CRE — The Church

Subtopic: The Holy Spirit (for age 13, Kenya)

What is the Holy Spirit?

The Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit). He is not an object but God working in people’s lives. Christians believe the Holy Spirit lives in believers and helps the Church to grow.

Symbols of the Holy Spirit

• 🕊️ Dove — peace and God's presence (e.g., at Jesus' baptism).
• 🔥 Fire — power, purifying presence (Pentecost saw tongues of fire).
• 💨 Wind — invisible but powerful (John 3:8; Acts 2:2).

How the Holy Spirit helps the Church

• Guide: Shows the Church and believers the right way to live and worship (John 14:26).
• Teacher: Explains God's word and helps people understand the Bible.
• Comforter: Gives hope and peace in hard times (e.g., after bereavement, during drought).
• Giver of power: Gives courage for evangelism and service (Acts 1:8).
• Unifier: Brings Christians of different tribes and languages together in love and service.

How do people receive the Holy Spirit?

1. Believe in Jesus: Trust Jesus as Saviour and Lord.
2. Pray: Ask God to fill you with the Holy Spirit (Luke 11:13).
3. Baptism: Many churches teach that baptism and prayer often follow receiving the Spirit.

Why the Holy Spirit is important in our Kenyan churches

In Kenya, the Holy Spirit helps the Church to:

• Encourage unity between people from different tribes and languages.
• Give hope during challenges like sickness, flooding, or drought.
• Lead youth to serve in Sunday school, youth groups, and community outreach.
• Guide church leaders in making wise decisions for their congregations.

Class activities (easy and fun)

• Memory verse: Learn Acts 1:8 — “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you…”
• Draw and label: Make a picture showing the dove, fire and wind and write what each symbol means.
• Role play: Act out a story where the Holy Spirit helps someone show kindness or courage.
• Fruit tree craft: Make a paper tree and stick paper fruits with names of the Fruit of the Spirit.
• Group prayer: Pray together asking the Holy Spirit to help you be loving and brave in school and at home.

Revision questions

1. Who is the Holy Spirit? (God who lives in believers and helps them.)
2. Name three symbols of the Holy Spirit. (Dove, fire, wind.)
3. Mention two Fruits of the Spirit. (Love, joy — any two.)
4. How can the Holy Spirit help the Church in Kenya? (Gives unity, courage, guidance, comfort.)

Teacher's tip: use local examples your learners know (a village prayer meeting, a church youth outreach, or a school community service) to show the Holy Spirit at work. Keep activities short and interactive so 13-year-olds stay engaged.