Parents Must Prioritise Children’s Spiritual Needs – Pastor
Apostle Emmanuel Agyei Boateng, Branch Pastor of the Pentecostal Baptist Church (PBC) at Atwima Koforidua, has urged parents and caregivers to prioritise the spiritual upbringing of their children, stressing that the foundation laid in a child’s formative years largely determines what the child becomes later in life.
He said parents must not allow their daily responsibilities and social commitments to overshadow their responsibility to provide their children with sound spiritual and moral upbringing.
Apostle Agyei Boateng made the call when he preached at the climax of the Sunday School Week organised by Fire Trinity Ministry International (FTMI) in collaboration with its Children’s Ministry at Agric-Aburaso in the Atwima Kwanwoma area of the Ashanti Region.
The three-day celebration, which started on Wednesday, September 23 and ended on Sunday, September 27, 2026, was held on the theme: “Children Are Friends of God.”
Speaking on the topic “The Role of the Mother, Teacher and the Church,” Apostle Agyei Boateng used Exodus 2:7-10 as the main scripture, drawing lessons from the role played by Jochebed in the early upbringing of Moses.
He explained that Jochebed demonstrated three important forms of leadership in Moses’ life—patience as a schoolmaster, knowledge as a tutor, and power or authority as a governor.
He urged mothers to identify the identity, talents and needs of their children, saying the character of a child could reveal the gifts and talents God had deposited in that child.
The Guest Speaker also stressed the need for caregivers to pay particular attention to the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of children.
He observed that some caregivers were often more concerned about social and community programmes, including family funeral activities, while neglecting the needs of their own children.
Apostle Agyei Boateng further cautioned parents against risking the spiritual wellbeing of their children in their quest to provide for their physical needs.
He called on parents to cultivate the habit of morning devotion and family Bible study, saying regular exposure to the Word of God would help instil godly values in children.
He also emphasised that parenting should not be the responsibility of the mother alone, but must involve fathers, teachers, the church and other caregivers.
According to him, Sunday School teachers play a complimentary role in the upbringing of children and commended them for their selfless service to the church and children.
He also cited Pharaoh’s daughter as the financier of Moses’ upbringing, highlighting how different people could play important and complementary roles in the development of a child.
The sermon also drew lessons from Mark 10:13-15, Galatians 3:24-25, Galatians 4:1-2, Acts 7:20-23 and 2 Timothy 1:5.
The children, during the celebration, participated in scriptural recitations and choreography dance performances, showcasing their talents and knowledge of the Scriptures.
The programme was hosted by the General Overseer of FTMI, Apostle Dr George Amoako Alhassan, and brought together children, parents, teachers and church members for worship, teaching and fellowship.
Apostle Agyei Boateng reminded the congregation that children are precious in the sight of God and, therefore, must be nurtured to recognise and maintain their friendship with Him.
