About CEF
About Child Evangelism Fellowship
Child Evangelism Fellowship was founded in 1937 by Rev. J. Irvin Overholtzer, a man with a God-given vision for boys and girls in need of the Savior. Today his vision lives on.
CEF® is a Bible-centered, worldwide organization composed of born-again believers whose purpose is to evangelize children with the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ and to establish (disciple) them in the Word of God and in a local church for Christian living.
CEF wants to reach the children with the Gospel. Our concern in seeking to evangelize them is that “not one of these little ones should perish.”
Child Evangelism Fellowship Cares About…
- Discipling Children
Children must be established (discipled) in their Christian lives through the Word of God. They need to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” - Establishing children in Bible-believing churches
Evangelized children need to be in the local church where they can continue growing on a regular basis. In this way, CEF serves the church and assists in the goal of church growth. - Involving other Christians in ministry to children
CEF’s greatest need is for those who will see the fields which are “white unto harvest” and become involved in this outreach to children of the world.
CEF Needs You…
- to become involved in the ministry to children in your neighborhood
- to become a volunteer instructor or teacher with CEF
- to pray for the ministry on a daily basis
- to do an internship with CEF
- to support CEF financially
Quality Training & Materials
Curriculum
Since 1937, Child Evangelism Fellowship has offered high-quality, biblically-sound and Christ-centered curriculum to help churches evangelize and disciple children.
CEF Curriculum Distinctives
Every CEF Bible lesson clearly explains the Gospel on a child’s level. Because we are intentional about evangelism, the message of salvation is weaved through every part of our curriculum: the memory verse, songs, missionary story and even the games!
The application of God’s Word to the life of a child is an essential element of each Bible lesson. Unsaved children hear of their need for a Savior and saved children are presented a spiritual growth challenge.
The Bible is central to CEF teaching methods. A CEF trained teacher, using CEF curriculum will have the Scripture open and at the center of each teaching time.
Training is available to learn how to effectively use CEF materials. It is offered by CEF Santa Barbara and is available online.
CEF material is developed and published through CEF Press®.
CEF is presently involved in over 170 countries, with over 1,400 staff members. Our emphasis overseas is to develop national workers and leaders. CEF is active in every state and province in North America.
CEF wants to assist you through teaching materials, training and contact with others who can help you. Please submit the Response Form for further information on how we can help you evangelize and disciple children for the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Children’s Ministries Institute (CMI) provides a thorough foundation and ongoing education for those involved at every level of children’s ministry. The popular Teaching Children Effectively courses are offered at CMI and at various locations throughout the country. CMI’s central campus is west of St. Louis in Warrenton, Missouri and offers extension sites around the world.
Read An Overview Of CEF’s Programs
