FAITH QUEST

The Prodigal Son

Workshop Leaders’ Bible Study

This workshop leader’s Bible study is a historical, theological, and contextual introduction to the Prodigal Son rotation of Kirk of Kildaire’s Faith Quest workshop rotation program. It is intended to provide workshop leaders with:

· A historical context for understanding the Bible story.

· A Biblical context for reading and teaching the story.

· The theological basis for the concepts to be taught to the children.

In Kirk of Kildaire’s Faith Quest program, workshop leaders attend a one-hour Bible study two weeks prior to the start of a new rotation. This Bible study helps workshop leaders understand how the concepts to be taught to the children are derived from the Bible story and how the lessons in the rotation fit together to reinforce the concepts. It also provides an opportunity for the workshop leaders to grow in their own faith and understanding of the Bible.

It will be helpful to have a chalkboard, whiteboard, or flip chart for writing down questions or observations during the Bible study.

Note: This is not a comprehensive study of the text, but only a few notes to help provide context and background for workshop leaders. Consult titles cited in the reference list at the end of these notes for more information.

Scripture:

Luke 15:11-32

Memory verse for this rotation:

“Be kind and merciful, and forgive others, just as God forgave you because of Christ.” Ephesians 4:32 (CEV)

Concepts:

· God loves us always, even when we do wrong things.

· God forgives us when we ask.

· Making bad choices can hurt you and others.

· God doesn’t want us to be jealous even when things don’t seem fair.

· God wants us to be thankful for what we have.

Prayer Concerns & Prayer

· If workshop leaders do not know each other, give them an opportunity to introduce each other and say which workshop they will be leading.

· Begin the Bible study by praying for God’s guidance as teachers begin a new rotation.

Reading the text

Ask a workshop leader to read the text aloud. Ask the workshop leaders what questions came to mind as they heard the story or read it before the Bible study. Write down any questions that arise and will need to be answered during the Bible study.

Workshop Summaries

Ask each workshop leader to summarize his or her workshop. As they do so, point out the concepts that each lesson reinforces. Ask workshop leaders if they have any questions about the logistics or practical application of their lesson.

Creation Station: Children will create a wire sculpture depicting the father welcoming his son while learning about the concepts of forgiveness and grace.

Holywood: The children will view the film “Prodigal Son” and discuss the concept of forgiveness.

Antioch Arcade: The children will play a game to reinforce their knowledge of the story’s details, will learn the definition of a parable and will learn that the Prodigal Son is a parable told by Jesus to teach his listeners about God’s love and forgiveness.

Praising Puppets: This workshop will focus on forgiveness and having the right attitude about other people, even when we think the situation is unfair. The children will see a puppet skit with a contemporary version of the parable to consider how the characters in the story responded.

Good News: The children will hear the story as told from the perspective of the prodigal son will learn about the importance of confession.

Review Questions

Return to the questions that were gathered at the start of the hour. Have they been answered? Are there any further questions about the Bible story or about the lessons?

Closing Prayer

Close the Bible study with a prayer.