It is remarkable how easily we take the blessings of daily conveniences for granted. Anyone who has traveled or lived through natural disaster can understand the challenge of going without the basics for even a short period. Do we ever take the Lord’s presence for granted? It is there for us to draw upon, yet so often we ignore its … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Anyone who has heard remotely of Chariots of Fire knows the basic story of Eric Liddell and his bold pursuit of God’s glory on and off the cinder track. But his story goes much deeper than an Olympic medal. Liddell was not only an athlete but a dedicated missionary who was willing to go to any length to serve the … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Why don’t we conduct our church services in Latin and pretend to buy our way into Heaven and pray to saints and call ourselves Catholic? As Protestants of any denomination (or even as Catholics!), we owe a lot to Martin Luther and his daring acts of reform. We often do not take the time to study much of our founding … More Children’s Ministry Resources
What’s in it for me? This is a refrain often repeated and wondered in our modern culture. As Christian workers, we know that our reward may not be measurable here on earth. However, in the practicality of daily living and in the simple state of being human, we also tend to be concerned with receiving proper credit and compensation for … More Children’s Ministry Resources
It pops up to invade stores everywhere in fall, and most people seem to either love it or hate it. Sugary, simple, and unnaturally orange, candy corn has been around for over a century. While there are different varieties, the basic makeup of candy corn is pretty straightforward: sugar, a bit of texturing fondant, more sugar. Is there anything … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Our young students are likely not quite concerned just now with existential purpose, but there are still important lessons to be learned from discussing the wisdom of Ecclesiastes. Kids often have a hard time grasping broad meaning to things outside of immediate concerns. In these activities, they will be exposed to the importance of putting God first in all things. … More Children’s Ministry Resources
We do a lot of creating and crafting with our youngsters, as many (or most) programs surely do. One tradition we have with our kids is passing out individual water bottles, usually at the beginning of our summer day camps or Sunday school year. These are to be kept by the students and can be used for hydration and re-filled … More Children’s Ministry Resources
True, young students may not yet experience the pressures of finance and the complete understanding of wealth’s lure, but they can certainly see the effects of money. They may have even encountered some opportunities to learn money wisdom…this lesson explains why it is important to value a relationship with God over temporary things. Lesson focus: Jesus tells us that in … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Where do you find yourself devoting the most enthusiasm? Where is your passion? And how do you know what gives you the most drive? As football season rolls around, we see grown men lose all sense of dignity as they gather around a TV or a tailgate. We see entire towns come together in support of teams or schools. A … More Children’s Ministry Resources
“Well, maybe you should write this homework assignment yourself!” The back-talking student retorts to a teacher’s request… “I’d like to see you run this work-out!” Says the athlete to coach (which probably earns extra laps). Kids crave validity. They want adults who demonstrate and lead by example, rather than simply lecturing. As teachers, mentors, and ministers, we are called to … More Children’s Ministry Resources
As teachers of any type will vehemently attest, family support is a HUGE and critical element in the upbringing of a child. True, to a certain extent kids will do whatever they will and not all elements can be controlled; however, parents and guardians make such a difference in how children develop and what they learn. The home environment shapes … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Surprise or known fact, it is often the most simple and seemingly mundane things that make the best teachable moments for kids. Jesus demonstrated this principle in His ministry. From coins to fish to farming, Christ used parables to explain His points. By using objects that are familiar to kids, the basic and more complex elements of God’s word come … More Children’s Ministry Resources
In this modern age of electronic emphasis and technological advance, we have grown somewhat dependent on our gadgets and appliances. Anyone who has had the misfortune of going without a phone or temporarily losing power can understand the frustrated feeling of detachment that comes with not being able to instantly access the usual contacts and keep up with friends. And … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Imagine visiting another country and walking into a church service, already in progress and being conducted in a foreign language. You are unfamiliar with the style of worship and completely at a loss at what the words and songs being spoken might mean. Bewildered, you try to watch the actions of others around you to guess at the best methods … More Children’s Ministry Resources
God made everything…that’s a basic and simple principle that most of us likely recognize and appreciate already. It is also a theme that students learn early on in Bible studies. However, sometimes we become complacent for these details and take for granted how unique and special each creature is…including and especially people! As God’s unique and wonderful creations, we have … More Children’s Ministry Resources
If you glance around at people lately, it seems like anywhere you happen to be you will notice a majority of bystanders looking down. At restaurants, in stores, even walking down the road, so many people are intensely preoccupied with their phones, apparently glued to them as an extra arm extension. Even couples on a date or friends chatting will … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Prayer is an important and essential part of our lives as Christians. But sometimes adults and kids alike miss out on this precious tool because we think somehow we have to have just the right words, environment, or circumstances to pray. We put it off or forget altogether that we have constant and direct access to the Almighty, the creator … More Children’s Ministry Resources
We as people tend to be competitive, and youngsters are no different. In fact, kids often find themselves in heated debates over who is first in line, whose turn it is, or who did the best job. In today’s story, we see that even disciples of Jesus argued over who was most important. We will see that God loves it … More Children’s Ministry Resources
The life of Paul is full of amazing and exciting stories. From his initial conversion on the road to Damascus to imprisonment to his shipwreck and snake bite, the apostle had an amazing record of life events and important lessons to share. Just as his first encounter with Christ was remarkable, the next event on his journey is also exciting. … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Trials of Job…patience of Job…resilience of Job…when we think of this long-suffering Old Testament hero, we normally think of Job in terms of what he had to endure and what we can appreciate from that. However, there is another message in the book of Job that may be of even greater long-term value, and that has to do with God’s … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Just watch a child select a book at the library and it is pretty evident: we judge things by what we see. In spite of efforts to instill broad acceptance and understanding in kids, it’s hard to fight the natural human tendency to base our thoughts on appearance. In this lesson, we see a new king selected by God, and … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Whether a parent or pedagogy professor, anyone who works with teaching and children knows quite well that there are many types of learners. It is important not only to acknowledge this but to create lessons that reach these varied types of individuals and encompass a broad spectrum of activities and teaching methods. The same is true for Sunday school lessons … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Fishy Breakfast and a Faithful Friend, Jesus Re-instates Peter Jesus forgives Peter & gives him a mission. Print this free lesson from John 21 to teach kids that God can use them (even when they messed up). Don’t miss our updated John 21 PDF Sunday School Lesson for kids. Kids know (hopefully) that when they make mistakes, parents are quick … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Let’s face it: kids tend to at times be dramatic. Things are easily blown out of proportion, from paper cuts to milk spills. As such, young children often whine and act as though they urgently need things (TV time, juice, candy…) that perhaps are not as essential to life as they imagine. In this lesson, students will experience God’s care … More Children’s Ministry Resources