The younger me adored bike riding. It’s an activity that I’ve gotten away from as I got older but some of my happiest childhood memories feature me on a bike. You remember the kid with the limp ponytail that cruised around on a pink bike with tattered plastic pom-pom handles? That was me! It wasn’t a good day unless I … More Children’s Ministry Resources
In a previous article, “How to Become More Creative,” I mentioned that you should work your creative muscles daily if you want to improve it. Believe me, I wasn’t born writing object lessons or designing kids’ crusades. It took time and lots of practice but it all began at a children’s ministry conference in my hometown. It was my first … More Children’s Ministry Resources
It’s a little secret that every mother knows… No matter how much we love spending time with our kids, the grown-up world is always working to steal our joy. I am approaching the twenty-year mark in children’s ministry? Where did the time go? I have enjoyed every minute of it–I feel a little selfish for loving it so much. Working with kids … More Children’s Ministry Resources
One thing I hear a lot from new children’s ministry volunteers is, “I’m not that creative.” I used to argue with people who said this. Like a responsible children’s ministry leader, I’d tell them what I believed, that God made us all creative beings, that creativity can be expressed in infinite ways. I even took some by the hand and … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Looking for an exciting object lesson that will help your kids get spiritually equipped? I think this toolbox teaching is one way to get started! It will also keep you on your toes. This interactive lesson will not only show kids the importance of using the right spiritual tools but it will demonstrate to them how to use bible verses … More Children’s Ministry Resources
God is so amazing! There is so much to know and understand about Him! I like thinking about what He thinks, what He feels and what He likes to smell! That’s right, God likes smelling certain fragrances. That gave me an idea for this smelly stuff object lesson. Before the actual lesson, I shared these verses. I talked with kids … More Children’s Ministry Resources
The world may not want to hear about “sin” but that doesn’t make it any less real, does it? The Bible is very detailed about the evolution of sin, it begins as a thought, a temptation and we make the wrong choice, then we’ve sinned. The problem is God hates sin. He’ll forgive it if we ask him but he … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Kids need you, children’s pastor. Really, they do. You’re not just a guy with a cool title. Not just a woman who loves kids–you are anointed, called and were created for this purpose: To nurture, advocate for and encourage young believers. For you, children’s ministry isn’t just a faze–that’s because it’s in your DNA. It’s not a stepping stone to … More Children’s Ministry Resources
After nearly twenty years in children’s ministry, I can honestly say that kids’ min leaders make the best friends. Sure, I have friends who aren’t involved in ministry but some of my besties are straight up, die-hard children’s pastors. And it’s not just because we know all the same worship songs or because we all enjoy praying for puppies and … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Getting excited about VBS 2016? We feel the same way! Today, we’re looking at PROOF Pirates by New Growth Press. This five-day curriculum works for both Bible clubs and VBS. Using the acronym PROOF, (Planned, Resurrecting, Outrageous, Overcoming and Forever) children will learn that it’s not their works that makes them right with God. The playful pirate theme looks like … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Recently, I received a copy of Daniel Darling’s new book, The Original Jesus: Trading the Myths We Create for the Savior Who Is. (Available on Amazon.com) Published by Baker Books, Darling takes on an interesting subject–the Christian’s concept of Jesus. If your shopping for a children’s Bible, be sure to see the our new articles reviewing the top choices for your kids. … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Some time ago, a friend of mine–we’ll call her Mary, was summoned to the pastor’s office for a meeting. From the pastor’s tone, Mary sensed that she’d made some sort of mistake but the pastor refused to give her any information over the phone. Prior to the impromptu meeting, Mary had never been called into the office before so she … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Why do I love children’s ministry so much? Because teaching with candy is my dream job. No seriously, it’s all about bringing kids to the cross and a few lollipops have to die along the way, I don’t mind. This week, I’ve brought you another object lesson. This sweet and visual lesson is about life without God and the verse … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Children’s ministry is so rewarding but like all ministries, it can also be very demanding. Ministering to more than a handful of children each week can be wearing, physically and spiritually, no matter how much you love Jesus. Add in personal struggles, personal relationships and other stressors and you have plenty of reasons to walk away from ministry. I know … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Serving in children’s ministry has been the best thing I’ve ever done! Aside from having two wonderful children of my own, I feel blessed to have ministered to thousands of kids around the US. That being said, you have to have tough skin and Duracell battery faith to work in kids min. I may be willing to take a pie … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Children’s ministry is the ultimate thrill ride. As a children’s minister, I live in a constant bubble of excitement. What’s not to love about an office filled with colorful props, helium tanks and tons of cardboard? However, I would be wrong not to confess that sometimes I get discouraged. (I know, the shame of it all, right?) Once I go … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Although I didn’t have the privilege of attending church regularly as a child, I was occasionally allowed to ride the bus to VBS or some other special event at a nearby church. One of things I loved was walking down the aisle to contribute my change during the “penny march.” I liked the peppy little song that the minister’s wife … More Children’s Ministry Resources
So much goes into evangelism, doesn’t it? Besides organizing volunteers, creating an itinerary and having a good attendance, you have to think about after the event too. You can’t just plan an outreach; you must lead your attendees to the next event like children’s church or summer camp. The key to growing your church could be in your follow up. … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Ecclesiastes says, “A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” How true is that when it comes to raising Christian children? Parents could do it on their own but what if they had dedicated ministers on their side? It’s a possibility and all you need to do is build those relationships. So what are some secrets to relationship building? … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Here’s another 4th of July idea for your children’s ministry or Sunday School. School is over but now you’ve got to contend with family vacations and lower church attendance in your ministry. There’s nothing wrong with taking a break but you do need to keep the excitement level up during the summer months. Hosting a 4th of July party at kids church … More Children’s Ministry Resources
This object lesson is all about getting free. If you have a set of keys, that’s all you need to teach children that sometimes, praise and worship can set us free! One of the most amazing true stories about freedom comes is memorialized in the Book of Acts, Chapter 16. Let’s check it out! After they (Paul and Silas) had … More Children’s Ministry Resources
One of the biggest questions we ask God is, “Can you hear me?” No matter how old we get, it’s a nagging question we all have from time to time. The enemy would have us believe that God doesn’t hear us, that He gets tired of us, that we’ve gotten too far from that He can’t hear you. Yeah, that’s … More Children’s Ministry Resources
The Fourth of July is one of my favorite holidays—probably because I come from a military family. Something about seeing the national flag flying high that makes my heart sing! As I get older, I can see how valuable freedom is but there is a greater freedom than the kind our founders and veterans have afforded us. It’s freedom in … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Bitterness isn’t just for grown-ups. These dangerous seeds can spring up in childhood too and once they grow, it can affect their entire lives. Teach kids about bitterness–what it means, how it affects them and how they can defeat it. Remember, it’s not a teach once and its’ done kind of issue. Revisit and confront bitterness regularly and you’ll help … More Children’s Ministry Resources