Kids Ministry 101 Magazine – Spring 2019

KIDS MINISTRY101 Tips and Techniques for Kids Ministry Leaders

TEACHING THE

a WISE

PLAN F O

C ON TE X T

FAITH

SPRING 19

DISCIPLE KIDS FROM THE GROUND UP. 2

1st & 2nd GRADE PRETEENS

1s & 2s

GRADES 1–3 & 4–6

THE AMAZING POWER OF

UL POWERF JESUS IS MISES ESOME PRO GOD GOD’S AW WORD OF REDIBLE THE INC

JESUS

GOD’S AWESOME PROMISES THE EXTRAORDINARY WORD OF GOD

THE AMAZING POWER OF JESUS GOD’S AWESOME PROMISES

THE AMAZING POWER OF JESUS GOD’S AWESOME PROMISES THE EXTRAORDINAR Y WORD OF GOD

THE EXTRAORDINARY WORD OF GOD

KIDS LEADER GUIDE FALL 2019

DER GUIDE KIDS LEA FALL 2019

KIDS LEADER GUIDE FALL 2019

KIDS LEADER GUIDE FALL 2019

WORSHIP HOUR AND SPECIAL NEEDS RESOURCES AVAILABLE!

Bible Studies for Life: Kids provides trustworthy biblical content built on LifeWay’s Levels of Biblical Learning®, a guide that shows the 10 spiritual concept areas kids should understand as they grow. Each session engages your preschoolers and kids in discipleship through age-appropriate activities, lessons, videos, and music. Kids love it, and your leaders will, too!

Create an intentional discipleship plan that grows with your kids.

PREVIEW FOUR SESSIONS FREE AT BIBLESTUDIESFORLIFE.COM/KIDS

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KIDS MINISTRY101 Kids Ministry 101 Magazine exists to provide leaders in kids ministry with activities, ideas, and encouragement that will aid in their day-to-day ministry efforts.

pg. 6

pg. 10

Issue 16 Spring 2019 Jana Magruder Director, LifeWay Kids Chuck Peters Director of Operations, LifeWay Kids Roberta Lehman Strategist, LifeWay Kids

Finding A Wise Plan of Discipleship

pg. 17

Starting with the End in Mind

pg. 18

Stacey Means Graphic Designer, Kids Ministry 101 Magazine Marketing Designer, LifeWay Kids Bill Emeott Kids Ministry Specialist Delanee Williams Kids Ministry Specialist

3 Things You Could Be Missing if You Skip Summer Camp

pg.24

Teaching the Bible in Context

pg.26

Contact Us: LifeWay.com/Kids Facebook: LifeWay Kids Twitter: @LifeWayKids Instagram: @LifeWay_Kids Pinterest: LifeWayKids

The Value of Teacher Appreciation

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Seeds of Faith Volunteer Appreciation

Dear Reader, “We are the Easter people, and Hallelujah is our song.” Pope John Paul II

pg. 13

pg. 14

Oh friend, do you see the celebration taking place around you? Newness springs to life as the harsh cold of winter melts away. Green overtakes the landscape, birds chirp cheery songs, and I can’t help but feel extra thankful, extra joyful, and extra hopeful for this season of ministry.

The quote at the top of this page circles its way back to me every year. How wonderful is it that we have the hope of resurrection? We believe in a Father who transforms the most hopeless and seemingly irreversible situations into times of peace, joy, and life.

Preschool Craft: Create a Garden Picture

pg.21

Recipe: Rice Crispy® “Tweets”

pg.28

Autism in the Church

pg.22

Great Games That Teach: Relay Frisbee Golf

pg.31

I’m committed to dwelling on this fact for the next few months. I want the Lord to point out the parts of me that tend to believe the world over His Word. I’m ready to believe in resurrection in every area, and I’m ready to live out this phrase from Eugene Peterson that says, “To eyes that see, every bush is a burning bush.”

Instead of keeping this passion to myself, I want to challenge you to join me in focusing on resurrection and seeking burning bushes. I know the season that’s fast approaching for you. Summer is calling, and with it comes VBS, camp, and various family events. Where a burned out kids minister may see tasks, I want to challenge you to see the burning bushes.

The work you do is worth it. It’s worth it because the salvation of kids and families in your ministry is worth it.

I’m so excited for you to read this issue of Kids Ministry 101 magazine. As you celebrate spring and look forward to summer, I believe this resource will serve you well. My team and I love what you do, and we want to help you do it.

As always, I’m so glad you’re here. Thank you for allowing us to serve a small role in your kids ministry.

With joy!

Jana Magruder @jana_magruder Director of LifeWay Kids

See, Show, Share, and Compare LifeWay Kids Curriculum

Scripture Bookmarks

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FINDING A WISE PLAN OF DISCIPLESHIP

By Bill Emeott

God chose parents to be the spiritual leaders in their child’s life. As a church, we have the privilege of partnering with parents to lay spiritual foundations for salvation and transformation. Together, we lead kids to learn about Jesus, come to know Him personally, and glorify God as they obey His Word.

But how can parents and teachers be on the same page? How can we reinforce what the other is teaching? Is there a plan that helps us understand and approach discipling kids in a unified way? We need a wise plan of discipleship!

The Levels of Biblical Learning® In Luke 2:52, we learn that Jesus grew in wisdom, in stature, and in favor with God and with people. We know that Jesus grew according to God’s plan. He grew mentally, physically, spiritually, and socially.

We can expect that boys and girls today will grow in these four areas, too. The Levels of Biblical Learning equip parents and teachers with a tool for discipling kids in a systematic way from birth through high school—undergirding the way God created them to grow.

The Levels of Biblical Learning present 10 biblical concept areas that children need to hear, understand, and apply in eight different age ranges—younger, middle, and older preschool, younger and middle kids, preteens, middle school, and high school—reflecting levels of understanding that follow how God designed children to learn.

We know that children learn best when they can build on previously learned knowledge. The Levels of Biblical Learning concept statements build upon each other with small nuances in words and a slight development of each concept between the age levels, reflecting general understanding based on that aged child’s abilities.

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THE 10 CONCEPTS ARE: GOD: Boys and girls need to know God and understand God. They need to know that there is only one God. While the world may find that intolerant, God demands that we have no other gods. We help boys and girls know that God is love, God is good, and God is holy, perfect, and eternal.

JESUS: Jesus is the Messiah. He is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. He lived a sinless life yet chose to die for our sins according to God’s plan. He conquered death and rose from the dead, walked on earth again for 40 days, and ascended into heaven where He sits at God’s right hand and interceded for us as our Advocate, Mediator, and High Priest. When Jesus returns, all things will be made new.

HOLY SPIRIT: Wouldn’t it be sad if kids grew up not knowing that God sent a helper? Yet, we’re often shy about teaching this important concept. Jesus promised that God would send a Comforter, a Helper, an Empowerer, and an Inspirer. And He did. The Holy Spirit is given to a person when he or she trusts Jesus as Savior and Lord. Simply stated: “God loves and helps me.”

SALVATION: Salvation comes only through the shed blood of Jesus Christ, yet we are being challenged to find salvation through any means that feels right. God knew we would need a plan for salvation from the beginning. While the punishment for sin is eternal death and hell, Jesus willingly died to provide salvation. Jesus’ death and resurrection make salvation possible. God loves and cares for us.

BIBLE: The Bible is a special book—God’s message about Himself. It is the only inspired, written Word of God. The truths in the Bible are without error and will last forever. The Bible teaches us how to live a Christian life.

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CREATION: Creation can be credited only to God. There was no “big bang.” Creation was not some cosmic mishap. Boys and girls must understand that in the beginning God created everything and He wants us to praise Him for the things He made. If they don’t understand that, the rest doesn’t make sense. God is still at work in His creation and cares what happens in it. He’s working all things for His glory.

FAMILY: Families are a special part of God’s plan for providing for children’s spiritual, physical, mental, social, and emotional needs. God loves families and wants each person to make a positive contribution to his or her family.

PEOPLE: God made me, and God made other people, too. God has a plan for each person, and each person can understand and follow God’s plan and authority in their lives.

CHURCH: The Church is a fellowship of baptized believers who meet together to worship and serve God. Churches today are part of the movement Jesus and His followers began.

COMMUNITY & WORLD God allows people to join Him in His work throughout the world. All Christians are called to be on mission with God. He creates opportunities for people to connect with and share the good news of Jesus with others in all walks of life.

While God nor His attributes change, a child’s level of understanding does. A wise plan of discipleship recognizes the child’s abilities and provides a framework by which parents and teachers can help kids learn and accept the gospel of Jesus Christ and learn how to live the Christian life and grow as disciples of Jesus Christ.

Bill Emeott serves as Lead Ministry Specialist for LifeWay Kids. He is a graduate of Mercer University and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Bill has served in kids ministry for almost 30 years and currently teaches third grade Bible study at his home church in Nashville, Tennessee.

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LEVELS OF BIBLICAL LEARNING LEVELS OF BIBLICAL LEARNING

®

God chooses parents and teachers to lay foundations for salvation and spiritual transformation. We want kids and students to learn about Jesus, come to know Jesus personally, and glorify God as they obey His Word. Levels of Biblical Learning outlines the biblical concepts kids and students need to hear, understand, and apply.

Although kids and students develop spiritually in similar ways, their rates of development vary. Some kids and students may understand concepts at an earlier or later age than indicated

with them.

