Goals and Objectives

The Love God, Love Others early elementary curriculum lays out a strong foundation for learners to know and follow God for a lifetime. By nurturing their curiosity, wonder, and sense of belonging within the faith community, learners are equipped with the tools and resources they need to continue growing in their relationship with God as they journey through life and live out their faith authentically, making a positive impact in the world around them.

At its core, the curriculum seeks to introduce learners to the concept of God as a loving and personal presence in their lives. Through age-appropriate Bible stories, activities, and discussions, learners are invited to explore the character of God and God’s teachings, fostering a sense of awe and reverence for the divine. Emphasis is placed on making these stories relatable and accessible to young learners, sparking their imagination and curiosity about God's presence in the world.

Through collaborative activities, group discussions, and shared experiences, children learn the importance of belonging to a faith community and supporting one another on their spiritual journeys. They are encouraged to ask questions, express their thoughts and feelings, and engage in meaningful dialogue with their peers and teachers.

Learners will encounter God in tangible ways through experiences that involve all five senses. This may include prayer exercises, artistic expression, and acts of service in and outside the classroom. By engaging their senses and imagination, learners deepen their understanding of God's presence and learn to recognize God’s voice in their lives.

The Love God, Love Others upper elementary curriculum is designed to empower learners to make their faith their own by deepening their understanding of God's teachings and encouraging personal obedience and discipleship. Building upon the foundational knowledge acquired in earlier years, this curriculum aims to equip learners with the tools and insights they need to navigate their faith journey with confidence and conviction.

Central to the curriculum is the concept of trusting and obeying God. Through engaging Bible studies, discussions, and real-life applications, learners are challenged to reflect on what it means to trust in God's promises and follow God’s teachings. They explore stories of faith and obedience in Scripture, drawing inspiration from the lives of biblical figures who, through both obedience and disobedience, help us to see the attributes of a faithful, merciful, and loving God. Learners will engage in formative practices such as worship and prayer, cultivating a deeper connection with God and a greater awareness of God’s presence in their lives.

In addition to understanding the importance of the biblical text in their lives, learners are also invited to consider how God calls them to be different in the world. Through thought-provoking discussions and hands-on activities, they explore concepts such as justice, compassion, redemption and reconciliation, discovering how God desires them to bring order to a chaotic world and promote shalom – a sense of wholeness, peace, and well-being. The curriculum emphasizes the importance of community and belonging within the context of faith formation. 

A key focus of the curriculum is on discipleship – the process of following Jesus and becoming His apprentice. Learners are encouraged to emulate the life and teachings of Jesus, learning what it means to love God and love others unconditionally. Through small group discussions, collaborative projects, and shared experiences, learners explore how they fit within the larger community of believers and discover the value of accountability and support in their faith journey.

By equipping learners with a strong foundation in biblical knowledge, a heart for discipleship, and a commitment to bringing God's shalom to the world, learners are prepared to make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond, becoming true ambassadors of God's love and grace.

The Love God, Love Others middle school Bible curriculum is designed to guide learners through a journey of self-discovery, exploring their place in the world and their role in God's larger story of redemption and restoration. At this critical stage of development, students are encouraged to grapple with questions of identity, purpose, and belonging, while deepening their understanding of biblical truths and their implications for everyday life. Learners will put into practice their ability to read, study, and interpret God’s words through the lenses of context. 

Central to the curriculum is the exploration of where students fit in the world. Through interactive lessons, discussions, and reflective activities, students are prompted to examine their unique gifts, passions, and experiences, discerning how they can contribute to God's ongoing work of renewal and restoration in the world. Emphasis is placed on the biblical call to walk humbly with God, recognizing that true fulfillment and purpose are found in aligning our lives with God's purposes and participating in God’s mission.

Integral to this journey of self-discovery is the cultivation of meaningful relationships with one another and with God. Learners engage in formative faith practices such as prayer, worship, and discipleship, deepening their connection with God and nurturing their spiritual growth. Small group discussions and collaborative projects provide opportunities for students to support and encourage one another, fostering a sense of belonging and community within the classroom and beyond.

As students progress through the curriculum, they are challenged to apply biblical principles to real-world situations and engage in acts of service and justice that reflect God's heart for the marginalized and oppressed. By embracing their identity as agents of God's love and grace in the world, students are empowered to make a positive impact in their communities and to participate actively in God's ongoing work of restoration and reconciliation.

Overall, the middle school Bible curriculum aims to equip students with a strong foundation in biblical truth, a vibrant faith in God, and a sense of purpose and mission in the world.