GOD SENDS US HIS SON, JESUS CHRIST
memory verse for this unit
“And the child grew and became strong” (Luke 2:40a, NIV*).
objectives of this unit
This unit will help the children:
• Know that God protected Jesus and his family• Learn that God was with Jesus while he grew up• Know that Jesus grew up and helped others• Learn to be thankful to God for having sent his son Jesus
the reason we teach this unit
Please allow adequate time as you prepare for each of your sessions. Nazarene Discipleship International (NDI) desires these children's discipleship lessons to both engage the teacher in personal discipleship as well as to be children's disciple makers. At this pre-school age, your children are discovering situations unknown to them previously. Sometimes they will face a difficult problem and may feel that God is not working in their lives. They may believe that being small means they cannot do anything.
Through the lessons in this unit, they will learn that we are all precious in the sight of God, regardless of age. They will realize that just as God, our Heavenly Father, worked in the life of Jesus Christ, he is working in their lives.
In the section “Evangelism and the Teaching of Children” from New Testament Evangelism Today, we note:
What characteristics should the concerned teacher look for in four-and five-year-olds?
The four-year-old is a dedicated noisemaker. He/ she loves to stomp, yell, kick, throw, and break things. He/ she develops an overgrown stubborn streak, and therefore needs firmness with understanding. He/ she is apt to become a name caller, a boss, a braggart.
The four-year-old’s excursions into such adventures give the teacher plenty of opportunity to explain repentance and forgiveness.
The fourth year is frequently called the "why" stage—the child can be a walking question mark. This is evangelistically important, for many of his/ her queries can be answered through carefully taught Bible lessons.
During the fifth year the child becomes more poised and socialized. He/ she loves to paint, draw, color, cut, and paste. Tools, puzzles, designs, toys, and vehicles with wheels fascinate him. These interests make him increasingly teachable.
The five-year-old can sense his/ her responsibility to God. The five-year-old’s understanding of right and wrong, however, is not always dependable. He/ she can understand Bible stories quite well, but most abstract doctrines are beyond the understanding of five-year-olds.
Here is a possible job description for Sunday School and small group teachers:
To see the task as a spiritual calling - more than a job.
To be a disciple maker in accordance with Nazarene Discipleship International's (NDI) discipleship values of Fervent Prayer, Compassionate Outreach, Comprehensive Biblical Learning, Intentional Mentoring and Equipping, and Authentic Relationships.
To work with department supervisors to plan, carry out, and evaluate each unit of study.
To arrange and decorate the area/ room/ rooms where the group meets.
To remain loyal and obedient to the church, pastor, authorities in your assignment.
To attend staff training courses or engage in the individual study plan on a regular basis.
To keep informed of current ideas and information about Sunday School and small groups through systematic reading and studying.
To attend seminars, conventions and workshops.
To evaluate your teaching periodically and find ways to improve effectiveness.
To teach each session in a way that is appropriate to the needs and understanding of the learners.
To involve learners in the truth of what is being learned.
To provide opportunity for the salvation of each learner and for the subsequent maturation in Christ.
To arrive a minimum of 15 minutes before the announced starting time to arrange materials and greet learners.
To complete attendance and personal data records as required.
To be regular in attendance.
To prepare each session in a thorough manner.
To plan social activities for the group.
To develop a thorough understanding of the age level you are leading, studying the age-level resources.
To pray earnestly for each learner.
To compile a list of prospects for the group.
To attend departmental meetings and staff conferences.
To be aware of and support departmental and all Nazarene Discipleship International (NDI) goals.
To notify the proper person well in advance of anticipated absences or when terminating your assignment.
To become personally acquainted with each learner, knowing such things as names, spiritual experience, needs, and family relationship.
To visit each learner's home.
To observe learner activities as possible at home, school, work, etc.
To faithfully contact absentees in accord with the outreach and visitation policies.
To build rapport with parents and family members.
* Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™