1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background of Study
Historically, child evangelism dates back to biblical times when God commanded His people to teach children about His laws and commandments. In Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (NIV), it is written: "These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."
During the early church era, children were included in the Christian faith through household conversions. In the New Testament, several instances suggest that entire families, including children, were baptized upon accepting the gospel (Acts 16:31-34). Early church fathers, such as Augustine, also stressed the importance of instructing children in Christian doctrines to ensure their spiritual development and commitment to the faith (Brown, 2003). Child evangelism has been a fundamental aspect of Christian ministry, aimed at introducing children to the teachings of Christ at an early age. It is based on the biblical principle that faith formation should begin in childhood, as stated in Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Over the years, churches have developed various strategies to reach children with the gospel, including Sunday school programs, Bible clubs, Vacation Bible Schools, and outreach initiatives targeted at young audiences (Barna, 2004).
Today, churches and Christian organizations recognize the necessity of reaching children with the gospel early, as research indicates that most people who embrace Christianity do so before adulthood (Smith & Denton, 2005). The impact of child evangelism on the church is profound, influencing both church growth and sustainability. Churches that actively engage in child evangelism tend to experience increased membership retention, as children who grow up in a faith-based environment are more likely to continue in the church as adults (Okonkwo, 2016). Additionally, child evangelism plays a vital role in shaping the moral and spiritual foundation of young believers, preparing them to be future leaders within the church (George et al., 2018). However, challenges such as secular influences, declining church attendance, and lack of parental involvement have raised concerns about the effectiveness of child evangelism efforts. Despite these challenges, studies suggest that when churches invest in intentional and well-structured child evangelism programs, they witness long-term benefits in spiritual growth and church development (Benson et al., 2012).
According to Barna (2004), research indicates that a majority of Christians make their faith commitments before the age of 14, highlighting the significance of early spiritual instruction (Barna, 2004). The church benefits immensely from child evangelism as it fosters spiritual development, strengthens family ties within the church community, and increases church membership. Okonkwo (2016) asserts that churches with active children's ministry programs experience higher retention rates of young believers into adulthood. Furthermore, Proverbs 22:6 (NIV) states, “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it,” emphasizing the biblical foundation for child evangelism.
In a rapidly changing world, where secular influences challenge religious beliefs, the church must prioritize evangelizing children through Sunday schools, Bible clubs, and outreach programs. Smith and Denton (2005) argue that early exposure to faith-based teachings significantly influences moral development and long-term religious commitment. Therefore, an intentional approach to child evangelism is vital for the growth and spiritual health of the church. Therefore, this study explores the impact of child evangelism on the church, examining its role in church growth, spiritual formation, and the overall mission of spreading the gospel to younger generations.
1.2 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that child evangelism is essential for the spiritual growth and sustainability of the church, yet many churches struggle to effectively engage and retain young believers. Despite the biblical emphasis on teaching children about faith from an early age, there is a growing concern that many churches are not prioritizing child evangelism as they should (Proverbs 22:6, NIV). Smith and Denton (2005) highlight that while early religious exposure significantly shapes long-term faith commitment, many children today are not actively engaged in church activities, leading to a decline in faith retention as they grow older.
Additionally, modern distractions such as digital media, peer influence, and changing societal values further complicate the effectiveness of child evangelism. Barna (2004) observes that many children are more influenced by social trends than by religious teachings, which impacts their long-term spiritual development. Churches that do not adapt their evangelism methods to contemporary challenges risk losing young members to secular ideologies. Okonkwo (2016) points out that churches with weak children's ministries often face difficulties in maintaining long-term church growth and participation. Without proper evangelism efforts, children may grow up with little understanding of their faith, making them more susceptible to secular influences and disengagement from the church.
Furthermore, the impact of child evangelism on church growth and sustainability is often underestimated, yet it plays a crucial role in shaping the future of Christian communities. George and Becker (2018) assert that churches investing in strong child evangelism programs experience greater spiritual vibrancy and long-term stability. However, without intentional efforts, the church risks losing a generation of believers, leading to a gradual decline in active church membership and engagement.
