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Full Project – A HISTORICAL STUDY OF CHILDREN EVANGELISM MINISTRY IN NIGERIA

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CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the study

The history of children evangelism ministry in Nigeria dates back to the early 20th century when Christian missionaries from Europe and America began to establish schools and churches in the country. These missionaries recognized the importance of reaching out to children and started organizing programs specifically tailored for them. This marked the beginning of a dedicated focus on children evangelism ministry in Nigeria.

One of the key figures in the early development of children evangelism ministry in Nigeria was Reverend Samuel Bill, a missionary from the United States. He established the first children’s ministry organization in Nigeria in the 1920s, which aimed to provide spiritual guidance and education to children. This organization laid the foundation for future initiatives in children evangelism ministry.

Over the years, the children evangelism ministry in Nigeria has grown significantly, with numerous organizations and churches actively involved in reaching out to children. These ministries focus on teaching biblical principles, organizing evangelistic events, and providing support to children in need. They play a crucial role in shaping the spiritual lives of Nigerian children.

Children can make a solid decision to trust the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal savior. At that age we should present the gospel to them and let them have the opportunity to answer, Children are lost.

The Bible clearly teaches that it is God’s divine purpose that everyone should have the opportunity to hear the gospel and be saved. The Lord’s Jesus last commands to His followers were, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15) and “make disciples of all nations” (Mathew 28:19)

It is clear that God’s intent is that the Gospel be shared with all people regardless of race, national origin, gender or age. There had been controversy surrounding this question in evangelical churches today as it has been in ages past. That “Do Children need to be saved?” However, the evangelization of Children is clearly supported by the scripture, personal testimony from Christians saved as children, perspectives from theologians and great Christian’s leaders and researchers studies have established that children can make a solid decision to receive the Lord Jesus as their personal savior. This wealth of support should lead Christians everywhere to one conclusion – which the gospel should be presented to the child at an early age so that as the Holy Spirit works, he will come to know Jesus as personal savior. As a result the child can begin to develop Christian character, which is the outward expression of a new inward life.

Children Evangelism is the sharing with children the good news of how to receive the full forgiveness of God by entering into personal relationship with Christ Jesus[1]. We need to evangelize the children in our churches and neighborhoods so that they can be saved. Children are sinners but when they understand the gospel they can be saved. When a child commit consciously and deliberately, they are held accountable for it before God, there is no specific age mentioned when a child can receive Christ. James 4:17 tells us, “Anyone, then, who knows what he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sin”.

Sa Doherty[2], a theologian and Christian educator brings to our notice that “it is important to remember that the Bible does not teach theology of childhood which is separate from, and different to a theology of adulthood. Instead, the Bible gives a theology of man which includes both children and adult”. Canadian Evangelist Lionel Hunt commented, “If child is old enough to sin and old enough to die, it will be a strange thing if he were not old enough to be saved”. It is not for us to fix ages. It is easy for the Holy Spirit to reveal Christ in the heart of a small child as it is for Him to do in an older person. “Saving forth is a work completed by the grace of God alone as the Holy Spirit works. The principal acts of saving faith are accepting, receiving and resting upon Christ for justification, sanctification and eternal life by the virtue of the covenant of grace.(John 1:12) the cross work of Christ, His substitutionary death, burial and resurrection has paid for the sin of the whole world (John 1:29).

The responsibility of the individual in salvation is the recognition of his sinful condition before God and repentance from that sin, the heart belief that Jesus died on the cross and rose again and personal faith in Jesus Christ alone as savior. The only condition placed on humanity for salvation is to believe.

The historical study of children evangelism ministry in Nigeria also highlights the challenges faced by these ministries. Limited resources, cultural barriers, and religious diversity are some of the obstacles that organizations have had to overcome. However, their dedication and commitment have led to significant impact and positive outcomes in the lives of many children. In recent years, there has been a shift in the approach to children evangelism ministry in Nigeria. Organizations are now incorporating innovative methods such as using technology and multimedia to engage children and make the message more accessible. This adaptation to the changing times has helped to reach a wider audience and create a lasting impact.

The historical study of children evangelism ministry in Nigeria reveals a rich and diverse landscape of organizations and initiatives dedicated to reaching out to children. From the early efforts of missionaries to the present-day innovative approaches, these ministries have played a vital role in shaping the spiritual lives of Nigerian children. Despite the challenges faced, their impact continues to be felt, making a significant difference in the lives of many.

There is no qualifier of age, either a beginning age at which it is possible to believe or an ending age after which it is too late to believe for salvation since it is the divine work of the Holy Spirit. Children can make this critical decision before their hearts are hardened by sin.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The problem addressed in this historical study is the lack of comprehensive research on the development and impact of children evangelism ministry in Nigeria. While there have been studies on evangelism in general, there is a dearth of literature specifically focusing on the historical aspects of children evangelism ministry in Nigeria. This gap in knowledge hinders our understanding of the growth, challenges, and contributions of this ministry to the religious landscape of Nigeria.

