What’s Next - Week 1
Puzzles don't come with step-by-step instructions for solving them. That's what makes them so much fun. You have to try to figure out the next best step to take. When Jesus left Earth, his followers had to wonder the same thing — "What's next?" In this 4-week series about the Early Church, kids will see how Jesus' followers solved the puzzle of what to do next and the ways we can follow in their footsteps. As kids discover what to do next, they'll learn they can follow Jesus, pray for others, love like Jesus did, and share the good news.
BIG IDEA: We can follow Jesus.
BIBLE: Saul on the Road to Damascus: Acts 9:1–20; 1 Corinthians 15:1–9
MEMORY VERSE
Elementary: "In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps." Ephesians 5:1-2 (NIV)
Toddler Twist: God directs my steps. Ephesians 5:1-2
WATCH:
Preschool- teaching video
Elementary- teaching video
SONG: I'm trusting you and Fly
DISCIPLE:
For this activity, you'll need index cards and pencils. Have your family write or draw their responses on their index cards, then fold them in half the long way. Place everyone's cards on the floor like obstacles, from one end of the room to the other. Invite your kids to start at one end of the room, walk around each of these cards, and make their way to the other side.
What is something (or someone) that could get in the way of following Jesus?
Maybe you have family members who actively don't want you to follow Jesus.
Maybe your close friends don't follow Jesus, so you feel alone.
Maybe you just don't know enough about Jesus, so it's hard to follow him.
Walk around the path you make filled with obstacles together. Whatever might be making it more challenging for you to follow Jesus, know that he will help you find a way. As you walk around these obstacles, Jesus walks beside you and guides you through every step. We can follow Jesus.
Pray: Jesus, you made it possible for anyone to know, love, and follow you. Help us through anything that stands in the way of us doing that. We want to follow you no matter what's next! Amen.