- Participants will discuss how their identity as God's image bearers impacts the work they do in the world.
- Participants will consider ways in which their interests and gifting can help others
Lesson Preparation
We are God's best creation, made in his image. In this world that is full of sin and brokenness, it is our responsibility as followers of Jesus to reflect God's character by living lives full of integrity. When we treat the responsibilities that have been entrusted to us as sacred gifts from God, we lead others to his love while also building a reputation as dependable workers. When we reflect God's image, then we will do our work well.
Genesis 1:27; Colossians 3:23; Galatians 5:22-24
- Character: the traits and tendencies carried by an individual
- Integrity: the quality of being true to a set of principles
- Image bearer: one who reflects the character of another
- Workbook
- Pen/Pencil
Need help teaching the session?
Need help teaching the session?
- Lesson Summary: The summary provides an overview of what will be covered in the lesson. It includes the Scripture or biblical truths and how the biblical principles apply to the lives of the participants.
- Lesson Objectives: These goals guide instruction and support the main idea of the lesson. They state what participants should know and be able to do once they have completed the lesson.
- Scripture References: These are passages of Scripture used in each lesson. Plan to read these passages prior to teaching the lesson
- Vocabulary: These are the key words discussed in each lesson that should be taught in context.
- Materials: This is a list of supplies needed to teach the lesson and/or to do the activities.
- Welcome and Review: Begin each class by welcoming the participants and reviewing the material from the previous lesson.
- Icebreaker: In Lesson 1, there is an icebreaker activity to start the lesson. This is a great way to get participants talking and comfortable with one another.
- Scripture Study: Includes different parts. The leader shares the Bible story interactively, asking questions and guiding discussion to engage participants in the Scripture.
- Workbook Activity: During each lesson, students will complete a workbook exercise that will help reinforce learning through hands-on engagement. The workbook activities provide structure for applying the lesson content to the project. Completed examples are provided in this leader's guide and at the back of the participant's workbook.
- Facilitation Tips: These support the leader with strategies for guiding the group projects. These reminders help facilitators adapt to challenges and adjust for learners with different abilities and styles.
- Project Milestone: This statement is designed to help define the progress goal for the group project. It outlines the key steps that the leader and student should aim to accomplish by the end of the lesson.
Pray: Participants will reflect on the lesson, and the facilitator will end the lesson with a prayer.
Welcome and Review
Greet participants and review the previous lesson.
Ask:
Have any of you ever been recognised by someone you did not know because of how much you resembled another member of your family?
Allow time for responses.
Say:
Let us test this out with a quick activity. It is called "Stand If". I will read a few statements, and if they apply to you, stand up.
Read each statement below and allow students to stand and respond. After each prompt, invite 1-2 students to share how they resemble the individual from the statement.
Stand if you have ever been told you look like a family member.
Stand if you have ever been told you look like a celebrity.
Stand if someone has ever mistaken you for a sibling or friend.
Stand if you have ever been told you act "just like" one of your parents.
Say:
When you look in the mirror, you may notice how some of your features are similar to other people in your family. Maybe you have the same smile as your mother, or perhaps the shape of your nose is very similar to that of your siblings. When others see you, they get a glimpse of your lineage. Your face opens the book to your personal story.
In a similar way, as children of God, our goal is that others may recognise the traits and tendencies—the character of God—through what we say and do. God calls us to live a life of integrity, being true to our principles, as we commit to the work that he has laid before us. We can see this plainly in Genesis 1:27:
Genesis 1:27:
"So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them."
But how do we do this? How are we supposed to reflect his image? Let us see what Scripture tells us.
Say:
Being an image bearer means that every person reflects something of God's nature. We are designed to represent his character on earth through creativity, relationships and stewardship of creation. This verse reminds us that our identity and purpose are rooted in God's design, not our own performance. As an image bearer, it is an opportunity to honour God and bless the people around you.
Invite students to open to page 7 in their workbook and follow along as you read the Scripture selections.
Colossians 3:23:
Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.
Pause and invite students to respond to questions 1 and 2 in the workbook.
Question 1:
What does Paul say about how we should do our work?
Question 2:
What is one task or responsibility you can start doing with the mindset that you are working for God, not just people?
Say:
To bear God's image is to reflect his excellence and integrity in everything we do. Work, whether big or small, becomes an act of worship when done for God's glory. It shifts our focus from seeking approval from people to faithfully representing Christ through diligence, honesty, and joy. We reflect the character of our Creator by managing the resources, responsibilities, and relationships he has blessed us with, wholeheartedly.
We imitate God's character. The way we treat others and the attitudes we carry reveal whether we truly reflect God in our actions when we produce the fruit of the Spirit Paul talks about in Galatians chapter 5.
