A total of 258 Children’s Ministries leaders, teachers and volunteers were certified after completing an Alive in Jesus (AIJ) and Children’s Ministries Level 1 Training held at Bautama, Papua New Guinea, from August 30 to September 6.
The week-long training aimed to equip participants with knowledge, practical skills and resources to effectively minister to children and help them develop meaningful relationships with Jesus. According to organisers, the initiative reminded participants that “children are not simply the future of the Church, but disciples of Jesus today”.
Key areas covered included the Alive in Jesus curriculum, active learning, children’s faith development, positive discipline, child protection, safety and emergency procedures, child development, understanding how children learn and raising children to love God. The training combined biblical principles with practical approaches that participants can apply in their local churches.
“Working with children is a sacred responsibility,” said Central Papua Conference Children’s Ministries director Minister Therese Titi Maiah. “We are not simply teaching Bible stories or keeping children occupied during church programs; we are helping shape their understanding of God and their relationship with Him.”
Minister Maiah described the certification of 258 participants as a significant milestone for Children’s Ministries in the Conference, saying the newly trained leaders represent an opportunity to reach and influence thousands of children through their local churches and communities.
Many participants travelled from different areas and made sacrifices to attend the training. “Their enthusiasm, willingness to learn and commitment to children’s ministry stood out throughout the program,” Minister Maiah said.
“Seeing 258 people come together with one purpose, to be better equipped to serve children, was truly encouraging,” she added. “It reminded me that there is a strong desire within our churches to invest in the spiritual lives of our children.”
She encouraged the newly certified participants to see their certification “not as the end, but as the beginning of a greater responsibility”.
“Never underestimate the influence you can have on one child,” she said. “A lesson you teach, a prayer you pray, a word of encouragement you speak or the safe and loving environment you create may become a moment that changes a child’s life forever.”
The training concluded with the presentation of certificates to the participants.
