Child Evangelism Fellowship Inc.

Child Evangelism Fellowship Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that operates under the broader umbrella of the Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF), an interdenominational Christian evangelical organization. The organization is primarily focused on evangelizing and discipling children with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, as well as establishing them in local Christian churches.

History

Child Evangelism Fellowship was founded in 1937 by Jesse Irvin Overholtzer. The organization has since grown to become the largest evangelistic outreach to children globally, with a significant presence in the United States.

Mission and Activities

CEF's core mission is to teach the Christian Gospel to children and encourage their involvement in local churches. The organization conducts its ministry through several programs, including the Good News Clubs and 5-Day Clubs. These programs are designed to present the Gospel in a way that children can understand and relate to, often meeting in public schools, community centers, homes, and other neighborhood settings.

Legal and Public Policy Impact

In 2001, CEF's Good News Clubs won a significant legal victory when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Good News Club v. Milford Central School, confirming that religious clubs cannot be excluded from meeting at public schools if other private groups are allowed to do so.

Operations and Reach

CEF operates in every U.S. state and has a global presence in over 190 countries. It relies on a large network of missionaries and volunteers to carry out its mission.

Criticism and Controversies

CEF has faced criticism regarding its practices, including concerns over religious content and the manner in which it interacts with children from diverse backgrounds.

Global and Local Initiatives

Child Evangelism Fellowship continues to expand its initiatives locally and globally, often working with other organizations and churches to reach children with its message.