Project – The impact of the children evangelism on the church growth. A case study of CAC Wosem Oke Oloruntedo Ado Ekiti DCC.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

• Background to the Study

Children’s evangelism has gained increasing recognition as a critical factor in the expansion and vitality of Christian churches worldwide. Research consistently shows that a significant number of adult believers made a decision for Christ during their childhood (Barna, 2004). This early engagement often sets the stage for long-term faith development, and consequently, church involvement. According to Brewster (2019), children are not merely future church members—they are a present and potent force within the body of Christ. This view underscores the strategic importance of evangelizing children as a method of fostering sustainable church growth.

Churches that prioritize children’s ministries tend to experience more dynamic growth than those that do not (White, 2013). Children’s programs often draw families into the church, providing opportunities for whole-family discipleship. In her study of church attendance patterns, Miller (2017) notes that when children are actively engaged through Sunday school, Vacation Bible School (VBS), and other ministries, their parents are more likely to participate regularly in church activities. This ripple effect illustrates how evangelizing and nurturing children in faith can enhance overall church engagement.

Beyond numerical growth, children’s evangelism also contributes to the spiritual health and generational continuity of churches. Scholars argue that early religious education instills values and beliefs that carry into adulthood, leading to deeper commitments later in life (Strommen & Hardel, 2008). Moreover, churches that invest in children tend to foster a culture of mentorship and community, where older members take on the role of spiritual guides. This multigenerational dynamic contributes to a stronger, more cohesive congregation and encourages the transmission of faith across generations.

The methodology of children’s evangelism is also evolving, with churches integrating more age-appropriate and culturally relevant approaches. Contemporary strategies include storytelling, music, drama, and technology-based tools to make the gospel message accessible and engaging (Anthony, 2015). These creative efforts not only capture children’s attention but also instill biblical truths in ways that are memorable and transformative. As churches refine these methods, they create welcoming environments where children can grow in their understanding of faith and become active participants in church life.

However, some scholars caution that children’s evangelism must be balanced with ethical considerations regarding genuine conversion and autonomy. Bunge (2001) emphasizes the importance of respecting children’s developmental stages and ensuring that evangelistic efforts are not coercive. Effective children’s ministry, therefore, involves creating spaces where children are encouraged to ask questions, explore their beliefs, and develop a personal faith rather than merely reciting religious dogma.

The literature strongly supports the notion that children’s evangelism is a vital engine for church growth, both in terms of numbers and spiritual vitality. By reaching children with the gospel and nurturing their spiritual development, churches not only ensure future leadership and membership but also promote family involvement and long-term discipleship. Continued research and innovation in this field will further empower churches to fulfill their mission of spreading the gospel across all ages.

• Statement of the Problem

Despite the significant role that children play in the church, many congregations continue to overlook or underinvest in children’s evangelism as a strategic tool for church growth. While some churches have thriving children’s ministries, others treat such efforts as secondary or optional, rather than central to the mission of evangelism and discipleship. This neglect can result in missed opportunities to reach young hearts during a critical window of spiritual receptiveness, and to influence their families as well.

Church growth strategies often focus on adults and youth, assuming that children are too young to make lasting spiritual decisions. However, research shows that most Christians commit to their faith before the age of 14 (Barna, 2004). When churches fail to prioritize children’s evangelism, they risk diminishing their long-term growth potential. This raises an important question: if children are more likely than adults to make faith commitments, why are they not at the center of evangelistic strategies?

In many churches, children’s ministries are underfunded, understaffed, or poorly designed. Programs may focus more on entertainment than spiritual formation, leaving children without a solid foundation in faith. Additionally, volunteers often lack proper training in child evangelism techniques, resulting in a lack of intentional outreach. Without strategic, age-appropriate evangelism, churches miss the opportunity to nurture faith in children in a way that leads to sustained spiritual development and future church leadership.

Furthermore, there is a lack of data-driven evaluation on the effectiveness of children’s evangelism in contributing to church growth. Many churches implement programs without assessing their impact or long-term outcomes. This absence of metrics makes it difficult to determine what methods are most effective and hinders churches from making informed decisions. A more systematic approach is needed to evaluate how children’s evangelism influences membership retention, family involvement, and generational faith transmission.

There is also a theological and ethical tension in how children’s evangelism is approached. Some critics argue that children are too young to understand the gravity of conversion, and that evangelistic efforts may be coercive if not handled sensitively. Churches must balance the urgency of sharing the gospel with the responsibility of respecting children’s developmental stages and autonomy. This calls for thoughtful, biblically sound, and developmentally appropriate models of evangelism.

