In today’s fast-paced world, the importance of instilling Christian values in children cannot be
overemphasized. As guided by Deuteronomy 6:7, parents and guardians have a
responsibility to diligently teach biblical values in everyday life—when sitting at home,
walking along the way, lying down, and rising up.
Proverbs 22:6 further emphasizes the need to guide children in their moral and spiritual
development, ensuring they grow into responsible and wise adults. Instilling Christian values
helps shape a child’s moral compass, strengthens their faith, and equips them to face life’s
challenges with love, integrity, and compassion.
Values such as kindness, honesty, respect, and empathy enable children to grow into
individuals who positively impact their families, communities, and the world.
In Child Guidance (CG 139:1), Ellen G. White emphasizes that children should be educated
in childlike simplicity. She explains that children should learn to appreciate small
responsibilities and enjoy experiences appropriate to their age. They should not be forced
into early maturity but allowed to retain the freshness and grace of childhood.
Furthermore, parents are encouraged to lead by example—promoting simplicity and guiding
children away from artificial lifestyles toward more natural living (CG 139:2).
Parents are the first teachers of faith in the home, and children learn best by observing how
their caregivers live daily. Consistency between words and actions is essential, as children
imitate what they see more than what they hear. Creating a home environment where faith is
actively practiced—through prayer, worship, and acts of service—reinforces these values.
Home worship plays a vital role in fostering deeper relationships, spiritual growth, and a
strong sense of family unity. As reflected in Romans 16:5, early believers even gathered for
worship in their homes, highlighting the importance of home-based spiritual life.
At the same time, children in church settings often face challenges such as lack of
engagement, disconnected ministries, and limited parental involvement. Addressing these
challenges requires intentional strategies, including integrating ministries, training
volunteers, and empowering parents to disciple their children effectively.
During an interactive meeting held on January 4, 2026, involving nine parents and sixteen
Adventurers at Libala Seventh-day Adventist Church in Lusaka, several challenges and
solutions were identified.
Children shared concerns such as being shouted at by leaders, being stopped by elders
from entering the church, lack of seating space, and instances of bullying. Some also
mentioned difficulties with spelling or pronunciation, being asked to take care of younger
siblings during worship, and struggling to concentrate due to noise from fellow children.
To improve the family worship experience, it was recommended that parents simplify worship
for children and ensure it is consistent rather than occasional. Parents should lead by
example and actively involve all family members. Family worship should include Bible
reading and prayer, and ideally take place both in the morning and evening.
To make church programs more engaging and enjoyable, it was suggested that children be
allowed to participate in interactive and activity-based learning. This includes watching
videos, playing games such as musical chairs, hide-and-seek, tag, and board games, and
using diverse teaching methods.
Additional activities that can enrich children’s spiritual experience include:
*Reading from the Bible
*Using Bible verses with pictures and videos
*Organising trips involving parents, children, and teachers
*Applying varied and creative teaching approaches
Children are a gift from the Lord (Psalm 127:3). Therefore, every effort should be made to
nurture, guide, and enhance the lives of these precious gifts.
Article Written by: Sandra Mulendema (Libala Church Adventurer’s Club Director)
Article Edited by: Brian Hatyoka (Libala Church Communication Secretary