What is the Kingdom of God?
In simple terms, the “Kingdom of God” is a term that Christians use to describe a way of living, thinking, and being in the world, guided by the life and actions of Jesus Christ. In God’s Kingdom, the poor are lifted from physical, social, and spiritual poverty. Those who are oppressed or discriminated against are made free. Those who are hungry are fed. Those who live in fear have hope and a purpose. Justice, compassion, generosity, and abundance are hallmarks of the Kingdom of God.
For World Vision, this notion is captured in our vision statement: “Our vision for every child, life in all its fullness.; Our prayer for every heart, the will to make it so.” Our work to ensure a thriving, full life for every child and to inspire others surrounding children to do the same is our contribution to the Kingdom of God.
We also believe that children are active agents of change and have the ability at any age to contribute to the Kingdom of God. This listening exercise is grounded in this belief and gives better insight into how children interpret the Kingdom of God and their unique role in it.
Explore the Resources
Click through the resources to discover how we listened to children’s perspectives and what they said.
Children and the Kingdom of God: Full Report and Executive Summary
Read the full analysis of children’s responses and learn from their interpretations of the Kingdom of God, how the Kingdom is supposed to function, their role in building God’s Kingdom, and how adults can support children in their efforts.
Available in Spanish and French
Download the Executive Summary
Available in Spanish
Discussion Guide: Reflecting on Children’s Interpretation
Dig deeper into children’s interpretations with this group discussion guide. It will lead your group to consider the practical implications of the different ways children view God’s Kingdom, how to involve families and local faith communities to support children, and how to empower children as active partners in the work of the Kingdom of God.
Facilitator Guide: Replicate the Listening to Children Exercise in Your Own Context
Replicate this Listening Exercise in your faith community! This facilitation guide has everything you need for a safe, inclusive, fun, and empowering conversation with boys and girls to gain an even more nuanced understanding of children’s views on the Kingdom of God in your context.
Children’s Artwork
Children used art and storytelling to interpret their understanding of the Kingdom of God. You can look through the art and quotes of children from Armenia, Burundi, Mongolia, Philippines, Tanzania, and Thailand who participated in the original listening exercise.
People and God
Everyone trusts Jesus in the picture. God created the castle and established His Kingdom here, and people live happily.
Celebrating faith
House, flowers and trees. There is a girl, and she is bringing flowers to the church. “I will add a chicken and a chicken keeper to show that God is great.”
Living in Grace
The humans are enjoying the Kingdom of God. Dad and mom are at home, and a child is fetching water. There is a church, and God is teaching the people to read the Word of God.
God's Everlasting Light
I painted people, nature, flowers, and trees. I love the mountains. God is spreading light everywhere. That God loves us and always is with us, and in our hearts, God helps us even if we are kind or not.
A Place of Kindness
The Kingdom of God has churches and people, and it is the best place to live. The people are kind and help each other.
What did we learn from the Listening Exercise?
Children have a unique and essential role to play in God’s Kingdom.
Children are not simply passive bystanders when it comes to matters of faith in Jesus; they are active participants in the Kingdom of God and have the ability to bring about holistic transformation for themselves, their families, and their communities.
Children’s interpretations of the Kingdom of God impact how they live in this world.
Of the children surveyed, the majority of children’s views fell into three categories: viewing the Kingdom of God as “here,” viewing the Kingdom as “not yet” here, and viewing the Kingdom as “between times” (both here and not yet.”
Those who perceive the kingdom of God as a present reality actively engage with their community. Conversely, those with a “not yet” view exhibit less urgency, while children with a “between times” (here and not yet) view grapple with the disparity between God’s promises and the harsh realities they face
Children see the presence of God and God’s Kingdom through practical human acts.
Creation is cared for
People have harmonious relationships with one another
Peace and justice are present
Home lives are stable
Children have opportunities to play
Poverty and hunger can be eradicated through sharing and caring
There are essential things that children need to be effective Kingdom Builders:
A safe and stable space to live
Food, clean water, and healthcare
Literacy and knowledge
Coping skills to manoeuvre life’s challenges
Understanding God’s word and Godly values
Adults have a role to play to empower children as Kingdom Builders. Based on children’s responses, this would include:
Provide for the physiological needs of children
Helping children acquire a vision for kingdom-building
Build hope in a loving and faithful God
Invite children to be co-partners in God’s mission and action here on earth
