Ministry. The article stated: “The Church is not meeting the needs of our
families and children.” This certainly
is the sad predicament at my church. Our
youth and young adults are not in large numbers anymore and the few that we
have don’t seem to be enthusiastic about the work of the church. We are in a vulnerable position.
Also the article stated: “the very thing that could bring about
radical and lasting change is society and vitality in our churches is already
in our hands, the children of Christian families.” It is my deepest desire to impress upon the
hearts and minds of my church this great truth.
I want to be an agent of change by helping our church to see the great
need of giving spiritual knowledge to this present generation of children, so
they may be able to pass it down to the generation that is coming up behind
them.
On page 2, the article stated: “the world is unfriendly to children.” This is very true because we see children
being manipulated and abused by adults and in some instances by other children. We as Christian adults must strive at all
times to create an atmosphere by the aid of the Holy Spirit of love, peace and
harmony for children.
On page 3, the article stated: “children are no remote or obscure people
group.” The church, if not any other
organization in the world must always keep this in mind. Children are important to God and to the work
of the kingdom of God. They are precious
in his sight.
On page 4, the article stated: “children are a suffering people group.” I believe all over the world, that many
children don’t have enough to eat, live in substandard housing and receive a
substandard education. I believe that
children are the world’s most precious commodity. We must teach our children and let them lead
the way for generations to come.
I often say, “children are not the
church of tomorrow but the church of today.”
As the article continues to say on page 4: “Children are shapers of their world.” And I am so glad it said “their” world
because our children in their own unique way help in changing and transforming
God’s kingdom while they are here on earth.
Jesus said, “Suffer the little children and forbid them not, for such is
the kingdom of heaven.” And what would
our world become if our children are not involved in it? What about our schools? And most importantly, our churches? It is to imagine children not participating
in Christmas and Easter services, and other workings in the local church!
Lastly, on page 6, the article
states: “If children can be encouraged
to develop their God-given gifts and abilities in the context of relationships
with mature believers then their faith will be grounded in everyday life and
our discipleship efforts will be longer lasting.”
I do agree with that statement
because as a young believer and preacher of the gospel, it was the older
believers who gave me the encouragement to be all that I could be in Christ
Jesus. And since I have gotten older, I
have tried to do the same with my own children and other children of this
generation to be all they can be as well in Christ Jesus. Jesus said, “Freely as you have received…freely
give.”
20.09.2011
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
I was stunned to read in this paper that there are approximately 1 billion children who live in parts of the world where they may never have heard of Jesus. As a children’s pastor, I know I cannot reach all these children. This paper does a good job of describing the partnerships that will need to be forged for these children to reached. Parents, churches, seminaries who educate pastors, and the children themselves must all work together to leave no child unreached for Christ. If we don’t reach them, someone else will.
06.02.2011
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ alearner:
I agree the key is the partnerships. If there will be more education and more pulling together than pulling apart we will have more resources, more workers, and possibly more encouragement to reach the children reached by the world.
04.04.2011
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
I completely agree about what you say about children. They are both the easiest to reach and the most neglected in many cases. I think the missionary world has been doing well reaching children lately. Most missions trips I have looked into have had a focus on reaching children. I know many people see it as "if you reach the children, they can reach their parents." I think that is true. Children are also a valued treasure and like you mentioned Jesus talks a lot about how much God loves the children. I think we should focus on the whole family but there are some things that children will help us connect with. Good paper!
03.10.2010
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ hamlinl:
this is so true! children do reach the parents. One of my young people prayed for her brother for a year after she was saved, and in that year he came to church, quit drugs, and accepted christ himself. Tell me that children cant reach family and friends. Now the girl is on her father and there has already been some change that i have heard from his situation as well.
04.04.2011
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
ForHisGlory, You have raised a lot of questions. But they are questions that must be asked. And yes, our children should be part of our Biblical mandate to reach people for Christ. We must need to make sure we do so in a way that does not "pressure" them to make a decision before they are ready to do so.
