The rainbow is one of the children’s favorite things. They love the sight of a curved band of colors appearing against the peaceful sky after a hard rain. For them, nothing is like the rainbow. It is amusing in their sight. However, not all kids know the Biblical significance of a rainbow – that it was a sign of God’s covenant to Noah. So if you like the children in your church to know what a rainbow is, make sure to include the rainbow in the children’s church curriculum. Here’s how you can teach the lesson on rainbow.
•Study the story of God’s covenant. It is very important that you read and study Genesis 9, where God made the covenant to Noah right after the great flood. Make an outline, so you will know how to discuss the lesson. Include what happened before the flood, why there was a flood, and what happened after the flood. Remember to keep the lesson short and simple. Discuss the lesson in a way that the children can easily understand.
•Emphasize the importance of the rainbow. Tell the kids that God promised to never again destroy the earth with flood. God made the rainbow to symbolize this covenant and said that whenever it appears in the clouds, He will remember His promise. The rainbow, therefore, assures us that God does what He promised. It gives us confidence that the promise made a long time ago can still be in effect today.
•Teach the kids the importance of keeping promises. Keeping promises can be the practical application of the lesson. Tell the kids that like God, they should also keep the promises they made to their parents, siblings, grandparents, teachers, classmates, and friends. If they said they would tidy their room, they should do it. If they said they would finish their meal, they should finish it. If they said they would share their toys, they should share them. Remember that the application part is almost as important as the Bible story, because it is the part that can inspire changes in the thinking and behavior of the students. Keep in mind that a Bible lesson that has no practical application is ineffective.
•Have a take-home point. You can take several take-home points from this lesson, but make sure to pick only one that can summarize the lesson. Because the take-home point is meant to be memorized, it should be short and easy to understand. Here are good examples: “God makes promises and He keeps all of them.” “The rainbow assures us that God keeps promises.” “I should keep my promises like God.”
Remember to never come to children’s church unprepared. The children will most likely know you are ill-prepared and might not be as interested in the lesson as they would be if you know the lesson by heart. Keep in mind that your role as a teacher in children’s church lessons is important in molding the kids’ first experience with God. You also help in character building and values formation.
