Assemblies of God, Ghana has the call and vision for reaching out to the lost, including children, with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This has boosted the need to raise all categories of people and prepare them for ministry, hence the creation of departments for the Youth, Women, Men, etc. which is working well for the growth of the organization.
The children’s department was established in August 2002 by the General Council of Assemblies of God, Ghana. The Children’s department supervises all activities of the Children’s Ministries in the church. The Children’s Ministries is run by a National Children’s Ministries Committee which is made up of the National Director and Regional Directors. On the 11th of November 2002, the late Rev. W. W. Dontoh confirmed the appointment of Rev. E. E. K. Agbi as the first National Children’s Ministry Director.
After 12 years of hard work exhibited by Rev. Emmanuel E. Agbi (2002–2014), Rev. Dr. Mark Akwasi Okyere-Kessie succeeded him as the second National Director from 2014-2022. The current national director is Rev. Mrs. Wilson-Marfo who took over from Rev. Dr. Mark Akwasi Okyere-Kessie and is been supported by all twenty -four (24) able-working Regional Directors. The Children’s Ministries is operating in all 24 Regions of the Church and in 235 Districts. The Children’s Ministries is also visible in 3,620 churches nationwide. The Ministry can boast of 87,294 Boys, 102,892 Girls, and a total membership of 190,980 with 12,612 Mentors/Workers.
The ministry’s operation extended to 910 new churches, the total membership of Boys and Girls increased by 8,980 and 3,408 new Mentor/Workers joined between June 2019 to June 2021. The ratio of membership was one (1) Mentor to nineteen (19) children in 2019. Now, the ratio of membership is one (1) Mentor to fifteen (15) children in 2021.
The vision of the Children’s Ministries is
To obey Christ’s mandate to reach and disciple all children so they will faithfully obey all His commands
The mission of the Children’s Ministries includes the following:
– To build up a working National Children’s Ministries Committee to draw policies and activities and implement them for the success of Children’s Ministries in Ghana and beyond. To bring all Children Directors/Reps/Workers together in order to equip them for effective, colourful, and successful ministry to children.
– To protect and promote the Children’s Ministry through the media (TV, Radio, etc.), apparel, and special activities such as Sweet Jesus Family Fun Festival and Vacation Bible School (V. B. S.), etc.
– To reach out and develop children of our churches to become agents of change among their peers.
– To stir up a strong and passionate desire among young people to become prospective workers of children’s ministry.
– To raise and prepare children who will take up leadership roles and responsibilities in the church and the nation as they grow up. To prepare a force of missionaries (Children & Teens) and set up “AG NEW ‘G’” funds (Assemblies of God New Generation Fund) for children & teens in missions.
– To introduce the Pastors’ Children Association nationwide and build their system to work.
– To bring together talents and professionals to form a team (Such as Research, Media, etc).
– To partner with other children’s organizations in this nation and beyond such as CEF, KATW, etc. to fulfill the Great Commission.
SLOGAN
Jesus! Friend of Children
Protect a Child! Preserve a Family
Children! We are the Future Leaders
Some of the Activities and programmes being carried out by the Children’s Ministries include the following:
- Sweet Jesus Family Fun Festival/ Super J Sweet Fun Games
- National Bible Quiz and Recitation Challenge
- National Pastors’ Children Summit/ Retreat (once every 2 years)
- Sweet Jesus Family Camp (5 IN 1 CAMP)
- Training seminars for Teachers, rallies, retreats, crusades, etc.
- National Training School for Local Churches, Districts, and Regions.
– Vacation Bible School: This is done for all teen and child participants and upon completion of quizzes on the lessons, students are awarded a Certificate.
– Missionary School (Levels 1 & 2): This is being organized For Children/Teens who are ten years and above, and who desire to be missionaries. They are also awarded a Certificate of completion of the course.
– Work & Skill Camp: This is for Teens and Mentors/Workers who desire to be missionaries in building Teens/Children’s Churches (in a selected village) and are also awarded a certificate.
– Training School Programs: This is organized for all Mentors/Workers who would like to be trained in Children’s Ministry (Grade 2 A, B, C, or D).
– School of Revolutionary Parenting: This is for Parents who wish to receive training on how to train and disciple their children and teens, and are awarded a Certificate.
