3. Spiritual capacity
The destiny and spiritual capacity of children and teenagers.3.1 Spiritual capacity of children, preteens and teenagers
Ps 8:2, Matt. 19:13-14, Matt. 18:10, Matt 18:5, 1 Sam. 17:33, Jer. 1:6, 1 Tim. 4:12 Matt.21:15-16, 1 John 2:13, Ecc.12:1, Acts 2:38-39, 1 Sam.3: 7-10, Matt.11: 25-27, Luke 1:15 en 44
God’s view of children’s ability to know and serve Him is very different from man’s view. He rebuked the disciples for keeping the children from coming to Him. We need to be sure that our assessment of their capacities is Biblically based. We must honor and relate to them in a way that brings them to Jesus and encourages them to reach for their full spiritual potential. The absence of this Biblical perspective in the minds and hearts of church and community leaders, parents, teachers and youth and children’s workers is one of the biggest hindrances to today’s children and young people entering into their true potential in Christ. It is our responsibility to model and teach this value.
3.2 Stages of development / targeted teaching
Luke 2:40
God has made us in a marvelous way so that our growth takes us through various stages of mental, emotional, spiritual and physical development. There are factors that are observable about each of these developmental stages. Certain truths can be more readily understood and applied at particular times. It is our responsibility to study in order to be better acquainted with these factors so that our training content and methodology are effectively suited to the stage of development that each person
finds himself in.
3.3 The critical pre-teen strategy
Luke 2:41-52
We recognize that God has created us with the capacity to enter into increased levels of responsibility, particularly as we become teenagers. How we are prepared for this important transitional period is critical. The thought patterns of teens are often established between the ages of 10 and 12. A lack of understanding concerning this has resulted in many teens withdrawing from God - too many of them never to return. It is necessary to prepare the pre-teen effectively, if we expect the teen years to be healthy and fruitful. This preparation time is best handled by a combination of parents, local church and community leaders and, where appropriate, KKI personnel. A return to a Biblical perspective of training must be a matter of high priority.
3.4 The importance of youth ownership
Esther 4:15-16, 1 Sam.17:37 2 Tim. 1:5, Luke 1:38,
Daniel 6:10
It is essential that young people not only obey our directives, but that their contributions are welcomed and their opinions heard. In involving them in hearing the voice of God with us, and also in decision making, they are drawn into a vital partnership. As they offer to take on responsibility out of their own free will, they will begin an exciting process of saying, “This is my ministry too!” This kind of involvement is more important than getting them to do something that was our idea. They need to be trusted and given the opportunity to try, even if they sometimes fail and do not measure up to expectations. Heart ownership is a key to motivation and is a goal worth reaching for, even when it takes a long time.
3.5 Teenagers: young adults in leadership training
1 Tim. 1:18, 1 Sam. 17
It is important to respect and entrust teenagers with appropriate levels of responsibility. These levels vary in degree and category according to personality, natural gifting, training, call of God and speed of maturation. They need to understand that they are a vital link between the generations and that the extent to which they will grow is directly influenced by their willingness both to receive from adults and to serve others, including those who are younger. Humility, servanthood, and courage to be radically obedient to God and His word are key watchwords for their development. Helping parents, community, school and church leaders to welcome teenagers into their adult "world" is a part of our commitment to seeing them take hold of their full potential in Christ.
3.6 Chosen generation concept
Hebr. 11:23, Matt 2:13, Matt 24:14, Acts 2:17
As KKI leaders, we have observed both a severe attack by the enemy on the emerging generation and at the same time, the present emphasis in the body of Christ on completing the Great Commission in our lifetime. The children born since the early ‘70s are a part of a generation which God is raising up to play a very special role in completing the Great Commission of Jesus Christ. This attack is aimed at preventing them from doing so. In order to rise effectively to this challenge, they need to be prepared in an appropriate manner from a young age. We have the special privilege of serving God’s purposes for their lives and must not be surprised or overwhelmed by the battles associated with this call. These are no ordinary children. The Lord has chosen them. Just as He delivered and enabled Moses and other young leaders in their day to fulfill their destiny against difficult odds, He will do so today. Where sin abounds, grace will abound much more. He will help this emerging generation to fulfill their destiny as we depend on His grace and continue to trust and obey Him day by night.
