A successful and effective team works toward a common goal. Members of God’s team also have a common goal - the goal of building a committed relationship with Jesus. In following Jesus’ game plan, we also encourage and inspire others to join God’s team. We are to love one another and share the love of Jesus. In other words, we are commanded to “Go Out & Disciple.”
The God’s Team VBS Kit includes a 5-day lesson and resource book, an activity book with pages that can be copied for students, and 6 large posters highlighting key messages. All daily activities and discussions included reinforce the Bible story and key points. Each lesson includes background information, recall and discussion questions, and a minimum of 4 activities for the daily Bible story. The lesson activities are diverse, provide options for younger and older students, and include writing, art, science, movement & action, and snack ideas. The lessons help students build committed relationships with Jesus and encourage discipleship. This curriculum kit is a great resource to the Sports Theme VBS Idea.
Day One: Trust in Jesus Defeats Fear and Obstacles
Team Bible Verse: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; and He will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Bible Story: Jesus Calms the Storm
Our lives can sometimes seem a bit stormy. Even in our deepest fears or stormiest situations, God is present. On day one, children will discuss how turning to Jesus helps us with any and all challenges, and how our faith in Him can help calm any storm. Children will do some creative writing and have some fun with science, demonstrating how faith in Jesus can end a messy situation. Both older and younger children will have fun, and get some exercise, playing “Who Keeps Us Safe?” Also, you will find a snack recipe and a summary page to make a connection with home.
Day Two: Jesus Cares and Treats Everyone as an MVP
Team Bible Verse: Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)
Bible Story: The Parable of the Lost Sheep
As our Good Shepherd, Jesus protects and guards us from evil and He looks for us, and others, when we become lost. On day two, children will learn and discuss what Jesus meant when He told the Parable of the Lost Sheep to the Pharisees and scribes. Children will write a prayer sharing how they can help Jesus with lost sheep. Who knew cotton balls could be so much fun? Two cotton ball activities will have the kids moving and thinking. “Where Are My Sheep?” will burn some energy and have the kids “baa”ging for more. Children will also enjoy making, and then eating, some cute cupcake sheep.
Day Three: Jesus Helps Me to Follow Rules and Obey His Words
Team Bible Verse: “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” (Luke 5:10)
Bible Story: Jesus Calls His First Disciples
God knows His plans for you. God knew which twelve men would be Jesus’ Apostles. There were characteristics that they had in common, but they were not more special than other people. The Apostles gave up their lives to follow Jesus. During day three, children will talk about how they can be like the Apostles and be prepared for what God wants them to do. Over the next week, the children will practice specific characteristics. Students will practice knowing the story by doing some “fishing” of their own. For a fun snack, pretzel rods become fishing rods, and they are quite delicious.
Day Four: Hope in Jesus Guarantees Victory
Team Bible Verse: Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. (Colossians 3:2)
Bible Story: Jesus Raises Lazarus from the Dead
Jesus allowed Lazarus to die to achieve the higher purpose of building faith and glorifying God. Day four helps children to understand that God is with us always. There are times in our lives that bring joy and times that bring sorrow, but God is present and with us all the time. Students get to go back in time and be star reporters, sharing the miracle that brought Lazarus back to life. Students have some fun wrapping one another as if they were mummies. “God Does Amazing Things” uses science and colors to reinforce our amazing God. Enjoy a “mummy” treat to close the lesson.
Day Five: Love Wins!
Team Bible Verse: But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)
Bible Story: Resurrection of Christ Jesus
The greatest victory in history is Jesus’ victory over the grave. Jesus died for our sins, giving us eternal life. Even though He was persecuted and killed, Jesus tells us to love our enemies and pray for those who mistreat us. During day five, children will understand the miracle of Jesus’ resurrection and discuss what we can do as disciples of Christ to spread His message of love. Children will express their thoughts in writing and discuss how Jesus makes us shine like a new penny using a science experiment. In or Out gets students burning some energy. A crown of thorn snack reminds students of the crown that Jesus wore on the cross.
Be sure to check out the Sports VBS Idea for other coordinated VBS ideas!