26.02.2011
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ alearner:
I agree that we must do so as not to presure them. I beleive if we use the things that this generation is intune to then we can capture their hearts in a non-presured way. Technology is a tool we can use with them. Other teens witnessing to them in a non-traditional way and following the biblical principles of God long established in His word.
22.03.2011
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ ForHisGlory2:
I think that both of your comments are correct, we must not pressure children or youth into a decision but must make the descision avalible to them. Some churches go too far the opposite way and lean to the side of a non offensive gospel to the point that no one truly knows what the gospel is because it has been hushed and comprimised along the way. We must speak to the children and youth, but allow them to make the decision.
Sometimes I think we are so worried about them saying a prayer that we dont follow and make sure to educate them after salvation as well.
04.04.2011
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
I work as a youth minister in a small church, and I have realized we are training our children to take our place, not reach others for the kingdom, or to be viewed as important themseleves. We dont teach truth we teach tradition and expect them to follow in.
16.03.2011
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ eae0925:
As a youth minister, your job is especially valuabe to the kingdom. If we are training children to take your place, that place is making disciples of others; what other place is there? I don’t know what traditions you are teaching but, Jesus spoke about traditions. Do you not know your purpose for being on earth? You are here to make disciples of mankind and the earlier we start to train our children about their purpose, therefore giving God the glory.
22.03.2011
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ ForHisGlory2:
I agree. tradition is not what is to be taught but discipleship. That way when they are out of our care they can contine to grow and learn on their own rather than depending on "how its always been done." One of the greatest neglect of the great commission is the commision to go and "make disciples." We so often leave this out as a body of Christ. We are concerned with salvation but not disicpling after the beginning point of that salvation.
24.03.2011
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
Florida, Estados Unidos, estamos muy interesados en todos los temas en pro de un mundo nuevo. Sabemos for convincion que Dios y la fe a El, es el regalo mas grande que podemos tener. Nuestros niños deben ser educados en la palabra de Dios, para que puedan aplicarla a su vida. Pero lo mas importante sobre todo es que puedan aplicar todo el amor de Dios en todas sus relaciones, e inclusive con nuestro medio ambiente y con todos los seres vivientes. Que Dios nos gui para lograr un mundo mas sano y mas saludable para las futuras generaciones.
18.10.2010
Ghana
This is so true! There are no ‘unreached’ children. The issue is, “Who is reaching them?”
One of the discussion questions asked whether too much(or too little) focus has been placed on the family unit as opposed to the community of faith"
I would lean towards YES however, parents make up the community of faith (which raises other questions). Secondly, i think it depends on which part of the world you live in.
In general, there is still a deep need for knowlege on raising godly children in the church.
In Academia there is a lot of reseach on families, parenting etc but then very few focus on the impact of the faith of parents, sunday school teachers and other care givers on children, particulary, the christian faith.
My expereince with teaching sunday school and knowledge in youth and family research show a strong need for parents and the church to be trained, equipped and encouraged to see the value of children in the church and as world changers. You cannot give what you do not have or know!
As an example "Focus on the Family" a christian radio network in the US does a great job providing resources in print & audio for families. If this concept could spread all around the world (especially in this IT era), individuals, families (a.k.a the church) would be better eqquiped to guide children in the knowledge and love of Christ.
14.10.2010
Sudáfrica
Children are very much focus on our radio ministry in Africa.
In this second episode of the radio series "Down to Earth" we focus on "children at risk".
Using the radio networks in Africa, we as a number of partner ministries engage leaders into the Global Conversation through radio.
Please listen to the attached radio programme on an issue which is so critical in Africa, and for the Church in Africa:
“Children at risk” are facing many harsh challenges, particularly here in Africa. However, children are very much on the heart of God. What role should the church play in transforming the lives of children? Unfortunately there are many obstacles that hinder the church in really serving children.
We will be addressing how the church can respond in a relevant way for children at risk and hearing of a community that was transformed when children were helped.
We want to hear your recommendation:
‘What is the greatest need amongst church leaders to enable them to address the children at risk?’
See the conversation at:
http://conversation.lausanne.org/en/conversations/detail/11195
Please let us know what you think.
Greetings, Rudolf
Adjuntos descargables
14.10.2010
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