Thank Your Pastors! Bible Crafts for Pastor Appreciation Day

Pastors do so much for us, and we hardly know the challenges and stresses they face daily. Those in ministry guide us in understanding God’s Word and in a sense speak for Him in they spiritually lead their congregations. It is important to support our pastors with prayer, encouragement, and words of appreciation. If you are looking for a creative way to express gratitude to pastors, try a variation on one of these simple but heart felt

Pastor Appreciation Day Ideas for Children's Ministry

Q: When is pastor appreciation day? A: The 2nd Sunday of October is the Pastor Appreciation Day Children’s Sermon for Clergy Appreciation Sunday The Gospel reading for this weekend is perfect to add some thoughts on pastor appreciation. It’s the story of when Jesus healed the 10 men with leprosy, but only one came back to offer his thanks. It’s not an official holiday, but many churches mark October as “Pastor Appreciation Month” and the 2nd Sunday

Celebrating Kids' Ministry Leaders on Pastor Appreciation Day

Working in Christian ministry is unlike any other career choice. Working in a store, serving food or working at a desk job, rarely demands the level of service of ministry requires; children’s ministry insists that you leave little bits of your heart behind. (For the record, I’ve done all these jobs and proudly so!) Pastors give of themselves and often 24/7. The children’s pastor goes home thinking about the kid he suspects is being mistreated at school.

5 Ways To Show Pastor Appreciation Every Day

One of the essential components of a healthy children’s ministry is a good relationship with the pastor and or pastors of your church. Whether you serve as a Sunday School teacher, a children’s ministry director, or a nursery worker, it is imperative that servants in any capacity work together to support the leaders whom God has appointed for the local church body. Pastors in today’s society do not have an easy job, but I suppose they never

Pastor Appreciation Coloring Page (for Sunday, October 11, 2020)

Many churches celebrate clergy / pastor appreciation Sunday on the second Sunday of October. Here is a way for the children in your church to take part in showing their love for their pastor. This pastor appreciation coloring page is free for you to print and use in your church, home, or school. Directions: Simply click on the preview image to download this picture as a print friendly PDF file. I’ve also uploaded the high resolution jpeg

Thank God and Thank a Pastor! Sunday School Lesson on Ministry Calling

A calling into ministry is not to be taken lightly, and is one of the most significant things that can be responded to. God gives all of us special tasks to carry out His work. He appoints church leaders to guide and guard His people and teach them to understand His word. In the Bible, priests are described as being specially selected to serve God’s people. That is no less true today! Yet our pastors have a

Thank You Pastors! Children’s Sermon from Hebrews 5:1-10

Who’s in charge? Wherever they go, kids recognize those in leadership roles. In the church, that usually means looking to the pastor for guidance. Serving in ministry is an immense and challenging calling. Pastors work very hard, and too often we don’t provide them with quite the appreciation and gratitude that they deserve. Scripture reminds us of the importance of church leaders as God’s chosen instruments to guide us and teach us in faith matters. This message

How to Hug a Children's Pastor

Children’s pastors will never tell you this but they love a good hug. Hugs say “I appreciate you,” and “Whatever you’re going through, I care.” A good hug can even say, “I’ve got your back!” However, there are actually many ways to give a children’s pastor a hug. Some don’t involve physical body contact. Ready to show some love to you favorite children’s minister? I know five ways you can hug a children’s ministry volunteer. Invite kids

"Everyday Heroes" Coloring Page with Pastor

Use this coloring to remind children about “everyday heroes” that God puts in their lives. The illustration shows a pastor baptizing a young woman. These are part of our free everyday hero coloring book. Directions: Right click on the links below to download this free firefighter coloring page. pdf ~ easy to print jpeg ~ for advanced editing This coloring sheet is perfect for talking about the important role of the Christian pastor.  The pastor faces spiritual

Sunday School Lesson (Luke 17:11-17) Jesus Heals: Who Says Thanks?

This free Sunday School lesson is based on Luke 17:11-17, when Jesus healed 10 lepers but only one returned to offer him thanks. Download the printable version below and watch the craft example video below. The link below includes the complete lesson plan, activities, craft instructions, and some bonus coloring pages. We even added the preschool version to make sure you’re ready for anything! About This Sunday School Lesson The story of Jesus healing the ten lepers

"Give Thanks – Say Thanks" Bible Craft Ideas

Here are three simple crafts for your Sunday School class on the topic of saying thanks. They are based on the story in Luke 17:11-19 when Jesus healed 10 men with leprosy, but only one came back to offer his gratitude. Download our printable directions and watch our video instructions below. Jesus Healed 10 Lepers – Craft Ideas for Sunday School The story of the ten lepers is a great reminder that we need to express gratitude

