Discipling the African Child

The greatest treasure of the Church is our children – Dr. Master Matlhaope

11th September 2025

Earlier today at CITAM Valley Road, AEA Secretary General Dr. Master Matlhaope delivered a compelling address on The African Child and the urgent call to intentional discipleship. He reminded us that Africa is the youngest continent in the world—with more than 400 million youth between the ages of 15 and 35. This demographic is not just a statistic; it is both a tremendous opportunity and a weighty responsibility.

Despite this potential, millions of African children continue to face poverty, abandonment, lack of education, and other vulnerabilities that strip them of hope. In 2022 alone, 244 million children between the ages of 6 and 18 were out of school. Many of those who begin their education drop out due to poverty, gender-based discrimination, conflict, child marriage, abuse, and exploitation. As Dr. Matlhaope emphasized, education, discipleship, and holistic child development remain critical if Africa is to rise.

He challenged the Church to rethink its priorities:

“If I were to ask, What is the greatest treasure in your local or national church? I would probably receive many answers: a beautiful history, dynamic worship, powerful preaching, or vibrant programs. But if we think critically, we will discern that the true treasure of the Church is its children. They are not just the future of the Church; they are the Church of right now. We have a sacred responsibility toward them—the critical, non-negotiable, and urgent call to children’s and youth discipleship.”

“If I were to ask, What is the greatest treasure in your local or national church? I would probably receive many answers: a beautiful history, dynamic worship, powerful preaching, or vibrant programs. But if we think critically, we will discern that the true treasure of the Church is its children. They are not just the future of the Church; they are the Church of right now. We have a sacred responsibility toward them—the critical, non-negotiable, and urgent call to children’s and youth discipleship.”

 

True discipleship, he explained, must go beyond Sunday school lessons. It must be a way of life—modeling Christ daily, helping children answer the deepest questions of identity, and equipping them to stand firm in a world full of pressures and distractions.

Through the Association of Evangelicals in Africa (AEA) and its Christian Learning Materials Center (CLMC), discipleship resources and training are already reaching children across the continent. But this is not the task of one organization alone; it is a call to the entire Body of Christ.

As Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these” (Matthew 19:14).

The call is clear:

• Unity – Churches, families, and para-church organizations must work together.
• Collaboration – Partner to provide education, discipleship, and protection for children.
• Prayer and Action – Invest in the next generation spiritually, socially, and practically.

Investing in even one child’s walk with Christ is an eternal investment—an investment whose impact ripples through schools, families, communities, and generations to come.

Let us rise together for the African child.