Jesus loved little children, and valued them highly. He empathized with the plight of sick children and their parents, and often went out of His way to heal a sick child (Matt. 5:35-43; Mark 7:25-30; Luke 9:38-42). He enjoyed interacting with the children in the temple (Matt. 21:15). When His disciples minimized the value of children by sending away the mothers who were seeking blessings for their children, Jesus reasserted their importance (Matt. 19:14).
Jesus clearly instructed His followers to reach out and minister to children: “He took a little child and had him stand among them. Taking him in his arms, He said to them, ‘Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me’” (Mark 9:36, 37). The Adventurer Club is one way in which the church can welcome and care for His children.
God designed the family to be the primary place where children would learn to love and obey God. Religious instruction and devotion in the Old Testament centered around the home (Deut. 6:4-9; Ex. 12:21-27). In recent years, families have become increasingly fragmented and the church has taken over more of the spiritual education of children. In the end times, God will “turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers” (Mal. 4:6). The Adventurer Club director will seek to involve parents in the ministry of the Adventurer Club.
Jesus trained His disciples by bringing them apart from the world and into a strong fellowship with Himself and each other. The club atmosphere can create a community of love and help protect children from the negative influences of worldly society.
Jesus chose a child to demonstrate the humility, trust, and lack of self-consciousness found in a member of His kingdom. (Matt. 18:2). He stated that, “From the lips of children and infants (God has) ordained praise” (Matt. 21:16). Our children have a tremendous capacity to witness for the Lord!
