The Body of Christ

Explore four New Testament passages from letters to the new believers of Jesus Christ. A recurring metaphor in the church is that we are members of the body of Christ. Spelled out in figurative language to a church in conflict (1 Corinthians 12:12–31), individuals are regarded as hands and feet, eyes and ears, and the importance of all to the body is made clear. Continuing into the next chapter, 13, it is pointed out that nothing that is done means anything if it is not done with love. Love is described in its actions and attitudes. To the church in Ephesus, the message is that in this body of believers we all have gifts to contribute and, in the last session, encouragement is given to assure us that we can do what we have set out to do as faithful believers in Jesus.

Stories included in this unit:

• One Church (1 Corinthians 12:12–31)
• God’s Gift of Love (1 Corinthians 13:1–13)
• You Are Part of the Body of Christ (Ephesians 4:1–16)
• You Can Do It! (Hebrews 12:1–2)

Growing in God’s Love: A Story Bible Curriculum invites children and their leaders to wonder, play, and connect with one another as they develop a better relationship with God. By exploring the stories in Growing in God’s Love: A Story Bible, children and their leaders learn more about who God is and what their relationship is with God. This curriculum has 35 units filled with 148 stories from the story Bible that dive deep into characters and themes in the Bible. Children and their leader will read the story together from the story Bible, pause to allow the story to resonate, and then engage with the story and wrestle with their place in that story.

Growing in God’s Love: A Story Bible Curriculum is written for ages 5–10 and is intentionally multiage, meaning that children are all grouped together. Grouping children this way brings a relational focus to the sessions and fosters a collaborative spirit. The curriculum also includes an intergenerational component with four suggestions for intergenerational and home ideas for each session within a unit. Those ideas include suggestions for things to do in worship, more education-focused ideas, ways to connect with one another, and mission ideas. This adds another dimension to learning and helps the children connect to the congregation, creating a holistic approach to children’s ministry.