The Bible has many passages about teamwork. Some are related to the body and how its parts work together (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). Other passages, such as today’s lesson Scripture (1 Corinthians 12:4-5), look specifically at spiritual gifts and how the same Lord distributes them even though the gifts themselves are different.

We’ve explored the spiritual gifts God gives us as part of His team. It is important to discover what spiritual gift or gifts you have been given and then use those for the team—otherwise, the team isn’t all it can be. But before you can discover and utilize your spiritual gifts, you need to know for sure you’re on His team.

Show the following video clip to your students [2:20]:
Title: Minter-Being on God’s “team”

Ask:

• What was Mike Minter’s approach to being a part of God’s team? (Answers will vary, however, note that this football player specifically pledged to be on God’s team and to have God be his Coach. This decision affected every aspect of his life, football and beyond.)

• Minter talks about God writing your name on His roster. How does he describe this? (Minter mentions that God writes your name in permanent ink. It can’t be erased. You are on God’s winning team forever. The score has already been put up. We know who wins.)

• What does Minter say the NFL stands for? (Not for long….in other words football is temporary but being on God’s team is forever.)

Joining God’s team is the best decision you will ever make. Hand out index cards and pens or pencils. Have students find a spot in the room where they can think and write about when they became part of God’s team and were placed on His roster. If they know a date, they can record that or they can write about where they were and how they felt. If a student has yet to join God’s team, encourage them to come up to you after class or later this week and ask you for more information on how to receive Christ as Savior. Instructions for leading a student to Christ can be found on the inside cover of the teacher’s manual. Students may also want to talk with a pastor or parent or guardian about this matter.

Continue by inviting students to think about a spiritual gift they may have been given by God. Students don’t need to share this information with others, but have them write down one gift they believe they have been given and how they might be letting down their team by not using what God has given. Have them make a plan to intentionally use their spiritual gift this week.

As they think and write, have them listen to this music video [3:18]:
Great to be on God’s Team Lyrics

Regroup and if time permits replay the music video clip and sing along. The song is catchy and fun. Allow students to stand for the singing of this song and invite them to be engaged in the music by clapping and joining in where actions are invited.

Close in prayer thanking God for being a dependable Coach we all can lean on this week.