Like Living Stones

Note to the Teacher:

This lesson creates space for the students to consider how Christ is building them up, how Christ is their foundation, and how Christ desires to be a part of building the church. The icebreaker is a fun challenge for the students to build a tower. The discussion is centered on the idea that Christ is our rock and is building us into what God had in mind- a “spiritual temple.” The activity re-engages the icebreaker activity in a different way and creates an opportunity for the students to work together to build one tower.

Icebreaker:

Items needed: rocks

Have the students get into small groups. Their task is to build a tower out of the rocks you have provided. Each round will have a different amount of time for them to build a tower. Between each round, they will need to deconstruct their tower and start again.

• First round: Set a timer for ten seconds; see how high students can build their towers.
• Second round: Set a timer for twenty seconds; see how high students can build their towers.
• Third round: Set the timer for a minute; see how high students can build their towers.
• Fourth round: Set the timer for two minutes. Tell students to build their tower as high as they can with one hand behind their backs.

Read Scripture:

1 Peter 2:2-10

Discussion:

1. Does anyone know what they want to be when they grow up? If so, what/why?
2. How do we become these things when we grow up?
3. What do you think it means to “grow up in Christ”? Do you think we can tell how someone is growing up in their faith?
4. Look at verse 5. Scripture tells us we are “being built like living stones into a spiritual temple.” What do you think this means? What if we are the only “church” that a person ever meets?
5. How does God dwelling within us shape who we are? What messages do you hope God has written on your heart?
6. Psalm 31:3, it says, “You are indeed my rock and my fortress.” Why would a “rock” be a good symbol for God?
7. Looking back at 1 Peter 2:5, consider how you are allowing God to build you. How do you hope this will affect your future?

Activity and Discussion:

Have the students work together to build a tower out of all the rocks provided— one rock at a time. Every student is invited to get the chance to place a rock.

Ask:

1. What would it look like if we allowed God to build all of us up together?
2. How can we be a rock in our community?
3. How can we be a rock for one another?

Supplies Needed:

• Rocks (enough for multiple towers and at least one per student)