As kids and students grow, their understanding of foundational truths grows & WORLD — HOLY SPIRIT, BIBLE, SALVATION, CREATION, CHURCH, PEOPLE, FAMILY, COMMUNITY LEVELS OF BIBLICAL LEARNING® covers 10 biblical concept areas — GOD, JESUS, are presented through eight different age ranges, that kids and students can learn as they study God’s Word. The concept areas children, and students to learn. preschoolers, designed God how follow that from infancy through high school, and reflect levels of understanding

® LEVELS of BIBLICAL LEARNING

Younger PRESCHOOLERS 1 God is good to me.

1 God is good.

2 God made everything.

2 God made me.

3 God loves people and is with them.

3 God loves me.

4 God hears me when I pray.

4 God hears me.

5 God helps people.

5 God helps me.

6 God loves people.

6 God shows His love to me.

7 God loves me even when I make wrong choices.

Him. 8 God tells me to sing and pray to 9 God tells me to do what He says.

10 God can do anything. do.

11 God does what He says He will

12 God knows everything about me.

13 God is real.

3 God is everywhere.

3 God is always with people.

4 God hears and answers prayer.

4 God hears people pray.

people.

5 God helps and provides for His

5 God helps and provides for people.

7 God loves people even when they wrong choices.

8 God tells people to worship Him. 9 God tells people to obey Him. 10 God can do all things.

11 God always keeps His promises.

12 God knows everything.

13 God is real and true.

make

9 God expects people to obey, respect,

and honor Him.

all things.

• God is good to me.

• God loves people and is with them. with them.

I pray.

• God helps people.

• God shows His love to me.

• God • God tells me to do what He says. do anything.

• God can the world no matter their status, race, around 6 God loves and values •people God does what He says He will do. or ethnicity. me.

• God knows everything about of Jesus love for people through the sacrifice 7 God proved His unconditional • God is real.

• Jesus was born.

• God chose a family for Jesus. the world.

14 God is the Father, the Son, and the

• Jesus love for people by sending Jesus.

His unconditional 7 God proved told people about God. • Jesus • Jesus helped people because He loved them.

the Christ.

Him with 8 God expects people to worship JESUS

• Jesus did everything God told Him to do.

to earth. God wants us to live for His glory.

• God sent Jesus obedience, and honor.

9 God deserves respect,• Angels told Mary and Joseph that Jesus would be born.

of worship. loves me.

• Jesus 8 God is worthy

is alive.

• Jesus obedience, respect, 9 God deserves

and honor.

them.

• God sent Jesus to help people because He loves of and because to usabout He relates of how us. because He cares because worship Son, Jesus, oursent His only God 8 God is worthy•of attention to Himtoour God.and affections. disobey we owechoose • People who He is, and

had a family.

Concept statements from the concept areas of Jesus and God lay11 God is righteous. the work of the Holy Spirit.

Examples of those statements are:

• Jesus taught people about what God is like.

• Jesus healed sick people.

• Jesus loves people.

• Jesus is God’s Son. • Jesus always obeyed God. • Jesus is with God.

12 God is omniscient—He is all-knowing.

• God loves me. (John 3:16)

13 God is eternal.

will be.

HOLY Father, God the Son, theSPIRIT 14 God reveals Himself to us as God statements from the concept areas of Jesus and God lay (the Trinity).

Concept and God the Holy Spirit

BIBLE

Holy Spirit.

all their hearts, souls, minds, and strength.

He is faithful, and covenant His and are like. according Jesus promises, whattoGod Bible teaches Thepeople 5 God relates to•His us. words in the Bible. toGod’s His promises wrote only • People He always keeps life.

• The Bible teaches that Jesus died on a cross but came back to to were created live and people choices.

His work, and wrong ofright about is a result Bible teaches all creation 6 God is Creator,• The in relationship with Him. sin has damaged. and will one day make right all that SALVATION 7 God is loving and righteous

• Jesus grew like me and sovereign, and good. powerful, is all learned about God by reading the Scriptures.

• Jesus 10 God is omnipotent—He

control of all things. and inSPIRIT HOLY 10 God is all powerful

13 God has always been and always

13 God is real, the only true God.

• Everything in the Bible is true.

race, or ethnicity. status,choices.

I make theirwrong me evennowhen matter • God loves all people 5 God has concern and care for tells me to sing and pray to Him.

• God helps me. (Philippians 4:19) 12 God is all-knowing.

12 God knows all things.

BIBLE

me when and communicates • God hears 4 God hears people’s prayers

a foundation and just. for later learning about 11 God is faithful

11 God is fair and can be trusted.

not His creations.

at all times. is everywhere made everything.

• God 3 God is omnipresent—He

care for all people.

5 God has concern and JESUS

learned about God.

forgiveness 7 God loves people enough to provide for their wrong choices. and tell others about Him. 8 God tells people to worship Him

10 God is powerful and in control of

praised.

2 God is Creator and worthy to be • God is good.

• God made you. at all times.

3 God is everywhere • God loves me.

• God hears me. and desire but still people 4 God knows• what me.need God helps pray. people. to loves expects them • God

values people around 6 God loves •and Jesus grew like me.

6 God shows love to His people.

6 God shows His love to people.

GOD 2 God, the Creator, is to be worshiped,

GOD

praised.

2 God is Creator and worthy to be

2 God created everything.

1 God is holy and perfect.

1 God is holy.

1 God is perfect.

1 God is good to everyone.

Son, and God the Holy Spirit the book.

Father, theBible special is aGod 14 God is God • The (the Trinity).

• The Bible tells about God.

separate from and far above people 9 Because God is holy, He is altogether who are sinful.

CREATION omniscient (all-knowing), and omnipotent all times), (all places in six days and rested on the seventh. world the at 10 God is omnipresent • God created (all-powerful). • God created people able to make choices. has damaged. will one day make right all that sin 11 God is loving and righteous and

• God helps people. (Acts 1:8) • God shows His love to people. (John 15:13) • God loves people and is with them. (1 Corinthians 3:16) • God shows His love to me. (John 3:16)

SALVATION • God loves us.

• God cares about us.

BIBLE

CREATION

• God made day, night, plants, sky, sun, moon, stars, animals, water, birds, fish, and people.

• God made people.

• God made food for people and animals.

• God planned for people to care for the things He made.

• God said His creation is good.

• God wants me to thank Him for the things He made.

CHURCH • People learn about God and Jesus at church.

• People at church love me.

• People at church help me.

• People at church sing, talk to God, and listen to Bible stories

PEOPLE • God made me.

• God made me special.

• God created me to make choices.

• God helps me learn.

• God loves for me to talk to Him. • God helps me grow like Jesus grew.

• God wants me to be a friend.

• God loves me.

• God has plans for me.

• God helps me.

• God helps me learn about Jesus.

• The stories in the Bible are true and really happened.

• The Bible teaches us what God is like.

• People wrote God’s words in the Bible.

• The Bible teaches what Jesus did.

• The Bible teaches me right from wrong.

SALVATION • God sent Jesus because He loves us.

• God sent Jesus because He cares about us.

• People make wrong choices.

CREATION

• God created the world in six days and rested on the seventh.

• God made people different from the other things He made.

• God cares for His creation.

• God tells people to care for His creation.

• God wants me to like His creation too.

• God wants people to thank Him for the things He made.

• God made people able to love.

CHURCH

• People use the Bible to learn about God and Jesus at church.

• People at church love each other and teach about God and Jesus.

• People at church help others. to • People at church worship by singing, talking to God, and listening Bible stories.

• People give money at church.

• Jesus had a special meal with His friends.

• The Bible has stories about baptism.

FAMILY

PEOPLE

• God made families.

• Families love one another.

• God gave me a mommy and daddy to help me.

• My family tells me about God. • God loves families.

• God helps me grow.

• God made me, so I am special.

• God allows me to make right and wrong choices.

• God made me able to think, work, and play.

• God loves for me to pray.

• God helps me grow like Jesus grew.

• God helps me be kind to my friends.

• God will always love me.

• God has a plan for people.

• God helps me do what He says.

• God wants people to take care of their bodies.

• Jesus taught that I can tell others I am sorry when I hurt them.

• God wants people to learn from Jesus.

COMMUNITY AND WORLD • God made people.

• God helps people.

• People tell about God and Jesus.

• People can talk with God. • God cares about other people and me.

• God provides for His creation.

• God planned for people to care for the things He made.

(all-knowing), and omnipotent He created. omniscient the things me toatenjoy all times), • God wants (all places 12 God is omnipresent people to thank and praise Him for His creation. (all-powerful).• God wants Him.has existed for eternity past and to love and • God made people able is eternal, 13 God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) will exist for eternity into the future.

CHURCH to us as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

14 There is one God who reveals Himself

a foundation for later learning about the work of the Holy Spirit.

Examples of those statements are:

• People in the Bible told about God. • The Bible tells about Jesus.

• The Bible helps me know what to do.

status, race, or ethnicity.

• God loves and values people around the world no matter their status, race, or ethnicity.

• God proved His unconditional love for people through the sacrifice of Jesus the Christ.

• God expects people to worship Him with all their hearts, souls, minds, and strength.

• God deserves respect, obedience, and honor. God wants us

• The church is people who gather to learn about God and Jesus from the Bible.

• Church helpers teach about God and Jesus.

• The church provides ways for people to help others.

• People at church worship by praying, giving, singing, reading the Bible, and learning more about God and Jesus.

• People give money at church to help others learn about God and

to live for His glory.

JESUS

Jesus.

• The Lord’s Supper is a special meal to remember Jesus.

• A person is baptized after he or she becomes a Christian.

FAMILY

• God’s plan for families is for mothers and fathers to raise children.

Children are born or adopted into families.

• God wants families to show love, respect, and kindness to one another.

• God’s plan is for children to obey their parents.

• Families worship God together.

• When two people marry, they become a family. Adam and Eve were the first family.

• God loves families even when they hurt each other, and He wants families to forgive each other.

