The Hidden Traps of Children’s Cells

mario

by Mario Vega

It is important to walk carefully and cautiously with Children’s cells in order to avoid the hidden traps and snares. Here are a few:

  • Focusing on activities, rather than on the Bible. Children’s ministry can easily slip towards games and crafts. Such activities are a convenient way to entertain children and keep control of the group. However, keeping the cell focused on the Word of God is what is needed. This does not mean that the teaching cannot be creative and fun for children. It only means that the cell must be biblically focused so that the kids grow in Christ.
  • Not taking children seriously enough. It’s possible to start thinking of children as “less important” than adults. This is especially true among those who believe that all children under a certain age are already “saved.” . But when we understand that children need to be saved, just like adults, we will prioritize children’s cells just as seriously as we do adult ministry. We will begin to minister with children with an attitude of prayer and toal dependence on God.
  • Not following-up with children. If we limit children’s cells to a profession of faith in Christ, we are falling way short. After conversion, children need to be encouraged to congregate, read the Bible, and pray. They also should be encouraged to be baptized in water (taking into consideration the age requirements of each congregation, of course). The fact is that they should be taken seriously as any adult. Remember that children also experience temptations, discouragement, and struggles. They also need a victorious Christian life, just like adults.

Rather than looking at children’s cells as mere childcare, we need to dedicate ourselves to discipling the children, knowing that they are the future.

Comments?

Mario

Korean blog (click here)

Spanish blog:

Trampas ocultas de las células infantiles.

En el trabajo con células infantiles es importante caminar con cuidado para no caer en algunas trampas que pueden volver el trabajo improductivo. Veamos algunas de esas trampas:

• Enfocarse en las actividades antes que en la Biblia. El trabajo con niños puede deslizarse fácilmente hacia lo lúdico o las actividades manuales. Es una forma cómoda de entretener a los niños y conservar el control del grupo. No obstante, lo que en realidad se necesita es mantener la célula enfocada en la palabra de Dios. Esto no significa que la enseñanza no pueda ser creativa ni acorde a la edad de los niños. Solo significa que debe poseer un contenido completamente bblico e instructivo.

• Tomar la célula como un juego. El hecho que se trate de niños puede conducir a ver la célula infantil como menos importante que las células de adultos sobre todo cuando se ha desarrollado una teologa que otorga a los niños la salvación sobre la base de su edad. Pero si se comprende que ellos también necesitan nacer de nuevo el trabajo se realizará con mayor dedicación acompañándolo de oración y de una dependencia total de Dios.

• No darles un seguimiento serio. Si el trabajo de la célula se limita a que los niños hagan una profesión de fe para luego declararlos cristianos “por inercia” no se está realizando una labor del todo eficiente. Después de la conversión los niños deben ser alentados a congregarse, leer la Biblia y orar. También se les debe animar a bautizarse en agua respetando las regulaciones de cada congregación en cuanto a la edad para ser bautizados. El hecho es que se les debe tomar tan en serio como cualquier adulto. Ellos también experimentarán tentaciones, desaliento y luchas. Solamente una vida cristiana devota podrá darles la victoria.

Cuidando de estos elementos el trabajo con niños puede llegar a ser más eficaz que el simple adoptar una mecánica de trabajo para la atención infantil.

2 thoughts on “The Hidden Traps of Children’s Cells

  • Amen, Mario, amen! How encouraging that you as Senior Pastor has such insight and can so eloquently express the heart of seeing children reach their full potential in Jesus to bring His glory to this lost and hurting world.

  • Marie-France writes:

    Thank you for this message. I thought I was taking children’s ministries seriously enough. I now have a better understanding of the depth required to make a lasting impact. I assumed kids would come to ask questions however they do not ask unless in a group situation and then it is only a few who do. I must be proactive to follow up if the effect of a new relationship is to last and deepen into a friendship and dependence on God.
    Thanks for sharing your insights on this blog.

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