On February 5 and 6, 2025, the headquarters of the South American Publishing House Association (ACES) hosted a Children’s Ministry meeting to introduce and train leaders on Vivos en Jesús (Alive in Jesus), a new Sabbath School curriculum for children ages 0 to 9.

Organized by the South American Division (SAD), the event welcomed close to 70 representatives from seven countries in South America, all focusing on how to best implement the new educational plan, set to launch on January 1, 2026 across the region.

The upcoming year, 2025, will serve as a preparation period for churches and leaders to familiarize themselves with the curriculum’s methodology. According to church officials, the new approach will also update the names for Children’s Ministry Sabbath School lessons beginning in 2026, aligning them with specific age groups:

• Babies (0 to 12 months).

• Beginners (1 to 3 years old).

• Infants (4 to 6 years old).

• Primary (7 to 9 years old).

These changes will extend to the classes within the Adventist Church’s Youth Ministry, reflecting a broader vision for nurturing spiritual growth at every developmental stage.

Emphasis on Modern Engagement

Professor Glaucia Korkischko, Director of the Children and Adolescent Ministry for eight South American countries, described the event in Buenos Aires as a “meeting of motivation and training” for the new curriculum. Highlighting the need to address emerging challenges for the “Beta Generation,” she explained that Vivos en Jesús builds on the Church’s commitment to biblical foundations while adapting teaching methods to modern realities.

“We need to understand that the Sabbath School curriculum should be the best for children, not the most convenient for adults. First of all, we must remember some important points: this new curriculum has the same foundation as the previous one: the Bible. This has not changed and will not change, but with more depth in its approach, with more reflection and reading of the Living Word. Its new pillars will be worked on every week and every Saturday as well, to form people who feel the grace of God, experience the development of character and share the mission they have.”

Korkischko added that the curriculum now fully integrates all 28 fundamental Adventist beliefs across the age range of 0 to 18, making Vivos en Jesús distinctly Adventist in scope and content.

Role of Music

One notable change involves the songs included in the Sabbath School lessons. Professor Cinthya Samojluk de Graf, a composer for the Spanish-language materials, explained that three types of songs will be included: traditional favorites, adapted English-language songs, and newly composed Spanish pieces—often based on Bible verses.

“Music is used to impress spiritual truths on the heart,” said Samojluk de Graf. “It’s a pedagogical resource to convey the gospel message through lyrics, melody, and harmony. By singing together and working as a team, children experience character development and learn how music can also serve as a tool for mission.”

She encouraged Sabbath School teachers to participate actively during music time and to involve children or young people who play instruments, reminding them that shared singing can help convey God’s love and Word effectively.

Global Collaboration and Endorsement

The Vivos en Jesús curriculum is a translation of the worldwide Alive in Jesus program, developed and endorsed by the General Conference (GC) of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Several global leaders attended the Buenos Aires event, including Dr. Orathai Chureson, director of Children’s Ministries at the GC, and James Howard, director of Sabbath School and Personal Ministries.

“This plan arose from the new realities children face, such as technology, social media, anxiety, and stress,” Dr. Chureson noted. “With the pillars of grace, character development, and mission, our goal is to protect and nurture children’s spiritual, social, and emotional needs.”

Howard highlighted the collaborative efforts behind the initiative, crediting Editor and Coordinator Nina Atcheson for leading a global team of experts in theology, pedagogy, psychology, and new generational studies over a five-year period.

“I am convinced that this will be one of the most influential projects the Church has ever undertaken,” said Howard. “We needed a strategy appropriate to each child’s developmental stage.”

Challenges and Local Adaptation

Implementing Vivos en Jesús will require training and logistical adjustments at local church levels, including potential changes to physical spaces. Despite these challenges, participants remain optimistic. Delia Fernández Roncal, director of Children’s Ministry at the Peruvian Central East Association, acknowledged the need to adapt existing facilities while recognizing the curriculum’s engaging and participatory nature.

Local church leader Karina Benítez, who has taught for 25 years, welcomed the updates:

“Today’s children are not the same as they were two decades ago. This new plan will help children and their parents to participate more.”

Addressing the congregation, Pastor Bruno Raso, Vice President of the Adventist Church for eight countries in South America, emphasized the significance of collaboration.

“Noah was saved with his entire family by facing challenges and working as a team. If we unite to face these new challenges, we will be more likely to reach our ultimate goal: helping everyone find salvation.”

With this concerted effort from global and regional leaders, Vivos en Jesús aims to strengthen the spiritual journey of Adventist children across South America, offering them a curriculum carefully crafted to nurture their faith for years to come.

The original article was published on the South American Division Portuguese news site.