Children’s Equipping Center (CEC)

“…Your sons and daughters shall prophesy.”

IHOP-NW’s Children’s Equipping Center (CEC) is a training ground where we equip young children to live as forerunners for Jesus, fully devoted to a lifestyle of wholeheartedness before God, and developing faith and history in healing and miracles. We want to help kids meet God, see God and experience God by going deeper in prayer, deeper in worship and deeper in devotion to Him.

We are seeking to raise up children who are equipped with a heart-felt knowledge of the Bible through godly content, creative teaching methods, resources, environment, solid leadership and life experiences. We want to see children equipped with a passionate desire to walk in the fullness of God, while at the same time understanding God’s desire for them to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Our desire is to teach children to believe the promise given to us in Acts 2:17 that in these days, His Spirit will be poured out on all flesh and they are the ones who will prophesy, dream dreams and see visions. Children will be taught to understand that the Holy Spirit is orchestrating a global prayer strategy in these very days, and they are a part of it!

We believe God’s power, signs and wonders are not just for adults to experience. Children, too, can walk in the boldness, zeal and power of God; to participate in ministry to one another in such a way that signs and wonders can be released through them – children of all ages will be released to pray, worship God, heal the sick through intercession and the laying on of hands, prophesy, give to the poor, preach, teach and reach the lost.

We teach principles about enjoyable prayer that assist children with a deep passion to develop an intimate dialogue and a desire to communicate with God just as He communicates with them. Children can hear from God and understand more than most people think. We hold true to Isaiah 56:7, Even them I will bring to my holy mountain and make them joyful in My house of prayer.

We also believe in having a lot of fun while we are learning about God. He is a fun God that has given us a great capacity to enjoy his creation. Your kids will be able to play, take part in team competitions, do crafts, and lots of other activities while meeting and creating new relationships with lots of other kids who want to know God more.

Important Details for Parents/Guardians

The CEC is currently available on Sunday mornings during the Encountering God Service (EGS).
Children ages 6-12 participate in the worship portion of the service in the meeting with their parents/guardians until dismissed to their classrooms, normally at the beginning of announcements before the message.
BEGINNING JAN 22: Children ages 6 months – 5 years may be checked in starting at 9:50 (10 minutes prior to the Sunday Encountering God Service) and will be in their classrooms and activities for the duration of the service.
Parents/guardians must remain on-site at IHOP-NW when their children are in the CEC. In the event of an emergency, or if a diaper change is needed, parents will be contacted in the service to come to the CEC.
Parents/guardians are responsible to check their children into their respective classes. Children will not be released to a non-parent/guardian, so please be aware that your presence will be necessary soon after the conclusion of the service!

Ages and Classes

The CEC is currently divided into 3 age groups:

BEGINNING JAN 22: 6 months – 23 months: Meeting in the CEC Young Room
2 – 5 years: Meeting in the CEC Main Room
6-12 years: Room 102 (older children, ages 6-12).

Each age group has age-appropriate program and ministry with dedicated ministry teams. All CEC staff are actively involved with ministry in the prayer room at IHOP-NW and have undergone character and background checks.

Frequently Asked Questions

I have a baby – do you have a nursery?
IHOP-NW does not currently have the staff capacity to provide a staffed nursery for children under 6 months at this time. However, we do have a small room with a changing table, portacribs, and a rocking chair for nursing moms, located in a room connected to our main young child classroom. Please be aware that due to the nature of the space, it is likely to have distracting noise from the classroom next door. Please ask any of the ushers (yellow vests) for assistance in accessing this space. Children must be attended at all times!

Is the Children’s Equipping Center providing ministry on Friday nights during the EGS?
IHOP-NW does not currently have the staff capacity to provide ministry through the CEC on Friday nights. It is our prayer that we can soon do so, but this is dependent upon the willing participation of qualified staff with a heart to see “the smaller saints” equipped during this timeframe.

How can I help raise up this next generation?
We’re glad you asked! Please contact Alison Anderson (CEC Director) for information on getting involved as a leader in the CEC. EMAIL NOW>>