Life isn’t easy. This is no surprise to most of us, but we sometimes hope to shelter kids from the challenges that surround us. It’s important to share with children that, although this world has trials, God is with us through them and helps us with them. This lesson is a reminder that we can’t argue with God’s plan. We … More Children’s Ministry Resources
There are a lot of conflicting messages we are bombarded with daily. How do we know who or what to trust? Jesus reminded His disciples that there would be a lot of hardships to face, and a lot of people who might try to deceive. We know we can rely on the Lord for ultimate truth. If we know someone, … More Children’s Ministry Resources
In a world of confusion and mixed messages, what can we rely on? The focus of this lesson is how we trust the Word of God and the truth of who Jesus was. We place our hope in Him and believe the words of the Bible. The two crafts here involve valuing people and valuing Scripture. A special picture frame … More Children’s Ministry Resources
What’s the most valuable gift? This children’s message tells the story of the widow’s mite to remind kids that God wants all of us. The woman in the passage gave just a few cents, but offered all she had. In the same way, we should offer all of who we are to the Lord. Money isn’t all that we can … More Children’s Ministry Resources
First things first…all things in life require a solid foundation before work or building can be accomplished. This message reminds students of the importance of this basic principle, using the alphabet as an analogy. We need letters to communicate through language, just as we need rules or guidelines to do anything. What is the most important foundational rule? We are … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Jesus Hears Our Call! Call out to Jesus…He wants to help and heal! This lesson uses fun noise makers and the healing of a blind man to remind children that they can go to Jesus with any need. Bartimaeus trusted Jesus and knew He could do anything. He did not let anyone deter him from approaching the Messiah. We can … More Children’s Ministry Resources
There are many miracles of healing that we learn about in the Gospels, all of which can teach us wonderful truths about the love of Jesus. The story of Bartimaeus reminds us that Jesus cares for all people, regardless of social status or physical ability. It also gives us the comforting message that we can call out to God and … More Children’s Ministry Resources
“What must I do to inherit eternal life?” The rich ruler in this story came to Jesus with the wrong question. He thought that somehow if he had enough or did enough or tried enough, he could earn his way into Heaven. Yet he was not willing to do the only thing necessary in putting Christ first. Sometimes we tend … More Children’s Ministry Resources
What would you give up? This children’s message focuses on the story of Jesus and the rich young ruler, who thought he could earn himself salvation but missed out on the most important asset available, Christ! This message challenges kids to consider how we can become distracted by wealth or “stuff”, and forget about the most important things in life. … More Children’s Ministry Resources
These days, being “salty” isn’t much of a compliment…so what does it mean to have “salt” in our lives as Christians? Jesus calls us to flavor and influence the world for Him. He commands us to do all things in His name. Although we struggle on our own, in Christ we can do all things. This lesson focuses on a … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Children can have a challenging time understanding metaphors and abstract concepts. In this Gospel passage, Jesus offers some hyperbolic statements that can be hard even for adults. The focus of this message emphasizes the “salt” element, though. Kids are encouraged to think about the importance of our influence on the world as Christians. Just as salt can add flavor to … More Children’s Ministry Resources
“Me first!” This is a cry that is likely heard by anyone working with children. Kids are often short on patience, and can also be a bit competitive. This message communicates to them the principles that Jesus taught, which turn our ideas of greatness upside down. Discussing this Gospel passage with kids emphasizes to them how dependent we are on … More Children’s Ministry Resources
What does it take to be the best? This is a question that might arise when we contemplate the lives and efforts of sports stars or historical figures. Greatness in the eyes of society usually means recognizing those who work hard, achieve success, and operate competitively. Yet in this Gospel passage, we see that God has different concepts of being … More Children’s Ministry Resources
This message describes another of Christ’s remarkable healings. Jesus was noticed and celebrated for His amazing power. People watching did not always recognize who He was or why He did such incredible things, but we know! As kids consider how Jesus healed a man born deaf and mute, they will be encouraged to think about how we can ask God … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Actions speak louder than words…and pure intentions speak louder than outer actions! Children are accustomed to following rules or going along with traditions, even if they often don’t quite understand the meaning behind them. However, it is important to recognize that in our Christian lives, heart intent matters. God cares about what’s inside of us, more than the details of … More Children’s Ministry Resources
What does compassion mean? Who demonstrates compassion, and how can we show it to others? We hear a great deal about the miracles of Jesus, but don’t always pause to contemplate why He did so many amazing things. The Savior truly loves and cares about all people (including us!). He provided healing during His earthly ministry because He had compassion. … More Children’s Ministry Resources
The aim of this message is to illustrate for children what it means to have and share compassion with others. Youngsters often have a natural inclination towards self-serving attitudes, but they can easily be prompted to care about those in need, as well. This lesson explains through simple example what compassion is, and also describes how Jesus demonstrated genuine compassion … More Children’s Ministry Resources
What is faith? What does it mean to have faith and to trust in Jesus? This concept is the focus of the Gospel lesson on Mark 5, where Jesus heals a woman with a bleeding condition and a young girl who has died. These crafts celebrate that element of faith and healing. A “healing stick” reminds us that Jesus heals … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Faith can be a challenging concept to understand, but it’s important to discuss with young children. Students should be taught that solid faith does not rely on our own strength, but on what we put our faith in—a God who is powerful and capable of anything. This message uses a simple “blind bag” illustration to point out how faith involves … More Children’s Ministry Resources
The story of Jesus Calming the stormy waves is a fun and fascinating one to share with children, but it’s about more than just a natural disaster miracle. Use the events of Mark 4 to remind students that God is in control of our lives. He can bring us peace when we feel frightened or upset, just as Jesus calmed … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Who is in your family? What does it mean to be in God’s family? The Gospel focus here looks at a remark that Jesus made when confronted by His skeptical and critical family. Jesus proclaimed that those who do the Will of God are His true brothers and sisters. Well, that means us! These crafts celebrate the importance of family … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Families are wonderful and important…but they certainly are not perfect. Fortunately, we have been given the opportunity to be part of the family of Jesus! This message emphasizes how Jesus calls us His brothers and sisters. We are sons and daughters of God, and siblings of one another and of Christ. This is a blessed and comforting thought, whether or … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Palm Sunday is a fun and triumphant church celebration, especially when it involves waving branches during service and having “mini parades” or songs. But what does it mean and celebrate? This message takes a look at the original events of Palm Sunday, with an emphasis on how Jesus had a different end goal and purpose than what the people wanted … More Children’s Ministry Resources
This message communicates to children the importance of understanding who Jesus was and what His mission was. He knew that He came to Earth in order to love and care for others, but that ultimately God’s plan was for Him to suffer and die. His closest followers did not understand how victory could come through death, but Jesus recognized that … More Children’s Ministry Resources