Establishing a new children’s ministry? This is such an exciting time but it can also be overwhelming because there is so much to teach! Kids won’t learn all they need to strictly from osmosis—you’ve got to teach, reteach and teach again. But where to start?
I asked myself this question recently and it got me to thinking. What would I teach if I had to start over in a new place with a new group of kids?
Here’s what I would do—before any bible story or character profiles, I’d make sure that kids new these important verses. Tackle one or two each week. Talk about them, introducing each verse to the kids.
Teaching Kids about God
- God is our Father. No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. (John 16:27)
- God is a Spirit. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth. (John 4:24)
- God is love. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. (1 John 4:8)
- God sent Jesus to save us. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. (John 3:17)
Teaching Kids about Jesus
- Jesus came as a baby. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:11)
- Jesus loves children. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these. (Matthew 9:14)
- Jesus forgives sin. Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven. (Luke 7:48)
- Jesus saves us. He has saved us and called us to a holy life–not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time. (2 Timothy 1:9)
Teaching Kids about the Bible
- God’s words are living. For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)
- The Bible is a lamp. Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. (Psalm 119:105)
These aren’t the only verses you can use but it’s a good place to start. God bless you for your work in children’s ministry!
Read more from Mimi by following her blog at Tools for Kids Church. See these articles for even more ideas!
- Tips for Teaching the Bible to Kids
- 4 Tips for Teaching the Golden Rule to Children
- 10 Tips for Better Teaching
- 4 Tips for Teaching Prayer