What if we treated this annual shift as a spiritual prompt, an invitation to “spring forward” in our outreach to children and on our calling to what ministry the Lord would have us be a part? Did you know that CEF has some 3600 missionaries around the world and there is a place for you.
In a world of crowded schedules, competing messages, and digital distractions, our mission to reach young hearts needs a fresh push: more daylight, more intentional time, more warmth more opportunities for ministry. Children are often described as the future of the church, but they are also a present and urgent mission field.
Going back to our founder Mr. Overholtzer we know that a great way reach children and to build your church is to build your children’s ministry. They are forming beliefs, building habits, and learning who to trust. And as you know if we wait until they’re older, the chance to plant simple, lifelong truths can slip away. This week let’s encourage our Sunday school teachers and those running our Good News clubs with CEF that they are making a difference.
The moment of daylight saving helps us remember that timing matters. Just as we reorient our clocks, we can reorient our hearts and ministries to align with the needs of children today.
Practical steps:
Start with presence. Children notice consistency: a leader who shows up week after week, a volunteer who listens, a small group that remembers their name. Presence is more valuable than perfect programs. It says, “You matter.”
Take time to simplify schedules so your teachers can commit, train more short-term volunteers to prevent burnout, and create welcoming spaces where children feel safe to ask questions. Speak simply and honestly. The gospel is rich, but children need clarity. Use language that fits their world: stories, images, and concrete examples. Jesus taught with parables and everyday objects—fish, seeds, lamps—because simple metaphors carry deep truth. Here at CEF we have tools and training that can help- just give us a call.
Encourage leaders to build relationships through play. Kids learn through interaction. Structured play, hands-on activities, and creative worship draw them into the story more effectively than lectures. Consider our CEF clubs that pair Bible truth with crafts, drama, games, or even service projects. A backyard Bible club, a short summer camp, or an outreach afternoon at a local park can become a doorway to faith. When children have fun and feel cared for, they’re more open to listening. Our CEF training helps equip everyday adults to serve. Parents, grandparents, teachers, coaches—ordinary adults shape children’s faith more than any program. We offer short, practical training: workshops, downloadable guides, or quick video tips that show you you how to help teach the children. After any of our trainings our volunteers feel more confident to speak about Jesus naturally at a CEF club, Sunday School and for parents over meals, on car rides, and at bedtime.
Let’s pray with expectancy as prayer prepares the soil.
Remember Paul’s encouragement: “Pray without ceasing.” When we commit to prayer, our efforts become part of God’s work, not just ours. Celebrate small steps. Not every story will end in an immediate decision, but small signs of spiritual growth matter: a question about heaven, a child asking to pray, or a moment of kindness modeled after Christ.
Share small victories as these will encourage other volunteers and parents reminding your community that children are being reached.
As we head into Spring remember to place the children’s ministry in God’s promise. Scripture calls us to be faithful in sowing seeds, trusting God for the harvest. Psalm 127:3 reminds us, “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.” This truth reframes our efforts: children are not projects, but gifts entrusted to our care.
We labor with humility and joy, knowing God values the smallest hearts. Daylight savings gives us longer evenings and a renewed energy for life outdoors.
Let this time to also be a reminder to lengthen our reach toward the youngest among us—more intentional time, more warmth, more presence. When we “spring forward” in our commitment to children’s ministry, we aren’t just shifting clocks; we’re shifting hearts toward the light of Christ.
Be Blessed as You Spring Forward
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