Invite students to look at Galatians 5:22-24 on page 7 of their workbook.
Galatians 5:22-24:
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. There is no law against these things! Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there.
Pause and invite students to respond to questions 3 and 4 in the workbook.
Question 3:
Of these traits, which one would you say you already possess?
Question 4:
Which fruit of the Spirit do you need to practise this week to reflect God's image more clearly as you plan for your project?
Say:
The fruit of the Spirit is evidence of God's image being restored in us through Christ. As we walk with the Spirit, our lives reflect God's character more clearly. To be an image bearer is not just about identity; it is about living transformed lives that mirror the nature of Christ in our daily actions and relationships.
Before we were ever called to work, God claimed us as his sons and daughters; we were created in his image. If we are to be God's image bearers, reflecting his character, we must shift our focus from self-centred success to humility and integrity. Reflecting the image of God means living a self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined life.
Say:
Today's project activity will help you think about how your group can reflect God's character through the work you do together. As you complete the activity in your workbook, consider how your group's choices and plans can show integrity and point others to God.
Invite students to turn to page 8 in their workbook. Give them some time to complete the project activity. Then, invite students to share their thoughts aloud with the group.
Sample Completed Activity
Part 1: My Strengths
Check boxes that align with the skills you enjoy and are naturally gifted at. Then, underline one area you would like to grow in.
Part 2: Group Needs
After students have completed the activity for Part 1, invite them to look at the "Group Needs" chart in Part 2 of their workbook. Give them 15 minutes to assign roles within the group.
| Project Leader/Coordinator |
Best-fit skills: leadership, organisation, problem solving, teamwork — Keeps the team organised, maps out steps and timelines, makes sure tasks are on track Group Member____________________________. |
|---|---|
| Communicator/Spokesperson |
Best-fit skills: communication, leadership, teamwork — Shares updates with teachers, mentors or the community and represents the team Group Member____________________________. |
| Records and Quality Officer |
Best-fit skills: technology, hands-on skills, organisation, attention to detail — Takes notes and keeps records of decisions, makes sure final work meets the goals, and drafts any writing-related content for the project Group Member____________________________. |
| Resource Manager |
Best-fit skills: organisation, problem solving, leadership, attention to detail — Tracks money (if any), materials, ensures resources are used wisely Group Member____________________________. |
| Crisis Manager |
Best-fit skills: problem solving, teamwork, hands-on skills, strategy — Helps troubleshoot challenges, helps identify possible risks associated with tasks Group Member____________________________. |
| Product and Technology Designer |
Best-fit skills: creative thinking, technology, hands-on skills — Designs any visual materials needed for the project Group Member____________________________. |
Project
Milestone:
Milestone:
Identify skills and giftings.
By the end of the lesson, students will have identified the skills that align with what they enjoy and are gifted in.
Define group responsibilities.By the end of the lesson, students will have identified their individual roles and responsibilities within the group.
If you sense your students need additional support, consider these teaching strategies.
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Reframe weakness
Students will be tempted to say, "I am not good at anything." Redirect with questions like, "What do people thank you for? What do you enjoy?" It is a self-discovery, not a test.
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Balance groups
Ensure no one role is overloaded while others bear less responsibility. They should be more open about growth needs.
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Support teams
Remind students that while each person has a role to carry, a thriving team is built when members remain flexible and willing to step in and support one another whenever the need arises.
Say:
One key thing to keep in mind as you launch your career is how you approach the problems that arise in your workspace. For example, imagine you have been given the task of painting the walls of a home. You complete the project as you were instructed, but when the homeowner looks at the finished product, they ask you to redo your work in a slightly different colour. Rather than showing frustration with the homeowner, you could reflect the patience and grace God has shown you by expressing understanding and willingness to fix the problem. Every obstacle is also an opportunity for you to bear God's image to those you serve.
Remember, you are God's representative to the world around you. As we pray today, may your choices allow those around you to see God in you.
Pray:
Allow time for participants to repeat each section after you.
Father, thank you for reminding us that we are created in your image and called to bear your image in all we do.
Help us to make wise choices as we take on responsibilities in our project work.
May we use our strengths to serve you with excellence to bless others.
Holy Spirit, guide us to work together in love, showing the fruit of your presence in our lives.
Amen.
Lessons 1-12
- Lesson 1 Being Who I Am Called To Be
- Lesson 2 Called To a Kingdom
- Lesson 3 Called To Image
- Lesson 4 Called To Serve
- Lesson 5 Called To Responsibility
- Lesson 6 Called To Overcome
- Lesson 7 Called To Collaborate
- Lesson 8 Called To Confidence
- Lesson 9 Called To Refine
- Lesson 10 Called To Implement
- Lesson 11 Called To Evaluate
- Lesson 12 Called To Continue