Pentecost, also known as the Birthday of the Church, is the celebration of the Holy Spirit coming down to the disciples after Jesus ascended into heaven. It is typically celebrated the 7th Sunday after Easter. This year, the Pentecost celebration is June 4, 2017. If you miss Pentecost, however, you can celebrate the Holy Spirit any time!
Intro Questions for the Family
What is Pentecost?
Why do you think we need the Holy Spirit?
How does the Holy Spirit work in your life?
Read the Story
Acts 2:1-13
Watch the Story
There is nothing like reading a story straight from the Bible to help you understand exactly what God wants you to know. Sometimes it is fun to read or watch an interpretation after you have all the facts.
Here is a great description of Pentecost from one of our favorite series, What’s In the Bible. (You can see more about What’s in the Bible in the sidebar.)
Since most kids enjoy Legos (and parents enjoy Ikea!), try out this description of Pentecost:
Talk About It
Reread verse 2. What did the Holy Spirit sound like when it came?
Reread verse 3. What did the Holy Spirit look like when it came?
What does this tell you about the Holy Spirit? Is it powerful? Strong?
What great thing did the disciples do right after they were filled with the Holy Spirit? (verse 4,6)
Worship
We love to worship with our kids. When you find a great worship song, it really drives the theme home. Not to mention, God deserves our worship. As parents, we need to be modeling worship for our children.
Preschool Worship:
Here is a fun little song for preschoolers that describes the Bible story:
Here is another fun little song for preschoolers that helps them understand what the Holy Spirit is:
Elementary Worship:
Here is a song about Jesus living in us:
Pray
Thank God for His Holy Spirit. Pray that you will listen to the Holy Spirit and follow Him closely.
Family Adventures
- Enjoy some birthday cake and ice cream in celebration of the Birthday of the Church. Talk about how the disciples followed the Holy Spirit and the church grew.
- Talk about how the Holy Spirit has lead your family in the past and/or how He might be leading you presently. Pray about what God might be wanting you to do as a family. Take the next step in faith!
Spread the Love
Take a birthday cake or candle to a friend. Tell the story about the Birthday of the Church.
How does your family celebrate Pentecost?
Reading directly from God’s word is definitely the best way to understand what he is saying. I think it is so helpful too that you include songs and videos that help reiterate the concepts of what is shared!!
Kristi recently posted…They Who are Fresh from God
So many great ideas to bring the celebration of Pentecost to your home.
I’ll admit that I do not do this as often as I should for my youngest son.
LauraOinAK recently posted…Broccoli and Bow-Tie Pasta Salad
Love this, so many great ideas with it just being pentecost sunday
What a fun lesson! I love the Lego video. Bookmarking this to use with our children’s church sometime.
Oh man I can’t see any kid who wouldn’t enjoy this – and to learn SO much!
I loved the creativity in this blog. I wish that I was younger to use with my son however that is not the case.
Thank you!
Wow Tara, this is great. You really laid it out through these videos, instructions, and discussion questions for families to have a wonderful learning and worship time together. I think more than any other of your posts I’ve seen I’m looking forward to watching the videos in particular with my kids.
Scott LaPierre recently posted…Complementarianism Versus Egalitarianism
I love how you have resources explaining Pentecost to children. I often find it difficult to explain certain concepts in ways that they will understand or pay attention to.
Sometimes it takes a bit of thought and creativity to figure out how to explain concepts to kids, but the topics deserve to be taught. It’s my goal to help with that. If there is any way I can help, please let me know!
Interesting article. I have never heard of this before now, I love learning new things thanks.
It was new to me until a few years ago. There’s always something new to learn!
Most kids will watch anything with LEGOS!
We thought it was cute and had a good lesson too!
Gonna use this in church this week even though we are late. Love your ideas
Thanks! I hope it goes well!
There are so many great tips for teaching your child the word. We love the “what’s in the Bible” video series. My son is only two, so he would really enjoy the videos and songs.
It’s never too early to start teaching them about God. Videos and songs are an easy and fun way!
Thank you for the reminder that I need to practice more worship with my kids! We do our best to do an evening prayer with them, but now that they are getting older I think it’s time to show talk about things like pentecost and perhaps show them some of these awesome videos you’ve got here!
Thank you! I hope you find some things you can use here!
What excellent ideas to encourage a celebration of Pentecost! Love these.
Alex recently posted…How to Handle Transitions in Marriage
Oh my goodness! I love this activity plan. You’ve made it so easy for parents to actually do!
This is such an important event. I’m surprised that it’s not something I’ve ever seen celebrated, especially since I grew up in church! Thanks for an easy way to get started.
Beka recently posted…God Is Good, Even When He Disappoints
I’m glad you find the plan easy to follow along. That was my goal!
Awesome. I’m saving this post to refer back. I enjoy the tips and ideas on how to creatively share God with my children. Thanks for taking the time to do this.
Thank you. I’m glad you liked it!