Great Commission Crafts for Preschoolers

The Great Commission, as outlined in Matthew 28:19-20, is a powerful guiding principle for Christians worldwide. While often associated with adult ministry, its teachings can be effectively conveyed to preschoolers through engaging, age-appropriate crafts. These activities not only help children understand the commission but also foster creativity, fine motor skills, and a love for God's word.

Preschoolers thrive on hands-on learning experiences. By incorporating the Great Commission into craft activities, you can make Bible lessons more memorable and fun. Here, we explore some engaging craft ideas that teach preschoolers about the Great Commission.

Crafts that Teach About Going and Making Disciples

The Great Commission begins with the command to "go and make disciples." This can be a challenging concept for preschoolers, but it can be simplified and taught through creative crafts.

Crafts that teach about going and making disciples help preschoolers understand the importance of sharing their faith and teaching others about Jesus.

Fish Craft: We Are Fishers of Men

This craft uses a simple fish template to teach preschoolers that they are "fishers of men," as Jesus called his disciples in Luke 5:10. Provide each child with a fish template, colorful construction paper, and other art supplies. After decorating their fish, help them write their name on it and hang it up as a reminder that they too can share Jesus' love with others.

To extend this activity, read the story of Jesus calling his disciples in Luke 5:1-11. Discuss how Jesus asked his disciples to follow him and become fishers of men. Encourage the preschoolers to think about who they can share Jesus with, just like the disciples did.

Handprint Cross Craft

This craft uses handprints to create a cross, symbolizing the disciples' willingness to follow Jesus and take up their cross, as mentioned in Matthew 16:24. Paint each child's hand and press it onto a piece of paper to create a cross shape. Once dry, let the children decorate their crosses with markers, stickers, or other embellishments.

As the children work on their crafts, discuss the meaning of taking up one's cross. Explain that following Jesus sometimes means making sacrifices, but it's always worth it because of the love and joy he gives us. Encourage the preschoolers to think about small ways they can follow Jesus and share his love with others.

Crafts that Teach About Baptizing and Teaching

The Great Commission also includes the command to "baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you." These crafts help preschoolers understand the importance of baptism and teaching others about Jesus.

Crafts that teach about baptizing and teaching help preschoolers grasp the concept of following Jesus' commands and sharing their knowledge with others.

Baptismal Certificate Craft

Create baptismal certificate templates with each child's name and the date of their baptism (or a pretend date for those not yet baptized). Provide the children with stickers, markers, or other embellishments to decorate their certificates. As they work, discuss the meaning of baptism and why it's important for Christians.

Share the story of Jesus' baptism in Matthew 3:13-17. Explain that baptism is a public declaration of our faith in Jesus and a symbol of our new life in him. Encourage the preschoolers to think about how they can live out their faith and follow Jesus' commands, just like he did.

Storybook Craft: Sharing Jesus' Stories

This craft encourages preschoolers to share Jesus' stories with others. Provide each child with a small cardboard box or shoe box and various art supplies. Help them decorate the box to look like a storybook, then fill it with printed Bible story cards or pictures.

As the children work on their crafts, discuss the importance of sharing Bible stories with others. Explain that when we share Jesus' stories, we help others learn about him and grow in their faith. Encourage the preschoolers to think about who they can share Jesus' stories with, such as their family, friends, or even their stuffed animals!

As preschoolers engage in these crafts, they'll not only have fun and develop new skills but also gain a deeper understanding of the Great Commission. By teaching these concepts through creative activities, you'll help foster a lifelong love for God's word and a desire to share it with others. So go ahead, get crafty, and watch as your preschoolers grow in their faith and become little disciple-makers!