Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, but Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven." And he laid his hands on them and went away. -- Matthew 19: 13-15 (ESV)
For those in discernment ministries we have seen this coming for some time now. The up and coming new ministries and heresies all seem to target youth and children excessively. It makes sense from a business and marketing strategy really. The younger you are the more impressionable you are. The more likely you are to fall for false signs and lying wonders. The older generations in our churches are the ones more likely to understand true doctrine and push back on the purpose driven agenda for the false teaching it is. Obviously you have more longevity with younger people. When IHOP first started until today it has specifically targeted youth. The recent march away from the bible by Andy Stanley he blamed on wanting to convince youth to stay in his church. People like Todd White, Darren Wilson, and the Holy Ghost heresy movies are all designed to appeal to youth. The cesspool at Bethel has youth in their crosshairs and the above linked article is from their resident false teacher and money grubber; Kris Vallotton. I knew when I first saw the title earlier in the month that it was going to be a train wreck as only Kris can pull off. Let us reason together once more and go through Kris Vallotton's "five ways to mentor the next generation in supernatural ministry."
"How many times have you seen a child move in the supernatural in church? I'm shocked to see that in most modern churches children are relegated to a lower seat in church. We're missing it because Jesus himself said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not forbid them. For to such belongs the kingdom of heaven" (Matt. 19:14)." -- Kris Vallotton
Yes, nothing like starting off your argument by butchering the Word of God. I honestly do not know why he bothers to carry a bible at all. I have the entire context as the key verses above. What is this a picture of beloved? What is the teaching point Christ is trying to make? Is it that kids should have supernatural powers in church too? Of course not. This is a picture of salvation. Jesus taught elsewhere that we must approach Him with the faith of a child. Those the approach Christ with the faith of a child? For to such belongs the kingdom of heaven. Not a good start that Vallotton would abuse scripture to prop up his foundational argument.
"It's time we begin to listen to the truth that the kingdom belongs to children too. Imagine a world where kids are empowered in the supernatural; taught to hear from and have a real, living and breathing relationship with God; and are equipped with tools to overcome the schemes of the enemy? I know the world would be a better place. And it's our job as adults to empower little ones into the breakthrough they're carrying. So how do we do that? Here are five things I believe we need to teach our children and grandchildren." -- Kris Vallotton
Really. The world would be a better place if kids were allowed to use their imaginations to run wild with this nonsense? Where in the bible do you see that it is our responsibility as adults to empower kids into this imaginary breakthrough you claim they are carrying? Where? It is our responsibility to train a child up properly according to and educated through the word of God. Anything else is humanistic egoism disguised as spirituality.
"1. Teach them to value dreams. I'm not talking about dreams of the heart here, although that's also very important. What I mean is that children are very in tuned to the supernatural realm, and I know that many people start off life as night dreamers. Ask your children questions about their dreams, help them remember and unravel what God was speaking to them at night. Better yet, teach them how to interpret their own dreams and you'll be equipping them for a lifetime of hearing God in this unique way. If you don't know to interpret dreams, get equipped and impart your knowledge to your children." -- Kris Vallotton