One of the most unique and spiritually significant doctrines of our church will once again be observed globally on Sunday, 7th June 2026 as parishes across the world will celebrate the annual Juvenile Harvest, a sacred occasion dedicated entirely to children within the fold of the Church.
On this special day, children are given the rare spiritual privilege and responsibility to conduct every aspect of the worship service. From the incense burner to the service conductor, from the choir stand to ushering, the entire service is traditionally coordinated by children. Even the Three Members Prayer, Bible readings, sermon delivery, and other liturgical responsibilities are carried out by the young ones, demonstrating the Church’s commitment to raising children in spiritual discipline, leadership, and service to God.
The Juvenile Harvest remains one of the doctrinal pillars personally endorsed by the Pastor Founder, Rev Pastor Prophet Samuel Bilehou Joseph Oshoffa whom God divinely chose to establish the Church. The importance of this sacred observance is further strengthened by its recognition and proclamation in Section 91 of the Constitution of the Church.
Celestian historians have also revealed that the very first Juvenile Harvest was held at the Mother Parish in Porto-Novo, Benin Republic. According to historical accounts, the divine instruction concerning the establishment of the Juvenile Harvest was first received by a female prophetess from the Church’s National Headquarters in London while she was in a trance. The spiritual message was subsequently communicated to the Pastor Founder, who fully accepted and approved the divine instruction. Since then, the Juvenile Harvest has become an annual and globally recognized tradition of the Church, fixed for the first Sunday in June of every calendar year.
Interestingly, despite the unfortunate factionalization and leadership crises that have affected various aspects of the Church over the years, the sacred institution of the Juvenile Harvest has remained one of the few spiritual exercises still universally recognized and celebrated across all factions of the church worldwide.
However, concerns have continued to grow regarding the gradual deviation from the original doctrine and spiritual purpose of the Juvenile Harvest in some parishes. Rather than preserving the simplicity and sacredness established by the Church, certain parishes have introduced practices foreign to our church doctrine, including the sewing of adult regalia and ranked garments for children during the celebration.
Many faithful members believe these developments are gradually transforming the Juvenile Harvest from a spiritual platform for nurturing children in holiness into a social funfair and display of status, thereby undermining the true essence of the sacred observance.
One of the prominent Church elders who publicly condemned this growing trend is Most Superior Evangelist Olusegun Olarinde. Speaking during the Shepherds’ Retreat held in Imeko in 2024, he passionately emphasized the spiritual significance of the Juvenile Harvest and warned against the practice of parents and shepherds dressing children in adult regalia and unofficial ranks during the celebration. According to him, such practices contradict the doctrine, humility, and spiritual objectives upon which the Juvenile Harvest was established.
As the Church prepares for the 2026 edition of the Juvenile Harvest, many faithful members are calling on all factional Pastors in our church to release official goodwill and advisory statements celebrating the children while also reminding parishes to strictly adhere to the constitutional and doctrinal guidelines governing the Juvenile Harvest.
There is no doubt that the Juvenile Harvest remains more than an ordinary annual celebration. It is a divine institution established to spiritually nurture children, prepare future leaders of the Church, and strengthen the relationship between children and God through practical participation in worship and service.
At a time when moral values and spiritual discipline among young people are facing increasing global challenges, Celestial Church of Christ must preserve the sanctity, simplicity, and spiritual focus of the Juvenile Harvest for generations yet unborn, allowing children to serve God wholeheartedly remains one of the greatest investments the Church can make for its future.