1.3 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of this study is to examine the impact of child evangelism on the growth, spiritual development, and sustainability of the church. The objectives of the study are:
- To assess the role of child evangelism in the spiritual growth and faith retention of young believers within the church.
- To examine how child evangelism contributes to church growth and sustainability.
- To identify challenges affecting the effectiveness of child evangelism in contemporary Christian ministry.
- To explore the influence of parental involvement in the success of child evangelism efforts.
- To recommend effective strategies for improving child evangelism programs in churches.
1.4 Research Questions
Based on the stated objectives, this study seeks to answer the following research questions:
- How does child evangelism influence the spiritual growth and faith retention of young believers within the church?
- In what ways does child evangelism contribute to church growth and sustainability?
- What are the major challenges affecting the effectiveness of child evangelism in contemporary Christian ministry?
- How does parental involvement impact the success of child evangelism efforts?
- What effective strategies can be implemented to improve child evangelism programs in churches?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
Hypothesis One
- H0: Child evangelism has no significant impact on the growth, spiritual development, or sustainability of the church
- H1: Child evangelism has a significant positive impact on the spiritual growth and faith retention of young believers within the church
Hypothesis One
- H0: Child evangelism does not contribute to church growth and long-term sustainability
- H1: Child evangelism contributes to church growth and long-term sustainability
1.6 Significance of Study
The findings will be beneficial to church leaders, helping them understand how child evangelism contributes to church growth and sustainability. Also, christian educators and Sunday school teachers will find this research valuable in improving teaching methods and evangelism strategies.
Furthermore, Christian educators and missionaries will benefit from this research as it will provide insights into the challenges affecting child evangelism in modern society. By addressing these challenges, they will be able to design more effective approaches that align with contemporary realities while preserving biblical principles.
Lastly, this study will serve as a resource for future researchers who seek to explore child evangelism and its impact on church development. It will contribute to existing knowledge by offering recommendations that can improve evangelism efforts and ensure the long-term sustainability of Christian communities.
1.7 Scope of Study
This scope of this research will focus on the impact of child evangelism on the growth and sustainability of the church, using The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in Lagos State, Nigeria as a case study.
The research will be limited to selected RCCG parishes within Lagos State, ensuring a focused and in-depth analysis of the subject. Data will be collected from church leaders, Sunday school teachers, parents, and young church members to provide a comprehensive understanding of the impact of child evangelism in the church setting.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
This study was limited by several factors that affected the scope and depth of the research.
- Delay from Respondents: Some participants took longer to respond to surveys and interviews than anticipated, which caused delays in the data collection process and affected the overall timeline of the study.
- Financial and Time Constraints: Limited funds and time meant that the research could not be expanded to a larger geographical area or cover a broader range of digital lending platforms.
1.9 Definition of Terms
Child Evangelism:
Child evangelism refers to the process of sharing the message of the gospel with children, teaching them about Jesus Christ, and nurturing their spiritual growth (Barna, 2003). It involves structured biblical teachings, storytelling, songs, and other engaging methods to help children understand and develop a strong foundation in the Christian faith.
Church Growth:
Church growth is the numerical and spiritual increase in a Christian congregation, influenced by evangelism, discipleship, and community engagement (McGavran, 1990). Child evangelism plays a significant role in sustaining church growth by raising committed believers from a young age.
Faith Retention:
Faith retention refers to the ability of individuals, especially children, to maintain and uphold their Christian beliefs over time (Strommen & Hardel, 2000). Effective child evangelism programs help strengthen children's faith and ensure their long-term commitment to Christianity.
Parental Involvement:
Parental involvement in child evangelism refers to the active participation of parents in their children's spiritual upbringing through Bible study, prayer, and Christian teachings at home (Anthony, 2010). When parents engage in their children's faith journey, it reinforces church teachings and contributes to the overall success of child evangelism.
Christian Discipleship:
Christian discipleship is the process of mentoring and guiding believers, especially young ones, to grow in their faith and live according to biblical principles (Hull, 2006). Child evangelism serves as the foundation for discipleship, ensuring that children receive early instruction in Christian values and practices.
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