Unity and Diversity in the Body of Christ! 

Just as a zoo is made up of many different types of animals but is one zoo, the body of Christ is made up of many different members but is called to live together as one body. In this series, kids will learn their place in the body of Christ, and how we are called to live with its other members.

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Bible Zoo Children's Ministry Curriculum Lesson Overview

Memory Verse For Lessons 1-4:

“There is one body, but it has many parts. But all its many parts make up one body. It is the same with Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 12:12 (NIRV)

Lessons 1-4:

Welcome to the Zoo

Scripture: Romans 12:3-8, One Body, Many Members

Here there are many different animals, but they all come together to form one zoo. Those in the body of Christ have different gifts and strengths, but in Jesus, we come together as one.

Objective: Kids will say “The body of Christ is made up of many different members.” 

Elephants

Scripture: Galatians 6:2-6, Carry Each Other’s Burdens

Thanks to their size, elephants can carry a pretty heavy load. Sometimes, people get overwhelmed by the burdens of this life. Those in the body of Christ help to carry each other's burdens, and help the other members.

Objective: Kids will say “Those in the body of Christ carry each other's burdens.”

Rabbit

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11, Build Each Other Up

Rabbits live in burrows, a series of underground tunnels that they dig. A warren is a group of burrows that rabbits build up together so that they can live in unity and support each other. Those in the body of Christ do not want to tear each other down, but want to support each other and build each other up.

Objective: Kids will say “Those in the body of Christ build each other up.”

Lions

Scripture: John 13:33-38, Love Each Another

Lions are the only cats that live together in groups, called prides. When Jesus shared one final meal with his disciples, he instructed them to live together in love. We are not meant to live in isolation, but rather in community with other believers to love and support each other. 

Objective: Kids will learn “Those in the body of Christ respect and love each other.”

Memory Verse For Lessons 5-8:

“Each of us has one body with many parts. And the parts do not all have the same purpose. So also we are many persons. But in Christ we are one body. And each part of the body belongs to all the other parts.” – Romans 12:4-5 (NIRV)

Lessons 5-8:

Zebras

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, Unity and Diversity

Zebras stick together in herds, called dazzles, because they know they are stronger together. Those in the body of Christ know that we can't do life without the rest of the body. Each of us has an important part to play.

Objective: Kids will say “Those in the body of Christ stick together.”

Sloth

Scripture: James 5:13-16, Pray for Each Other

Sloths are slow, moving through life at their own pace. Those in the body of Christ have been called to take time to slow down and support each other through prayer.

Objective: Kids will say “Those in the body of Christ pray for each other.”

Fox

Scripture: Colossians 3:15-17, Admonish Each Other

Foxes are known for their adaptability, being able to change their behavior depending on the setting and circumstances. Those in the body of Christ know that they need to be open to correction from other members, so that we can change for the better.

Objective: Kids will say “Those in the body of Christ correct each other.” 

Snake

Scripture: Ephesians 4:29-32, Forgive Each Other

Snakes have a reputation – not always earned – of misbehaving. Those in the body of Christ know that no one is perfect, so we must offer forgiveness to each other in love.

Objective: Kids will say “Those in the body of Christ forgive each other.”

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ABOUT THIS CURRICULUM:

• Perfect for kids ages 6-12
• 8-weeks
• Includes large group and small group resources
• This curriculum is an instant download
  
• Download a free sample here

EACH LESSON INCLUDES:

• Make It Stick! Parent Sheet - so you can let mom and dad know what kids are learning each week and look like a rockstar teacher who's thought of everything.
• Memory Verse - so that you can make sure kids are getting Scripture in their minds and hearts every single week and you can feel like each lesson was a success even when it seems like 90% of your lesson time is spent saying things like "calm down", "let's be quiet", "hands to yourself!"
• Skit or Puppet Show - so you have a way to easily connect the lesson with your hands-on and visual learners. No drama team? No problem! Just hand the script to the kids. They'll have a blast and think you're the coolest.
• Craft Activity - so you can give kids a physical reminder of the Bible lesson (and give yourself an activity to keep them busy until mom and dad come back!)
• Game - so kids don't leave and say church was BORING! Games are so important to help keep kids engaged. Our large group games always include a "What's The Point" section to help you connect the game to the lesson.
• Large Group Lesson - so you can present the Bible story in a clear and fun way, which means now you can enjoy Saturday nights instead of stressing over putting a lesson together!
• Small-Group Discussion - so you can find out who was paying attention and who was talking to their neighbor.  Just kidding, this is a great way for you to build deeper relationships with your kiddos after each lesson, which means you're going to care about them so much you'll cry like a baby when they graduate and go to middle school :(
• More! - Yes, there is even more than all of that so that you can easily put together the perfect lesson for your ministry each weekend, which means no more agonizing over how to adjust complicated lesson plans. 

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Guaranteed to Be Awesome!