Next Generation
Even though Zambia claims to be a Christian nation, its churches are largely failing to reach the upcoming generation of Zambians for Christ. There is little evangelism and discipleship of children. When outreach does exist, it is often not geared towards children in content or delivery. In addition, church members tend to be
ill-equipped to effectively teach and mentor
children.
What does AZ believes the Zambian church needs?
It needs vision and equipping to raise up the next generation for Christ. Otherwise, Zambia may not be a Christian nation for much longer, and the door may be closed to the gospel.
What are the doors of opportunities that are before AZ?
Many churches have asked AZ’s NextGen ministry team to help them develop good programs to evangelize and disciple their children. An open door exists for imparting vision and training, introducing good curriculum, and coaching teachers and leaders.
What does Christian education presently look like in Zambia?
During church services children are oftentimes sent outside to play. If Sunday school is an option, there can be 30-50 children in one classroom. If teachers are faithful to show up, there may be 1-2 teachers and no lesson plan. Other programs are often run by young adults who are ill-equipped themselves and have no oversight or direction from church leadership.
Why doesn’t AZ just go in and do the programs for the church?
ACTION Zambia believes that the national church is the most effective, enduring, natural, and biblical way to evangelize and disciple children. Because of this we work to impart vision and equip the church to effectively carry out its mandate expressed in Ps.78:6~to raise up the next generation for Christ.
What is NextGen currently doing?
Presently we partner with churches in various venues~community schools, Sunday school, and Bible clubs. Sunday schools and Bible clubs reach children whose parents attend the church as well as children in the surrounding neighborhoods. Christian education in the community schools gives opportunities for daily and yearly influence in the lives of children.
In the future, what would NextGen like to develop?
Churches have frequently requested youth camps. Using our Ciyanjano ministry center we foresee holding weekend camps for children. This presents an avenue to reach the children in a community for Christ and to disciple them.
What would you say is NextGen’s most vital aspect of ministry?
Through mentoring, coaching, and skills training, AZ helps teachers and leaders to effectively touch the lives of children. Because relationships are important to Zambians and key in discipleship, we believe coaching godly teachers and leaders is the most effective means.
What does NextGen provide in the area of curriculum development?
Because there is very little curriculum appropriate for African children, AZ produces biblical curriculum for Sunday schools, Bible clubs and community schools. Resource light and easy for teachers to implement, the curriculum is also culturally-connected. In addition, AZ provides training materials to develop leaders and teachers. We train Bible club leaders and Sunday school teachers in using and adapting curriculum, teaching in kid-friendly ways, giving their testimony, running a class or club effectively, extending outreach to
families, and leading a child to Christ.
