In this lesson, children learn that God cares about the kind of people who serve and lead in His church, and that good character matters more than being important. Ages 5 to 11 can follow along in about 20 to 30 minutes, using a Bible, a few craft supplies, and a little imagination.
Big Idea
God wants His helpers to be kind, honest, and good at showing love at home and at church. Being faithful with small things is how we grow ready for bigger ones.
Memory Verse
1 Timothy 3:16
Without controversy, the mystery of godliness is great: God was revealed in the flesh, justified in the spirit, seen by angels, preached among the nations, believed on in the world, and received up in glory.
(WEB)
Teach the children to cup both hands together like a small bowl, then slowly open them wide as they say the words. Repeat it three times, getting slower and bigger each time so the motion sticks in their memory.
The Story: 1 Timothy 3 for Kids
Long ago, a man named Paul wrote a letter to his friend Timothy, who was helping the church in the city of Ephesus. Paul wanted Timothy to know what kind of people should be chosen to lead and serve in God’s family. He said that wanting to be a good leader is a good thing to want.
Paul listed many good qualities. A good leader does not drink too much, does not get angry easily, and does not love money more than people. He is gentle, kind, and honest. He is also a good listener and a good teacher, so he can help others learn about God.
Paul also said that a good leader takes care of his own family first. He helps his children learn to respect and obey, and he keeps his home a happy place. Paul explained that if a person cannot care for the people at home, it will be hard for him to care for God’s whole church.
Paul told Timothy that new believers should not be chosen right away. A person needs time to grow strong in faith so he does not become proud. Good helpers should also be tested and shown to be trustworthy before they are given important work. Paul said that people who serve well earn a good name and grow more brave in their faith.
At the end of this part of the letter, Paul reminded everyone that God’s church is a special place where the truth is kept. He said that the mystery of godliness is great, because Jesus came to earth as a man, was shown to be the Son of God, and was taken up to heaven in glory.
Read It Together
1 Timothy 3:2
The overseer therefore must be without reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, sensible, modest, hospitable, good at teaching…
(WEB)
Point out the words “good at teaching” and “hospitable.” Ask the children what it looks like to open your home to others and to share what you know about God in simple, kind ways.
1 Timothy 3:4-5
4 One who rules his own house well, having children in subjection with all reverence; 5 (but if a man doesn’t know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the assembly of God?)
(WEB)
Show how a good leader begins by loving the people at home. Explain that caring for our families is a real way of serving God, and that small acts of kindness at home matter.
1 Timothy 3:8-9
8 Servants, in the same way, must be reverent, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for money; 9 holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.
(WEB)
Point out the idea of a “pure conscience,” which means a clean heart that wants to do what is right even when no one is watching. Talk about how honesty and self-control help us stay trustworthy.
Talk About It
- What is one kind thing you saw someone do for another person this week?
- How do you think a helper at church can show that they love Jesus?
- Why do you think it matters to be honest even when it is hard?
- What is one way you can be gentle when someone upsets you?
- Who at home or at church has shown you what it means to be faithful, and how did they do it?
Activity Ideas
Heart Helper Craft
Give each child a paper plate, crayons, glue, and cotton balls. Have them draw a face on the plate that shows a kind expression, then glue cotton balls around the edge like a cloud of kindness. As they work, ask them to name one quality a good helper needs and write it on the back of the plate.
Stack the Good Helpers
Gather plastic cups or empty cans and set them in a pyramid. Let the children take turns stacking one cup at a time while saying a helper quality, such as “gentle,” “honest,” or “kind.” If the tower falls, have everyone rebuild it together, showing that faithful people help each other try again.
Kindness Jar at Home
Find an empty jar and some slips of paper. Ask each family member to write one kind thing they did during the week and drop it into the jar. Read a few together at dinner, and remind the children that serving God begins with ordinary acts of love at home.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage describes the character God looks for in those who serve in His church, including self-control, honesty, faithful family life, and humility. It also reminds us that church leadership is a trust to be tested and grown into over time, not a prize to be grabbed. The chapter closes with a glimpse of the greatness of Christ, which gives weight to everything that comes before it.
Be careful not to suggest to children that they must be perfect before God can use them. Paul speaks about mature, faithful people who grow over time, and children should hear that God is patient with them as they learn and grow.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for teaching us what a faithful helper looks like. Help us be kind, honest, and gentle at home and at church. Help us grow a little more like Jesus each day, and help us love You and others with all our hearts. Amen.