• God made people alike and different, and all are special to Him. • God helps people do His work.

• People who love God tell others all over the world about Him. • People can pray for others in their communities and world.

• The Bible tells me to love others in my community and world.

• Missionaries tell people about God and Jesus in my country and in other countries.

FAMILY • God’s plan for families is in the Bible.

• God wants family members to love and help one another.

• God’s plan is for children to do what their parents tell them to do.

• Families talk to God and read the Bible.

• God loves families even when bad things happen.

COMMUNITY AND WORLD • God made people alike and different.

• God helps all people.

• People tell others about God and Jesus.

• People can pray for others.

• People are important to God. • Missionaries are people who tell other people about God and Jesus.

Younger KIDS

faithful to us. in His image and GOD of His work, and He created people 6 God is Creator, all creation is a result with Him and reflect His glory.

God is perfect. achievement to enjoy a relationship as His•crowning one day make praised. to be and worthy • God is Creator impact of sin on the world, and will the grieves righteous, 7 God is lovingis and • God everywhere. right all that sin has damaged. prayer. to worldly things • God hears and answersand to misplace attention or affections of our worship, for His 8 God is• worthy people.

God helps and provides rightly owed to God is idolatry. which•are God shows love to His people. from and infinitely above people who separate is altogether He enough is holy, forgiveness for God to provide people loves 9 Because • God and obedience.

He deserves and choices. our reverence are sinful, wrong their and omnipotent (all-knowing), omniscient Him. times), others about at all and tell Him places worship (all to God tells people 10 God is• omnipresent creation. allhonor over Him. and obey, respect, people tosovereignty and exercises • God expects (all-powerful), all things. control of and in grieves the is powerful and righteous, loving 11 God is• God

JESUS • Jesus was God in human form.

• Prophets in the Old Testament told that Jesus would be born.

Jesus is the Messiah who fulfilled Old Testament prophecies.

• Jesus understands what it is like to be human.

• Jesus worshiped God. • Jesus taught through His life what God is like.

• Jesus raised people from the dead.

• People who love Jesus want to obey Him. • Jesus died on the cross, and God raised Him from the dead.

• Jesus was sent to be my Savior.

• Jesus was tempted but did not sin.

• Jesus ascended to heaven but promised He would return one day.

GOD • God is holy.

• God is Creator and worthy to be praised.

• God is everywhere at all times.

• God knows what people need and desire but still expects them to pray.

• God has concern and care for all people.

• God loves and values people around the world.

• God proved His unconditional love for people by sending Jesus.

• God is worthy of worship.

• God deserves respect, obedience, and honor.

• God is all powerful and in control of all things.

• God is faithful and just.

• God is all-knowing.

• God has always been and always will be.

• God is God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit

CREATION • God spoke the world into existence from nothing.

• God created people in His image.

• God’s creation follows His plan.

• God wants people to take responsibility for taking care of His creation.

• God is still at work in His creation and cares what happens in it.

• God wants people to praise Him for His creation.

• God made people in His image to have a personal relationship with

• God provided a way for people to become Christians because He loves them.

• God sent His only Son, Jesus, to be the only Savior of the World.

• Sin is choosing my way and disobeying God. • Jesus took the punishment for people’s sins.

• People who trust Jesus as their Savior and Lord are Christians.

• God will forgive people when they ask Him.

CREATION

CHURCH

• A church is a group of Christians who meet together to worship and serve God. • Churches set apart people to do certain tasks.

• God uses the church to meet the needs of people in the community

• God created the world from nothing.

• God created everyone to be like Him and to have a relationship with Him. • God planned and provided for His creation.

• God planned for people to care for His world.

• God is still at work in His creation.

• God is to be praised for His creation.

• God made people able to love Him and others.

and around the world.

• God wants people to gather to worship Him. • In addition to money, offerings can include time, talents, and possessions.

• The Lord’s Supper is a way to remind people about what Jesus did.

Christians participate in the Lord’s Supper.

• Baptism by immersion shows that people have trusted Jesus

CHURCH

• The church is more than a building; it is Christians who gather to worship and serve God. • Church leaders are chosen to teach about God and Jesus.

• The church meets the needs of people.

• God wants people to gather to worship Him. • The money people give at church is called tithes and offerings.

• The Lord’s Supper is a special event at church. People can remember Jesus when they see the Lord’s Supper being observed.

• Baptism shows that people have trusted in Jesus as Savior.

as Savior and Lord.

PEOPLE

for His people.

• God calls children to honor their parents throughout their lives as a reflection of their honor and love for Him.

COMMUNITY AND WORLD

CHURCH

• We are to be involved in reaching the nations through • God values all people and calls Christians to live on prayer, giving resources, loving actions, and sharing mission for the sake of reaching the lost with the gospel. the gospel.

• God continues to work in the world, and people are invited to join Him in His work.

• The church is a community of believers who are called to meet together regularly to study Scripture, pray, worship, serve and encourage one another, and proclaim the gospel to the world.

• The church is not a place or a building, but is made up of the people who belong to the family of God, and whereas under the Old Covenant, God dwelled in the temple or the tabernacle, today God dwells in His people and works through them to advance His kingdom.

PEOPLE

• All people are created in God’s image as male and female, are infinitely valuable, and our lives are gifts from God. • People are created as moral beings and are responsible for their choices and the consequences of their choices, including the ways they treat others.

• Growing in Christlikeness is accomplished as we act intentionally to pursue Christ and as God works in our lives.

• God has a purpose for every person, and we can know His plans by understanding and applying the truth of

ways that reflect Jesus.

• The church is called to train and equip its members for works of ministry, including giving their time, resources, and talents to serve those within the church and reach those outside the church.

• The ordinances of the church are the Lord’s Supper, which represents the body and blood of Jesus as the payment of our sin, and baptism, which represents our sharing in Jesus’ burial and resurrection.

• Because of Jesus, people can live with joy regardless of circumstances, as joy is rooted in an eternal perspective and not in earthly circumstances.

• Our response to God’s love is to remain pure in all aspects of life—with our bodies, thoughts, attitudes, actions, and speech—and He empowers us to obey His commands as we live by the Spirit.

• All people have sinned, and have been separated from God, but we can be restored to a relationship with Him when we trust in Jesus and turn from our sin.

Scripture.

• God loves all people, regardless of ethnicity or status, desires that we would all turn to Him for salvation, and demonstrated His love by sending Jesus to bear the penalty for our sin on the cross.

FAMILY

• Families are a part of God’s plan for filling the earth with His image-bearers, and are responsible for providing for the spiritual, physical, mental, social, and emotional needs of family members.

• God’s plan for the family involves one man and one woman, who have different but complementary roles, committing to one another in a lifelong covenant relationship as a reflection of God’s love for His people.

COMMUNITY AND WORLD

• God values all people everywhere, both unborn and born, from every race, ethnicity, and culture.

• God allows people to join Him in His work throughout the world.

• God calls all Christians to tell people about Jesus and to teach them

FAMILY

• God’s salvation is eternal, and once we are adopted into God’s family, nothing can separate us from Him. • We can be confident in our salvation when we, as a matter of desire, live in obedience to God and in

• God’s creation functions in an orderly way and serves • God is Creator, and all creation is a result of His work His purposes as He exercises sovereign rule over it all. and exists to glorify Him. • People are God’s most loved creation, and have been • Creation testifies as to the existence of God, and given responsibility for overseeing His creation. As we because His power and nature are understood steward it for His purposes, we reflect God’s character through what He has made, people are without excuse and authority. for their disbelief and disobedience.

difficult times.

FAMILY

knowledge of Jesus.

God. • Through the Bible, we know God Himself, and we know how He expects us to live in order to follow Christ and experience His blessing.

CREATION

• When families experience brokenness, God desires to bring healing and unity and to use the broader family of God to minister to hurting families during

grow in their faith.

• God’s plan for mothers and fathers is to teach their children about God. Parents are examples of how God is our heavenly Father.

• God’s plan is for all family members to work together so that God is honored by their family.

• God expects children to honor Him in the way they honor their

FAMILY

• God’s plan for mothers and fathers is to be examples of God’s love.

• God’s plan for families is for them to love, respect, and help one another.

• God tells children to respect and obey their parents.

• God wants families to worship at home and other places.

• In a marriage, a man and a woman make promises to God and each

• The Bible consists of the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments and is the only inspired written Word of

SALVATION

• Before the beginning of time, God’s plan for salvation centered on Jesus’ death and resurrection, which make salvation possible.

• No amount of good works can save a person, and Jesus’ paying the penalty for our sin is the only way to

be reconciled to God. • Because of rebellion against God, all people have been cut off from a relationship with Him, and deserve eternal death and hell, which is the punishment for sin.

the family.

• God expects children to honor Him in the ways they honor their parents throughout their lives.

• God wants families to have an attitude of worship.

• A man and a woman marry in a covenant relationship, promising to love each other until death as God loves them.

• God loves families even when they are broken. God wants all believers to act as the family of God and help others in difficult times.

and reject what is wrong.

• The Holy Spirit helps me know that when I have hurt others, I can ask them to forgive me.

• God wants people to have pure thoughts and actions.

• God wants believers to be disciples who grow in their faith and

to forgive me.

• God wants our actions, attitudes, thoughts, and words to be good.

• God wants all people to follow Jesus’ example.

FAMILY

• Families are part of God’s plan for filling the earth with His image-bearers and His glory, and are responsible for providing for the needs of family members.

• God’s plan for the family involves one man and one woman committing to one another in a lifelong covenant relationship as a reflection of God’s love

• The Holy Spirit intercedes before the Father on our behalf when we do not know how or what to pray.

