NCLA - History

In January 1994, eight Church of God children's leaders met through the providence of the Holy Spirit and developed the following statement:

This night we have come together with a shared burden, vision and passion to uplift the children in our churches and denomination, the Church of God, and to dedicate ourselves to the carrying out of this task. We desire to lift up children in the eyes of the church in the same manner in which our Lord Jesus Christ does, not the way His approach has been erroneously interpreted by men and women without vision. In our Pentecostal tradition, we commit this and our calling fresh and anew to the leadings ins of the Holy Spirit.

The following September, 26 children's leaders from nine states met and formed Children's Pastors Fellowship (CPF), drafting a statement of purpose. CPF was officially organized and approved by the General Board of Youth and Christian Education. Two years later, the CPF Leadership Team formulated bylaws which were further developed and approved. These bylaws included changing the fellowship's name to National Children's Leaders Association.

The new name more clearly indicates that this association is for all those who minister to kids children's pastors, teachers, and evangelists.

Accomplishments of the association have included the planning and implementation of an annual national conference for children's workers. Response has been positive and hundreds of Church of God children's leaders have attended. A quarterly publication has been created for the purpose of communication and networking. The annual Shepherd's Cup Award has been initiated to give recognition to those who have shown outstanding ministry to children.

You are invited to be a part of this organization as together we strive to reach the kids. We are endeavoring to help them to change their world...to be a kid who:

Knows God...and works at it.
Has Christian Character...and proves it.
Loves People...and proves it.
Is On A Mission...and shares it.