Faith Development in Adults
The Bible is replete with stories of heroes and heroines who show us that when it comes to serving in God's kingdom, we don't have to be rich, or strong, or brave. All we have to be is available. We celebrate God’s power to use ordinary people to do extraordinary things. Following are ways to develop in the adults in your church an understanding of what it means to be a hero or heroine.
In this service we acknowledge that God’s story is still being written, and we all have a part to play. God wants to do extraordinary things through us all.
Use screens to display pictures of contemporary (born after 1950) African American heroes and heroines, include children and young adults.
Write your own anthem or theme song based on a biblical passage about a hero or heroine.
Allow brief testimonies by "ordinary" people who have been able to accomplish extraordinary things.
Use a guided prayer to encourage the congregation to visualize heroism in their life and behavior.
Faith Development in Children (Ages 4–11)
Storytelling is important for developing faith in children. Stories give meaning and value to their experiences. Faith for children ages 4-11 is greatly influenced by the expectations and judgments of others. Children at these ages have a deep need for acceptance. This can lead to a deep hunger for a God who (seen through the reactions of adults toward children) accepts people regardless of how they look, the length of their hair, the clothes they wear, the occupation of their parents, whether their parents are incarcerated, or whatever the condition of their family.
Share stories of both biblical and African American children who were used by God. Utilize screens to display these images. It is also important to include examples of children they know. However, be careful not to highlight as examples only certain types of children. Avoid only rich children, thin children, children with long hair, or children who are movie-stars, etc.
Resources for Children
Portraits of African American Heroes. By Tonya Bolden
This children’s book is a great resource for children’s story hour. It is unusual in that it includes the nineteenth through the twenty-first centuries in its profiles of remarkable men and women. This book helps the young reader understand why a person was able to succeed against the odds. It focuses on each person’s struggles and successes in terms of their motivation and beliefs.
A Kid’s Guide to African American History: Over 70 Activities. By Nancy I. Sanders
This book has more than 70 hands-on activities, songs, and games that can be used for Sabbath or Sunday school.
1. Call to Worship or Litany Call to Worship This call to worship references people of color in the Bible and would be powerful if accompanied by images of the stories projected on screens. In lieu of screens, your dance ministry, mime group, and/or drama team can also reenact the scenes, with musicians playing.
Our HERO Is Here!
Leader:
Arise, people of God! We have come to worship and adore our HERO, the One who is with us and who is at work through us.
ALL:
Our HERO is here! Jesus Christ is our HERO. Great is our Lord;He is greatly to be praised!
Leader:
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was God, and the Word was with God. This Word is rich with stories of our HERO at work in the lives of ordinary people. In the first book, Genesis, Nimrod, son of Cush, is credited with founding and ruling the cities of Mesopotamia. He was “the first on earth to become a mighty warrior.” (Genesis 10:8-12)
ALL:
You are the Alpha and Omega; the Almighty God.
Leader:
In Numbers, Moses’ Ethiopian wife endured insults because of her race; yet she was a believer, and God showed displeasure with the prejudice shown towards her. (Numbers 12)
ALL:
Your faithfulness and mercy are everlasting and as high as the heavens.
Leader:
2nd Samuel tells the story of the unnamed Cushite soldier in King David’s army. He had the courage to tell King David the truth. (2 Samuel 18:21, 31, 32)
ALL:
You are the way, the truth and the light. Your truth will set us free. (John 14:16, John 8:31)
Leader:
We learn of the Prophet Zephaniah, whose father was a Cushite, and his great-great-grandfather King Hezekiah sparked a religious revival in Judah. (Zephaniah 1:1)
ALL:
You have not left us comfortless, but send your Holy Spirit to refresh us and help us keep our eyes on the prize of the high calling.
Leader:
In the book of Jeremiah, Ebemelech, the Ethiopian, an officer of King Zedekiah was willing to get involved to stand against the injustices done to Jeremiah, at great risk to himself, and saved Jeremiah’s life. (Jeremiah 38:7-13; 39:15-18)
ALL:
You came that we might have life and have it more abundantly.
Leader:
In the book of Mark, Simon of Cyrene carried the cross of Jesus all the way to Calvary. (Mark 15:21)
ALL:
You have appointed unto us your kingdom which your Father appointed to you. (Luke 22:28)
Leader:
The Ethiopian Eunich, in Acts, though a government official in the court of a queen, joined with the Apostle Paul and others of different backgrounds and ethnic groups in seeking the things of God, and sharing the good news of God’s message. (Acts 8:26-39)
ALL:
You have loved us and called us all the sons and daughters of God. (1 John 3:1)
Leader:
Look around! We too have a testimony. God has also equipped contemporary heroes and heroines with everything needed to do the will of God. (Hebrews 12:21)
God emboldened Wesley Autrey to save a man on the New York subway tracks.
God inspired young Lovetta Conto, an International Children’s Nobel Peace Prize finalist, to work on behalf of children displaced and orphaned by war in Liberia.
