The Early Church — Sharing Everything
Scripture: Acts 2:42-47, 4:32-37
Theme: The church is a family that loves and serves together
Age Group: PreK-K (Ages 3-5)
Overview
This lesson teaches little ones that when we believe in Jesus, we become a loving family who shares what they have with others, just like the early church did. It’s a simple story of kindness and generosity, with a special focus on how we can follow their example by sharing with those in need, even at home or in our community. Optional reflection: children can draw a picture of Jesus helping their friends, then share one way they can help someone else this week. This extra activity supports the lesson’s theme and gives teachers a simple, lowprep option for extending the discussion.
Bible Story
Once, right after Jesus rose from the dead, His followers gathered together in a big group. They were so happy and full of joy because they knew Jesus loved them! They didn’t argue about who owned what, everything was shared fairly.
They sold some of their things, like houses or extra food, and gave the money to help others. Anyone who needed food, clothes, or a place to stay could come and be taken care of. It was like a big family where everyone helped each other.
The early church loved Jesus so much that they wanted everyone to have enough. They didn’t keep things just for themselves, they shared because they knew Jesus had taken care of them first! When they believed in Him, they started to act like loving family.
This is how we can follow Jesus too! When we trust Him, we become kind and share what we have with those who need help. That’s how we show we love each other, just like the early church did!
Activities
Share and Grow Craft: ‘Sharing Hearts’
Supplies: Red construction paper (for hearts), Crayons or markers, Googly eyes (optional), Stickers or glue (for small items to place on hearts, like a toy, a star, or a Bible)
- Step 1: Cut out red heart shapes from construction paper. Glue on googly eyes or draw them with crayons.
- Step 2: On each heart, draw or glue a small item (like a toy, star, or Bible) to represent something we share with others.
- Step 3: Talk about how just like our hearts, we share our things to help those in need!
Movement Activity: ‘Share Your Stuff’ Dance
Supplies: A kid-friendly song about sharing (e.g., ‘All Things Bright and Beautiful’ or ‘Shout to the Lord’), Small toys or props (optional, for pretend sharing)
- Step 1: Sing a song about sharing together (e.g., ‘All Things Bright and Beautiful’).
- Step 2: When the music stops, hold up a toy or pretend item and say, ‘I share this with you!’ Give it to another child.
- Step 3: Repeat with different items. Talk about how the early church shared everything because they loved Jesus!
Discussion Questions
- Who do you think needs help most in our church or neighborhood? How can we share with them?
- If you had a toy that another child really wanted, what would you do? Why?
- What does it mean to be a ‘family that shares’? How can we do that at home?
- How does Jesus help us share with others? What does He give us that we can share?
- How does it feel when you share?
Prayer Focus
Let’s pray for Jesus to help us share with those who need it. Ask Him to show us how to be kind and loving like the early church. Thank Him for being our greatest Share, He gives us everything, and we can give back in love!
Missions Spotlight
Some Christians in other countries have to share everything because it’s not safe to follow Jesus. They are very brave. Let’s pray for them.
To the Cross
When we trust Jesus, we realize He’s already paid for our mistakes, and now we can share with others because we know He’s given us everything, our hearts, our time, and our things. Sharing isn’t about what we have, but about who we love!
Teaching Tips
- Movement Tip , “The Sharing Tummy”: Instead of just talking, have s
- Craft Tip , “The Paper Money Bag”: Provide empty paper bags, some c
- Small Group Tip , “The Two-Friends Talk”: Break the 3-10 students i
- Questions Tip , “The What-If Talk”: Use simple “What would you do?”
Family Take-Home
The early church shared everything because they knew Jesus loved them and had taken care of them. When we believe in Jesus, we become a family that cares for each other, just like they did. Let’s share our things with those who need it, it’s how we show love to our neighbors!