Recognize and Follow Good Leaders Teach children the right kind of leadershipLord, help us to work together as a well-organized body. Choose any of these children's learning activities. Nehemiah said, “Wherever you hear the sound
of the trumpet, join us there. 1. Let an older child or teacher read or tell the story of Nehemiah, Nehemiah 4:1-23. Ask the children first to listen to find out how a godly leader organized his people to do a big building project that brought glory to God. After relating the story, ask these questions. (Tell answers only if the children cannot.) · What did Israel’s enemies say about the wall around Jerusalem? [See verse 2] · To whom did Nehemiah go for help when his enemies threatened him? [Verse 9] · What did Nehemiah do to protect the wall, after he prayed to God? [Verse 13] · How hard did the Israelites work on the wall? [Verse 6] · What did Nehemiah do while the people worked? [Verse 23] ·
How did Nehemiah encourage the people to work
with all their heart?
2. Draw a Picture of a ram’s horn and have the children copy your drawing.
Explain that Israelite trumpets were simply hollow horns from sheep.
· Let older children help the younger. · Let the children show their pictures to the adults at the next worship time and let them explain that this illustrates how God uses godly leaders to call his people to work in unity. · Some children might like to copy or colour the picture found at the end of this lesson. · 3. Dramatize part of the story of Nehemiah, Nehemiah 4:1-23. · Arrange with the main worship leader to present this drama during worship. · Use part of your time with the children to prepare the drama. · Let the older children help prepare the younger. · Older children or adults play these parts: Narrator. Summarize the story and help the children remember what to say. Nehemiah. Hold a spear (long stick) in one hand and a hammer or some other tool in the other. Younger children
play these parts: Narrator Tell the first part of the story, from Nehemiah 4:1-2. Israelites Pretend to carry and place large rocks or bricks to build a wall. Narrator “Nehemiah
and the Israelites are building a wall around the city of Jerusalem. Enemies (Some
say) “What are those silly Jews building now?” (Laugh) Narrator Tell
the second part of the story, from Nehemiah 4:6-14. Then say, Nehemiah “First
let us pray to God together for help. Israelites “We
will work with our whole heart.”
Narrator Tell
the third part of the story, from Nehemiah 4:15-23. Then say, Nehemiah “Everyone,
keep your weapons near you. Israelites (Some
say) “Look, the wall is strong!” Narrator Thank everyone who helped with the drama.
4. If the children dramatize this story for the adults, then let them also ask the adults the questions under #1 above. 5. Let four children each recite a verse from Psalm 2:1-2 and verses 10-11. 6. Have
the children give examples of when we need godly leaders like Nehemiah 7. Memorize together John 17:23: “I in them and you in me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that you sent me, and loved them, even as you have loved me.” 8. Older children write poems, songs or short dramas about working together for Jesus. They might do this during the week. 9. Have an older child pray: “Dear Lord, you are King over all. No one can defeat you. With your help, we can overcome our problems and find how to help each other, too. Help us to remember to ask you for help first. Help us to serve each other with our whole heart.” A more detailed
drama, about Nehemiah organizing the people to work together, 5 minutes.
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