Block by block

In an increasingly online world, opportunities for children to experience face-to-face, creative activities are no longer the norm. The idea of friends working together and using their divinely designed imaginations to make their dreams a reality often seems like a memory from a long-gone era. But wherever the gospel is shared, there is always hope.

Through the work of believers who are passionate about sharing the love of Christ with children, plastic Lego bricks have been transformed into tangible teaching tools that point children to the loving Father who made them in His own image.

A redemptive approach

The Lego Group originated in Denmark in the 1930s and was founded by a Christian during a time of family tragedy and Christian resilience. However, despite being owned by the same family since its beginnings, the company adopted a neutral stance toward religion, refusing to incorporate any “religious references including symbols, buildings, or people” in any of its sets. The international toy giant has also been bold in its stance for inclusivity and diversity, releasing building sets that embrace and promote the LBGTQ lifestyle.

However, according to an April 2025 article from The Guardian, “Lego has cut diversity terminology from its annual sustainability report, despite trumpeting the recent addition of ‘diverse’ characters to make its toys more ‘inclusive.’”

While the removal of such terminology is perhaps a mere act of compliance with the Trump administration’s eradication of diversity initiatives, one ministry is taking a redemptive approach and using the beloved building bricks to advance the gospel.

An international mission

Through the formation of Block Clubs, the nonprofit Christian ministry Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) uses these plastic building bricks to reach children with opportunities for hands-on play and creativity while cultivating mentorship-based relationships in which the gospel is central.

CEF shared the gospel with almost 30 million children in 2024 through its international clubs, events, and activities. The Block Clubs supply children, ages 5 to 12, with a variety of building blocks they can use to let their creativity soar – constructing buildings, vehicles, or even retellings of familiar Bible stories.

“Leaders are equipped by CEF to first share the Bible lesson, then guide children to creatively respond to the story by working together to build related models or scenes. As the children build with the blocks, they are also receiving foundational knowledge of God, who created them and provides forgiveness of sin through His plan of salvation,” CEF told The Stand via email.

The clubs take a variety of forms, including one-day building events, traveling clubs, and summer camps. CEF partners with local churches who provide the building blocks, allowing children to attend at no cost. With over 3,500 paid staff and thousands more volunteers, CEF has opened these clubs across the United States and in Eastern Europe.

Editor’s Note: This article is not an endorsement of The Lego Group or Lego brand. The intent is to highlight a unique method to engage children while sharing the message of the gospel. Numerous alternatives to Lego bricks are available that would allow the same method to be employed without supporting a company that has values inconsistent with a biblical worldview.