It is an exciting and significant moment as 13-year-olds across the entire church will soon be stepping into a new chapter of their life journey. The Church of Pentecost has a cherished tradition that ensures that its members are discipled through the established ministries and other governing systems put in place. Altogether, these ministries are tailored to meet needs peculiar to the members while at the same time staying true to the great commission of Christ.
These ministries begin with the Children’s Ministry, which primarily handles children between 0-12 years old. When the children turn 13 years old, they are baptized in water. These teenagers then become full members of the Church, transitioning from the Children’s Ministry to the Youth Ministry. The Youth Ministry dichotomizes into Ministry to Teens aged 13 -19 years and young adults (20 – 35 years) as part of efforts to achieve holistic discipleship. The Women’s Ministry and Men’s Ministry (Pentecost Men’s Ministry – PEMEM) are two other outlets where these young people eventually transition. However, provisions are made where these young people are encouraged to patronage these latter ministries, as eventually, that is where every member of the Church will transition.
Transitioning from children’s ministry to youth ministry can be both exciting and daunting for 13-year-olds. They are moving from a space that has been tailored to their needs as children to an environment that caters to teenagers who are dealing with more complex social, emotional, and spiritual issues. Youth ministry leaders understand that this transition is not just about moving from one programme to another but involves a significant shift in how these young people will engage with their faith and community.
Structured System to Receive 13-year-olds from Children’s Ministry into Youth Ministry
The Youth Directorate, in collaboration with the Children’s Ministry, issued a joint communique dated 17th August 2023, calling attention to how teenagers are received in this transition. Among other things, the document stated that:
- In order to ensure a smooth transition into the Youth Ministry and the adult church, Ministry to Teens teachers (called teen’s teachers) shall join the 10-12 years class of the Children’s Ministry from March to September (6 months) every year to serve as bridge for 12-year-olds who would soon cross over to the Youth Ministry.
- During the Children’s Week in September every year, the Children’s Ministry shall organize a public service for graduating children who turn 13 years. This may be the Saturday of the Children’s Week or the Sunday. Such children shall be handed over physically (and with their detailed information) to the presiding elder/district minister who shall then hand them over to the leadership of the Youth Ministry at the event. This occasion may be done at the local assembly or district level and not the Area level. Certificates shall be given to all graduating children.
- After the handover service one or two of the teachers in the 10-12 Children’s Ministry class (based on size and available number of teachers) shall join Ministry to Teens classes from September to the next March (6 months) for the purposes of follow up. Such teachers shall be assigned by the leadership of the Children’s Ministry at the local assembly level to support the efforts of the substantive teen’s teachers for the first six (6) months (September to March) after their graduation from the Children’s Ministry.
This structure is directed at addressing the difficulty that young people face as they adjust to their new context. The handover is not just a formality; it ensures that the spiritual growth of these young people remains seamless. Again, it calls for collaborative efforts, and key stakeholders such as Ministers, Presiding Elders, Local Presbyteries, parents, Ministry to teens teachers, and Children’s Ministry teachers play a vital role in making this process smooth and effective.
Receiving 13-year-olds from the Children’s Ministry into Youth Ministry is Part of the Possessing the Nations Agenda
The Church of Pentecost Vision 2028 has the overarching theme, “Unleashing the Whole Church for the Transformation of their World with the Values and Principles of the Kingdom of God.” Strategically receiving 13-year-olds into the Youth Ministry aligns with the church’s Possessing the Nations Agenda, which aims to equip and unleash every member of the church to impact society with the values and principles of the Kingdom of God.
By focusing on this critical transition, as a church, we are aligning the development of these young members with the vision of unleashing the whole church for the transformation of the world. This strategic attention ensures that even the youngest members are prepared and empowered to carry the values and principles of the Kingdom of God into every sphere of life.
Special Note to the Freshest Members of the Youth Ministry
The Youth Ministry has long been awaiting your presence. Your graduation to the Youth Ministry means that God has elevated you from one stage of life to another. The Youth Ministry thanks God for your life and celebrates this milestone with you. You are highly encouraged that though systems are in place to receive you as our dearest young teenager, there may be challenges as you transition through your new experience of the adolescent stage. However, the Youth Ministry has avenues as part of our Vision 2027 (carved out of The Church of Pentecost Vision 2028) to ensure that you are grounded in Christ, equipped to reach out to others through evangelism, and empowered to take over your sphere for the Lord, all in the bid to achieve your holistic development. The Youth Ministry has interesting avenues to make your stay a cherished one. Welcome onboard!
By: Pastor Gordon Ansah (National Secretary, The Church of Pentecost Youth Ministry)
