You have to agree that cell phones are everywhere! Not only do parents have them “glued” to their hands but so do teens and now kids. I can’t tell you the number of birthday parties I’ve attended recently (and that’s quite a few—I’m a children’s pastor) where kids are receiving cell phones as gifts. I won’t go into all my thoughts about cell phones in kids’ church but you can catch up with that in my recent article, Cell Phones in Kids Church.
What I have come to realize is that I can either embrace the technology and empower parents or pretend it doesn’t exist. (I think I’ll go with choice number one!) Instead, I’ve a space in my monthly kids church newsletter to educating parents on good and bad apps. We need to protect our kids not just from physical dangers like online predators but also protect their minds. (Be careful little eyes what you see…) With that in mind, I’ve found six, children’s pastor-approved, cell phone apps for Christian kids. Let’s prevent future issues and help our families manage the online and cellular world safely.
1. Bible App for Kids: We’re big fans of this story Bible application, especially for younger children. Read more here.
2. Life360: Here’s a blurb from the Life360 website: “Life360 is a free smartphone app that helps keep families and close friends connected stay in sync throughout their busy day. With Life360, you can see where your family and friends are on a private map, stay in touch with group and one-on-one messaging…” Best of all, this app has a panic button kids can press whenever there is an emergency. What a great idea!
3. Superbook Kids Bible: This app is “da bomb!” I love it! The Superbook Kids Bible app allows kids to search for stories with keywords, watch videos, look at Bible character profiles and much more. There are games, Bible Q & A and personalization tools. It’s a must-have app for Christian children.
4. K-Love: K-Love is online, on your radio and on your phone—if you download the K-Love mobile app. This visually friendly app has great graphics, including a Last 5 and Favorite list. And it best of all, it’s free!
5. Olive Tree Bible Reader: I have this app myself on my iPad. I encourage parents to add the Olive Tree Bible Reader to their child’s phone. On occasions where they forget their bible, (which happens) it’s a handy tool to have around. Kids can search a verse in a flash, look up words and even bookmark a page. Of course, I’m a book snob and do prefer a real paper but this is a good back up.
6. Noah’s Ark Bible Story Game: Kids love games and this one is especially fun. The Noah’s Ark Bible Story Game app has sweet graphics and is simple to play. It’s a free app that has an “engaging story” at the heart of it.
Your kids will have safe and awesome fun with these apps. Read more from Mimi by visiting her blog at Tools for Kids Church.
6 Cell Phones Apps for Christian Kids
New Sunday School Curriculum: Our Bible lessons are designed to keep the kids’ attention and show how God's Word makes a difference. Every series is flexible enough for a wide-age group and affordable enough for small churches. Download a free Bible lesson in pdf or view our latest Sunday School curriculum for small churches.