2. Gifted
Age level: upper elementary
Preparation: Make a chart of kids’ spiritual gifts and brief definitions—discernment, evangelism, giving, hospitality, knowledge, leadership, showing mercy, prophecy, pastor, serving, teaching, wisdom. Write the name of a Bible character that exemplifies each spiritual gift and Scripture references on large note cards. Some suggestions are included below.
- The Woman Who Lived at Shunem (Hospitality), 1 Kings 4:8-17
- Philip (Evangelism), John 1:45, 46; Acts 8:26-35
- Joseph (Leadership), Genesis 41:28-49
- Dorcas (Serving), Acts 9:36-41
- The Samaritan (Showing Mercy), Luke 10:30-37
- Abigail (Wisdom), 1 Samuel 25:1-35
- The Widow (Giving), Mark 12:41-44
- John the Baptist (Prophecy), Luke 3:7-14
Learning Activity: Have students form pairs. Give each pair a note card with the name of a Bible character and Scripture references written on it. Instruct each pair to study the Bible verses, determine what spiritual gift the Bible character exercised, how it was used to serve, and what happened because the character used his spiritual gift. Give each pair a ball of clay. Instruct them to create a sculpture that symbolizes the spiritual gift of their Bible character.
Discussion: Let each pair share their sculpture. Ask others to guess what gift the sculpture symbolizes. As each pair shares their discoveries, make sure they answer the questions, “How was the spiritual gift used to serve others?” and “What happened because this gift was used?”
3. Name Your Gift!
Preparation: Write out Romans 12:6a on a poster or transparency. Write these gifts and definitions on note cards:
- Affectionate. I like to show love.
- Giving. I like to share.
- Server. I like to help others.
- Leader. When there is a job to do, I take charge.
- Mercy Shower. I feel sorry for people who are sad, or sick, or in need.
- Teacher. I like to help others learn how to do things.
- Patient. I can wait without getting upset.
- Humorous. I make people laugh by things I say and do.
- Hard worker. I don’t quit until the job is done.
- Dependable. You can depend on me to do what you ask.
- Friend. I am kind and willing to be a friend.
- Honest. I tell the truth.
Presentation: Read Romans 12:6. Discuss:
- Do we each have the same gifts and abilities?
- Who gives these gifts and abilities to us?
- What are some of the gifts and abilities God gives to us?
- As the students share, write their contributions on a large sheet of poster board or newsprint.
Learning Activity:
Divide into groups of four or five. If possible, have an adult or teen lead each group. Give each group a gift bag containing 12 cards. On each card has been written a gift or ability and its definition. Ask each group to sit in a circle. One at a time, a child is to pick a gift card from the bag and read the definition. If he feels he has that gift he may keep the card. If not, he may give it to the next person in the circle who feels he has that gift.
Discussion: Bring the groups back together. Talk about these questions related to kids’ spiritual gifts:
• Was there a gift you hadn’t realized you had until doing this activity?
• Why do you think you never recognized this gift before?
• How did you feel when someone described a gift and you knew that you had that gift?
• Was there a gift or ability that you don’t have but would like to have? What could you do to develop that gift or ability?
• Why do you think God has given you certain abilities?
This article about kids’ spiritual gifts originally appeared here. Thanks to the Church of God of Prophecy for permitting us to share these activities.
