Our Philosophy
Child Evangelism Fellowship® (CEF®) and Children's Ministries Institute® (CMI®) firmly believe that one of the main tasks of the Church today is to take the good news of salvation to "every creature" (Mark 16:15). Down through the centuries, the emphasis in many churches has been placed on youth and adults. However, the children have been desperately neglected.
"And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature."
- Mark 16:15 -
- Mark 16:15 -
We believe that the Bible does not teach a theology of childhood which is separate from, and different than, a theology of adulthood. Instead, the Bible gives a theology of man which includes both children and adults. While there are many differences between the child and the adult physically, psychologically, socially, and, in some ways, spiritually, their condition before God is the same.
We believe that Christians should take children's ministry seriously, not merely as entertainment but seizing every opportunity to instill God's Word in tender hearts while they are young.
We believe even young children can make a solid decision to trust in Jesus Christ as their Savior when properly instructed. Contrary to secular theories of child development and philosophies which have infiltrated into some Christian education circles, we believe the grace of God through the ministry of the Holy Spirit can be extended to boys and girls. The lives of thousands of godly Christians who were saved at a young age confirm this is true.
We believe that ministry to children is crucial for world evangelization. One-third of the world's population is younger than 15 years of age. World Vision estimates that more than 80 percent of the world's young people, totaling 1.4 billion, are growing up in non-Christian homes. If we are to evangelize the world, we must evangelize its children. Jesus said, "It is not the will of your Father...that one of these little ones shall perish" (Matthew 18:14) and we believe Christians everywhere should know how to simply lead children to Christ.
"Even so, it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish."
- Matthew 18:14 -
- Matthew 18:14 -
We believe in the process of multiplication (2 Timothy 2:2). Our desire is to recruit faithful, capable men and women for ministry with CEF® and to equip them with leadership skills necessary to train other adults and young people who will teach children in North America and around the world. However, children's workers and leaders will also be multiplied as they serve the Lord under the auspices of their local church or another mission agency. CMI® challenges its students for full-time ministry among the children.
"And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also."
- 2 Timothy 2:2 -
- 2 Timothy 2:2 -