Leader Guide
Game
- Two poster boards for every team of 4–6 children, depending on class size
- Whiteboard and marker, or chalkboard and chalk
- One beach ball or large round balloon for each team
- Marker
- Painters tape or masking tape
- Timer, such as a stopwatch, clock or watch with second hand, or timer app
Use the marker to write “God’s Word” in large letters on each poster board.
Inflate the beach balls or balloons.
Tape the poster boards on the floor in sets of two, leaving several feet between them; see diagram.
In Large Group, you were asked to notice how many sacrifices King Solomon offered to God at Gibeon. What is the answer? Over 1,000 sacrifices.
In the Old Testament, people worshiped God by offering animal sacrifices to pay the price for their sins. Later in our lesson, we’ll learn how Jesus paid the price for our sins once and for all by dying on the cross.
Let’s say the SuperTruth together: “I will build my life on God’s Word.”
Point to the poster boards on the floor. When we build our lives on God’s Word, we can stand firm in our faith, no matter what happens—good or bad! We are going to play a game called “Watch Your Step.” In this game you will stand on God’s Word, represented by the poster boards.
Hold up a ball or balloon. The ball represents whatever happens in our lives—good or bad! It can be success or failure, joy or sadness. No matter what happens, good or bad, we need to stand on God’s Word and stay firm in our faith!
Once I divide you into teams, choose someone you don't know very well to be your partner. When it’s your turn, you and your partner will hit the ball back and forth as many times as you can while always keeping at least one foot on the poster board. If both feet are off at the same time, or if the ball hits the ground, your turn ends and the next set of players immediately take your place and start hitting the ball. You get one point for every time you hit the ball, so count aloud as you play—then give your leader the total to keep score.
Divide the children into teams of 4–6 children. Teams should have an even number of children, or one player may need to play twice. Have children choose someone they don’t know very well to be their partner.
Set the timer for about 3 minutes and say Go.
One pair from each team plays at the same time.
After a pair completes their turn, they become spotters to watch the next players’ feet.
When time is up, count up the points for each team and declare a winner.
Conclusion: You did a great job standing on God’s Word! When difficult times come, we must trust in God’s Word to see us through. Even in good times and when we have joy and success, we must stand on God’s Word instead of trusting in ourselves and our own ability. No matter what happens, we must always continue to build our lives on God’s Word.