God Gives Us Church Friends
Children's church (3-6) · leader guide · Anchor: Ephesians 4:15-16· preview
From the sermon Marks of a Dangerous Church
Leader Notes
Duration: 5 minutes
Tone: Warm, gentle, and enthusiastic. Use a calm storytelling voice with animated expressions. If a child gets restless, invite them to stand and do the motions with you, or offer a simple redirect: 'Let's see if you can sit like a statue while I finish!'
Main Idea: God puts us together in church like puzzle pieces so we can help each other and love each other.
Story Time: The Puzzle Pieces
Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. (Ephesians 4:15-16)
Listen to this story!
Once there was a big puzzle. Each piece was different — some were red, some were blue, some had bumpy edges, some had smooth edges. But when all the pieces came together, they made a beautiful picture! God made our church like a puzzle. You are one piece, and I am one piece, and every person here is a special piece. When we come together and help each other and love each other, we make something beautiful for God!
Motion Activity
Let's pretend we are puzzle pieces!
- Stand up and spread your arms wide. (Leader demonstrates.)
- Now take a step toward a friend and give them a gentle high-five. (Encourage pairing up.)
- Say together: 'We fit together!'
Leader Note: Repeat 2-3 times. Keep it playful. If children are shy, you can high-five each child yourself.
Yes or No Question
Leader asks: Does God want us to help each other at church?
Expected Answer: Yes!
Leader Response: That's right! God made us to be together, like puzzle pieces that fit just right.
Coloring Page
Leader says: Now you get to draw a picture! Draw yourself and a friend at church. Maybe you are holding hands, or playing, or singing together. Remember, we are like puzzle pieces — we fit together!
Leader Note: Provide blank paper and crayons. Circulate and affirm each child's drawing. ('I love how you drew your friend! You two fit together like puzzle pieces!')
Closing Prayer (Leader-Led)
Dear God, thank You for making us like puzzle pieces. Help us to love each other and help each other at church. Amen.