• The Holy Spirit inspired and guided people to write the Bible, and used the personalities and voices of men to communicate the very words of God.

BIBLE • The Bible is internally consistent, is God’s Truth, without error, totally trustworthy, and will last forever.

• The Bible is the story of God’s work to redeem fallen creation through the saving work of Jesus, who will one day make all things new.

• Because of Jesus, people can live with joy regardless of circumstances.

• Our response to God’s love is to remain pure in all aspects of life and He empowers us to obey His commands as we live by the Spirit.

• All people have sinned, and have been separated from God, but because of Jesus, we can be restored to a relationship with Him.

• Families are a part of God’s plan for providing for children’s spiritual, physical, mental, social, and emotional needs.

• God’s plan is for each person to make a positive contribution to in her family. Men and women have different but complementary roles

to them.

• God wants every person to trust in Jesus as Savior and Lord.

• People can learn about and recognize God’s authority.

• People need to take care of their bodies and minds to honor God. • God asks me to honor Him by choosing to do what is right

and honor Him. • People need to take care of their bodies because God created them.

• God helps me obey what is written in the Bible.

• God helps me know when I have hurt others. I can ask them

PRETEENS God is omnipotent—He is all powerful, sovereign, and good.

God is righteous.

God is omniscient—He is all-knowing.

God is eternal.

God reveals Himself to us as God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit (the Trinity). » God hears people’s prayers and communicates with them.

» » » » »

treat others.

• Growing in Christlikeness requires our intentional efforts.

• God has a purpose for every person, and He wants us to understand His plans for us.

• God loves all people, regardless of ethnicity or status, and proved His love by sending Jesus to bear the penalty for our sin on the cross.

attitudes, actions, and speech.

• God expects people to remain pure in all aspects of life with their bodies, thoughts, attitudes, actions, and speech.

• God gives each believer one or more spiritual gifts to do His work.

God provides resources and other believers to help disciples

• God created me in His image.

• Each person is unique and of value to God. • People are responsible for their choices.

• People can develop and use their abilities and talents in ways that please and honor God. • God wants people to communicate with Him through praying and reading the Bible daily.

• People can follow the examples, teachings, and commands of Jesus.

• People can learn to love others as God loves them.

• People can learn to respond in positive ways to what happens

PEOPLE • Birth and growth are part of God’s plan.

• People are God’s most important creation.

• God helps people make good choices.

• God wants people to use their talents and abilities in ways that please and honor Him. • God wants people to pray and read the Bible daily.

• People can follow Jesus’ example by obeying God. • God helps me love others, both friends and enemies.

• Good and bad happen to people, but God still loves them.

• God has a plan for every person’s life.

• God wants people to live every day in ways that please

PEOPLE

• All people are created in God’s image, and our lives are gifts from God. • People are created as moral beings and are responsible for their choices, including the ways they

• Life is a gift from God. • God loves me so I can appreciate my value.

• People are responsible for their choices and any consequences for their actions.

• God will help Christians know and use their spiritual gifts.

• God wants people to communicate with Him and study the Bible daily.

• People can take deliberate actions to grow in Christlikeness.

• People are accountable to God for the ways they treat other people.

• People can live with joy regardless of their circumstances.

• God has a plan for each person to understand and follow.

• People can acknowledge and follow God’s authority in their life.

• Because a person’s body is God’s temple, God wants us to honor Him with our heart, soul, mind, and strength. help • God commands people to obey Him. People can trust that He will them resist temptation and give them self control.

• Because of Jesus’ death on the cross, we can seek forgiveness from Him and others and restore broken relationships. God expects people to remain pure in all aspects of life with their bodies, thoughts,

Him.

• God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) is eternal, and although He is not bound by time, He chooses to operate in it in order to relate to us.

• Each person who comes to faith in Christ receives the Holy Spirit and is endowed with a spiritual gift to be used to serve the church.

• Jesus promised that God would send the Holy Spirit, and the Spirit has come to convict, teach, comfort, lead, strengthen, and seal us, as well as to produce fruit within and through us.

• God’s creation functions in an orderly way and serves His purposes as He continues to work His creation.

• God has given people responsibility for overseeing His creation, and we should steward it for His purposes.

CHURCH

PEOPLE

• Because no sin can enter God’s presence and because Jesus is holy, He is the only way people can connect with God. • Jesus, because He is God, had the power to perform miracles, and He did so as a sign of His divine nature and to help people overcome their lack of faith.

• Jesus sits at God’s right hand and continually intercedes for believers as our advocate, mediator, and high priest. Jesus will one day return to exercise His reign over creation, and He will make all things new.

HOLY SPIRIT

CREATION

disobedience.

Jesus as Savior and Lord.

to God is idolatry.

• God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) is eternal, and although He is not bound by time, He chooses to operate in it in order to relate to us.

• There is one eternal God who reveals Himself to us as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and each person of the Trinity has distinct personal attributes.

JESUS

eternal punishment.

CHURCH

has damaged.

• God is worthy of our worship, and to misplace attention or affections to worldly things which are rightly owed

fit to be our Savior.

• From the beginning, God planned that Jesus would save people from their sins, and it was necessary that He would be crucified and raised.

• Jesus is fully God and fully man, and despite being tempted while on earth, remained altogether free from sin.

• Jesus lived for the glory of the Father and taught that we should do the same through lives of worship, service, and sacrifice.

• God’s salvation is eternal, and nothing can separate us from Him. • We can be confident in our salvation when we live in obedience to God and in ways that reflect Jesus.

• The ordinances of the church are the Lord’s Supper • The church is a fellowship of believers, and we are and baptism, which are earthly symbols of eternal called to meet together regularly. realities.

• The church is not a place or a building, but consists of the people who belong to the family of God. • The church is responsible for training and equipping its members for works of ministry, and church members are called to give of their time, resources, and talents.

of His love.

• Churches gather together to worship and respond to God. • God wants people to be good stewards of their money, time, talents, and possessions.

• The Lord’s Supper is an ordinance—a command Jesus gave to the church. The body and blood of Jesus are represented in the Lord’s Supper. Christians participate in the Lord’s Supper to remember Jesus’s death.

• Baptism is an ordinance—a command Jesus gave to the church.

Baptism by immersion is a symbol of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. Christians are baptized to show they have trusted in

• God is loving and righteous, grieves the impact of sin on the world, and will one day make right all that sin

• Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin, which means He did not inherit the sinful nature passed down from Adam, which made Him

• The Bible is the only inspired written Word of God. • Through the Bible, we know God Himself and how He expects us to live.

• God is Creator, and all creation is a result of His work.

• Creation testifies as to the existence of God, and people are without excuse for their disbelief and

• The church is a fellowship of baptized believers who meet together to worship and serve God. Churches today are part of the movement Jesus and His followers began.

• God calls church leaders to train believers to do God’s work.

• God uses the church to meet people’s needs as an expression

SALVATION

eternal life with God begins.

• The punishment for sin is separation from God. • Jesus died to pay the penalty for all my sins—past, present, and future.

• God’s salvation is a gift that every person needs and can receive.

• When the Holy Spirit convicts me of my sin, I can turn away from my sin (repent) and trust Jesus as my personal Savior.

the Bible.

SALVATION

CREATION

• God provided a plan for salvation because He loves me.

• Salvation is the beginning of a growing relationship with Jesus that lasts forever. Through salvation, my sin is forgiven and the gift of

reflect His glory.

• God is omnipresent (all places at all times), omniscient (all-knowing), and omnipotent (all-powerful), and exercises sovereignty over all creation.

• God communicates to us through His Word and hears and answers when we pray, and our spiritual maturity depends on these spiritual disciplines/the quality of our relationship with Him depends on these.

• God relates to His people according to His covenant promises, and even though we are not always faithful to Him, God keeps His promises and always has and always will be faithful to us.

over creation.

• The Holy Spirit intercedes before the Father on our behalf.

• The Holy Spirit inspired and guided people to write

• Before the beginning of time, God’s plan for salvation centered on Jesus’ death and resurrection.

• People cannot save themselves, and Jesus is the only way to be reconciled to God. • Because of our rebellion against God, we deserve

• Creation can be credited only to God. • God created people in His image.

• God’s world is orderly, following God’s purpose.

• God gives people the responsibility to care for His creation.

• God is still at work in His creation, cares what happens in it, and is working out His plan through it.

• God wants people to praise Him for His creation.

• God restores our relationship with Him when we trust Him as Savior and Lord. Our response is worship.

BIBLE • Everything in the Bible is true and will last forever.

• The Bible is God’s message about Himself.

• God inspired people to know what to write in the Bible.

• The Bible teaches that Jesus died on a cross, was buried, and was raised from the dead for the forgiveness of sins.

• The Bible teaches how to live a Christian life.

SALVATION

BIBLE • The Bible is true, without error, and will last forever.

• The Bible is the story of God’s work in creation and centers around Jesus.

SALVATION

God’s love.

• A growing relationship with Jesus is important and necessary.

A Christian experiences joy when he recognizes God is working in his life and in the lives of others.

plan.

• The Holy Spirit guided people to write God’s words.

• The Holy Spirit convicts people of sin.

BIBLE

into the future.

• Each person who comes to faith in Christ receives the Holy Spirit and is given a spiritual gift.

• Jesus promised that God would send the Holy Spirit to minister to God’s people in a special way.

• God had a plan for salvation before the beginning of time.

• Jesus willingly died to provide salvation. Jesus’ death and resurrection make salvation possible.

• The punishment for sin is eternal death and hell.

• People cannot save themselves. Jesus died to pay the penalty for my sins, redeeming and rescuing me from sin and death.

• God’s salvation is eternal. Nothing can separate Christians from

• God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are the Trinity.

