4-14 Initiative
John 1:12 NIV
Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.
Every April, the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada highlights the 4-14 Initiative—a strategic movement focused on the profound reality that children are most receptive to the gospel between the ages of 4 and 14.
Research by Dr. George Barna shows that a person's worldview begins developing as early as 15 months and is largely in place by age 13. This narrow window is our prime opportunity for discipleship; it is during these formative years that the foundation of faith is laid.
This is why in April 2026, Mission Canada's five missional priorities are reminding us all that no matter the priority, children are part of the "Good News" stories! From Next Gen children and youth in our communities, in our schools and on post-secondary campuses, to our Indigenous Peoples of Canada, in the people of Québec and within Francophones across Canada, through Cultural Language Groups reaching newcomers or in our Urban Centres, we are standing in the gaps to ensure every child knows they have a place to belong and become a daughter or son in God's family.
Throughout the month, look for our daily social media reminders to BLESS kids with prayer and stay focused on this vital "window of opportunity."
From coast to coast to coast, PAOC churches and Mission Canada workers are sharing the Good News of Jesus with families and kids. Our goal is clear: to raise up Spirit-filled, Bible-based disciples of Christ who will, in turn make disciples in this generation and the next.
Why? Because we must.
How Can You Join the Mission?
We are inviting you to commit to the BLESS 5 KIDS:
- Pray for 5 kids
- Pray for 5 minutes
- Pray for 5 weeks
- BEGIN WITH PRAYER FOR KIDS
Make a list of 5 kids who do not know Jesus (they can be children of neighbours, relatives, colleagues, etc.) - LISTEN TO KIDS
Set aside 5 minutes a day to pray for these 5 kids by name. - EAT WITH KIDS
Ask God to give you opportunities to talk with kids, invite families to eat with you, serve kids in some way and share the gospel with them. - SERVE KIDS
Invite families to a service or event at the church so they can hear the gospel and get to know other believers. - SHARE JESUS WITH KIDS
Share with your leadership what God does in your life and in kids' lives as you BLESS them.
BLESS 5 Kids Resources
- BLESS 5 KIDS Card
- BLESS 5 KIDS Bookmark
- BLESS 5 KIDS Daily Prayers
- Pray For All - KIDS Flyer
- Worksheet - How to Share the Gospel with Kids
Download 4-14 resources for your socials or website: CLICK HERE
Visit Pray for All to find more resources and learn about their vision to pray for every person in the world by name and share Jesus with them.
SUPPORT THE MISSION TO REACH KIDS FOR CHRIST!
Next Gen Children
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NEXT GEN: CHILDREN'S MINISTRY TOOLBOX
Your donation will go to impact ministry to children across our nation.
Next Gen Children
Canada
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Your donation helps us expand ministry to the next generation of children through resource development, the training of leaders, and placing workers in unique opportunities where the gospel can be shared with kids today.
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Mission Canada desires to see our nation transformed as the next generation is taught God's Word, encouraged to live out their Christian faith daily, and challenged to become Bible-based, Spirit-filled disciples of Christ.
Mission Canada's Children's Guiding Group works collaboratively with PAOC districts and with children's ministry leaders to see that children are reached with the good news of Jesus and discipled well. We value the importance of coming alongside parents in their role as the spiritual nurturers of their family when their children are young, whether it be through ministry programs, resource development and awareness, or encouragements and prayer.
As a national agency, we are about working together to identify and place workers in gaps in Canada where the good news of Jesus isn't being shared with children, and by extension, with their families.
We are very aware of the fact that children are most receptive to the gospel when they are between the ages of 4 and 14. Vision, strategy and intentionality is important at all levels of leadership to ensure that children are being reached and impacted in the Christian faith and with Pentecostal distinctives.
The influences are many on our next generation in Canada today. It is important that we focus on our young so they will grow to be strong in their faith and be lifelong followers of Jesus, and leaders in His church. When impacted at a young age, many go on to be faith-filled leaders, pastors, teachers, and mission workers, carrying the gospel across the nation and to parts of the globe that are yet to be reached. Others will take the gospel with them into post-secondary environments and workplaces, to be salt and light. This generation is being equipped at a young age with skills and natural ability to expand online ministry in ways like we have never seen previously. It is important that we reach them now and see them follow the ways of the Lord.
NEXT GEN: CHILDREN'S MINISTRY TOOLBOX
Leann Woelk is a Children's Ministry Specialist who serves as Mission Canada's Next Gen: Children's Coordinator for the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada. She connects with the PAOC's District Children & Family Ministries Directors and Specialists to coordinate, network and collaborate with them in a shared national vision for effectively reaching children and families, as well as building strategic partnerships beyond our Fellowship. Connect with Leann today!
Donate
Next Gen Children
Your donation helps us expand ministry to the next generation of children through resource development, the training of leaders, and placing workers in unique opportunities where the gospel can be shared with kids today.
Where do your donations go?
Your donation will go to impact ministry to children across our nation.