The gift of engagement
Children's sermon
Object:
a round of applause and some pats on the back
Good morning, boys and girls. Isn't it wonderful how God made us different? He gave us so many gifts that we can use to build his church and bring peace to the world. All of us have gifts. What are some of your gifts? (let them answer) Those are all wonderful. The one gift I really like to share is encouragement.
What does it mean to give encouragement? (let them answer) Sometimes we really need encouragement, don't we? Let's suppose we are going to try to ride a bike for the first time. We get on the bike, put our feet on the pedals, grab hold of the handlebars, and push forward. There are people there and they are cheering us on. They tell you that you can do it. That is encouragement.
Sometimes we have to stand up all by ourselves and give a speech or sing a song. We know we can do it at home, but will we be able to do it when we are all alone in school or church? Our parents or our teachers tell us we can do it. They are encouraging us.
Is there anyone here that knows a poem or can tell a story or sing a song? (see if you can get a volunteer; if not ask them all to stand up on the steps and encourage them to sing, "Jesus Loves Me"; when they finish, get the congregation to give them a standing ovation) That was wonderful. We are so proud of you. Let me give you all a pat on the back. I want to encourage everyone to use their talents.
Wasn't this a fun morning? Did you know the Bible teaches us to encourage our friends, our family, and others? Not only is it in the Bible, but it is fun to encourage someone, too.
How many of you like to be encouraged? Isn't it better than someone telling you that you are dumb or that you can't do it? (let them answer) Of course it is and I hope that the next time I see you that you are encouraging someone to do better, to get stronger, to jump higher, and to sing more joyfully.
This is one of the gifts that God gives us and it is called encouragement. It is a gift that is meant to be shared. Let's ask the congregation to show their encouragement one more time to all of these gifted children of God. (another round of applause or a standing ovation)
What does it mean to give encouragement? (let them answer) Sometimes we really need encouragement, don't we? Let's suppose we are going to try to ride a bike for the first time. We get on the bike, put our feet on the pedals, grab hold of the handlebars, and push forward. There are people there and they are cheering us on. They tell you that you can do it. That is encouragement.
Sometimes we have to stand up all by ourselves and give a speech or sing a song. We know we can do it at home, but will we be able to do it when we are all alone in school or church? Our parents or our teachers tell us we can do it. They are encouraging us.
Is there anyone here that knows a poem or can tell a story or sing a song? (see if you can get a volunteer; if not ask them all to stand up on the steps and encourage them to sing, "Jesus Loves Me"; when they finish, get the congregation to give them a standing ovation) That was wonderful. We are so proud of you. Let me give you all a pat on the back. I want to encourage everyone to use their talents.
Wasn't this a fun morning? Did you know the Bible teaches us to encourage our friends, our family, and others? Not only is it in the Bible, but it is fun to encourage someone, too.
How many of you like to be encouraged? Isn't it better than someone telling you that you are dumb or that you can't do it? (let them answer) Of course it is and I hope that the next time I see you that you are encouraging someone to do better, to get stronger, to jump higher, and to sing more joyfully.
This is one of the gifts that God gives us and it is called encouragement. It is a gift that is meant to be shared. Let's ask the congregation to show their encouragement one more time to all of these gifted children of God. (another round of applause or a standing ovation)
