In Chile, 100 Churches Will Open Up Special Spaces for Children and Teens

Leaders of the Children’s and Adolescent Ministries for the Chile Union Mission recently introduced the project “Spaces With Purpose.” The project seeks to support 100 local churches across Chile to open and refurbish rooms adjacent to their sanctuaries that can be used for Sabbath School classes for children and adolescents.

The special introduction took place during the “Generation 360” program, broadcast on social networks on July 3.

“More than beautiful rooms, we look for spaces with purpose. The intention is to create environments where children and adolescents can learn, engage, and meet Jesus in a meaningful way—that is to say, through living discipleship,” said Carol Villarroel, director of Children’s and Adolescent Ministries in Chile.

These new rooms will allow children to live a special experience every Saturday, she emphasized. “We want them to walk into their room and feel like their church really thought of them, that they are valued and that they have a special place for them within the family of faith,” Villarroel said. “It is about strengthening their identity as children of God. In short, we wish children and teens to receive a simple but powerful message: This is a space specially prepared for you.”

Stages of the Project

The project is being developed in three stages. The first was the launch. The second stage includes the selection process to choose local churches across the seven fields of the Chile Union Mission. These churches must fill out an application form with the support of regional leaders.

This image seeks to illustrate how a refurbished room for teens would look after the initiative is completed. [Image: Chile Union Mission, South American Division News]

The third stage will take place between September and October, leaders reported. “At that time, selected churches will begin adapting and refurbishing rooms so they become functional, welcoming and teaching spaces, following the guidelines of a ‘Practical Guide to Ambience and Design’ developed for that purpose,” leaders reported. The guide is also available for other churches that would like to join the initiative on their own. A common template will facilitate the process for those who would like to participate.

Design that Contributes to Wholistic Development

The CognitiveGenesis macro study by La Sierra University shows that harmonious development—physical, mental and spiritual—is enhanced when learning environments abandon traditional rigidity. By implementing functional rooms or spaces with mobile stations, social interaction and dynamic materials, children’s intellectual development can improve by 50 percent, it reported.

The functional design also allows the space to be adapted to various rhythms and needs, helping children self-regulate their attention and energy and, in this way, strengthen discipline and focus in each lesson.

According to regional church leaders, a percentage of the worldwide offering collected during the fourth quarter of 2025 and the efforts of the Chile Union Mission in collaboration with its administrative fields will allow this project to be carried out in multiple churches across the country.

The original version of this story was posted on the South American Division Spanish-language news site.