24/05/2026
CHILDREN'S CONFERENCE
Sermon Recap: “RAISING CHAMPIONS”
By Pastor Chinedu Nwachukwu
INTRODUCTION (1) – Proverbs 22:6
Training is non-negotiable for every child who will become a champion. Champions don’t emerge by chance; they are products of years of godly training. Training guides a child, shapes their character, and directs them into God’s calling.
Parents are the ones saddled with this responsibility. Providing finances alone is not enough. If you don’t train them in the way they should go, the world will train them in the way they shouldn’t. The goal is that when they are old, they will not depart from it.
INTRODUCTION (2) – Ephesians 6:4
Parents must avoid provoking children to wrath through harshness, favoritism, unrealistic demands, crushing words, and unloving rules.
Instead, raise them in the training and admonition of the Lord. Training means discipline, instruction, and correction. Admonition means counsel, warning, and encouragement rooted in God’s Word. The standard is “of the Lord,” not culture or opinion.
Every child is born with champion potential, but only godly parenting brings it out.
HOW TO RAISE CHAMPIONS (1) – Raise Them as Intentional Parents :
Intentional parents don’t leave children to be raised by accident, schools, phones, or social media. You decide who you want them to become and build your home, habits, and decisions around that.
Create an atmosphere where God’s Word, prayer, and faith are normal. Among the Igbo, it is believed that God trains children, but He does it through parents. You are God’s instrument in raising that champion.
WHAT INTENTIONAL PARENTS DO
a. Set God’s Word as the Foundation – Deut 6:6-7
A champion is built on truth, not trends. The Word must first be in your heart before you can teach it to your children. Teach them diligently at home, on the road, at night, and in the morning. You cannot raise a champion for God if your home is silent about God.
b. Model What You Want to Reproduce – 1 Cor 11:1, Prov 20:7
Children become what they see more than what they hear. If you don’t want them to lie, don’t lie. If you want integrity, walk in integrity. Your life is the pattern they will copy. Can you confidently say, “Imitate me as I imitate Christ”?
Lovers of God who walk in integrity give their children a godly example to follow.
HOW TO RAISE CHAMPIONS (2) – Raise Them by Godly Example:
If you want praying children, be a praying parent. If you want Bible-loving children, be a Bible-loving parent.
Marriage and parenthood mean you no longer live for yourself alone. Your life is a curriculum for your children. Like Abraham in Gen 18:19, God expects you to command your household to keep the way of the Lord. Be the example, because you cannot raise a champion in secret while living defeated in public.
HOW TO RAISE CHAMPIONS (3) – Speak Destiny Over Them
Pray and speak blessings over your children regularly. Words are seeds. Declare purpose, strength, and identity: “You are a champion. You are created in God’s image. You will not be average.”
Like Isaac in Gen 27:28-29, lay hands on your children and proclaim God’s blessing over their lives. What you declare consistently becomes what they believe internally.
HOW TO RAISE CHAMPIONS (4) – Discipline in Love – Heb 12:6
Discipline is not abuse; it is love with boundaries. Refusing to correct produces children with bad behavior. Champions need structure, correction, and accountability.
Saying “no” today may be the love that helps them say “yes” to God tomorrow. For whom the Lord loves, He disciplines.
HOW TO RAISE CHAMPIONS (5) – Raise Them to Serve God – Josh 24:15
The goal is not just successful children, but Kingdom champions. Teach them that their gifts, time, and future belong to God. Encourage them to serve in church and advance God’s Kingdom.
Make a stand like Joshua: “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Raise rulers, not slaves of money and fame.
SUMMARY:
Champions are raised intentionally. Set the Word as foundation, model godliness, speak destiny, discipline in love, and dedicate them to serve God.