Faith grows in relationships. When children are welcomed, encouraged, and trusted to serve, they discover their gifts and blossom. Here is another spotlight by District Apostle Helper Arnaud Martig (Canada).
In many cultures, raising children is seen as the responsibility of the whole village. Increasingly, however, this task falls almost entirely on parents. Some even see grandparents and relatives as outsiders who should not interfere. Such thinking can make family ties fragile, with more energy spent on keeping peace than building strong bonds.
The same tendency can appear in congregations. Out of fear of overstepping boundaries, many hold back from engaging with the children around them. Yet this leaves the children without the network of faith-filled relationships that helps them grow strong. But fear must not have the last word. We are called to respond today with purpose, love, and care.
As Scripture reminds us, we are called to bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6: 2) and build each other up. This includes caring for the youngest among us. No child should grow up without encouragement, guidance, and love from the congregation. Instead of holding back, we are invited to step forward. It is time to do good, surrounding the next generation as a strong and caring congregation.
Early investment matters
The bonds formed with children in their earliest years can shape their faith for decades. Research shows that the greatest influence on a child’s faith is not polished programmes or sermons, but a living relationship with God that is nurtured through genuine relationships with members of the congregation.
Children who are surrounded by several caring adults who intentionally invest in them are far more likely to develop a lasting faith. Friends in Sunday School who encourage them to follow Christ, opportunities to serve actively in the congregation, praying and reading the Bible regularly—all of these play a vital role in shaping a child’s faith.
Even small gestures—a kind word, a listening ear, a smile at the church door—woven together, create the fabric of belonging that strengthens young hearts in Christ.
The vital role of parents
Of all the influences in a child’s life, none is greater than that of parents. Faith takes root most naturally at home, long before Sunday School or youth group. Children watch how their parents pray, how they make decisions, and how they trust God in daily life.
The book of Proverbs teaches: “Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it” (22: 6 NLT). A faith lived out at home gives children a foundation that endures throughout their lifetime.
Engaging children to serve early
Faith not only grows by hearing. It blossoms through doing. When children are invited to serve in meaningful ways, they discover that they too have gifts to contribute to the life of the congregation. Reading a Bible passage, helping with music, greeting people at the door, or assisting with other tasks teaches them: “I belong here, and my contribution matters.”
But there is more. As children serve, they not only strengthen their bond with the congregation, they also deepen their personal connection with God. In serving Him together with others, they experience that their faith is active, alive, and meaningful.
This is a call to ministers and leaders to act early. Waiting until confirmation to involve young people in serving is often too late. Junior youth are ready and eager to be trusted. When they are encouraged to use their gifts early in a meaningful way, they begin to blossom. These experiences prepare them to serve joyfully in the future as teachers, ministers, and leaders.
The call to the congregation
The care of the next generation belongs to us all. Every believer has something to give: a prayer, a word of encouragement, an invitation to serve, or genuine interest in a young person’s life. These acts build bridges and foster a sense of belonging.
What children need most are relationships with people who know their names, greet them warmly, and show through their lives what it means to follow Christ. Surrounded by such connections, children and youth will sense: “I belong. I am loved. I am part of this congregation.”
And something beautiful happens in return: those who engage with the younger ones discover a deeper sense of belonging. The bonds of fellowship are strengthened, and the congregation becomes a place where young and old alike feel at home.
It is time to do good by building lasting bonds that keep the next generation deeply rooted in Christ.