A-45 The Call of Elisha

“Pass the Mantle”

Theme: Elisha receiving Elijah’s mantle and mission
Supplies: A coat, scarf, or towel to act as the mantle

How to Play:

• Have the children sit in a circle and pass the mantle around while music plays.

• Alternatively, children could be in a line and pass the mantle back and forth; this could also work with children sitting in different rows of chairs.

• When the music stops, the child holding the mantle says one way they can serve God or help others (like Elisha did).

• The child who shared should now be removed from the line/circle/chairs.

• Continue until everyone has shared.

Connection: Elisha took up Elijah’s mantle and carried on his work. God calls each of us to serve Him, too. 

“Double Portion Challenge”

Theme: Elisha asks for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit
Supplies: beanbags or small balls

How to Play:

• Divide kids into groups of two, and each group will toss one beanbag back and forth. The goal is to catch the bean bag without dropping it.

• Next, add a second bean bag to each group (double the responsibility!). They have to toss them back and forth at the same time without dropping them. 

• See who can keep both in the air the longest.

Connection: Elisha asked for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit—more power to serve God. When God gives us responsibility, He also gives strength to handle it.

“The Call to Follow”

Theme: Elisha leaves everything to follow Elijah (1 Kings 19:19–21)
Supplies: Paper, markers, painter's tape

How to Play:

• Give each child a piece of paper to write or draw one thing they love to do. 

• Use painter's tape to tape each of the papers to the wall in a line.

• Have them “walk away” from the papers as you read: “Elisha left his oxen and ran after Elijah.”

• Ask: “Would it be hard to leave something you love behind knowing you would never be able to do it again?”

Connection: Elisha left his work and home to follow God’s call. Sometimes serving God means letting go of good things to do something greater.