Global Children’s Day

History of the GC Children Ministries​

Work in the 1800s Children’s Ministries became an official department of the General Conference in 1995, but the Seventh-day Adventist Church valued children's ministry since the 1800s. In 1863, Adelia Patten began creating lessons for children, and from 1864–1888, these were published in the Youth’s Instructor. In 1869, G. H. Bell contributed his own series of lessons.

In 1890, Our Little Friend began featuring Sabbath School lessons for young children, which continued for 67 years. In 1957, lessons for Cradle Roll children were included, and Primary Treasure was launched. Australian quarterlies for primary and junior ages appeared between 1911-1913, spreading to the English-speaking world. From 1933-1936, Bible Stories for the Cradle Roll was published. New materials were regularly created by both the General Conference and local Sabbath School teachers. In the 1960s, Curtis Barger, Tom Ashlock, and Ben Leibelt contributed to child ministry, with Ashlock pioneering a Vacation Bible School program. Passionate women like Maureen Luxton, Helen Craig, Louise Myers, and Alice Lowe also developed resources.

Children's Work Under Church Ministries​

In 1985, the Church Ministries Department was formed, encompassing various areas including children's ministry. By 1987, a new ministry for children was recognised within this department. Helen Craig and later Virginia Smith were key figures in driving children’s ministries from 1985 to 1995. The department collaborated with publishing houses to produce educational materials for various age groups.

The 1995 General Conference session in Utrecht was pivotal, with A. H. Tolhurst's motion leading to the establishment of the Children's Ministries Department. In 2000, the church introduced the GraceLink curriculum, focusing on Grace, Worship, Community, and Service. Today, Children's Ministries operates worldwide, with directors in each division focusing on children’s spiritual growth and education.

Mission​

The Children's Ministries Department aims to nurture children into a relationship with Jesus. This is achieved through:

1. Grace-oriented ministries: Children experience Jesus' unconditional love and develop faith.
2. Inclusive ministries: Valuing all volunteers and children, regardless of background.
3. Leadership ministries: Empowering and training volunteers for children's ministry.
4. Service-oriented ministries: Providing children opportunities for community service.
5. Cooperative ministries: Partnering with other ministries to support parental faith development in children.
6. Safe ministries: Protecting children from abuse and choosing volunteers with strong spiritual and moral values.
7. Evangelistic ministries: Introducing non-churched children to Jesus through outreach programs.