The Children’s Ministries Department of the West Jamaica Conference recently hosted its annual Child Preachers’ Training Institute, designed for children ages 9 to 15. This year’s theme, "Children Preparing for Eternity," aptly reflected the purpose of the event: to nurture young people and equip them to share God’s word with passion and clarity.
The training ran from August 21-24, 2024, with daily sessions dedicated to honing the skills of the participants. Students were coached by experienced pastors on various topics, including Sermon Preparation, Public Speaking, and ministry. These sessions were designed not only to build their confidence but also to help them develop a deeper understanding of how to present the gospel in ways that connect with their audience.
Khalea Austin of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Santa Cruz, proudly accepts her certificate of completion. :: Photo credit: Cordel Brown
The program culminated in a graduation ceremony for the Level 2 students at the Seventh-day Adventist Church, King's, where 53 students graduated, receiving their certificates of achievement and moving forward with the tools they need to become more effective child preachers. The support from family, friends, and the church community was overwhelming.
A parent of a Level 2 student commented on the program, highlighting its positive impact on her child's spiritual growth.
“I feel that the training is an excellent programme for my son to learn more about God, and it helps him to share the gospel with others. I would definitely recommend the programme for other children,” she ended.
The graduating class of 2024 faces the congregation after being congratulated on completing the Child Preachers' Training Course. :: Photo credit: Cordel Brown
Mrs. Carol Smythe-James, the Children's Ministries Director of West Jamaica Conference, emphasized the significance of the Child Preachers' Training Institute. She shared how the program aims to equip children with the skills and confidence to share the gospel.
"The Child Preachers’ Training is a wonderful training for our boys and girls. We are deliberate in training our children so that they can be involved in sharing the word of God with everyone they come in contact with," she explained. "Oftentimes, children are held behind, but we want to see them actively involved in the mission of the church.”
The director extended a call for broader participation in the program, urging more churches to take part in this important initiative.
"I would encourage those who have yet to come onboard to join us because this is something that all our children in our churches need in order to be equipped for the Mission," she continued.
She then reflected on the success of the 2024 event, saying, "The turnout was very good. We had close to 200 persons present, and we are looking for the level 1 students to come back next year and complete what they have started."
Level 2 students, alongside Mrs. Carol Smythe-James, Children’s Ministries Director of WJC, proudly display their certificates, celebrating their achievements at the Child Preachers’ Training Institute Graduation ceremony, held on August 24, 2024, at the Seventh-day Adventist Church, King’s. :: Photo credit: Cordel Brown
Having completed their foundational training, 127 Level 1 students are set to advance to Level 2, with their graduation scheduled for 2025.The programme was made even more special as one of the Level 2 child preachers was baptized, publicly committing his life to Christ. The powerful moment underscored the true purpose of the program—not just to teach preaching skills, but to nurture a genuine relationship with God in each participant. By empowering children to take the pulpit, the program equips them with lifelong skills, deepening their faith and ensuring that they, too, are preparing for eternity.