Mission Briefing
The First Community That Shared Everything!
Imagine a community where everyone looked out for everyone else – where if someone needed help, the whole group jumped in immediately. No one was left behind. No one went without. Sound like a dream? It actually happened! Right after the very first church was born, this is exactly what the believers did – and it changed the world!
What Does This Mean?
After the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost, thousands of people believed in Jesus and formed the very first church community. These early believers took generosity seriously – they shared what they owned and made sure everyone’s needs were met. This wasn’t forced; it grew naturally from their love for God and each other. They understood that their possessions weren’t more important than their people. This picture of community is still a model for what faith-filled living looks like today.
Hero Challenge
Think about your community – your family, your class, your neighborhood. Is there one person whose need you know about? This week, work with a parent to do something practical to help them. Practice being the kind of community these early believers were!
Did You Know?
The day of Pentecost – described in Acts 2 – saw about 3,000 people come to faith in Jesus in a single day! That was the birth of the church. And within the very same chapter, we see these new believers already learning to share and care for one another. Growth and generosity happened together right from the very beginning!
Ages 4-6: Little Hero Question
The early believers shared everything so no one was left out. Can you think of a way to share something with your family or a friend this week?
Ages 7-9: Growing Hero Question
Why do you think the early believers chose to sell their things and share with each other? What did they love more than their possessions?
Ages 10-13: Champion Question
The early church shared “as any had need” – meaning they responded to actual needs, not just generally donated. How does paying attention to specific needs around you change the way you think about generosity in your own community?
♥ Mission Prayer
God, thank You for the example of the early church. Help me to love people more than I love my things, and to be part of a community that truly looks out for one another. Amen.