• The Holy Spirit urges people to receive God’s salvation.

• The Holy Spirit is the Comforter.

• The Holy Spirit has worked and always will work in the world.

• The Holy Spirit helps Christians tell others about Jesus and God’s

• Bible truths never change.

• The Bible helps people know more about God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.

• God helped people know what to write in the Bible.

• The Bible teaches that Jesus died on a cross, was buried, and was raised from the dead.

• The Bible teaches how God wants people to live.

HOLY SPIRIT

of forgiveness.

• The Bible teaches how to live a Christian life by following Jesus.

• Because God is holy, He is altogether separate from and infinitely above people who are sinful, and He deserves our reverence and obedience.

• God is Creator, all creation is a result of His work, and He created people in His image and as His crowning achievement to enjoy a relationship with Him and

• Jesus is the only way people can connect with God. • Because Jesus is God, He had the power to perform miracles.

• Jesus sits at God’s right hand and continually prays for us. Jesus will one day return to exercise His reign

• God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) is eternal, and has existed for eternity past and will exist for eternity

BIBLE

HOLY SPIRIT

HOLY SPIRIT

• Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin.

• From the beginning, God planned that Jesus would save people from their sins and sent Him at exactly the right time.

• Jesus is fully God and fully man, and He is altogether holy.

• Jesus lived for the glory of the Father and taught that we should do the same through lives of worship.

• The Bible is true, without error, and will last forever.

• The Bible is God’s message about Himself and His salvation plan through Jesus.

• The Bible is the only inspired, written Word of God. • The Bible teaches that salvation through Jesus is God’s gift

JESUS

HIGH SCHOOL GOD

JESUS

and God’s plan of salvation.

• The Holy Spirit inspired and guided people to write the Bible.

• The Holy Spirit pursues and convicts people of sin.

• Jesus is eternal.

• God is loving and righteous and will one day make right all that sin has damaged.

• God is worthy of our worship because of how He relates to us and because of who He is, and we owe to Him our attention and affections.

• God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) is eternal, and has existed for eternity past and will exist for eternity into the future.

• There is one God who reveals Himself to us as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

promises to us.

HOLY SPIRIT

• Jesus was born of a virgin.

• God planned for Jesus to be the Savior from the beginning of time.

• Jesus is fully God and fully man.

• Jesus taught that worship is focused on God. • Jesus taught about faith, trust, and obedience to God. • Jesus performed miracles through the power of God. • People can obey Jesus as a response to His love.

• Jesus died to pay the penalty for sin.

• Jesus is the Messiah and Savior.

• Jesus was human and resisted temptation.

• Jesus ascended to heaven but promised He would return one day.

• The Holy Spirit is a special helper.

• The Holy Spirit helps people understand God’s plan for salvation.

• The Holy Spirit helps people in times of trouble.

• The Holy Spirit has always worked in the world.

• The Holy Spirit helps Christians tell others about Jesus.

• The Holy Spirit helped people to write the Bible.

• God sent the Holy Spirit to help us know when we sin.

GOD

• Because God is holy, He is altogether separate from and far above people who are sinful.

• God is Creator, all creation is a result of His work, and people were created to live in relationship with Him. • God is omnipresent (all places at all times), omniscient (all-knowing), and omnipotent (all-powerful).

• God communicates to us through His Word and hears and answers when we pray.

• God relates to His people according to His covenant promises, He is faithful, and He always keeps His

• The Trinity is eternal, holy, and perfect.

• The Holy Spirit is given to a person when he trusts Jesus as his Savior and Lord.

• God sent the Holy Spirit to be our Comforter. us.

• The Holy Spirit is eternal and active. The Holy Spirit intercedes for • The Holy Spirit empowers Christians to tell others about Jesus

(the Trinity).

• Jesus was with God at creation.

PEOPLE • People grow as God planned for them to grow.

• People are special because God made them.

• God allows people to make right and wrong choices.

• God made people able to do many things well.

• God wants people to pray.

• People can try to be like Jesus.

• Jesus taught how God wants us to treat other people.

• No matter what happens, God loves people.

• God has a plan for every person.

• People can show love for God by obeying Him. • God wants people to take care of their bodies.

• God helps me obey Him. • Because Jesus forgives, I can tell others I am sorry for hurting them.

• God wants people to follow Jesus’ example.

COMMUNITY AND WORLD

people who separate from and infinitely above 1 Because God is holy, He is altogether and obedience. are sinful, and He deserves our reverence in His image and of His work, and He created people 2 God is Creator, all creation is a result His glory. a relationship with Him and reflect as His crowning achievement to enjoy and omnipotent all times), omniscient (all-knowing), 3 God is omnipresent (all places at over all creation. (all-powerful), and exercises sovereignty when we pray, His Word and hears and answers 4 God communicates to us through of our on these spiritual disciplines/the quality and our spiritual maturity depends these. relationship with Him depends on though we to His covenant promises, and even 5 God relates to His people according and always will be keeps His promises and always has are not always faithful to Him, God

• God is fair and can be trusted.

• God knows all things.

• God is real, the only true God. • God is the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

• Jesus was born of a virgin.

• God planned for Jesus to be the Savior from the beginning of time and sent Jesus to earth at the perfect time.

• Jesus is fully God and fully man who came to earth in human form.

• Jesus taught that worship is for God’s glory.

• Jesus taught that He is the only way to God. • Jesus performed miracles because He is God’s Son. • Jesus transformed people through His love.

• Jesus’ crucifixion, burial, and resurrection were necessary parts of God’s plan for the forgiveness of sin.

• God sent Jesus to fulfill His promise of redemption.

• Jesus is holy and perfect.

• Jesus sits at God’s right hand and intercedes for us as our advocate, mediator, and high priest. When Jesus returns, all things will be made new.

• Jesus has always existed and will always be with God.

Middle KIDS

HOLY SPIRIT

Leve s of B b ca Learn ng Poster Pack Pack of 10 $7 99

GOD • God is holy and perfect.

• God, the Creator, is to be worshiped, not His creations.

• God is omnipresent—He is everywhere at all times.

• God has concern and care for all people no matter their

• Jesus prayed to God. • Jesus taught people what God is like by what He said and did.

• Jesus performed miracles.

• People can obey Jesus because they love Him. • Jesus died on the cross and then came back to life.

• Jesus is God’s one and only Son. • Jesus was tempted to sin.

• Jesus is in heaven with God.

and far from areas separate Jesus people ofabove is altogether the concept from holy, Hestatements 1 Because God isConcept about the work who are sinful. and God lay a foundation for later learning are: created to live people were statements thoseand Examples of Hisofwork, Holy Spirit. is a result creation allthe 2 God is Creator,of helps and provides for people.

GodHim. in relationship •with omniscient (all-knowing), and omnipotent times), people. at allto His love shows places • God (all 3 God is omnipresent (all-powerful). • God is always with people. when we pray.

His Word and hears and answers 4 God communicates to us through

or student.

PRETEENS

Older PRESCHOOLERS

change, a preschooler’s, While neither God nor His attributes to lay foundations for salvation and vocabulary changes God chooses parents and teachers child’s, or student’s level of understanding kids and students to learn and slight changes in concepts and spiritual transformation. We want as he grows. Small nuances in words as personally, and glorify God kids and students. From an GOD about Jesus, come to know Jesus are significant in the minds of growing biblical the to everyone. is good • God Learning outlines may seem minor, but these small they obey His Word. Levels of Biblical • God created everything. adult’s perspective these changes apply. with people.

God is always to hear, understand,• and of kids and students.

• God hears people pray. concepts kids and students need steps are important for the understanding and provides for people.

• God helpsways, spiritually in similar resources for broadly aged • God shows His love to people.

Although kids and students develop developing or teaching When • God loves people even when they make wrong choices. kids and students to meet the • God tells people to worship Him. their rates of development vary. Some concepts may be combined or adapted tells people to obey Him. groupings, • Godindicated or later age than • God can do all things. concepts across several ages.

Review may understand concepts at an earlier group. the of needs • God always keeps His promises. yet another reason to rely • God knows everything. on the chart.

This helpful ministry tool provides is real and true.

• Godand when the concept trust year after year. Visit Certain topics are introduced later on LifeWay as a resource you can child, JESUS useful to the preschooler, about Levels of Biblical Learning. content are more meaningful and • God sent Jesus to earth as a real person.

LifeWay.com/LOBL to learn more • People in the Old Testament told that Jesus would be born. or student.

• Jesus grew, learned, and had friends.

Middle PRESCHOOLERS

on the chart.

Certain topics are introduced later when the concept and content are more meaningful and useful to the preschooler, child,

While neither God nor His attributes change, a preschooler’s, child’s, or student’s level of understanding and vocabulary changes as he grows. Small nuances in words and slight changes in concepts are significant in the minds of growing kids and students. From an adult’s perspective these changes may seem minor, but these small steps are important for the understanding of kids and students.

When teaching or developing resources for broadly aged groupings, concepts may be combined or adapted to meet the needs of the group. Review concepts across several ages.

This helpful ministry tool provides yet another reason to rely on LifeWay as a resource you can trust year after year. Visit LifeWay.com/LOBL to learn more about Levels of Biblical Learning.

how to know and follow God. • People can pray for missionaries and the people they teach and serve.

• God tells me to connect with all types of people and show them His love.

• Missionaries are Christians called by God to boldly tell another group of people the good news about Jesus, no matter the danger.

• God calls children to honor their parents throughout their lives as a reflection of honor and love for Him. Further, we are to demonstrate love toward all members of our families, including siblings, extended family, and those who God brings into our families as a result of fostering, adoption, or remarriage.

