Abstract
Children have been marginalized and considered less human, less precious, undeserving of care, and disrespected in many mainline evangelical churches across Africa. This mistreatment runs counter to what Jesus teaches in Matthew 9:14, which is essentially a reflection of his abiding compassion and love for children. The value and significance of children in God’s kingdom are examined in the Matthean passage. However, many African evangelical churches mistreat children and refuse to show them the same respect, love, and care given to adults. Inadequate attention is given to children’s emotions, spirituality, and well-being, which hinders their spiritual development and changes their viewpoint on the church. This study investigates, from a theological perspective, the spiritual implications and effects of the maltreatment of children in the Nigerian Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA). Christ’s witness in the world is distorted and the church has failed to uphold justice, compassion, and love. Addressing these challenges requires a theological framework that is in line with Jesus’ teachings that emphasizes the welfare and spiritual development of children is needed. The church must refocus its goals and methods and emphasize the value and dignity of every person, especially children who are made in God’s image. Developing a Christian community marked by faith, love, and nurture, especially for the most vulnerable calls for an all-encompassing strategy that integrates theology, ethics, and pastoral care. For the African church to fulfill its calling as agent of spiritual transformation, the church’s mission concept mission needs to be renewed to reflect kingdom principles.
Presenters
Henry Marcus GarbaHistorical Studies, Africa International University/, Nairobi Municipality, Kenya
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
2025 Special Focus—Fragile Meanings: Vulnerability in the Study of Religions and Spirituality
KEYWORDS
Children, Evangelical, Church, Treatment, Mainline, Matthew, Nigeria, Theological, Reflection, Spirituality
