We Are Family: a 4-Week Teaching Series for Children's Ministry

Topic: Abraham & His Family

Scripture: Genesis

Decorating Theme: Family Game Night

Age Group: Elementary (Get the Preschool version here!)

Nothing brings a family together—or stirs up some friendly drama—like a family game night! Just like in games, family life can have its own ups and downs, whether it’s with our given or chosen families. In this 4-week series, kids will explore how Abraham’s family navigated challenges and blessings while learning how we can care for our families, serve them well, and remember that we’re all part of God’s family. As they do, kids will learn that we can believe God’s promises, we can pray for our families, we can trust God to provide, and we’re all welcome in God’s family.

 

BIG IDEAS & BIBLE STORIES

1. We can believe God’s promises. (God Calls Abram: Genesis 12:1–5, 13:1–18; Psalm 145:8–14)

2. We can pray for our families. (God Spares Lot’s Family: Genesis 18:20–33, 19:15–29; Psalm 65:1–8)

3. We can trust God to provide. (Abraham, Sarah, and Isaac: Genesis 21:1–6, 22:1–14; Psalm 139:1–12)

4. We’re all welcome in God’s family. (Jacob and Esau: Genesis 25:19–34, 27:1–33; Romans 8:31–39)

 

WEEKLY CURRICULUM SUMMARIES:

1. This week, kids hear how God called Abram to move away from home to Canaan with his family. A new board game promises oodles of family fun, but only if everyone gives it a fair shot! This week, we’ll hear how God made a big promise to Abraham, asking him to faithfully step into the unknown. This promise was for his whole family and future generations, including us, so even when we don’t know what’s ahead, we can believe God’s promises.

2. This week, kids hear how Abram asked God to spare Lot’s family instead of rolling the dice. Game night starts off great until someone suddenly "forgets" the rules, and before you know it, it's game over! This week, we’ll see how Abraham still cared for Lot and prayed for his safety, even after they parted ways. His story reminds us that a way to love our family is by talking to God about them because we can pray for our families.

3. This week, kids hear how God gave Abraham and Sarah a son named Isaac and it was their turn to show their love and faith in God. Waiting your turn in a board game is tough, especially when you want to win. This week, we’ll see how Abraham and Sarah waited a long time for God to give them a son and how Abraham later showed great faith in a difficult moment. Their story reminds us that God knows our needs and cares for us, so we can trust God to provide.

4. This week, kids hear how Jacob and Esau always made moves to win against each other. Family game night can get messy when people play favorites or don’t treat each other fairly. This week, we’ll hear how Jacob and Esau’s family had their own set of problems, like trickery, favoritism, and jealousy. But God’s plan for them was bigger than their mistakes, and the same goes for us because we’re all welcome in God’s family.

 

MEMORY VERSE: "Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love." — Ephesians 5:1–2a (NIV)