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Train children in the way they should go. When they are old, they will not turn away from it. (Proverbs 22:6, NIV)

After I moved recently, I set out to find the best travel route to and from work. Each day I would test a different route, hoping to cut a few precious minutes off my daily trek. But I quickly learned that the biggest time-saver wasn't a special route. Rather it was about timing. There were "windows of opportunity" in the traffic patterns. By adjusting my departure by just five or 10 minutes, I could avoid the heaviest travel times and reduce my journey time significantly.

There are windows of opportunity in children's ministry too. And they're far more crucial to understand. In one study, researcher George Barna concluded, "In essence what you believe by the time you are 13 is what you will die believing."

Of course, many adults may have life-changing experiences that alter their religious beliefs. However, the statistical reality is that the majority lock in their beliefs before the age of 13.

At Pioneer Clubs we're working hard to help children understand the importance of a lifelong personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Throughout the year, we expose club members to a host of biblical concepts: the trustworthiness of God's Word, the reality of sin, the promise of heaven, the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the holiness of Christ. It is our prayer that God will use each child's Pioneer Clubs experience to bring that child closer to him. We take the spiritual development of children seriously. Barna's findings underscore the importance of our work as we encourage churches to maintain or begin a Pioneer Clubs ministry in their church and community. We know the impact will have long-lasting effects.

Teaching spiritual truths to a child makes a difference throughout that child's entire life. As you prepare for the Christian education ministries at your church this fall, remember that your work will have eternal results.

Judy Bryson is President/CEO of Pioneer Clubs; a church sponsored midweek ministry for children ages 2 through sixth grade. Pioneer Clubs three unique programs offer age specific grouping, large group/small group and small church ministry formats. Churches are encouraged to select the program that best meets their unique ministry needs.

©2009, Pioneer Clubs

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