• When families experience brokenness, such as conflict, abuse, or divorce, God desires to bring healing and unity and to use the broader family of God to minister to hurting families during difficult times.

GROWING

parents.

• God wants families to worship together to help them grow stronger in their faith.

• In a wedding ceremony, a man and a woman make promises to God, to each other, and to all those present to be committed to each other through good and bad times.

• God loves families even when family members sin. God is always ready to forgive.

other.

• God loves families and wants families to love and forgive each other when difficult things happen.

COMMUNITY AND WORLD

• God values all people—born and unborn, young and old, male and female, all ethnicities, those of opposing faiths—and calls Christians to live on mission for the sake of reaching the lost across the street and around the world through prayer, giving resources, loving actions, and sharing the gospel.

• God continues to work in the world, and as we join Him in His work, He uses people to accomplish His

eternal purposes.

• We demonstrate honor for God when we respect the earthly authorities God has placed in our lives, including parents, pastors, teachers, coaches, police, and government.

COMMUNITY AND WORLD

COMMUNITY AND WORLD

• Even before they are born, people are special to God. • God works through people to do work in their communities and world.

• All Christians are called to be on mission with God. • People can pray for specific needs of others.

• God tells me to connect with others and show them His love.

• Missionaries are Christians called by God to tell another group of

• God values all people.

• God helps people to do His work in their communities and world.

• Christians are called to tell the people all over the world about Jesus.

• People can pray for people all over the world.

• The Bible tells me to love others in my community and world.

• Missionaries are called by God to tell another group of people the

Foundational Bible Stories, Concepts, and Life Action the Way Preschoolers, Children, and Students Learn Best from BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE PREVIEW FREE SESSIONS AT biblestudiesforlife.com

people the good news about Jesus.

good news about Jesus.

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LEVELS o

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As kids grow, their understanding of foundational truths grows with them. This booklet illustrates 10 foundational concepts of spiritual growth: God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, Bible, Salvation, Creation, Church, People, Family, and Community and World. The concept areas are presented through eight different age ranges, from infancy through high school, and reflect levels of understanding that follow how God designed children to learn.

The poster is dual-sided, providing both a chart and infographic version of LifeWay’s Levels of Biblical Learning.

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9

STARTING WITH THE END IN MIND.

BY WILLIAM SUMMEY

10

“Start with the end in mind.”

I remember the first time I heard that phrase applied to parenting. When our son was born twenty years ago, we took parenting classes that told us to start “packing our son’s suitcase.” What the teacher meant was for us to begin planning for the day he would leave us, giving him both roots to anchor him and wings to help him soar. When we imagined that day, it seemed so far away. Yet, today we are seeing our college-age son grow in many ways as he studies and works for the future to which God has called him.

That same principle—starting with the end in mind—is true in our churches as we grow the kids in our ministry and prepare them with Bible truths. We hope to watch each child form a growing relationship with God that will continue to flourish for years to come. It’s a worthy calling.

The question is: what have we envisioned as “the end” for the kids we teach?

Are we thinking about it the same way parents do—as the day that child leaves for college? Or are we thinking toward the day when the child leaves our kids ministry area and goes to the student ministry?

The truth is, we are often disconnected from other ministry leaders in our thinking about kids’ spiritual growth. Much of this division has been for good reasons. Kids and students are so different in their ages and stages of life, so we often build silos between kids ministry and student ministry in how we plan and develop our materials.

With natural differences in leadership as kids grow, it is essential to envision a ministry that spans from babies to high school. In an attempt to draw together the kids and student ministries, LifeWay created a new version of Levels of Biblical Learning that begins at birth and ends with high school. We brought together kids ministry and student ministry leaders from churches, seminaries, and publishers to talk through each statement and how it should progress from babies through the high school years. Here’s an example: YOUNGER PRESCHOOL: God chose a family for Jesus.

MIDDLE PRESCHOOL: Angels told Mary and Joseph that Jesus would be born.

OLDER PRESCHOOL: People in the Old Testament told that Jesus would be born.

YOUNGER KIDS: Prophets in the Old Testament told that Jesus would be born.

Jesus is the Messiah who fulfilled Old Testament prophecies.

MIDDLE KIDS: God planned for Jesus to be the Savior from the beginning of time.

PRETEENS: God planned for Jesus to be the Savior from the beginning of time and sent Jesus to earth at the perfect time.

MIDDLE SCHOOL: From the beginning, God planned that Jesus would save people from their sins and sent Him at exactly the right time.

HIGH SCHOOL: From the beginning, God planned that Jesus would save people from their sins, and it was necessary that He would be crucified and raised.

Levels of Biblical Learning can form the foundation of a seamless ministry strategy that helps babies through high schoolers grow spiritually according to their physical development.

For more about the specifics of these content areas and concepts, see Bill Emeott’s article “Finding a Wise Plan of Discipleship” on page 6 of this issue.

William Summey is the team leader for the Bible Studies for Life: Kids resources at LifeWay.

11

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Kids

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Pricing and availability subject to change without notice.

Kids

Preschool

Craft:

CREATE A GARDEN PICTURE

By Delanee Williams

SUPPLIES NEEDED: • Bible • Green construction paper • Other colors of construction paper • Various sizes of muffin cups and mini muffin cups (pastel colors preferred) • Large buttons or pompoms (large enough not to be a choking hazard) • Glue • Washable markers • Scissors PREPARE: 1. Cut the green construction paper into strips to resemble flower stems.

2. Place the materials listed above on a table for preschoolers to use.

3. Glue a muffin cup to an end of a green strip of paper to use as a Bible marker. Write the Bible phrase “Jesus is alive” on the strip of paper. Place the Bible marker in the Bible at John 20:1–18.

4. Place the Bible with Bible marker on a table with other craft materials listed above.

TEACH: 1. Encourage preschoolers to decide how many flowers they want to make in their garden picture. Demonstrate how to make a flower by gluing a strip of paper onto the large piece of construction paper. Then, glue a muffin cup at the top of the green strip of paper.

If a child chooses, he or she can glue a button or pompom inside the muffin cup.

2. Allow preschoolers to use markers to draw other things in their gardens.

3. As the preschoolers create their garden pictures, open the Bible to John 20:1–18. Share about Mary visiting the tomb and her encounter with Jesus. Emphasize that when Mary left the garden, she was happy because she knew Jesus is alive.

4. Discuss with preschoolers how they can know Jesus loves them.

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AUTISM IN THE CHURCH

By Diane Dokko Kim

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is the fastest growing developmental disability in the US. Affecting 1 in 59 children, ASD is a statistical certainty that will impact your ministry. Every April 2 may be World Autism Awareness Day, but a complex disorder like autism requires churches to be aware and equipped, every Sunday and beyond. Autism can seem intimidating. But you do not need to be an expert in autism to love and serve well. Rather, become an expert in knowing and loving each individual God sends, one family at a time.

How can we communicate the gospel to children who may not respond to traditional teaching methods? Here are six principles for setting up children, families, and ministry teams for optimal inclusion: Appropriate Settings and Expectations Determine appropriate expectations for behavior and engagement, in advance. Individuals with ASD experience sensory processing challenges that can impact how they engage with their environment. Crowded classrooms, certain lighting, or loud worship music might trigger an aversion or overload. Troubleshoot these preemptively. Inquire about any sensitivities to place students in settings respectful of their hardwiring. Students with sensory considerations are typically served in three models: 1. Full inclusion in a regular classroom, often with the support of a 1:1 “Buddy�

2. Self-contained classroom, a quieter space for students who learn best in less stimulating environments.

3. Hybrid, a combination of both.

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Unconditional Love and Acceptance Above all, children with autism need the unconditional love of Christ. We live in a world that marginalizes people for what they can’t do. The church has a countercultural opportunity to celebrate every individual as wonderfully, fearfully, and uniquely made. Our commitment to inclusion, manifested through patience and compassion, communicates that God values and cherishes everyone.

Teach the Way They Learn Verbal instruction is the most common teaching modality, yet the most challenging for students with ASD who struggle with social skills, speech, and communication.

Visual instruction works best for individuals with autism. Consider adapting curriculum, materials, and activities to present visually versus auditorily. Substitute or pair text with icons or pictures, read visual or icon-based Bibles, supplement lessons with video, music, or alternative (tactile) media, and provide visual schedules for structure, predictable routines, and to facilitate transitions (which can reduce anxiety-induced behaviors.)

Individualized Approach Autism is uniquely a spectrum disorder. Because each individual presents uniquely, no one size or approach fits all, and each requires reverse engineering: instead of mastering the intricacies of autism, each student needs you to understand them as an individual.

Learn their love languages, interests, strengths, and gifts—as well as their challenges.

They learn; they just learn differently from others.

Strategic Partnership With Parents Parents are the world’s foremost experts in their children. Primary caregivers will be your greatest assets, especially if a child is non-verbal. Leverage their expertise—and the professionals they work with—to access the information you’ll need to become the newest resident expert: communication and learning styles, academic levels, behavior triggers, sensory considerations, self-care/toileting skills, seizure or elopement concerns, etc. Online registration is highly recommended as an efficient tool to capture important information.

Mentoring Pair special needs ministry “buddies” with students to serve as a guide, coach, and mentor. This relationship is key to enabling students in navigating the program and facilitating new friendships. Presume competence. Even if a child has limited communication, mentors should encourage others to speak directly with the student and engage in conversation that is both age-appropriate (no baby talk) and developmentally appropriate.

People Over Programs Ultimately, engaging students with autism is less a program, and more a relationship.

Jesus engaged with each individual according to his or her faith and unique abilities.

So must we. For our friends with autism, their ability to receive and understand communication outpaces their expressive output. Even if they don’t respond in typical ways, they are absorbing and learning, because their Creator speaks their language. We reach, teach, sow, and serve because we trust the Word of God is living and active and will not return void.

