Bringing the Gospel to children worldwide through clubs and a range of innovative programs.
Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) is a significant interdenominational Christian organization dedicated to evangelizing children with the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, discipling them in the Word of God, and integrating them into the local church for Christian living. Established by Jesse Irvin Overholtzer in 1937, CEF has grown into a global ministry, reaching millions of children in every state of the USA and 176 countries around the world.
History and Growth
Jesse Irvin Overholtzer’s founding of CEF was inspired by his conviction that children, even as young as five, could understand and accept the Gospel. This led to the official launch of CEF in 1937, aiming to give every child a chance to hear and accept Christ. The organization’s initial focus was on Bible classes for children, which evolved into the Good News Clubs. Over the years, CEF expanded its programs significantly, including summer clubs, overseas missions, media programs, and the Children’s Ministries Institute for training workers.
Core Programs and Ministries
The Good News Club and the 5-Day Club are CEF’s primary ministries, designed to present the Gospel to children in an engaging, understandable, and age-appropriate manner. These programs are conducted in various settings, including schools, homes, churches, and community centers worldwide. CEF’s commitment to training is evident in its provision of classes and resources to equip Christians and CEF workers for effective child evangelism. The Children’s Ministries Institute, located at CEF International Headquarters in Warrenton, Missouri, plays a crucial role in this training, offering both on-site and online courses.
Impact and Reach
CEF’s reach is extensive, with over 19.5 million children worldwide hearing the Gospel through its ministries in a recent year. The organization operates with the help of thousands of volunteers and full-time workers, both in the US and internationally. Its literature and teaching materials, produced by CEF Press and available in over 200 languages, support the ministry’s goal of evangelizing and discipling children across the globe.
Legal and Social Impact
A landmark victory for CEF came in 2001 when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Good News Club v. Milford Central School that religious clubs could not be excluded from meeting in public schools after hours. This decision underscored the organization’s right to free speech and equal access to public spaces for religious activities, affirming the ability of CEF’s Good News Clubs to meet in public schools across the United States.
Controversies and Challenges
Despite its successes, CEF has faced criticism, particularly concerning the Good News Club’s methods and materials. Critics argue that the program’s approach to evangelizing children, including its treatment of certain biblical narratives, is problematic. However, CEF maintains that its teachings are consistent with traditional Christian interpretations of the Bible and aimed at proper moral and spiritual instruction.
image via CEF Online