Children are the shape of the Kingdom

The first in a two-part feature adapted from a keynote address given at Soul Pursuit by the Territorial Commander and Commissioner Betty Matear

AS a territory we know that our strategic mission objective is to make disciples – save souls, grow saints and serve suffering humanity. This is in line with the Great Commission. And we must ensure that we are not guilty of the Great Omission when it comes to children and young people.

Our mission objective is set firmly to all ages. Children are hugely significant in our mission. If we don’t reach them when they are young, it is likely they will live without Christ. We take seriously the capacity of children to have an authentic Christian experience. Having children within the corps strengthens its mission. We reach into people’s homes and lives because we have a connection with their children. When we share with parents the junior soldier’s promise regarding ‘a life that is clean in thought, word and deed’ they are glad to have someone who shares the agenda they have. We want the best for their children as they do. This is clear and transparent.

The time we have is critical and urgent. Gabriela Mistral writes: ‘We are guilty of many errors and many faults but our worst crime is abandoning the children, neglecting the fountain of life. Many of the things we need can wait. The child cannot. Right now is the time his bones are being formed, his blood is being made and his senses are being developed. To him we cannot answer “Tomorrow”. His name is “Today”.’

Most adults came to faith in childhood. The key message is to ‘aim lower and think smaller’ – target children and recognise the part they have to play in the Great Commission.

We bring children to meetings, put them through Army activities but, for some, religion and faith are external experiences. It is always the work of the Holy Spirit to touch their heart and soul. Our soul pursuit is to pass on faith and salvation to the next generation.

In today’s society, among young and old, there is a depleting reservoir of Christian knowledge. Where do children learn their values? The contemporary world is dominated by individualism, consumerism and so many moral complexities. Children are turned into consumers and performers, exposed to sexualised advertising and pressurised to succeed. Childhood is brief and can be an anxious and difficult time. Children and young people are troubled by such things as income inequality, competition in school, unprincipled advertising and family break-up. What burdens to be carried! Childhood events shape lives for better or worse; we know that – it has shaped ours. Since so many of us found our faith as children we do not need convincing that this is time critical – Kingdom critical.

We are called to provide stepping stones to faith and to demonstrate God’s love and care. It is a good start to provide a place, activity and relationship that is safe, secure, caring, relaxed and friendly. A healthy community is one in which children thrive.

We live in an age of mistrust, where media reporting and legislation make many people wary of engaging with children. Indeed, our actions as adults can have a profound impact on children’s wellbeing. Childhood is multilayered and it is a foundation on which the future of our Army and the Church rests.

Children’s spirituality can be nurtured around the most valuable resource: people committed to their best development. The key to our mission among young people is adults who listen, see and reflect back the questions, the fears, the hopes – giving a faith context to apply biblical truth and make it relevant.

Childhood is different in 2011. Education is different. When we were at school we barely had calculators let alone computers; we learnt our times tables, which had nothing to do with spreadsheets; we read and wrote English – not ‘text speak’. The whole framework in which children now live and learn is different. We have to nurture them from what they are towards what they can become. Our mission is to move them to where God wants them to be.

Children are channels of truth. We might think we are the teachers but often they teach us. Faith tells us that unless we possess certain traits children possess we won’t be able to enter God’s Kingdom. Jesus affirmed their position in the Kingdom. ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these’ (Matthew 19:14 New International Version).

Children are a gift and responsibility with intrinsic worth and represent a primary mission field. With more than 350 Scripture references, children represent the true nature and shape of the Kingdom.

TSA UK