Faithfulness is our job. Fruitfulness is His. Recommended Resources • autismsociety.org • Autism and Your Church: Nurturing the Spiritual Growth of People With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Barbara J. Newman (Faith Alive Christian Resources, 2011) • Leading a Special Needs Ministry, Amy Fenton Lee (B&H Books, 2016)

Diane Dokko Kim is a special needs parent, disability ministry consultant, speaker, and author of Unbroken Faith: Spiritual Recovery for the Special Needs Parent. She lives in Silicon Valley with her husband, Eddie, and their two children. Connect with her at www.dianedokkokim.com, where she blogs on being “wrecked, redeemed, and repurposed.”

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Instead of placing kids in an environment that may not speak to their comprehension needs, consider ordering these teaching materials.

Bible Studies for Life: Kids Special Buddies Leader Guide 005080591 • $7.35 Bible Studies for Life: Kids Special Buddies Activity Pages 005080592 • $3.20

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Kids

1

3

Mentorship Moments

When it comes to building discipleship relationships with the kids in your church, there’s no replacement for quality time. Summer camp is a unique experience because it takes place over several days. I’ve spent all of the last six summers at camp, and I always enjoy seeing relationships develop between kids and the adults in their church.

Most kids, even the ones who are really involved in your kids ministry, won’t spend as much time with your adult leaders at church in a single month as they will during a week of camp.

So when you spend four or five days together in God’s Word, you start to have a platform for discipleship that you may not have experienced before.

3

Things You Could Be Missing if You Skip Summer Camp

By Logan Meek Loading up a bus full of sugar-and-soda-filled kids to go away from home for a few nights is no small commitment. However, if you’ve been to summer camp, you know that the late nights and hot days are a one-of-a-kind experience. If you’re willing to commit time and energy to bring your group to summer camp, it can be the most transformative discipleship tool of your year. You may think summer camp isn’t for you, but here are three things you could be missing if you skip summer camp:

Spiritual Moments

2

Many people think of summer camp as a milestone experience. It’s no surprise that this is the case, because summer camp is a chance to retreat from our normal routines for the purpose of spiritual growth. At camp, we spend intentional time in worship and Bible study together. If we aren’t careful, the result can be a “camp high” that fades away in the days or weeks following camp. However, with some intentionality, summer camp can be a capstone and a catalyst for your 52-week discipleship plan. It’s a capstone for our year when the discipleship concepts you’ve been teaching start to click with kids; most of the spiritual fruit that blossoms at summer camp comes from the seeds that have been planted Shared Memories and cultivated throughout the previous A week at summer camp can be year. Summer camp is a catalyst for your the most fun week of your year, period. discipleship plan when you leave, and both Where else will you have the chance the kids and leaders in your group are for kids to cheer you on while you win the more excited about continuing to grow belly-flop contest while wearing a rainbow spiritually. wig? How many times have you seen a more timid kid become the hero for your group when they decide to play a game on stage?

What traditions does your group have that you can’t wait to return to every year? Done right, summer camp is going to give you Summer camp isn’t just another thing to these moments and many more that will check off a “must do” list. It can be the be special memories for you and for your most transformative discipleship tool in your group. It’s about relationships that go home ministry. So if you think camp isn’t for you, from camp with you, and when it’s October or wonder if it will be too hard to pull off, and you still have the shared memories instead, focus on what you could be missing. with your group, you’ll have an even greater platform for discipleship.

Logan Meek leads the Student Life For Kids team.

Logan joined the Student Life For Kids team in 2014 after spending two years as a sixth-grade teacher with Teach For America. He believes in the importance of strong kids ministry to help kids build strong spiritual foundations.

17

TEACHING THE BIBLE IN CONTEXT

BY TIM POLLARD

An online dictionary defines context as the circumstances that form the setting for an event, statement, or idea. We can sometimes get lost in context and misunderstand an event or activity we enter without understanding the entire context. Ever stumble into a conversation you thought was about one thing, but was about something else completely?

I think we all have. While things taken out of context can sometimes be funny, understanding God’s Word in context is very important for spiritual growth and understanding.

The Bible is God’s Word. As the Word of God, people should read the Bible with context in mind. As adults, sometimes we feel like some books of the Bible are just not that important, so we skim them when reading, or we tend not to want to teach them to our kids since it’s just a list of boring names or numbers. While the Bible does contain things such as that, God intended those lists of names and numbers to mean something, and we can help boys and girls know what those mean by teaching the Bible in context.

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When thinking about context and the Bible, we really need to ask ourselves what is meant by context. One of the things I learned in a seminary class is to not only read the passage of Scripture you want to teach from, but to also read the stories that happened before and after what you are teaching so you can place what you teach into its proper context. Some stories provide their own context, like the story of Noah and the flood. God sent the flood because sin was rampant on the earth. Other stories might take a bit more work. Consider the woman at the well. Jesus meets this woman from Samaria, a place Jews would never go, but Jesus did, because the Jews in Jerusalem had rejected His message. If the Jews weren’t going to listen to His teaching, Jesus would go to the Samaritans and show through His actions that His message was not just for the Jews, but for everyone.

Consider these advantages when teaching the Bible in context.

1. Teaching the Bible in context will help you better understand why this story is included in the Bible. If you understand the context of the situation surrounding the story, you have a richer understanding of the meaning of the passage you are teaching.

2. Teaching the Bible in context will help you see how the message impacted its original audience. The books of the Bible were written hundreds of years ago to specific people. The God-inspired authors of those books wrote with individuals in mind, and understanding how those messages would have been received can help us better frame our teaching of those passages and stories.

3. Teaching the Bible in context will help you keep from teaching something the Bible is not teaching. Understanding context is a way to check ourselves and will help us teach a more complete truth, guarding our teaching against making God’s Word fit our individual preferences or desires.

4. Teaching the Bible in context will help you apply biblical truth to the boys and girls you teach. Understanding why the story you are relating to kids is in the Bible, and what it meant to the people to whom it was originally written, can bring immediate application. Think about the original audience and consider how their circumstances may have been similar or vastly different from what kids face today. How can you use the context of passages to make spiritual application that makes sense to your kids?

You may be thinking this seems like work. Well, in truth, it really only adds a few minutes to your preparation time to just read a few extra paragraphs, or chapters, or the notes in your study Bible if you are using one, to understand the context of the passage you are teaching to girls and boys. Preparation is important in our teaching to make sure the messages we are sharing guide kids to make concrete connections to God’s Word. It may not be necessary to explain the entire context to kids, but your understanding the context will make all the difference in how you relay that content while you teach. Adding the step of understanding the context will lead to a richer understanding of God and His Word for you and the kids you lead.

Tim Pollard is passionate about helping kids dig deep into Scripture, which he pursues through his daily work as leader of the Explore the Bible: Kids team. Tim lives with his wife and daughters in Mount Juliet, TN.

19

Y R O T S I H BRING .

E F I L O T SEE BIBLE STORIES IN THEIR HISTORICAL CONTEXT!

The Bible Timeline for Kids gives kids a fun, creative way to visualize when events in biblical books took place. Posters display book titles in bright, colorful bands to give kids an instant understanding of where that book fits in history and includes engaging facts about major historical events. Each set includes 12 posters.

BIBLE TIMELINE FOR KIDS • 005811866 • $24.99

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Kids Prices and availability subject to change without notice.

20

Recipe:

Rice Crispy “Tweets” Ingredients: • • • • •

1 box of Rice Krispies® cereal 2 10-oz packages of mini marshmallows 6 T butter 1 container of marshmallow creme 1 package of round candies (M&Ms®, jelly beans, or Smarties® will work.)

Pre-Group Instructions:

1. Melt butter over low heat.

2. Add mini marshmallows and stir until melted.

3. Remove from heat and add cereal. Stir until fully coated.

4. Spread mixture onto foil or parchment paper to let cool.

5. Use a round cookie cutter to cut treats into a nest shape.

Group Instructions:

1. Place round candies and a bowl with a dollop of marshmallow creme in the middle of the table.

2. Pass one nest out to each child in your group.

3. Instruct kids to select three candies and to dip each one into marshmallow creme and then place onto the middle of their rice crispy nest.

4. Enjoy!

Rhonda VanCleave serves as Publishing Team Leader for LifeWay’s VBS. Rhonda has been active in children’s ministry for more than 40 years. Her husband is a pastor and together they have served six churches in four states. Rhonda has degrees in English and Education.

Rhonda and her husband live in Columbia, Tennessee.

21

GREAT GAMES

THAT TEACH: FRISBEE GOLF

By Jeremy Echols

When you were a kid, did you ever challenge yourself to find items around your house and create an exciting game to play with friends?

In Great Games that Teach, a resource in the KidMin Toolbox, that’s exactly what we did! We combined a few favorite games—relay races, Frisbee throwing, and golf—and invented a brand-new, tremendous game: Relay Frisbee Golf.

HERE’S WHAT WE CAME UP WITH: Create a course with cones to create multiple “targets” and have kids take turns throwing the Frisbee at each cone in order. For each throw, the next player picks up where the last throw landed, until they complete the course relay-style. You can have your whole group compete against the clock or have two teams compete head-to-head!

Make a spiritual application from this game by sharing Psalm 119:105 and the importance of navigating the path God provides for us in His Word. Now you’ve combined Scripture with relays, Frisbees, and golf . . . to make the activity even better!

This summer, I hope you enjoy warm weather, outdoor games, hangouts with kids, and meaningful worship. LifeWay Kids camps combine all these things, and we’ll be creating environments across the country where the message of Christ is made clear in the lives of kids at camp.