And God also used [insert a sentence or two about two (one female and one male) heroine and hero in your church or community].
ALL:
Our HERO is here! Let us worship the One who is with us today and who is at work through us and be thankful for the everyday heroes and heroines among us.
2. Hymns and Congregational Songs (a) Hail to the Lord’s Anointed. By James Montgomery. Tune, (SHEFFIELD), English melody
(b) Lead On, O King Eternal. By Ernest W. Shurtleff. Tune, (LANCASHIRE), by Henry T. Smart
(c) For All the Saints. By William W. How. Tune, (SINE NOMINE), by Ralph Vaughan Williams
3. Spirituals or Traditional Songs
(a) Ride Up in the Chariot. Spiritual
(b) The Angels Keep A-Watchin’. Spiritual
(c) A Charge to Keep I Have. By Charles Wesley. Negro Spiritual
(d) We Are Climbing Jacob’s Ladder. Spiritual
4. Gospel Songs for Choirs, Ensembles, or Praise Teams (a) Prayers of the Righteous. By Israel Houghton, Aaron Lindsey, and Adrian M. Lindsey
(b) I’ve Got an Angel. By Twinkie Clark
(c) Hero. By Kirk Franklin
Praise Teams (d) As We Worship. By William D. McDowell
(e) Right Place Right Time. By Kurt Carr
(f) I Will Search for You. By Israel Houghton and Meleasa Houghton
5. Liturgical Dance Music (a) Hero. By Mary Alessi
(b) Never a Better Hero. By Kenneth Cope
6. Anthems
(a) The Lord Is My Light. By Horatio W. Parker
(b) You Are My God and King. By Donnie McClurkin
7. Modern Songs (a) The Power of One. By Israel Houghton
(b) Destiny, Part 1. By Stephen Hurd, Jonathan Nelson, and Justin Savage
(c) For Your Glory. By Matt Maher
(d)
Someone to Watch Over Me. By George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin
(e) I’ve Got Something. By Richard Smallwood
8. Songs for Children (a) I Can Be Anything for God. By Raymond Wise
(b)
In Everything That I Do. By Raymond Wise
(c)
That Hero Could Be You. By Sam Francis and Cliff Maag
9. Song or Instrumental for the Offertory Period (a) One Person at a Time. By Johnny Lang
(b) My Tribute Medley. By Ed Cash, Andraé Crouch, Jesse Reeves, and Chris Tomlin
(c)
Thank You, Lord. Traditional
10. Song or Instrumental for the Period of Prayer (a) A Charge to Keep I Have. By Charles Wesley. Tune, (BOYLSTON), by Lowell Mason
(b)
Savior, Lead Me Lest I Stray. Text and Tune, (LEAD ME), by Frank M. Davis
11. Sermonic Selection (a) Endow Me. By Twinkie Clarke
(b) Power of Christ (Live). By Paul D. Allen, K. Nekai Allen, and James Moss
(c)
God Favored Me. By Jules “Juda” Bartholomew
12. Invitational Song or Instrumental (a) People Need the Lord. By Greg Nelson and Phil McHugh
(b) Hail the Conquering Hero. By George Frederic Handel. Arr. by Gene Milford. For trumpet/cornet trio
(c) For You I Am Praying. By S. O’Maley Cluff. Tune by Ira D. Sankey
13. Benediction Song or Instrumental Benediction Song (a) Be With Us All, Lord. By Uzee Brown, Jr.
Sending Song (b) Go Forth. By William McDowell, Jose Reyes, and Pable Villatoro
(c) Send Me to the Nations. By Israel Houghton and Aaron Lindsey
14. Audio Visual Suggestions (a) Use screens to display images of contemporary (born after 1950) African American heroes and heroines.
(b) Play the following videos for Children’s Sabbath or Sunday school: Children’s Heroes of the Bible and/or Veggie Tales: Stand Up, Stand Tall, Stand Strong.
(c)
Explore interactive games for kids. PBS Kids has a fun online interactive game matching African American heroes and heroines and events.
Cites and Additional Information for Music and Material Listed
Worship Planning Notes Resources for Children (a) Bolden, Tonya. Portraits of African American Heroes. New York, NY: Dutton Children’s Books/Penguin Young Readers Group, 2004.
(b) Sanders, Nancy I. A Kid’s Guide to African American History: Over 70 Activities. Chicago, IL: Chicago Review Press, Inc., 2007.
1. Call to Worship or Litany Call to Worship: Our HERO is Here! By Michelle Riley Jones
Lovetta Conto is a Strongheart Fellow and Children’s International Nobel Peace Prize finalist. Her mission work has helped fund Strongheart House in Liberia for children displaced or orphaned due to war. Strongheart House opened in 2009. See, http://www.strongheartfellowship.org/akawelle/Designer.php.
