What is Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF)?

Overview

Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) is a global, Bible-centered ministry dedicated to reaching children with the message of the gospel and helping them develop a deeper understanding of Scripture. Since its establishment in 1937, it has expanded into nearly every region of the world. Its core mission focuses on evangelizing children, discipling them in foundational Christian truths, and integrating them into local church communities.

Historical Background

Child Evangelism Fellowship traces its origins to the vision of J. Irvin Overholtzer in 1937. Overholtzer, burdened by the spiritual well-being of children, stressed the importance of Biblically based instruction that reached young people early in their lives. By the 1940s, the organization was working with local churches, holding summer Bible clubs, and sharing teaching resources.

From the early days, CEF published literature specifically tailored for children, employing creative, age-appropriate lessons and using illustration-heavy materials. As the work grew, so did its international presence, reaching multiple countries through missionaries, volunteers, and trained teachers. Over the decades, CEF has continued to refine its methods, emphasizing personal conversion experiences and the vital role of Scripture in guiding young lives.

Mission and Purpose

The primary purpose of CEF is to evangelize boys and girls with the gospel of Jesus Christ and nurture them in their faith. A core scriptural underpinning is found in Jesus’s own words: “Let the little children come to Me and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these” (Mark 10:14).

CEF’s threefold mission includes:

1. Reaching children with the good news of salvation through Christ.

2. Establishing young believers in foundational doctrines of the faith.

3. Encouraging involvement in the local church for continued spiritual growth.

Key Ministries

CEF has developed several specialized programs that cater to different settings:

1. Good News Club: Usually hosted in homes, schools, community centers, or churches, these weekly gatherings present Bible lessons, memory verses, and songs designed to teach children about Christ’s love. Good News Clubs also focus on training children to cultivate moral character based on Biblical values.

2. 5-Day Club: Conducted typically during summer months, these clubs offer short-term, daily sessions over five days. They include Bible lessons, missionary stories, interactive games, and memory verses. This approach allows CEF workers to share biblical teaching in brief, concentrated formats.

3. Camp Ministry: In many areas, CEF hosts children’s camps that provide an immersive experience, often centered on discipleship lessons, worship, and outdoor activities. These camps reinforce biblical principles and encourage practical Christian living.

4. Literature Distribution: CEF has produced a wide range of evangelistic tools, including the Wordless Book—a simple teaching aid combining colors to represent core truths of the gospel. The Wordless Book has been translated into numerous languages to share the message with children worldwide.

Scriptural Foundation

CEF draws upon several Biblical mandates to support children’s ministry. In particular, Proverbs 22:6 underscores the importance of instructing children in their earliest years: “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” The ministry also leans on passages emphasizing God’s heart for children and the call to raise them with spiritual understanding (Deuteronomy 6:6–7).

A central element of CEF’s teaching is salvation through Christ’s death and resurrection, an historic event they hold as the foundation of the faith (1 Corinthians 15:3–4). This message is presented in a clear, age-appropriate way to ensure children fully grasp the truths of the gospel.

Partnerships and Global Reach

Child Evangelism Fellowship partners with thousands of churches, volunteers, and supporters across over 190 countries. Training sessions, often referred to as “Teacher Training Courses,” enable local believers to become more effective in their ministry to children. These collaborative efforts strengthen the global church and supply much-needed resources, especially in underserved regions.

CEF focuses on building up local leadership so that ministry efforts integrate smoothly with cultural contexts. While global headquarters share vision and training materials, grassroots volunteers adapt teaching methods to resonate with children in their own communities.

Teaching Methods

The methods employed by CEF encompass both traditional instruction and interactive learning:

• Bible lessons featuring narratives, doctrinal truths, and practical applications.

• Distinctive tools such as flannelgraph boards for visually representing Bible stories.

• Multimedia aids, including illustrated lesson books and story-based materials.

• Techniques to promote Scripture memorization, ensuring children retain and apply biblical principles in daily living.

Throughout, the approach aims to present timeless truths in accessible and engaging ways, recognizing that children vary in academic level and learning preferences.

Impact and Significance

CEF’s impact is evident in numerous testimonies from individuals who encountered the gospel as children attending Good News Clubs or special events. Many share stories of formative faith experiences that shaped their character and commitment to Christ into adulthood. This ripple effect extends outward to families and congregations that benefit from the spiritual vitality of dedicated young believers.

Beyond direct evangelism, CEF’s teaching contributes to broader moral and ethical development in young people, rooted in biblical virtues. By intentionally engaging with children at an impressionable stage, the organization addresses fundamental questions of identity, purpose, and morality with grounded Scriptural insights.

Conclusion

Child Evangelism Fellowship stands as one of the longstanding, significant ministries focused on reaching children around the world with the Biblical message of hope and salvation. Its networks of dedicated workers, its historically proven methods, and its unwavering commitment to Scripture drive its effectiveness. Through clubs, camps, literature, and training, CEF continues to fulfill a young-focused, Christ-centered mission: sharing the gospel, nurturing faith from the earliest ages, and integrating children into the life of the local church for ongoing discipleship.