In this lesson, children learn that God wants his people to take care of one another, especially those who are easy to overlook. The lesson is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach, including a story, a few questions, and an activity.
Big Idea
God’s church takes good care of everyone, and God helps his people do it well. When we serve others with a kind heart, we are doing what God asks us to do.
Memory Verse
Acts 6:4
But we will continue steadfastly in prayer and in the ministry of the word.”
(WEB)
Hold your hands together in front of your chest like you are praying, then open them out wide, as if you are giving something away to a friend. Do this each time you say the verse together so children connect the words with the idea of praying and serving.
The Story: Acts 6 for Kids
The followers of Jesus were growing fast. More and more people were joining the group in the city of Jerusalem, and the church was getting bigger every day. Some of the people who had come to believe in Jesus were from families who spoke Greek, and some were from families who spoke Hebrew. Every day the church gave out food to the widows, who were women whose husbands had died and who did not have anyone to take care of them.
One day a complaint came up. Some of the Greek-speaking widows felt that they were being left out when the food was handed out. The apostles, who were the twelve leaders Jesus had chosen, knew that this was a real problem. They also knew they had a big job to do, which was teaching God’s word and praying. The apostles said, “It is not right for us to stop preaching God’s word just to pass out food. Pick seven men who are good and wise and full of the Holy Spirit, and we will put them in charge of this job.”
The whole group liked this idea. They chose seven men, including a man named Stephen, who was full of faith and the Holy Spirit. The others were Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus. The apostles prayed over these men and placed their hands on them to show that they were being set apart for this special work.
Stephen did many wonderful things among the people. He spoke with such wisdom that some people who argued with him could not win the argument. These people became angry and found others to say false things about him. They took Stephen to the council, which was a group of leaders, and told lies about what he had said.
When the leaders looked at Stephen, something amazing happened. His face looked like the face of an angel. Even while he was being accused, he was calm and full of God’s presence. The people in the room could see that God was with him.
Read It Together
Acts 6:1-3
1 Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, a complaint arose from the Hellenists against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily service. 2 The twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not appropriate for us to forsake the word of God and serve tables. 3 Therefore select from among you, brothers, seven men of good report, full of the Holy Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
(WEB)
Point out that the church noticed a need and talked about it openly. Ask children why it matters that the widows were not forgotten, and show how the apostles chose to let others help.
Acts 6:5-6
5 These words pleased the whole multitude. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch; 6 whom they set before the apostles. When they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.
(WEB)
Show children that the whole group agreed on the plan and chose men who were trusted. Point out the prayer and the laying on of hands, and explain that the church asked God to bless the work before it began.
Acts 6:8
Stephen, full of faith and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people.
(WEB)
Explain that Stephen was strengthened by God’s power and faith, and that God used him to do good among the people. Help children see that God can work through ordinary people who are willing to serve.
Talk About It
- What did the church do when they saw that some widows were being left out of the food, and why do you think they did it?
- Why did the apostles say they could not stop teaching God’s word to serve tables, and what does that tell us about what is important?
- What kinds of qualities did the church look for in the seven men they chose?
- How do you think Stephen felt when people told lies about him, and how did God help him stay strong?
- Who in your family, church, or neighborhood might need someone to help them, and how could you serve them this week?
Activity Ideas
Draw a Helping Hands Picture
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to trace one of their hands on the paper and write the name of someone they could help inside the outline of the hand. Let them draw a small picture of how they might help that person, such as carrying groceries or sharing a toy. Talk together about how each hand can do something good for someone else.
Serving Relay Game
You will need a few paper plates, some small soft objects like pom-poms or crumpled paper balls, and two bowls. Divide the children into two teams and have them stand in lines. The first child in each line carries a plate of “food,” which is the soft objects, to a bowl at the other end of the room, then runs back to tag the next person. Explain that the widows received food, and that every person needs care, so everyone’s job matters.
Take-Home Thank You Card
You will need cardstock or plain paper, glue, scissors, and stickers if you have them. Have each child fold the paper in half and draw a picture of someone who helps them, such as a parent, teacher, or neighbor. Help them write a short note saying thank you and let them know they are being thought of. Encourage them to give the card to that person during the week as a way of serving them with kindness.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that the church is a community where needs are seen and met, and where leaders make space for others to serve. The apostles did not drop their calling to teach and pray, but they also did not ignore practical needs. The passage encourages leaders to share responsibility and to choose people who are faithful and wise for each task.
Be careful not to suggest to children that the seven men were chosen to be permanent “deacons” with a fixed office in exactly the way later churches organized it, since the text describes the task without using that title. Keep the focus on the example of caring for others, praying together, and trusting God with the work.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank you for taking care of us and for helping us care for each other. Help us notice the people who need us and give us kind hearts to serve them. Fill us with your wisdom and your Holy Spirit, so that we can do good things in your name. Amen.
