Sometimes as teachers we tend to struggle with the gospel of productive work activity…we instruct our students that God cares about us no matter what, and teach that our works do not save us, but God does. Yet we also read passages that indicate that we do need works to prove we are truly Christians. So which is it? We … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Kids are naturally egotistical, and have no problem boasting or viewing the world as surrounding their needs. In today’s culture of self-esteem encouragement and “everyone’s a winner” mentality, it’s easy for this concept to solidify. There is nothing wrong with positive attitude boosting, of course…until it leads to pride and entitlement expectations. Throughout His ministry, Jesus emphasized the importance of … More Children’s Ministry Resources
For children (and often adults!), the word “discipline” carries a lot of negative connotation. We tend to think of punishment and hardship, of consequences and strict regimes. With a look at the book of Hebrews, this lesson focuses on the meaning of discipline, and the contrasts between the hardship of discipline and benefits of rewards in Christ. Lesson focus: Life … More Children’s Ministry Resources
OK If you have ever shopped for a car or a home (or hey, even a new jacket), more likely than not you have come up with a list of properties to look for. Safety, cost value, reliability, comfort, appearance…these might all be factors. Decisions or characterizations, whether with regards to big or small items, usually involve identifying and weighing various … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Click here to download the 36-page VBS curriculum manual On your mark, get set….GO!!! Whether or not it is a year of Olympics, athletic analogies and fitness focus are always great themes to use when implementing Bible programs for kids. We as a culture honor sports stars and their endeavors quite a bit…what would it look like to give Biblical … More Children’s Ministry Resources
This is the introduction to a free Western Themed VBS we’re posting here on the website. We hope you enjoy and would love feedback from any churches who use this material. Click here to download the 42-page director’s manual Howdy! Welcome to a rowdy Western adventure romp through the pages of history and the Bible. This Vacation Bible School program … More Children’s Ministry Resources
What child does not love breaking and smashing things? This lesson takes advantage of that interest while emphasizing that, unfortunately, humans are irreparably broken creatures that only God can fix. The activities here take advantage of one of God’s simple yet remarkable treasures, as we look to eggs for inspiring Biblical truths. Lesson focus: Although every human is sinful and … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Noise. It is everywhere, whether we like it or not, invading our senses and distracting focus. We are surrounded by media, technology, traffic, society…Noise is not always audible, though. Sometimes we create our own mental clutter and prevent ourselves from peace. Our minds become a volley of tasks, worries, and preoccupations, and our schedules add to the chaos. The idea … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Jesus often used images and parables of planting or farming in His teaching. This may very well have been due to the audience and vocations of the day, but even children and adults today can understand and learn from the analogies drawn. In the parable of the sower, we see not only critical elements of evangelism and faith but also … More Children’s Ministry Resources
As we meet characters like Lydia and her household, we will discuss how we have responsibility to not just tell people about Jesus, but to encourage and build up our friends and those around us. We’ll also make sure to emphasize not being intimidated by status or age, but working with all equally. Lesson focus: God wants us to share the … More Children’s Ministry Resources
I recently had an experience that reminded me again of the importance of infusing pride, presence, passion, and purpose in each and every action we undertake. I went to the Red Cross center to donate blood, and was rather disappointed by the nurse taking care of me…Her attitude was rather hurried and hassled as she ran through the motions of … More Children’s Ministry Resources
The story of Easter is of course the critical crux of the entire Christian faith. Sometimes, in the midst of the excitement of egg hunts and chocolate rabbits and outlandish hats, we lose sight of the enormity and miraculous nature of Christ’s work during Holy Week. For some students, the significance might be enhanced by focusing on elements of prophecy. … More Children’s Ministry Resources
The church calendar events exhibit a pattern of patience…we wait at Advent time for the coming of the Messiah. Following that, we wait throughout Lent as we reflect on the significance of that season. When Good Friday and then Easter come, we rejoice in celebration of the risen Lord. And then we marvel at the Ascension and its admonition to … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Wisdom is an attribute that takes a while to develop…and some people never seem to quite gain it, sadly. But just what is wisdom and how do we communicate it to children? Being able to discern right from wrong and understand positive decisions is important but not easy to achieve. This lesson seeks to shed some light onto the topic … More Children’s Ministry Resources
What is “joy”? We often equate joy with feelings of happiness, and too frequently base those feelings on our circumstances or temporary conditions. True joy, however, is found not in things, but in the maker of things. This lesson’s featured faith giant knew that truth quite well, and lived in effort to communicate it to others through her prolific production … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Sometimes the simplest things can make the best illustrations. Object lessons are so powerful because they leave a lasting impression and make sense to kids. If you are hunting for your next exciting and unique lesson, consider adding a little baking lesson to the mix. As always, specifics are quite flexible, and the suggestions here are merely that—possibilities. But the … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Bible Focus: How can we best work through life transitions and changes? Through character profiles, discussion, and key verses, this lesson seeks to provide comfort and security for students who are preparing to transition into new levels of school or home life. The lesson is particularly relevant to students moving from elementary into middle school, but can be adapted to … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Let’s face it: there are certain passages in scripture that in all honesty we are tempted to just sort of skim or skip over. Why can’t we have the “spark notes” version of all those Leviticus rules and regulations, for example? What is the relevance? Or why does it seem we have so many story “repeats” and other details that … More Children’s Ministry Resources
As the Christmas countdown draws us ever closer to the big day, the general mood and priorities of people can tend to grow slightly frantic and frenzied, perhaps almost panicked at times. With lists to fulfill, stores to visit, and relatives to invite, our minds might be busily buzzing with any number of things. But this is the time when … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Let’s face it: sometimes we grow weary of telling the same Bible stories…and if forced to admit it some of our students might even be tired of them as well. When we have a fresh audience it may help, but all too often we go through the same flannel graphs and picture books so many times that we forget how … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Just do it…Without Grumbling! Why God wants us to Have Joyful Attitudes But whyyyyyyy? Anyone who works with kids (or people in general, for that matter!) has likely been frustrated by the grating sound of a whiny voice. Some people seem as though they can only be happy if they are complaining, in fact. No matter what they do, there … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Young students may develop a habit of faith, following the coat tails of parents. Perhaps they attend church and Sunday School because that is just what they have always done, and they don’t think much of it. But it is important to establish early on how important it is to truly follow Christ. It means more we might have to … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Most of us like to avoid hardship and difficulty. We do not seek out harsh conditions or frustrating periods. But God makes it clear that our faith grows stronger not in the beautiful mountaintop feelings of joy and elation, but in the dark valleys of struggle and doubt. As ministry workers it is important for us to remember this, particularly … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Children are often quite willing to believe what they are told. Very young kids revere adults so much that it seems we can do no wrong in their little eyes. It can be easy to take advantage of this trust, and we sometimes use it strategically if we are aiming to modify certain behaviors. Kids will eat broccoli if they … More Children’s Ministry Resources