Global Children's Forum: Aim lower... but think bigger!

[Alan Charter]

This weekend at Wheaton, Illinois a group of 50-60 people gathered as part of an exploratory global children's forum. Taking up the challenge to aim lower, think smaller, give up and go have a cup of coffee, the group began a journey towards imagining what it would take to see God's kingdom come in the lives of the 2.1 billion children in the world. - “Catalysing a movement that engages every child, in every generation with Jesus, through his Word.”

An adept facilitation team led delegates from every continent. With roots going back to the 2004 Lausanne Issue group for children (see www.forum2004children.com) and beyond, it was a time of noting what God was already doing and exploring 'what we may be able to do together that we wouldn't be able to do on our own'. In the light of there being much to be done, there was recognition of a timeliness to the gathering, together with a willingness to allow potential personal and organisational agendas be informed by greater kingdom ones.

There are a number of ongoing conversations that could offer tools for ministry at regional, national and local levels. These fit broadly within the following:
- Advocacy Issues
- Connecting / Partnering issues
- Research and training issues
- Wider Church Engagement issues
- Resources and Open Source issues
- Best practices in Ministry to, with and for children
- Learning / Training / Leadership Development

Children Matter! took part in the forum and as developments take shape will endeavour to provide updates and access to any tools that become available.