LESSON 9
CALLED TO ONE BODY
Teacher Preparation + Resources
Please review all lesson materials before teaching. Familiarize yourself with the Scripture passages, discussion questions, and activities. Take time to prepare your heart and pray for your students.
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Lesson Summary
This lesson introduces Unit Three's exploration of purpose by helping students understand that they are an important part of the body of Christ—the church. They will reflect on how God has given them unique gifts and how their differences bring them together to serve his Kingdom. This lesson also challenges them to consider how they can use their gifts to be active in a local church community and support other believers.
Main Point
You are called to use your unique gifts to serve the body of Christ.
Lesson Objectives
- Students will discuss the Bible's comparison of the church to a body.
- Students will reflect on how they can use their God-given gifts to serve a local church.
Teaching Tips
Acknowledge different church experiences. Some students may have had positive experiences, while others may have been hurt by church communities. Be sensitive and encourage honest discussion about what church can be.
Recognize the need for belonging. Many teens struggle with loneliness and want real connections. Use this lesson to show that God designed the church as a place for community, support, and purpose.
Materials Needed
Extra papers, pens, or pencils
Candies or small prizes
Getting Started 15 minutes
Slide 2
Welcome Activity
Say
We have spent the past few weeks talking about our identity in Jesus and who we are because of him. Today, we will begin talking about our purpose: why we are here and what God has planned for us.
Say
In a moment, I will share a Bible verse with you. Your job will be pretty simple. Write down the verse so that it can encourage you anytime you feel purposeless.
Say
But there is a catch. You are not allowed to use your hands. You have to find another way to write the verse down. You can use your mouth, elbows, feet—anything but your hands. The first three people to write the verse clearly enough for me to read will get a prize.
Give students a few minutes to copy down Ephesians 2:10.
"For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)
After three students have claimed their prizes, bring attention back to the large group.
Slide 3
Introduction
Say
Let's talk about what happened. Something as simple as writing a few sentences became really hard when you used the wrong body part to do it.
Say
The Bible compares the church to a body, and every disciple is a vital part. Like Ephesians 2:10 says, God created each of us uniquely to fulfill good purposes. But to fully live in our purpose as disciples, we need to understand how God has equipped and placed us within the body of believers.
Say
Before we dive in, I want to hear from you.
Slide 4
Icebreaker Question
Ask
What has your experience of church been like?
If they struggle to answer, ask follow-up questions. Encourage them to be honest—not every church experience will be positive.
Optional:
Briefly share with your students about your experience with church over the years.
- When did you really embrace the church and your place in it?
- Have you ever been disappointed by a church community?
- How has community with other believers been important to your journey of discipleship?
Digging In 30 minutes
Slide 5
Say
Now, we will take a closer look at how the Bible compares the church to a body and what that means for us.
Slide 6
Slide 7
Observe
Ask
How is the church like a body?
Slide 8
Ask
What does the passage say all believers have in common?
Answers may include: we are members of the same body; we share the Holy Spirit; we each have a God-given place.
Slide 9
Interpret
Ask
What does this passage show us about why every disciple is important within the church community?
Call on a few volunteers. Then, point out that the church is called to unity, not uniformity. When Paul said, "How strange a body would be if it had only one part!" he acknowledged the unique value every disciple brings to the church. The church would fail if everyone had the same gifts. But because of our differences, we are all blessings to the church.
Slide 10
Ask
What does this passage show us about why disciples need the church community?
Call on a few volunteers. Then, point out that no disciple is meant to live their faith on their own. God gave us the church to encourage, challenge, and support us as we walk with Jesus.
Slide 11
Slide 12
Observe
Ask
What gifts does this passage list?
Students may have questions about what it means to prophesy. The simplest way to define "prophesying" is speaking God's truth by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Slide 13
Interpret
Ask
What does "we all belong to each other" mean?
Slide 14
Ask
Why do you think God gives us all different gifts?
Slide 15
Apply
Have students form small groups to discuss the following questions.
Say
You need the church, and the church needs you. If we want to grow in our identity and purpose as disciples, we need to be living in community with the body of Christ. Reflect on these questions with your groups.
Ask
If you are part of a church: How has God gifted you to serve? How could you use those gifts in your church?
Ask
If you do not attend a local church: What is keeping you from becoming a part of a church? What has God been saying to you in this lesson?
Bring students' attention back to the large group.
Practicing Life with Jesus 15 minutes
Slide 16
Say
The purpose of the church is to proclaim the gospel and be Jesus' hands and feet in the world. As a disciple, you are called to serve the body of Christ. That is part of your purpose. If anyone wants help connecting with a local church, please let me know after class. I am happy to help!
Say
Now, let's continue exploring what it looks like in practice to use our gifts. Take out your journals, and write down the gifts that we just read in Romans: prophesying, serving, teaching, encouraging, giving, leadership, and kindness.
Slide 17
Have students return to their small groups.
Say
In your groups, go through each of these gifts and write down specific ways you have seen believers put them into practice. Be sure to highlight how you have seen the people in your group using them.
Give a couple of examples: "I have seen [this student] serve others [in this way]." "I saw [this student] encourage their classmate [in this way] when she was struggling," etc.
Instruct students to give at least one example for each person in the group.
Bring students' attention back to the large group.
Slide 18
Response
Transition into a time of individual response.
Say
In our remaining few minutes, reread the Scriptures and your notes from today. Then, spend time in prayer: Thank God for making you unique and planning good things for you to accomplish. Ask him to show you how he wants you to use the gifts he has given you to serve others.
Closing
Encourage students to read Romans 12:4-8 this week and pray about how they can serve the church.
Let the students know you are available if anyone wants help connecting with a local church.
Wrap up the class by praying over your students.
