We understand the concern we all feel when we look at the world our next generation is growing up in. There is a rising urgency to bring the Gospel to schools to share the love of God amid so much darkness.
That’s why over the past 85 years, CEF has been dedicated to creating programs and curriculums that make it easier for kids to connect with the Word of God. With a presence in nearly every country worldwide, CEF engages with approximately 20 million children on a personal level every year through the efforts of more than 3,000 workers. Over the years, they have touched the lives of more than 200 million children.
In the United States, around 50 million young individuals attend public schools daily. Many of these children are not affiliated with a church, come from broken families, and have not yet encountered a clear Gospel message. They represent one of the most significant mission fields globally. Together, with your support, CEF workers and volunteers aspire to bring the message of hope through Jesus Christ to each and every child.
Locally, CEF Manasota has successfully reached numerous children with the Word of God in the Manasota region, encompassing Manatee, Sarasota, and Hillsborough Counties. We are proud to bring the Gospel to 24 schools, and our reach is growing every year. We do this through a free after-school program called the Good News Club.
What is a Good News Club?
Good News Clubs are free after-school programs that take place in public schools in our community. In this environment, kids play games, learn Scripture, and hear engaging Bible lessons to deepen their understanding of God's love for them.
What is taught in a Good News Club?
Each week an exciting Bible lesson using colorful materials from CEF Press is presented, as well as Scripture memory, songs, games, and much more. Small groups may even be formed, allowing students to get to know their teachers better and interact with their group in a more relational setting.
In our clubs, we make sure that the Gospel is presented in a way that's easy to connect with, giving children a chance to trust the Lord Jesus as their personal Savior. Every club also includes strong discipleship training to build character and strengthen moral and spiritual growth.
It is important to us that children and their families are connected with a local church. Our amazing volunteers and Church Partners invite children and their families to attend their churches to build community and continue to grow in their faith.
Who teaches the kids in Good News Clubs?
In the United States, there is a movement among churches to adopt a public school Good News Club by sponsoring the club and sending their own church members to teach. Christians who are motivated by the Gospel and have a love for God's children work together by volunteering their time and energy to teach Good News Club. Volunteers are trained by Child Evangelism Fellowship to have a club that is exciting and informative so that children will want to keep attending.
Teachers are asked to sign the CEF Statement of Faith and agree to abide by the policies of the organization. Adults working with the program are screened according to our Child Protection Policy.
What parents are saying about Good News Club!
Here are some testimonials from parents whose kids attend a Good News Club in our chapter:
“Our daughter's mission since starting the Good News Club has been to try to get as many of her friends in the club as possible. She enjoys sharing the Gospel with them and encourages them to join the club and learn more about what Jesus dying on the cross means for them and their families."
“My daughter LOVES Good News Club and this is her second year. She comes home every Thursday and tells me all about her new learnings. She has become a more well-rounded child since starting Good News club and hearing/learning the Word of God.”
“My kids always come home telling us what Bible lesson they learned, or about a missionary story they heard about. The older one was motivated by the little weekly devotional handouts last year to start spending time in God’s Word every morning, and this has continued through the summer and into this year. We have seen so much fruit of the Spirit be developed in his life lately and he now wants to be baptized. We are so thankful to GNC leaders for helping us teach our kids God’s Word!”
Is there a Good News Club at my child's school?
Great question! CEF Manasota currently has a Good News Club in 24 schools in Manatee and Sarasota County. Check out this list below to see if there is a club at your child's school:
Abel Elementary: Thursdays after school until 4:45p.m.
Barbara Harvey Elementary: Thursdays after school until 4:30p.m.
Blackburn Elementary: Tuesdays after school until 5:00p.m.
Emma Booker Elementary: Thursdays after school until 4:45 p.m.
Foundations Academy: Tuesdays after school until 4:30p.m.
Freedom Elementary: Thursdays after school until 4:30p.m.
Garden Elementary: Tuesdays after school until 4:45p.m.
Gocio Elementary: Thursdays after school until 4:30p.m.
Gullett Elementary: Fridays after school until 4:45p.m.
Kinnan Elementary: Wednesdays until 4:30p.m.
Lakeview Elementary: Thursdays after school until 4:30p.m.
Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy: Tuesdays after school until 5:00p.m.
Laurel Nokomis School: Tuesdays after school until 5:00p.m.
McNeal Elementary: Tuesdays after school until 4:45p.m.
Miller Elementary: Tuesdays after school until 5:00p.m.
Myakka City Elementary: Wednesdays after school until 5:00p.m.
Rowlett Academy: Wednesdays after school until 4:30p.m.
Samoset Elementary: Tuesdays after school until 4:45p.m.
Tatum Ridge Elementary: Tuesdays after school until 4:30p.m.
Taylor Ranch Elementary: Thursdays after school until 5:00p.m.
Virgil Mills Elementary: Fridays after school until 5:00p.m.
Wilkinson Elementary: Tuesdays after school until 4:30p.m.
Williams Elementary: Thursdays after school until 4:45p.m.
Willis Elementary: Thursday after school until 4:45p.m.
Don't see your child's school?
If you don't see your child's school and you'd like to start a Good News Club, we would love to connect with you! Click here to inquire about adding a Good News Club to your child's school!
How to Get Involved!
If you are looking for ways to help us spread the Gospel in public schools so more children can learn about the love of Jesus, we are here to help! There are several different ways you can get involved with the ministry of CEF.
Become a Volunteer
With 24 Good News Clubs serving over 800 students, we could always use some extra hands. We invite Christians of all ages to join us in serving in a Good News Club. Ideally, we have a team of 8-10 volunteers at each Good News Club serving in different capacities. Whether you love to teach, sing, do crafts, lead games or love to be organized, we would be blessed to have you!
To volunteer with this ministry, click here to fill out a volunteer interest form.
Become a Church Partner
Each Good News Club is sponsored by a local church and we have many Church Partners. CEF Manasota often serves as the bridge between the local church and the public schools in their community. If you would like your church to sponsor a Good News Club or the ministry of CEF Manasota, feel free to contact us by clicking here.
Become a Kingdom Partner
CEF is 100% donor-funded! Everything we do from ministry to overhead costs is made possible by our generous monthly givers (Kingdom Partners) and church partners.
As you know, there is a rising urgency to get the Gospel into public schools. Becoming a Kingdom Partner is a great way to directly impact the Kingdom of God through your financial support. We call our monthly donors Kingdom Partners because they partner with CEF Manasota to build the Kingdom of God. Their generous donations make it possible to get the Gospel into public schools so every child has the opportunity to hear the Good News.
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