By Joel Comiskey, Children in Cell Ministry
Mario Vega and I were in Spain in October 2026. During the question‑and‑answer session, one question captured most of our attention:
How do we reach and keep our children and youth in cultures where faith is no longer assumed?
That question isn’t unique to Spain—every church in every nation faces it. Mario and I encouraged the leaders to prioritize children and youth directly in cell ministry, rather than starting with adults and simply hoping the next generation will follow.
Luis Bush, a well‑known missionary strategist, helped popularize the “10/40 Window,” highlighting regions with the highest concentrations of unreached people. In 2009, he urged an additional focus: the “4/14 Window,” reminding the global church that the most spiritually receptive and formative years are between ages four and fourteen.
If we are going to make disciples of all nations, we must start here.
Cell church ministry is simple and powerful. It rests on four elements that work together to form disciples:
- The cell
- The celebration
- Equipping
- Coaching
Those same four elements apply directly to children and youth.
My good friend Daphne Kirk often says, “Like adults, like children.” Her point is clear but profound:
“Children have the same needs as adults in many areas of their lives. Most of the problems that are encountered are because their needs are expected to be totally different, and adults then feel that they could never cope with any significant interaction with them.”
We will close out 2026 focusing on this vital priority. Over the next five weeks, we’ll publish 25 blog posts dedicated to reaching and discipling the next generation. These posts will be short, practical, and immediately usable in your ministry.
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Here is what we will cover:
- November 1–7: Reaching the Next Generation
What is the biblical basis for giving children and youth the same commitment to discipleship that we give adults?
- November 8–14: Discipling Through Cell Groups
Why do children and youth need to be active participants in cells?
- November 15–21: Children and Youth in the Cell System
How do we effectively include young people in equipping and coaching?
- November 22–28: The Dangers of Neglect
What happens when we fail to disciple the next generation?
- November 29–December 5: A Multiplying Generation
Testimonies of how God is raising up children and youth who make disciples who make disciples.
May Jesus use you mightily as you invest in the children and youth he has entrusted to your church. Feel free to share your thoughts—join the conversation and comment here.