Children's Sermon (Luke 17:11-17) Please Say Thank You

Download our printable children’s message based on Luke 17:11-17, when Jesus healed 10 men with Leprosy. It’s a powerful reminder for kids (and adults in the congregation) that God wants us to show gratitude for all that he has done for us. Then watch the object lesson teaching video below so you’ll be prepared for this Sunday. About this Children’s Message / Pastor Appreciation? This teaching is all about the importance of mercy, gratitude, and appreciation. It

Living Sacrifices; Spiritual Gifts… Serving God with ALL of our Being

  The word “sacrifice” often carries a connotation of suffering or struggle, as we think of giving things up or going without them. But the idea of sacrifice is more than that. Sacrificed items were meant to be given over completely to God, and that is how we want to think of our lives. This lesson looks at how we can view sacrifice in a more positive light, as a blessing that we are to use our

“Independence Day” Freedom Bible Lesson for Kids

Use the link above to download the complete lesson plan including craft idea. Don’t miss the 6-page patriotic printable Bundle, free from the Sunday School Store. We get pretty excited about our national pride, especially when it comes to holidays like the Fourth of July. We celebrate our independence and freedom as a country. Independence is something that is highly valued in our culture, and it is a great thing to be able to operate on our

9 Things That Will Surprise You About Children's Ministry

I realize I may be “preaching to the choir” here but I had to share this list. After twenty years in kids’ ministry, I’m still in shock and awe at how much people really don’t know about what we kids min folks actually do. So for fun, I put together this snapshot of 9 things that might surprise you (or someone you know) about children’s ministry If you know someone who is considering working in children’s ministry

Surprising Things That Turn Off Ministry Volunteers

You have an exciting, growing ministry but filling your volunteer roster is a challenge. Despite some eye-catching incentives and advertising some fun volunteer events, the number of willing hands remains low. What’s the deal? That’s a great question and one that many of us are familiar with. Don’t give up! Sure, sometimes volunteer signups are seasonal but did you know that there are a few other factors that flat turn off a potential volunteer? Get familiar with

Valentine Outreach Ideas for Kids

Are you always looking for ways to keep kids involved in outreach ministry? Want some ideas for teaching your group about servanthood? Evangelism is a big part of what my local church’s mission statement but finding activities kids can participate in is challenging at times. Especially when parents can’t bring them or stay with them. Still, at least once a quarter, we rally the troops and do our best to do some good. What better time to

Simple Ways to Encourage Your Preacher

As you all may know, October is Preacher Appreciation Month. This is the time of the year set aside that we, as members of our churches, should remember our preachers. But why? Why should we show appreciation to our preachers? I’ve heard it all: “They’re just doing their jobs, right?” “That’s what they get paid for.” “They only work one day a week, so what’s the big deal?” “They don’t have a ‘real’ job.” “We pay them,

"Super Christmas" Printable Play Script for Kids

Use this creative script if you want to add a fun super hero twist to your Christmas Play. The play was written by Vanessa Unti.  She is a student at Western Washington University and the Youth Minister at Christ the Servant Lutheran Church in Bellingham, WA. Super Christmas A Free Christmas Play for Children’s Ministry Enjoy this skit called “A Super Christmas.” It’s about a group of famous super heroes who discover that while Baby Jesus did

5 Reasons Ministry Volunteers Quit

Volunteers are needed! How many times have we seen this sign or posted it ourselves? Too many! We lose good volunteers and sadly ministry helpers do come and go. Sometimes the volunteers quit for reasons we could have prevented. While that is not always the case, leaders should know the five reasons why this most commonly occurs. Retain one of the most important elements of your ministry, the volunteers, and build a stronger team and reach all the

Seven Men are Chosen to Minister: Acts 6 Lesson

This Sunday School lesson is based on Acts 6 where the church chose seven men to serve. This is often considered the beginning of the office of deacon in the New Testament church. In this lesson plan, children will learn that every believer has a responsibility to serve. This lesson was first prepared for an older elementary Sunday School class but can be modified to fit your ministry context. Bible Story: Seven Men are Chosen to Minister

Sunday School Thanksgiving Crafts & Bible Activities

Try our collection of free printable craft ideas for Sunday School. Download the PDF directions and watch the videos below. These activities are a perfect companion to our Thanksgiving Sunday School lessons for children. Thanksgiving Craft Projects & Activities Scroll down to see many more ideas for crafting thankfulness with your Sunday School class. We’re adding new ideas each week throughout November 2019, so check back for updates each Monday! Wreath Craft Project “Thankful to God” The