Family Worship (April 06)

Have you ever had a question that was really hard to answer? Maybe something like, “Why do I have to follow this rule?” or “Who made this mess?” Imagine if no one could agree and everyone just kept arguing! That’s kind of what happened in the early church. Some people were saying that new believers had to follow old laws to be saved. But others, like Paul and Barnabas, knew that Jesus saves us by grace—not by following rules. So what did they do?

They went to the church leaders, also called elders, for help. These elders were like shepherds—not the kind who take care of sheep in a field, but ones who care for people in the church! They prayed, listened, read Scripture, and made a decision that helped the whole church. Today, God still gives us shepherds—our pastors and elders—to help lead us in truth, care for us, and protect the gospel.

Acts 15:28–29 (NIV)
It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements: You are to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things.

Discussion Questions

1. Why did the church leaders meet together in Acts 15? What were they trying to figure out? (Help kids see that the leaders wanted to know how to follow Jesus rightly and protect the truth of the gospel.)
2. What does this story show us about how church leaders help us? (Guide them to understand that elders help teach the Bible, lead with wisdom, and care for God’s people.)
3. How can we be thankful for and pray for our pastors and elders? (Encourage a heart of gratitude and prayer for church leadership.)

Activity – “Shepherd Tag” & Thank You Notes
Shepherd Tag (Active Game): Play a simple game of tag where one person is the “shepherd” and the others are the “sheep.” The shepherd’s job is to tag any “lost” sheep who stray too far. Once everyone is caught, switch roles. Talk afterward about how elders are like spiritual shepherds who help us stay close to Jesus and away from danger.

Thank You Note or Drawing: Give each child paper and crayons or pencils. Ask them to write a short note or draw a picture to say “Thank you” to a pastor or elder. Encourage families to bring these notes to church on Sunday as a way to encourage their leaders.

Prayer
Dear Jesus, Thank You for giving us leaders in the church who care about us, teach us, and help us follow You. Thank You for saving us by grace—not by the things we do, but by what You have already done on the cross. Help our pastors and elders to be strong, kind, and wise as they lead. Help us listen well, love one another, and always stay close to You, our Good Shepherd. Amen.

Memory Work:

New City Catechism
14.Did God create us unable to keep his law?
No, but because of the disobedience of our first parents, Adam and Eve, all of creation is fallen; we are all born in sin and guilt, corrupt in our nature and unable to keep God’s law.

Ezekiel 36:26
And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you.