“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” – 3 John 1:4
This verse has stayed close to my heart ever since I became a parent. I pray daily that my children will walk in the truth, and Scripture makes it clear that we, as the adults in their lives, share a responsibility: to help them know Jesus as their personal Savior. We are called to raise up the next generation of disciples.
But here is a question that challenged me deeply:
Are we preparing today’s kids to lead the church and influence the culture in the year 2050?
At District Assembly this year, I heard a speaker with a deep passion for children’s discipleship. He asked us to imagine a child we know and consider how old that child will be in 2050. Then he asked: Will they look back with gratitude that the church gave them everything they needed to lead, to stand firm, and to influence a world we can’t yet imagine?
Will they be prepared because the church of today anticipated the challenges they would face as Christian adults?
One of the first things he said was that we need to shift our mindset: it’s not just children’s ministry—it’s Children’s Discipleship Ministry. We want our kids to remember church in 2050 as the place where they felt loved and welcomed, yes—but also as the place where they became disciples. A place where faith was planted, nurtured, and lived out in community.
His words made me reflect on my own childhood in the church. Looking back, I can see that discipleship was done well. I can recall so many adults who loved me, invested in me, and lived out their faith with honesty and joy. I can still picture myself at 10 or 11, sitting in the very classroom I now teach in every Wednesday night—back then it was Pastor Kent’s office—being led by a small group leader who showed us unconditional love and let us be pre-teen girls.
I don’t remember every lesson or every discussion, but I remember her. I remember how she made me feel, and how much I wanted to share that same love for Jesus with others. Just a few weeks ago, I spent time with her—35 years later—and she still radiates that same love. She helped shape who I am today.
And it makes me wonder:
Can you be that person for a child in our church?
It doesn’t always look like teaching a class. Sometimes it’s as simple as stopping in the hallway to say “good morning.” Being the familiar face that smiles and welcomes them. Singing songs with them that they may not understand yet—but someday will recognize as the soundtrack of their spiritual foundation.
We get to be part of a community that protects our youngest disciples and leads them into their earliest understanding of God’s love. What a privilege—and what a responsibility.
Matthew 19:14
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
Mark 9:36–37 (NIV)
He took a little child whom he placed among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me…..”
Pastor Jordan