What Does it Take to Train Up a Child in the Way They Should Go?

Here in Northern Uganda, we are celebrating the great things God has done in and through the Child Discipleship ministry.

This ministry was born out of a need that we saw in the GROW ministry. Each time we showed the Jesus film, many children would come forward to receive Christ. However, only a tiny number of churches in the rural villages had any sort of ministry that was focused on mentoring children in the faith. This was doubly concerning since we observed that most parents viewed spiritual development as the work of the church.

This presented two big problems: no children’s ministry in churches, and parents unaware and unequipped to disciple their children at home... the very two things we believe are needed in order to “train up a child in the way they should go.” (Proverbs 22:6) 

From this, in 2017, the Child Discipleship ministry was born! The Child Discipleship ministry has two main strategies; namely helping churches start thriving children’s ministries, and equipping parents in how to lead their children spiritually at home. How does our team do this? Through a number of trainings on rotation throughout the year. 

First, in partnership with Child Evangelism Fellowship, we train Sunday school teachers in churches. These Sunday school teachers sometimes also reach out to local schools and begin a Good News Club in order to reach children who are not part of any church. 

Second, we help form and train Child Protection Committees in churches. 

Thirdly, we train parents who will train other parents in child discipleship.

Lastly, we train Resource Persons who help oversee the ministry in their denominations and regions. These dedicated men and women support newly trained Sunday school teachers as well as Child Protection Committees through observing and advising them how to improve their skills and keep good records.

As time goes on, this ministry just keeps growing bigger and bigger! We’re only half-way through 2025, but already this year we have trained 66 new Sunday school teachers, 9 churches have started children’s ministries for the first time, 312 parents have been trained to train other parents, and 3 new Good News Clubs have started up in schools through the initiative of trained Sunday school teachers in nearby churches.

One of the most exciting things we see growing is ownership. Partner churches continue to contribute organization and funds towards the running of these trainings. We have even had 2 denominations cover 100% of the training costs!