Talents for God

Scripture: Exodus 35-40

Learning Objectives:

  • Students will learn that God wanted the Israelites to have a place to come and worship Him.
  • Students will learn the various parts of the Tabernacle and how they were used in worship.
  • Students will work with adults in the congregation to learn more about spiritual gifts.

Guiding Question: How can students learn to use their personal talents for God?

Materials: None

Procedure: Review the story of the building of the Tabernacle. (note: it isn’t necessary to go into a ton of details. For purposes of this activity it is necessary to know the major areas and several significant items.) Explain that the Tabernacle was basically a large tent that could be moved as the Israelites traveled through the wilderness. After entering the promised land the Tabernacle continued to be used until King Solomon built the Temple hundreds of years later. Many aspects of the Tabernacle were repeated in the Temple. 

Invite various members of your congregation to bring a simple service project using their personal gifts that students can participate in. Encourage them to tell students as they are working how they discovered they had the gift, how they developed it and how they use it to serve God. If you have time, students can rotate between several gifts to give them more exposure. You may want to have another discussion at the end of the activities. Did anyone discover they might have a gift for something? What are some ways they can serve God using their gifts at their age?

Additional Questions: How can mentors support the development of gifts in children to serve God?

Supplemental Activity: Have the students work with a mentor in the congregation to help develop their gift for God. Have the student and mentor work together to talk about the student’s talents, interests, and areas in which the student can serve God and others. 

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