The church exists to build up the body of Christ, grow it in faith, and share the gospel.
Scripture: Matthew 16:13-16, 17-20; 2 Corinthians 5:20; Ephesians 4:11-16
Central Truth
The church, just like our physical body, grows. And we exist to not only let people know about Jesus but also to grow ourselves in our knowledge of and love for Jesus. We do this so that the world will know Jesus and desire Him.
Key Question
Why do so many people remain like children in their faith? How can you help others grow?
Keep in Mind
Many believers have settled on a lie that they don’t need to attend church to be a part of the body of Christ. Sadly for some of your students, this idea often stems from being hurt or disappointed by members of a church—and this shouldn’t be dismissed. But how can the body function if its parts are disconnected? Sure, students can absolutely worship anywhere. In fact, we can worship God at all times. But we are also called to worship in community. In fact, we are instructed to meet as often as possible to encourage one another (Heb. 10:24-25). Our students will grow better in community with other believers. They’ll be discipled there. They’ll be challenged there. And they’ll also step into the gifts God has given them to serve the body and help it grow (1 Pet. 4:10-11)
APPLICATION
If we don’t mature in our faith, what are we in danger of?
THE WIN
FOR THE STUDENT: The winds and waves represent difficult circumstances which challenge our faith: false teachings, loss, sickness, and so on (Eph. 4:13-16). A lack of spiritual maturity in our students could cause them to be overcome by these things. But spiritual maturity acts as an anchor, helping them to remain steady in times of difficulty and confusion
FOR THE LEADER: As leaders, we should constantly strive to mature in our faith. We’ll never come to a place of being completely mature on this side of eternity. So, we can’t become satisfied with where we are spiritual. But we can also rest in who Jesus is and know that His Spirit living within us will continually make us more like Him.
Hi Alecia,
I am a new Sunday school teacher. The class is for middle school students. I don’t know how to teach the sessions on Essential Doctrines. There is no Bible verse printed in the leader guide, so I don’t know how to follow the leader’s guide book. Can you assist in putting me in the right direction? Like, how do I even start the class? Is there a video of someone teaching that I can learn from?
Thank you.
Judy
Hi Judy!
I’m just now seeing your message! I’m so sorry for a delay in giving you an answer. First, thank you for stepping in to teach! We do offer a video for that Essential Doctrine session as an opener. They’re available if you purchase the Leader Pack, or they’re available to purchase on lifeway.com or with a Ministry Grid subscription. Do you happen to know if your student pastor utilizes any of these? The videos are optional though, so if you skip the video, then you would simply open with reading the Scripture passages and move into the discussion questions as normal. The Scripture passages aren’t printed in those Essential Doctrine sessions because of page count limits. The content related to the video takes up the space where we normally would print the passage.
In the fall, those specific Essential Doctrine sessions will be eliminated, and there won’t be videos. Instead, we’re focusing more heavily on a doctrine in every session!
Reach out to me at [email protected] if you have any other questions or need additional advice/help. I’d be happy to chat with you!