Advanced Preparation

  • Schedule an evening to have ice-cream or some other favorite

    dessert.

  • Note: If you live in a one story, use a hallway or other path instead of a staircase. You will also need to bring a bible with you to the dessert place.

  • Follow the simple steps below for a great experience.

Serve It Up

Step One: Build Anticipation

Tell the children that you want to take them out for ice-cream or some other favorite dessert. Ask each “Are you willing to accept a challenge to earn the right to go?”

Step Two: Pose the Challenge

Go to the top of your staircase and explain the following to the children waiting below…

  • Share The Goal: “I want you to pretend that I am God in heaven. I want you up here with me very much. Let’s figure out how to make that happen.”

  • Explain The Rules: “You need to do your best to get up here to where I am. But no part of you (including your clothes) can touch the stairs or the railing. You have five minutes to figure it out. Now go!”

  • Wait & Watch: Silently wait as the children try to think through a solution. They will likely try to “cheat” in one way or another. Clarify that there is only one acceptable solution.

  • Give Hints: As time runs down, mom or dad should give hints so at least one child figures out the solution: “God” can come down the stairs and carry you up the stairs on his back!

Discuss and Reflect

Step Three: Talk About It

Once each child has been carried upstairs load everyone into the car and head out for dessert. While eating, explain that Jesus Christ is God who came down from heaven to do for us what we could not do for ourselves

Step Four: Discuss and Pray Together

Read 1 John 2:1-2 and Ephesians 2:8 together aloud and explain that we all sin and that no one can do enough good to get to heaven. But God wants us with Him so much that He came “downstairs” to do for us what we can’t do for ourselves!

End your time together having each child say a brief prayer of thanks to God for the free gift of salvation.

For more inspiration and ideas for your family, check out this week’s Love Our World Guide