The General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi, has advised Children’s Ministry workers to mentor the children under their care in order to effectively shape the spiritual foundation of the next generation.
Speaking on the topic: “Mentoring the Next Generation: The Role of Children Workers” at the just-ended Foundation Builders Conference (FBC’2023), Apostle Kumi-Larbi urged the Children’s Ministry workers not to give up, bearing in mind that they significantly contribute to the lives of the young ones they teach.
“There’s nothing good that can be achieved without a good foundation. Yet, foundation builders are less celebrated, but those who stand on it enjoy the glory. You might not know what you are doing for the young ones you teach, but do not give up,” he encouraged.
Drawing from Ephesians 4:11-13, Apostle Kumi-Larbi highlighted the essential work of child workers in impacting children’s lives, saying that The Church of Pentecost would never lack leaders due to the dedicated efforts of the children’s workers who serve as the foundation builders.
“By building a solid spiritual foundation for the children of the Church, you play a vital role in ensuring continuous growth and leadership development within the Church,” he said.
The General Secretary noted that mentors, as wise and trusted counsellors or teachers, offer invaluable guidance and support to less experienced individuals over an extended period.
He further noted that mentors are crucial in equipping and shaping the next generation, providing them with the necessary skills and navigating the challenges of the professional world.
Apostle Kumi-Larbi cited biblical examples of mentorship, such as the relationship between Eli and Samuel, Elijah and Elisha, and Jesus and His disciples, as inspiration for effective mentoring.
He highlighted the importance of relational mentorship, stating that Jesus was always present and interacted with His disciples daily, and, therefore, urged the foundation builders to conduct themselves in a manner that resonates with their mentees.
“Before you can impact somebody, the person needs to follow you,” Apostle Kumi-Larbi remarked, referencing Matthew 16:24.
The General Secretary said mentors should lead by example, demonstrating a genuine interest in their mentees’ growth and learning.
He explained that mentoring involves helping mentees identify, develop, and utilise their God-given talents.
He also stressed the importance of nurturing and supporting the young ones, setting an exemplary standard for them to follow, and ultimately enabling them to become mentors themselves.
Apostle Kumi-Larbi’s presentation also touched on the “Barnabas Model,” citing the relationship between Barnabas and Paul as a powerful example of mentorship.
He also highlighted how Barnabas sponsored and supported Paul’s acceptance into the apostolic community, ultimately transforming him from a persecuted member to a devoted minister of Christ.
He encouraged foundation builders to stand by young men and defend them, actively shaping and releasing them into the church’s service.
“Mentoring the next generation requires us to come to their level, groom them, defend them and unleash them,” he said.
He also advised the children’s workers to foster an environment of mutual sharing, trust, and enrichment, where mentors and mentees learn from each other.
The General Secretary concluded his presentation by discussing the faces of mentoring, which include parenthood, pace-setting, and partnering.
Apostle Kumi-Larbi said that mentors not only give back but also enhance their own leadership skills and gain new perspectives. He, therefore, encouraged Children’s Ministry workers to live a life of significance by sharing their time and expertise with their mentees, enabling them to make a lasting impact on the lives of others.
PENTECOST NEWS.