Furthermore, the lack of historical documentation on children evangelism ministry in Nigeria makes it difficult to assess its long-term effects on the spiritual development of children and the wider society. Without a thorough understanding of the historical context, it is challenging to evaluate the effectiveness of various strategies and approaches employed in this ministry. This study aims to fill this gap by providing a comprehensive historical analysis of children evangelism ministry in Nigeria.

Additionally, the historical study of children evangelism ministry in Nigeria will shed light on the factors that have influenced its growth and development over time. By examining the socio-political, cultural, and religious factors that have shaped this ministry, we can gain insights into the challenges faced by practitioners and the strategies they have employed to overcome them. This knowledge can inform future efforts to strengthen and improve children evangelism ministry in Nigeria.

Moreover, this study will explore the impact of children evangelism ministry on the spiritual formation and religious identity of Nigerian children. By examining the experiences and testimonies of individuals who have participated in this ministry, we can gain a deeper understanding of its influence on their faith journey. This knowledge can help inform the development of effective strategies and resources for nurturing the spiritual growth of children in Nigeria.

Furthermore, this historical study will contribute to the broader field of religious studies by providing a unique perspective on the role of children in evangelism. While there is existing literature on evangelism and religious practices in Nigeria, there is a lack of focus on the specific experiences and contributions of children in this context. By highlighting the historical development and impact of children evangelism ministry, this study will enrich our understanding of the diverse ways in which religious beliefs and practices are transmitted across generations.

Again, this study will provide a foundation for future research and scholarship on children evangelism ministry in Nigeria. By documenting and analyzing the historical trajectory of this ministry, researchers and practitioners can build upon this knowledge to develop innovative approaches and strategies. This will contribute to the growth and effectiveness of children evangelism ministry in Nigeria, ultimately benefiting the spiritual development of Nigerian children and the wider religious community.

Amongst, the millions of things God created, only children are referred to as God’s heritage. Children are part of the Body of Christ and without them there will be no future church (Ps. 27:2). The generation after Joshua’s generation failed to carry out the work of children evangelism. Children evangelism was neglected, Joshua’s generation failed to transmit knowledge and love of God unto their children. Any Christian denomination that neglect children evangelism cannot have growth and development. The Lord is waiting for the church without blemish, spots or wrinkles, the children too will appear before the Lord (Rev. 20:12).

Jesus issued this warning in Mathew 18:10 “Take heed that you despise not one of these little ones”. A curse follows whoever despise these ones in Mathew 18:6.Therefore this project is to evaluate the impact of children evangelism as a tool to church growth and development. The researcher was to find the answers to the following questions:

What is the history of children evangelism in Nigeria?
What should be the functions and duties of the church in children evangelism?
What are other factors militating against children evangelism as a tool for church growth?

1.3 Purpose of the Study

The following are the purpose of the study;

To examine the historical study of children evangelism ministry in Nigeria
To identify the functions and duties of children evangelism ministries in a church
To identify the other factors militating against children evangelism
- Significance of the Study
Findings from this study will educate the church authorities and the general public in Christ apostolic church Ikeja districton what the church authorities need to do or incorporate into the system to ensure church growth.
This research will also serve as a resource base to others scholars and researchers interested in carrying out further research in this field subsequently.

1.5 Delimitation of the Study

The research work shall be conducted in the selected five Bible believing churches in Ikeja district.

1.6 Research Procedure

This research design adopted for this study is cross – sectional survey and descriptive analysis on a randomly selected sample of the different categories of church leaders (Pastors, Ministers and Students).

1.7 Limitation of the Study

Lack in financial or insufficient funds tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and the process of data collection (internet, questionnaires and interviews). Also time constraint during this period the researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with academic and office work. This consequently will cut down the time devoted for the research work. All these limitations will not in any way affect the quality of this research study.

1.8 Definition of Terms

Children: Plural of child. Persons between birth and full growth; boys or girls. Young human being below the age of puberty or below legal age of majority[3].

Child Evangelism

Child Evangelism is the process of nurturing the child to grow and develop a Christ like nature, assisting the child to grow up in the four Biblical dimensions as recorded in Luke 2:52.”And Jesus increased in wisdom (mentally i.e. sound knowledge) and stature (physically) and in favour with God (spiritually) and man (socially)[4]”.
Child evangelism is not only introducing the child to Christ, but it also involves the building up of a total child along the four Biblical dimensions as stated above (mental, physical, socially and spiritually). This will enhance the child to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18)
Child Evangelism, is sharing the good news of how to receive the full forgiveness of God by entering into personal relationship with Christ Jesus.

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