Ultimately, the problem lies in the gap between the potential of children’s evangelism and its actual implementation in many churches. Without a shift in perspective and strategy, churches may continue to struggle with declining membership, aging congregations, and weak intergenerational connections. Investigating the impact of children’s evangelism on church growth is therefore essential for informing practice, shaping future leadership, and ensuring the church’s long-term vitality.

1.3. Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of the study is to examine the impact of the children evangelism on the church growth. The specific objectives of the study:

1. To assess the level of children evangelism activities within the church.
2. To analyze the correlation between children evangelism efforts and church attendance numbers.
3. To identify any barriers hindering the effectiveness of children evangelism in contributing to church growth.
4. To evaluate the impact of children evangelism on the spiritual growth and engagement of both children and their families within the church community.

• Research Questions

The research questions are buttressed below:

1. What is the level of children evangelism activities within the church?
2. Is there a correlation between children evangelism efforts and church attendance numbers?
3. What are the barriers hindering the effectiveness of children evangelism in contributing to church growth?
4. What is the impact of children evangelism on the spiritual growth and engagement of both children and their families within the church community?

1.5. Research Hypothesis

The hypothetical statement of the study is buttressed below:

Ho: Children evangelism has no significant impact on church attendance numbers.

H1: Children evangelism has significant impact on church attendance numbers.

1.6. Significance of the Study

This study is significant because it brings attention to an often-overlooked area of ministry—children’s evangelism—and highlights its powerful influence on church growth. Many churches focus heavily on adult outreach, neglecting the fact that children are not only receptive to the gospel but also serve as a bridge to reaching entire families. By emphasizing the importance of evangelizing children, this research encourages church leaders to rethink their strategies for long-term growth and sustainability.

The findings of this study will provide valuable insight for church leadership and ministry teams, helping them understand the critical role children play in both the present and future of the church. With this knowledge, churches can allocate resources more wisely, develop age-appropriate programs, and train volunteers to effectively evangelize and disciple children. Equipping leaders in this way contributes to stronger church communities and a more intentional approach to ministry planning.

For parents and guardians, this study underscores the importance of nurturing faith at home in partnership with the church. It affirms that spiritual formation doesn’t begin in adulthood but during childhood, often through consistent engagement with Scripture, prayer, and fellowship. When parents understand their role in supporting children’s spiritual journeys, they become more active participants in church life, which further strengthens family involvement and, by extension, church growth.

This study is also significant for Christian educators and curriculum developers, who can benefit from the research by identifying best practices for teaching and evangelizing children. Insights from this study can help them create engaging, theologically sound materials that are both developmentally appropriate and spiritually impactful. This ensures that evangelistic efforts are not only effective but also ethical and respectful of children’s cognitive and emotional capacities.

From an academic and theological standpoint, the study fills a gap in existing research by linking children’s evangelism with measurable church growth outcomes. While there is much literature on youth and adult ministry, fewer studies explore how evangelizing children directly impacts church development over time. By contributing to this niche, the study lays the groundwork for further research and informs broader conversations around church vitality and mission.

Finally, this study contributes to the global mission of the Church by recognizing children as active participants in God’s kingdom. It challenges churches to move beyond a passive view of children as merely “the church of tomorrow” and instead see them as crucial to the mission today. By highlighting the significance of children’s evangelism, this research invites churches of all sizes and denominations to invest in the next generation, ensuring the legacy of faith continues to grow across generations.

1.7. Scope of the Study

The study examines the impact of the children evangelism on the church growth. A case study of CAC Wosem Oke Oloruntedo Ado Ekiti DCC.

1.8. Operational Definition of Terms

1. Impact: Impactrefers to the effect or influence that one factor has on another. In the context of this study, it describes the measurable or observable outcomes that result from a specific action or activity—in this case, how children’s evangelism influences church growth.
2. Children Evangelism: Children evangelismis the intentional act of sharing the message of the Gospel with children, with the goal of helping them understand, believe, and respond to the Christian faith. It involves age-appropriate teaching, discipleship, and outreach methods designed to lead children into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
3. Church Growth: Church growthrefers to the increase in the number of members or attendees in a church, as well as the deepening of their spiritual maturity. It can be measured both quantitatively (numerical increase) and qualitatively (spiritual development, increased participation, or stronger community impact).

Project – The impact of the children evangelism on the church growth. A case study of CAC Wosem Oke Oloruntedo Ado Ekiti DCC.