Here you'll find an array of activities for elementary children that can be used in Children's Ministry, after-school programs, in the classroom and by homeschoolers.
Because of the persecution that began after Stephen’s death, many people left Jerusalem and scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. Philip was one of these people. Philip was full of Holy Spirit and wisdom. He was one of the chosen first deacons to serve the Grecian widows and a powerful missionary. Philip went to Samaria.
There was in that city a man, Simon, famous for his sorcery. Many there called him “The Great Power.” However, when Philip came they got to know the true Great Power, Jesus. They saw what true miracles looked like and were converted and baptized. Even Simon was baptized.
This story reminds me of Jesus’ story of The Sower. The persecution had the affect of the sower sowing seeds. In effect, God scattered His people and they began scattering the seeds of God’s Word, the Good News (Gospel) about Jesus, to people far and wide. Some seed fell on good soil and some on shallow, weedy, or hard soil. Was Simon in this condition? Did he stay in this condition? Here in lies the lesson.
One of the activities is to prepare simple pamphlets to attach to seed packets and share with others.
The Great Commission is found in Matthew 28:19-20. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Philip was asked to do exactly that, except he really wasn’t. He was told to south to the desert road; the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza. Philip didn’t ask why, he just started walking and watching for opportunities and listening for God’s prompting. When God said to stay near the chariot and he heard the Ethiopian in his chariot reading, he was quick to recognize the opportunity.
That’s a lesson to us (me too) to be ready and willing to go where God leads; to be watching for opportunities; and to go quickly without questions and hesitations.
This lesson gives an opportunity for kids to make a decision to follow Jesus and potentially to get baptized. It also is an opportunity to encourage them to be little missionaries and tell others about Jesus.
The craft is a fun compilation of a horse and chariot that works.
John the Baptist had disciples that followed him too. When John pointed out Jesus to them, two of the disciples followed Jesus. They excitedly introduced Jesus to their friends. We can tell our friends about Jesus too! The presentation starts with an opportunity for Show and Tell and ends with the craft pictured above and a relay race game with the object of bringing others to Jesus.
Yes, I will follow Jesus! This is the start of an adventure with Jesus as the captain of your ship, the LORD of your life. Jesus chose 12 of his disciples to be His close apostles, but there were many more who chose to obey His teachings and live the life of faith and love. Come let’s learn their stories.
After His baptism, Jesus often spent time with His and our Heavenly Father. God’s will was His mission and His ministry. In these lessons we learn about Jesus’ first disciples. Some were called, some came, but all were welcomed. Come let’s follow Jesus. Let’s sit at His feet and learn the Truth.
John the Baptist had disciples that followed him too. When John pointed out Jesus to them, two of the disciples followed Jesus. They excitedly introduced Jesus to their friends. We can tell our friends about Jesus too! The presentation starts with an opportunity for Show and Tell and ends with the craft pictured above and a relay race game with the object of bringing others to Jesus.
Jesus was and is a fisher of men. He came to where we are; to earth. He went were the people were. He told stories, healed people, did miracles, showing God’s love and power. He changed people’s lives. Jesus calls us to follow Him, to go fish and gather people into His kingdom of love and freedom. In this presentation the kids hear the story and get an opportunity to pretend to be fishermen as they sing, do the craft and activities.
This presentation explores good money management. Give the kids each 10 dimes and let them experience what it is to tithe, pay a tax, save and spend money on their snack. The Bible story is Jesus calling Levi Matthew who is a tax collector. Will you follow Jesus? Matthew has a feast for Jesus and many of his friends come. The leaders question why Jesus is eating with tax collectors and sinners. Jesus’ answer shows that he loves the sinner and those in need. He shows mercy and forgiveness.
Participants get to take parts and read through the story. Learn about the sycamore tree and do the above craft of the sycamore tree that allows the kids to retell the story as they make Zacchaeus climb up and down the tree. Choose to serve God, not money. Choose to follow Jesus.
Jesus chose 12 of his disciples to be apostles. He sent them out 2 by 2 to repeat the messages he had given and He even gave them the power to do the similar miracles! Our Lord is not selfish! He calls, empowers, and sends. We too are sent to go tell the world this good news. The children have an opportunity to make a wordless book or bracelet and learn to use it to tell others about Jesus.
In reading the book of Acts, we meet several of the new converts. Seven of them are chosen to be deacons and serve the widows. Some served only a little while and then became martyrs as they would rather die than give up their faith in Jesus. Some traveled and were missionaries far and wide. Come let’s meet some of the new believers of Jesus Christ, the Messiah, the Savior of the World. They are part of his story.
These interactive presentations give you a platform to tell these stories using the scripture and pictures. They include object lessons, crafts, music and interactive activity suggestions.
Jesus had told his disciples that trouble would come, but that he would give them peace (John 16:1-4,33). We have peace knowing we have salvation! Stephen stood up for Jesus. He wanted everyone to know that Jesus died to save us from our sin and that He rose again to give us eternal life. No longer would lambs (or other animals) need to be brought for sacrifice. Jesus died once and for all and sat down at the right hand of God (Hebrews 10:12). Jesus stood up for Stephen. He is with us too!
Philip obviously loved to tell people about Jesus. Follow his story as a new believer, ordained as a deacon, and as a missionary. As you tell the story or read the scriptures, let the kids pretend to be the characters of the story. Review what it means to become a believer and be baptized. Philip was sent on a mission to meet an Ethiopian and tell him about our Savior. Follow the links in the presentation to make a chariot. The presentation ends with a tic tac toe game to review the story.