Bring your kids for an exciting and gospel-centered week of camp, or if you have camp plans already, book a one-day leader tour to see what CentriKid Camps and Student Life For Kids is all about.

Whatever your summer plans look like, we are praying they will be packed with a little bit of fun and a whole lot of Jesus!

Jeremy Echols leads the camps area for LifeWay Kids. He, his wife Emily, and their precious daughter love their church, their neighborhood, and spending time together.

Jeremy enjoys reading, watching sports, and all of his daughter’s after-school activities.

22

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PURCHASE TODAY AT LIFEWAY.COM, 800.458.2772, OR YOUR NEAREST LIFEWAY STORE.

Pricing and availability subject to change without notice.

23

THE VALUE OF

Teacher Appreciation

BY DELANEE WILLIAMS

When was the last time you received appreciation? Was it a note, a word of encouragement, or a small gift to say “thank you?” Were you thankful someone took the time to recognize your hard work and service? Were you encouraged? Were you reminded you make a difference? Everyone needs and values appreciation.

When teachers are appreciated through an expression of admiration, they seek to become better teachers. They see the impact they are making in the lives of the children. They understand the sacrifice of time, efforts, and energy make a difference in others’ lives.

A kids minister’s responsibilities are never ending. You may wonder how you will be able to work appreciation into your schedule and budget. Will your efforts of appreciating teachers make a difference? The answer is YES! The Lord uses expressions of appreciation to minister to and encourage those who serve.

When was the last time you appreciated those who serve in the ministry you lead? Just as you as a leader need encouraging words, volunteers need to feel appreciated as well. We have a responsibility to value our leaders. Pray and commit to be intentional and value teachers by showing appreciation. Speak an encouraging word. Take time to listen. Write a handwritten note, or give a small token of appreciation. Communicate that you appreciate your teachers’ time, effort, and willingness to serve the Lord through kids ministry.

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NEW CURRICULUM FOR USE AT HOME! Continue teaching The Gospel Project at home! This 5-day per week curriculum is designed for homeschool families and parents who want a plan to disciple kids at home. Every session is crafted to encourage gospel-centered quality time for families, including Friday Fun Day activities.

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SEMESTER 2

1 Joshua and Caleb 2 The Bronze Snake 3 The Promised Land and Jericho 4 Achan’s Sin and the Defeat of Ai 5 Joshua’s Final Encouragement 6 The First Judges 7 Deborah and Barak 8 Gideon 9 Samson 10 Ruth and Boaz

17 David Sinned and Was Restored 18 Solomon Asked for Wisdom 19 Wisdom for God’s People 20 Solomon Built the Temple 21 Solomon’s Sin Divided the Kingdom 22 Job 23 Solomon Thought About Life 24 Psalms (Praises of God’s People)

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Kids 25

Volunteer Appreciation SEEDS OF FAITH

By Delanee Williams

Spring is a time for flower seeds to be planted and flowers to bloom.

Use this appreciation idea to remind teachers they are planting seeds of faith in the lives of children.

GATHER: • Find flower seed packets.

• Make copies of the tags below or download at kidsministry101.com.

• Cut out the tags and attach one to each flower packet.

As you give each leader a flower packet, encourage him or her to use the growing flowers as reminders to pray for the children they teach each week.

Thanks for planting seeds of faith in the lives of children.

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Grab your camera–wild encounters are on the way!

Throw on your camera strap and buckle your seatbelt. This summer’s VBS takes you on a wild adventure—with elephants and egrets, polar bears and penguins, cockatoos and crocodiles.

As you seek out exotic animals, you’ll also find snapshots of real-life encounters with Jesus in Scripture. Kids go from bewildered to believing as they get In the Wild at this summer’s VBS.

Learn more at lifeway.com/vbs.

1.800.458.2772 • lifeway.com/vbs • LifeWay Christian Stores

27

SEE, SHOW, SHARE, AND COMPARE LIFEWAY KIDS CURRICULUM

By Chuck Peters

Comparing LifeWay Kids curriculum resources is easier than ever thanks to a brand-new collection of easy-access resource guides available online now at teachkids.lifeway.com.

The new TeachKids webpage lets you quickly and easily see, show, share, and compare leader guide samples, scope-and-sequence study plans, and the underlying philosophyof-ministry frameworks for Bible Studies for Life: Kids, Explore the Bible: Kids, and The Gospel Project for Kids. These fast and simple samples are formatted as digital flipbooks that you can instantly review, reference, compare, and share using your smartphone or computer without filling out a form or downloading files.

CURRICULUM SAMPLER

Each resource includes a digital flipbook that lets you instantly flip through curriculum samples for kids and preschool versions, including teacher guides, activity pages, family resources, and worship options so you can examine and evaluate each resource on-demand. Pages contain embedded links that connect you directly to product pages on lifeway.com where you can see product details and prices.

STUDY PLAN

Quick access to Study Plan flipbooks allows you to quickly assess the scope and sequence of each resource so you can know exactly what kids and preschoolers will study throughout each three-year study cycle. Here you’ll find suggested use dates, the key Scripture passages for each session, and volume, unit, and Bible story titles.

FRAMEWORK

Each LifeWay Kids curriculum resource is informed by an underlying philosophical framework that influences the writing and editing of every session. These frameworks are not curriculum; they are foundational approaches to teaching biblical truth to kids that are designed to inform teachers and parents of the learning strategies upon which each resource is built. Once you determine which of these three distinct approaches to teaching you prefer, you will have an easy time choosing the curriculum resource that aligns with your preferred philosophy. Details on each of these frameworks, as well as printables, apps, and training videos, are available free from LifeWay Kids.

Bible Studies for Life: Kids is based on the Levels of Biblical Learning®, a scholarly guide based on the idea that kids learn and comprehend concepts differently as they grow in maturity; therefore, we must teach biblical truths in well-informed, age-appropriate ways. The Levels of Biblical Learning outline how children can best understand 10 different biblical concepts at different age levels.

Bible Skills for Kids is all about the promotion of biblical literacy and Bible familiarity and informs the Explore the Bible: Kids resource. Bible Skills for Kids identifies various Bible skills that children can grasp and master at various stages of development, such as identifying Old and New Testament books, memorizing the books of the Bible, matching people in the Bible to the book in which they appear, and memorizing a wide range of Scripture verses.

Big Picture Questions and Answers for Kids undergirds the Gospel Project for Kids.

It outlines 76 theological concepts in six overarching categories formatted using a systematic easy-to-understand question-and-answer approach and includes a “Seeing Jesus in the Bible” section that explains how the whole Bible is one big story that’s all about Jesus and the gospel.

THE QUIZ

If you want help determining which resource best matches your personal study style, you can take the “What Kind of Kids Minister Are You?” quiz.

This 5-question quiz helps direct you to the resource that teaches the way you like to teach.

28

UNITN11 S STUDIE BIBLE E KIDS IF FOR L GE ITY PA h IV T C A for eac s ie p o c

Jesus Healed the Official’s Son

SMEakSe SIO s ur clas

UNIT VERSE

o

kid in y

BY THE NUMBERS

This Jesus of Nazareth was a man attested to you by God with miracles, wonders, and signs that God did among you through him.

1

Start with the first Jes and print those letters on the line.

Then write the letters from the second usp and keep going.

After you write all the letters, draw lines between the letters to discover the words of the message.

2

14 6

ira

God 8

2

usp

sth

7 10

ght

cle 1

5

edm

11 9

rou

Jes

hep 3

13

ACTS 2:22 CSB

4

erf

rof

orm 12

owe

Healing Words Look up these verses to find what the Bible says about God’s power to heal.

Gospel Power Jesus has

1 Peter 2:24

____________________

_______________________________ _______________________________

Psalm 147:3

____________________

_______________________________ _______________________________

over physical sickness, like today’s Bible story

shows, and Jesus has

over the spiritual sickness all

people have. That is sin. Just like Jesus physically healed the official’s son, Jesus can spiritually heal people from their sin.

Sin separates people from God and deserves God’s punishment of death. Jesus took that punishment when He died on the cross.

Jesus showed His

over sin when He rose from the dead.

Psalm 103:2-3 ____________________

By responding to Jesus in faith, God can forgive your sin and

_______________________________

give you new life in Jesus.

_______________________________ B I B L E S T U DI E S F OR L I F E GR A DE S 3 –4

29 3

HIP

LES IP

C

DI N KIDS I

S

Make discipleship fun with TeamKID! Add TeamKID to your ministry and help kids grow to be more like Jesus through Bible memory games and application of Bible truths, engaging missions videos and activities, and fun activity-based learning. Use this 36-week curriculum for Wednesday nights, Sunday evenings, or anytime you meet with kids!

Works great for midweek programs!

Kids

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Kids

Scripture Memory Boo kmarks

Cut out the cards below, and use them to help you remember Scripture..

In him was life, and that life was the light of men.

JOHN 1:4

For the

wellspring

of life is with you.

By means of your light we see light.

PSALM 36:9

Jesus said to her, “I am the

resurrection

and the life. The one who believes in me, even if he dies, will live.”

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

JOHN 14:6

JOHN 11:25

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LifeWay Christian Resources One LifeWay Plaza Nashville, TN 37234 395249

Looking for free resources to build your ministry?

Kidsministry101.com delivers free content to help you lead your ministry.

CONTENT INCLUDES: • Podcast episodes with kidmin thought leaders • Theological and philosophical blog posts • Leader training videos • Volunteer appreciation downloads • Preschool Bible learning activities • Coloring page downloads • Bible skills games Sign up to receive the free Kids Ministry 101 magazine and subscribe to the LifeWay Kids newsletter at kidsministry101.com!

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