(5–10 minutes, moderate set-up)
Students will spend time reflecting on their part in the Church and will keep a rock as a reminder.
(5-10 minutes, moderate set-up)
Provide a cookie sheet and enough small stones to fill it. Also provide an empty drinking glass.
Give each student an equal amount of stones. Keep one stone. Say: Christ is the Chief Cornerstone of the Church. Without Him, there is no Church. As we begin this study of the New Testament Church, it is important to realize we are the Church, commissioned with sharing Jesus Christ with the world.
Place your one stone on the cookie sheet. Ask a student to try to balance the glass on the stone. (It is impossible.) Remove the glass. Then lead students to place their stones around the single stone. Smooth out any high spots. Ask another student to place the glass on the rocks. (It should balance this time with no problem.) Ask: How does this demonstration remind you of the Church? (It is virtually impossible for a single Christian to carry out the mission of the Church. But when we join other believers locally and globally in the power of the Holy Spirit, we can successfully carry out the mission to which God called us.)
Ask each student to take one of the stones to keep. Say: The rock you hold represents you, one solitary Christian. Show the students the glass. Say: This glass represents our mission as a Church. Ask students to share how the Church and their role within the Church affects their lives. Ask: Is it possible to focus on your own personal needs and wants and still fulfill your role as a member of the Body of Christ? As a member of Christ's Church, what is your role within your youth group? What is your role within your church?