WHAT IS A GOOD NEWS CLUB? Good News Club® (GNC) is a ministry of Child Evangelism Fellowship in which trained teachers meet with groups of children in schools, homes, community centers, churches, apartment complexes, just about anywhere the children can easily and safely meet with their parent’s permission. Each week the teacher presents an exciting Bible lesson using colorful materials from CEF Press. This action-packed time also includes songs, Scripture memory, a missions story and review games or other activities focused on the lesson’s theme. As with all CEF ministries, the purpose of Good News Club is to evangelize boys and girls with the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ and establish (disciple) them in the Word of God and in a local church for Christian living.
CAN WE REALLY TEACH THE BIBLE IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS? Yes! The Gospel has been taught freely in public schools all over the world for some time. Now children in the U.S. have that opportunity, too! In 2001 the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Good News Clubs v. Milford Central School that Good News Clubs can meet in public schools in the United States after school hours on the same terms as other community groups. Children attend Good News Club only with their parents’ permission.
WHAT IS TAUGHT IN GOOD NEWS CLUB? Each week an exciting Bible lesson using colorful materials from CEF Press is presented. This action-packed time also includes songs, Scripture memory, a missions story and review games or other activities focused on the lesson’s theme. Each club includes a clear presentation of the Gospel and an opportunity for children to trust the Lord Jesus as Savior. Every club also includes strong discipleship training to build character and strengthen moral and spiritual growth. All children are encouraged to attend a local church.
WHO TEACHES A GOOD NEWS CLUB? Christians who are concerned for boys and girls work together volunteering their time and energy to teach Good News Club. They are trained by Child Evangelism Fellowship to have a club that is exciting and informative so that children will want to keep coming. Teachers are asked to sign the CEF Statement of Faith and agree to abide by the policies of the organization. Adults working with the program are screened according to our child protection policy. WHAT ARE THE ROLES IN TEACHING & LEADING IN A GOOD NEWS CLUB? As mentioned above there are multiple roles needed to successfully have a Good News Club. We have found that four is about the minimum number of volunteers for a club. Most GNCs have Table or Group Leaders where at the beginning of the club and at the end the kids will be with their leader during small group time, verse sharing, etc. Good News Club must have a Bible Lesson, Memory Verse, and Wonder Time. Other parts of the club that are not a requirement are Songs, Word Up!, Review Game, and Missionary Story. Each of these areas/parts depending on how many your club has, will need someone to teach/lead them. A few other areas that will need to be covered are Club Organizer and Snack Provider (this could be a rotation). We will work with you to get volunteers trained, organize the club, get the materials you need, put together a schedule, and communicate with the school. In the United States there is a movement among churches to adopt a public school Good News Club. Read more.
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