Children's Mission Education is an important function and purpose of the Church. It is through missions and missions education that children learn to apply the scriptures that they are learning through Bible study. As they help those around them, they learn that are able to be a Christ follower by doing what Christ would do.
Ten Compelling Reasons Why
Children’s Missions Education
is Important
Children’s missions education:
• Teaches children that life isn’t all about them. Children learn to be God-centered instead of self-centered.
• Demonstrates to children how God is at work in the world through stories from the missions field. God is at work all around us, but sometimes it takes being able to step back and see the big picture to see that God is at work.
• Cultivates an atmosphere where children are accepted—always inclusive, never exclusive. Missions education teaches children to go and minister to all people. This includes ministering to children at school by showing them the love of Christ.
• Provides a place where children participate in fun, age-appropriate learning activities. Curriculum is written appropriately for the mental, social, physical and spiritual development of children.
• Instills godly characteristics in children. The curriculum reinforces the Biblical mandate to be a light in the darkness through word and deed.
• Offers outreach to non-churched families. Non-churched parents are more likely to send their children to church if they perceive the church is teaching them to not only “be good” but to “do good.” Also, non-churched families hear about children doing ministry projects in the community.
• Encourages children to learn and apply the Bible to their lives. This is the only organization at church where children actively go and demonstrate their faith through missions projects and witnessing.
• Teachers serve as role models and mentors/coaches for children. Missions education is more hands-on and allows leading by example. Children see adults living out the Great Commission in the classroom and on the missions field.
• Offers opportunities where parents can serve. Here are a few examples of how parents can serve: teach, lead activities, bring snacks, donate supplies, plan missions projects, chaperone missions projects and participate in outreach to children.
• Provides outreach to the community and the church. Through missions projects, God’s love is shared and lives are changed.
Outcome:
Children learn what God desires of them
and are encouraged to live out the Great Commission.
–Mitzi Eaker, Children’s Consultant, National WMU
--adapted by Cara Lynn Vogel, Preschool & Children Consultant, WMU NC