​Read all or parts of 1 Corinthians 12 from your Bible or watch the Bible story video.

STORY: 

  We all have different gifts and abilities given to us by God. When God made you, He made you on purpose. When we trust in Jesus as Savior, the Holy Spirit gives us gifts to serve the church. Just like a hand has a different job than an eye, we each have different ways we serve. Some people may serve as teachers, preachers, greeters, nursery workers, or kids’ leaders. People can also serve the church through prayer, encouraging others to keep following Jesus, helping others in need, and more.

 
   Paul told the church in Corinth that no one’s job is more important than others. But not all jobs are easy to see. We may not see who buys the snacks for kids or the people cleaning the church building or people praying for us. Yet, even if we don’t see how everyone serves, it does not mean their jobs are less important. In God’s kingdom, everyone’s participation in the church is important. The gospel reminds us that no one is of greater value or worth. Every person has a gift that the church needs to help it grow and glorify God.
 

Paul taught that the church was designed by God to work together, not separately. When every part works together because of the gospel, the church grows together and is able to better share the good news. The church is all Christians everywhere, who gather together in their communities to worship and serve God.

DISCUSSION QUESTION #1:  How have you seen the church work together?

ANSWER:  Answers will vary. Discuss different events or church services and how each person plays an important role. For example, during VBS many people work together to make snacks, lead in music, create crafts, design decorations, and play games. Remind kids that God has designed the body to work together to serve and honor Him. 

DISCUSSION QUESTION #2:  Do we need to be jealous of others or think any one has a better job in the church? Why not? 

ANSWER:  Remind kids that no job is more important than another. Discuss how becoming jealous or prideful leads to division. Explain that we need to remember that God has given each person a way to serve and that without every part the body would not work as He designed it to. Encourage kids to celebrate each person’s gift and be thankful for how God has made everyone to serve an important job. 

MORNINGS:

Dear Heavenly Father,

  Thank You that You have made us all different with important jobs to serve Your church. Help us serve in the church and work together to share the gospel. We want to glorify You in all we do. Amen. 



EVENINGS: 

Dear Heavenly Father, 

  Thank You for Your Son, Jesus. Help us keep You at the center of our lives so we can remember that no matter how different we may be or that we may disagree on some things, we are united in the gospel. Amen.