CESNA has received a five-year grant from the Lilly Endowment Inc. as part of the “Welcome Children Program (WCP),” which seeks to help North American churches integrate children into the corporate worship and prayer practices of the church and to embody the biblical vision of the church as a covenantal household.

In recent decades, many who have grown up in the church have left the church and even their faith. Research shows that the disconnect between faith and life experiences is a significant factor that prevents faith from taking root in the hearts of children. The Lilly Endowment Inc. launched this initiative in recognition that corporate worship and prayer practices are core to the spiritual life of a Christian. Today, most churches use age-segregated ministry models, which separate children from the spiritual life of the rest of the church. WCP hopes to encourage churches to embody the biblical vision of the church as a family and intentionally integrate children into the corporate worship and prayer practices of the church. This is key to helping children weave their faith into their life.  This involves helping church leaders and adults cultivate an attentive and accepting heart towards children, viewing them as vital members of God's family, so they do not feel excluded from the family of God. WCP is not introducing a new ministry but seeks to give churches a biblical vision for children.

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• Equip pastors and ministry leaders with frameworks and practical tools to implement intergenerational ministry in their churches. 

• Connect intergenerational pastors and ministry leaders with each other.