2. Hymns and Congregational Songs (a) Hail to the Lord’s Anointed. By James Montgomery. Tune, (SHEFFIELD), English melody
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. Chicago, IL: GIA Publications, 2001. #187
African Methodist Episcopal Zion Bicentennial Hymnal. Nashville, TN: A.M.E. Zion Publishing House, 1996. #109
(b) Lead On, O King Eternal. By Ernest W. Shurtleff. Tune, (LANCASHIRE), by Henry T. Smart
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #477
African Methodist Episcopal Zion Bicentennial Hymnal. #228
The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. Nashville, TN: Triad Publications, 2005. #415
The Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal. Hagerstown, MD: Review and Herald Publishing Association. 1985. #619
(c) For All the Saints. By William W. How. Tune, (SINE NOMINE), by Ralph Vaughan Williams
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #339
African Methodist Episcopal Zion Bicentennial Hymnal. #578
Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. Chicago, IL: GIA Publications, 1987. #105
The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #301
The Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal. #421
3. Spirituals or Traditional Songs
(a)
Ride Up in the Chariot. Spiritual
Location:
Brown, Angela. Mosaic. Albany, NY: Mosaic, 2004.
(b)
The Angels Keep A-Watchin’. Spiritual
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #130
(c)
A Charge to Keep I Have. By Charles Wesley. The version for which cites are provided is a Negro Spiritual
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #468
African Methodist Episcopal Zion Bicentennial Hymnal. #439
The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #436
Church of God in Christ. Yes, Lord! Church of God in Christ Hymnal. Memphis, TN: Church of God in Christ Pub. Board in association with the Benson Co., 1982. #330
(d)
We Are Climbing Jacob’s Ladder. Spiritual
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #464
African Methodist Episcopal Zion Bicentennial Hymnal. #603
Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #54
The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #217
The Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal. #627
Yes, Lord! Church of God in Christ Hymnal. #363
4. Gospel Songs for Choirs, Ensembles, or Praise Teams (a) Prayers of the Righteous. By Israel Houghton, Aaron Lindsey, and Adrian M. Lindsey
Location:
Houghton, Israel. A Deeper Level (Live). New York, NY: Integrity, 2007.
(b)
I’ve Got an Angel. By Twinkie Clark
Location:
The Clark Sisters. The Clark Sisters: Live—One Last Time. New York, NY: EMI Gospel, 2007.
(c)
Hero. By Kirk Franklin
Location:
Franklin, Kirk and Dorinda Clark Cole. Hero. New York, NY: Zomba, 2005.
Praise Teams
(d)As We Worship. By William D. McDowell
Location:
As We Worship. New York, NY: Koch Records, 2009.
(e)
Right Place Right Time. By Kurt Carr
Location:
Carr, Kurt & The Kurt Carr Singers. Just the Beginning. New York, NY: Zomba Gospel, 2008.
(f)
I Will Search for You. By Israel Houghton and Meleasa Houghton
Location:
Houghton, Israel. A Deeper Level (Live). New York, NY: Columbia, 2007.
5. Liturgical Dance Music (a) Hero. By Mary Alessi
Location:
Hero (Single). Miami, FL: Miami Life Sounds Records, 2009.
(b)
Never a Better Hero. By Kenneth Cope
Location:
Face to Face—Kenneth Cope Collection. Salt Lake City, UT: Lumen Records, 2005.
6. Anthems (a) The Lord Is My Light. By Horatio W. Parker
Location:
Pine Forge Academy Choir. Rock in a Weary Land. Pine Forge, PA: Pine Forge Academy, 2007.
(b)
You Are My God and King. By Donnie McClurkin
Location:
We Are All One (Live in Detroit). New York, NY: Verity, 2008.
7. Modern Songs (a) The Power of One. By Israel Houghton
Location:
The Power of One. New York, NY: Sony, 2009.
(b)
Destiny, Part 1. By Stephen Hurd, Jonathan Nelson, and Justin Savage
Location:
Hurd, Stephen. My Destiny—I Know Why I’m Here. New York, NY: Integrity, 2006.
(c)
For Your Glory. By Matt Maher
Location:
Phillips, Craig & Dean. Top of My Lungs. New York, NY: Sony, 2006.
(d)
Someone to Watch Over Me. By George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin
Location:
Burrell, Kim. No Ways Tired. Newton, NJ: Shanachie Entertainment, 2009.
(e)
I’ve Got Something. By Richard Smallwood
Location:
Lawrence, Donald. The Law of Confession, Part 1. New York, NY: Verity, 2008.
8. Songs for Children (a) I Can Be Anything for God. By Raymond Wise
Location:
The Raise Kids. More Gospel Songs for Children’s Voices. Columbus, OH: Raise Productions, 2002.
(b)
In Everything That I Do. By Raymond Wise
Location:
The Raise Kids. The Raise Kids in Praise. Columbus, OH: Raise Productions, 2004.
(c)
That Hero Could Be You. By Sam Francis and Cliff Maag
Location:
Heroes—A Child’s Tribute.
Vocal and accompaniment tracks available
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