We offer the following background and ideas for making the most of the Lenten season in your children’s ministry. Don’t miss our Lent lessons and coloring pages. For many years the period between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday has been honored as the time of “Lent,” marked generally by sacrifice and mindful contemplation. In modern Protestant churches, it can sometimes … More Children’s Ministry Resources
In our culture, winning is highly prized and success is measured by performance. Again and again, though, the Bible gives quite different definitions of victory and achievement. Remind students in this lesson that our triumph is in Christ alone. Lesson focus: Though we can become competitive and weigh our success on what others do, the Bible emphasizes that the grace … More Children’s Ministry Resources
As adults, we tend to approach the Hallmark holiday of hearts with mixed emotions, depending perhaps upon age, gender, relationship status, or past experiences…for kids, Valentine’s Day bears connotations of fun cards and plenty of extra sugar consumption. There is nothing necessarily wrong with all of this, of course…but why not re-direct the focus of the holiday? Rather than romantic … More Children’s Ministry Resources
This lesson emphasizes placing our hope and peace in what is far beyond ourselves…God has put a sense of “eternity in our hearts,” yet we often drown that out with our busy-ness and noise. Using inspiration from books and stories, children will be stirred to recall that they are made for more than just earthly delight. Note: This lesson can … More Children’s Ministry Resources
There is a lot in today’s world that competes for attention and time with kids (and adults!). We are occupied (sometimes overly so) with practices, work, homework, lessons, meetings, scheduling… not to mention the essential and mandatory time needed for shopping, playing, and watching TV. With this in mind, it can be easy to grow wrapped up in our own … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Often the excitement of the Nativity story centers around the typical manger scene images: shepherds, angels, Mary and Joseph…somehow we skip from that to the remainder of Christ’s life and neglect some of the significant details. This lesson focuses on the dedication of Jesus in the temple, and the excitement of Simeon and Anna as they meet the Savior. Lesson … More Children’s Ministry Resources
The winter let-down…Christmas wrappings are hauled away, fruit cake is steadily hardening, temperatures are dropping, and schedules are returning to normal routine. Following the hype and hubbub of the holiday season, the winter months can sometimes seem dreary. Between cold weather and lack of significant events, it’s tempting to fall into apathy in any area of our lives, be it work … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Sometimes the end of the holiday season leaves us with something of a disappointing let-down. Following the anticipation and excitement of Christmas, there is a sense of anticlimax as the wrapping paper is put away and Nativity scenes taken down. It is important to realize that Christmas is only the beginning of the story, which culminates God’s plan for His … More Children’s Ministry Resources
January 6, 2019 begins the Epiphany season on the traditional church calendar. Here are some of our most popular posts to help you celebrate the visit of the Magi to baby Jesus. Lesson – Magi and Two Very Different Kings (Matthew 2:1-12) All age groups Lesson – The Magi Worship King Jesus (Matthew 2:1-23) Middle to Older Elementary Lesson – Jesus as … More Children’s Ministry Resources
During Advent, it is easy to grow busy and caught up in the excitement of the Christmas season and celebration of Christ’s birth. In this day and age, though, there seems to emerge a great deal of “tip-toe” behavior. People in public often avoid explicitly saying “Merry Christmas” and opt for the more generic and “safe” greeting of “Happy Holidays.” … More Children’s Ministry Resources
There are many characters in the story of the first Christmas, but some get a lot more attention than others. Sure, we focus easily on Mary and Joseph and we celebrate the angels and the manger baby…but God was orchestrating a grand scheme of coordinated actions and motivations. Introduce (or get to know better) some of the “extras” in the … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Anyone who has worked with education of any sort is well aware that teaching can truly be the most effective method of learning. When we have to communicate a point or enforce a lesson, it usually forces us to study it thoroughly ourselves. Teaching stories that are less familiar to us can be even more educational, as we study to … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Have you ever skipped ahead to the end of a book just to see how it ends? Do you often wonder what God could possibly have in mind when certain things happen? This lesson provides a quick challenge to illustrate our limited view and God’s big picture. Younger students may not be too occupied with the future, and may not … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Few kids do not grow eagerly excited at Christmastime. Who doesn’t look forward to new toys, flashing lights, and festive family gatherings? But why is Christmas so important, and what do we celebrate at Advent? This lesson focuses on the hope and waiting of the first Christmas, and how it relates to hopeful anticipation of Christ’s Second Coming, as well. … More Children’s Ministry Resources
3As we begin to prepare our hearts for the Advent Season, this lesson models how all Bible stories, Old and New Testament alike, point to the Savior. The activities and emphasis here take the story of Baby Moses and his miraculous rescue, but add a slight twist by drawing comparisons to the birth and first days of Jesus. Lesson focus: … More Children’s Ministry Resources
The harrowing and miraculously concluding tale of Daniel’s survival in the Lion’s Den is generally well-known and told for kids. After all, it is exciting and makes for great stories and crafts. The fiery furnace rescue of Daniel’s friends Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego is an equally thrilling tale. But how did those children of God get to where they were … More Children’s Ministry Resources
The details of Christ’s birth are well-known, celebrated, acted out, and cherished, especially throughout the Advent season. But what about the events leading up to the Nativity? And what of one who came before Jesus, “unworthy to untie his sandals”? This lesson is a tale of two Zechariahs: first taking a peek back at the Messianic prophet of the Old … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Whether it is celebrated and recognized or not, Halloween is well-known by most Americans. Yet many (adults as well as kids) are not so familiar with the holiday behind the origin of Halloween: All Saints’ Day! (After all, “Hallow’s Eve” must be the Eve to some Holy Day…). So where did the holiday come from and what is it for? … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Sunday School teachers (or any type of educator, for that matter) have quite a lot of competition these days…children are bombarded with all types of demands on attention. Between movies, video games, computers, and all the other “noise” that clutters our lives, it is no wonder that children might find a trite flannel graph less than thrilling. It is essential … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Although we read and use many verses from the great book of Isaiah, many children (and even adults) are not quite aware of the concepts of this great prophet—or any prophet for that matter. This lesson provides some information on the purpose and work of Old Testament prophets, and in particular highlights Isaiah and his special mission for God. Lesson … More Children’s Ministry Resources
With Halloween fast approaching, many churches and schools have their own take on how to celebrate (or avoid) the holiday. There are “harvest celebrations,” “Trunk-or-treats,” “Hallelujah instead…” Since we have been blessed with a spirit of joyous love, and not fear, it is only right that we allow celebration and fun at this time of year, but with a faithful … More Children’s Ministry Resources
This simple illustration will demonstrate how we all work together for the common goal of serving God. We may approach tasks in different ways and each of us is unique, but we are all God’s people and our aim is to help others know Him while we worship as well. Wear a pair of mismatched gloves, socks, or shoes…just so … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Sure, most of us are familiar with the amazing story of Joshua and the fall of Jericho at the sound of trumpets, but how many kids know the equally remarkable tale of Jehoshaphat? Don’t let the long name scare you…this is a must-know lesson in trust, worship, and God’s unbelievable power. Lesson focus: God is able to do more than … More Children’s Ministry Resources
This free Bible lesson is based on Jesus’ parable of the wise & foolish builders. Use it in your children’s church or Sunday School to help children build their life upon Jesus Christ. He is the “rock” that can withstand any storm. Lesson Focus: A life built on a firm foundation of faith will survive trials and tests. Bible Passages: … More Children’s Ministry Resources