Twelve Gifts Discovery Program
for Churches

Click here for the 32 page curriculum in PDF format.

Using the book, The Twelve Gifts of Birth, this 12- session study and discovery program is designed to encourage children to respect themselves and others, to recognize and experience their gifts, to make a positive difference in the world, and to thrive. Based on the belief that every child is gifted and talented, this program rests on the scriptural passages below.  Each lesson is further guided by Bible quotes and stories.

“…that we may understand the gifts bestowed on us.” 1 Corinthians 2:12

”…eagerly desire the greater gifts.  And I will show you the most excellent way.” 1 Corinthians 12:31

“The kingdom of God is within you.” Luke 17:21

“From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.” John 1:16

The key understanding is:

Each of us is born with inherent gifts to help us live well.  These gifts include: Strength, Beauty, Courage, Compassion, Hope, Joy, Talent, Imagination, Reverence, Wisdom, Love, and Faith.

The objectives are:

• To have children see that, no matter who they are, they have inherent gifts within them

• To have children experience what it is like to have each gift at work in their lives

• To stimulate their enthusiasm for learning more about their gifts

This Twelve Gifts Discovery Program is meant to be customized by you for your particular Sunday school, summer camp curriculum, or home use.

Each basic lesson offers a presentation outline and a variety of activity options for children from ages 4 through 10.  Each lesson is designed to be completed within approximately 30–60 minutes yet can easily be condensed or expanded to fit your time frame and adjusted for your church approach and student needs.  Activity Sheet Templates are provided for all lessons, when needed.

Factors to consider as you plan and prepare for this Twelve Gifts Discovery Program:

• What is your time frame for each class session?

• How many children are likely to participate?

• Might that number vary from session to session?

• What are the ages of the children?

• How much indoor and/or outdoor space do you have available?

If you will be using outdoor space, consider variable weather conditions.

In the course of implementing This Twelve Gifts Discovery Program, remember to:

Use good judgment and creativity – your gifts of wisdom and imagination!

Select activity options that will work best for your environment.

Be well-prepared

Have more activities ready than you are likely to need, in case fewer children show up, an activity goes faster than expected, or something falls flat.

Be prepared to give up one or more aspects of your plan in case one activity becomes so grace-filled that you want to spend more time with it.

In other words, be flexible.  Let go and let God lead the way in every session.

Feel free to mix up the order of activities.

Open and close each session with a ceremonial cue, such as ringing a bell or flickering lights.

Use a gratitude prayer before the main activity in each session as a way of recognizing and consciously calling upon the particular gift of that lesson.

In addition to preparing the classroom and materials, prepare yourself for each lesson by reading the scriptural quotes and affirmation that introduces each lesson outline.  Recall a time when you used that gift in a meaningful way.  Reflect on the inspirational essay and try the activity offered for your enrichment at www.thetwelvegifts.com.

Provide feedback.  Please share your discoveries and suggestions so that this program can continually improve and grow.  Thank you!

May you always recognize your gifts and help others to see theirs!