Today let’s talk about self-care. I know, it just sounds bad doesn’t it? (It has the word “self” in it so it must be bad, right?) I’d like to challenge that thinking–it’s a fallacy and one that can hurt you. Since I’m not comfortable using my ministry friends for this example (although there are quite a few, I’ll be the … More Children’s Ministry Resources
There’s been quite a bit of bruhaha lately about whether to send your kids to children’s church or keep them with their parents in the larger congregation. As a long time children’s minister, (twenty years now) I’ve seen the “big church, little church” debate arise numerous times. It’s healthy to talk about these things but for those of you who … More Children’s Ministry Resources
I have a confession to make. I don’t often teach children from the Song of Solomon but I love one particular scripture. Here’s the verse I’m talking about: Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards, our vineyards that are in bloom. Song of Solomon 2:15 It’s not only wonderfully descriptive, it’s an accurate depiction and … More Children’s Ministry Resources
It is amazing how many children are walking around with the weight of the world on their shoulders. They have worries and cares just like adults do. How appropriate and needed are the words of Jesus in the book of Matthew. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) The … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Hardened hearts need God! Help kids see that God wants their hearts to be soft towards him and towards others. This fun Super Soaker object lesson is the perfect visual aid for a summer object lesson. What You’ll Need: Large sponge cut into the shape of a heart Push pins Garbage bag Super Soaker Water Bucket Prepare to Teach Cut … More Children’s Ministry Resources
We live in a world where dirty language is considered “cool.” Even small children can feel tempted to swear. We can thank our current pop culture and permissive parents for this unsettling trend but we don’t have to sit back and let that go. Teach kids what the Bible says about what God says about fresh and salty waters. Yes, … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Do you ever feel like the Incredible Hulk? Full of explosive anger and ready to blow up at any moment. It’s hard to control anger by yourself, isn’t it? If grown ups have a hard time controlling anger, how much more do children? Let’s tackle that subject with this object lesson about controlling anger, God’s way. What You’ll Need Blender … More Children’s Ministry Resources
How important is it for kids to choose the right friends? Since you work with children you probably know the answer. It’s hugely important! Now matter how strong a leader a child is, he or she can and will be influenced by their friends. That’s why we need to talk about choosing friends using the Bible as our guide. Since … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Let’s teach kids to keep their minds on Christ! How do we do that? I think this object lesson will help you convey the heart of this message. Before you begin teaching you’ll need to print one or more illusion pictures, like the ones that were popular in the 90s. You might see them described as “magic eye” pictures but … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Children’s church or big church? That is the question many parents are asking lately. When I began in ministry, back in 1997, (oh my!) children’s churches weren’t wildly popular in my area but over the years, the trend has caught on. Now I am happy to report we have some amazing ministries that reach children of all races and social situations. … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Father’s Day is such an exciting time. I have a wonderful father so it’s easy for me to celebrate the day. I realize that not everyone can or likes to celebrate this holiday but for those of us who serve God, Father’s Day is a good day to honor our Heavenly Father. As teachers it’s the perfect opportunity to show … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Preparing your classroom for a festive Father’s Day? Better have a few games ready! I’ve learned from experience that having too much free time at the end of class can lead to mischief. Have a few Father’s Day themed games ready and you’ll be ready to go. Here are two brand new ideas for a Father’s Day themed lesson or … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky. (Philippians 2:14-15) As a parent I have heard my share of complaints. Why do kids want to argue when they are in the back … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Being born again is central to our Christian faith although it is a concept that is difficult for some to understand. The born again birthday party object lesson will help you teach kids the importance of this event. I relied on these verses to inspire me. You could use them too! Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one … More Children’s Ministry Resources
There are times when a person needs natural food and times when a person needs spiritual food. Sometimes we aren’t sure about the difference. For example, have you ever eaten a bag of chips not because you were hungry but just because it comforted you. That’s called “comfort food.” That’s not really healthy but a lot of us do it. … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Undoubtedly, you’ll be presenting your children’s ministry with a smashing Father’s Day lesson. Hopefully you will have some extra faces for Father’s Day and if so, you should have a few extra games available. Besides impressing the new kids, you’ll also provide necessary activities for free time. Games help reinforce the lesson and they make good opportunities for new volunteers … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Maybe “funday” isn’t an actual word but it should be! How else can you describe the following three spring fun days? I do love a theme–themes get people excited about attending church and that’s not just the kiddos. Looking for some exciting spring funday Sunday themes? Maybe these ideas will get you started. The Cat in the Hat Schools aren’t … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Mark 12:31 says, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” That sounds easy enough but it gets tougher when you realize that “your neighbor” isn’t just the people you go to church with–or agree with–or look like. However, such differences do not excuse us from following the teaching of our Lord. We are to be empathetic. The Apostle Paul tells us in … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Does the idea of hosting a team meeting with your volunteers make you less than enthusiastic? Do your team meetings have a history of being nonproductive? Even if you have never been to a John Maxwell Leadership Training Course you can hold a successful team meeting — one that will produce results for months to come. Today I’m sharing with … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Just like any other career stress is also present in children’s ministry. No matter what they say, stress can happen to anyone when put in the right situation. Now take a deep breath and forgive yourself for that. You are not superhuman and you are not a machine. You are real person, a Christian — that’s true, but you are … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Children’s pastors are like magical unicorns, strange creatures that are largely misunderstood — that is if you believe the myths about children’s pastors. Having been involved in children’s ministry for over 20 years I can assure you that I have heard just about everything. I am not offended by what I have heard just amused and slightly surprised. Perhaps you … More Children’s Ministry Resources
When a teacher quits or loses his or her position, it is difficult not just for the ministry but for the children in the class. If you happen to be an interim or the next teacher for the class or children’s church you may find it difficult talking to kids about what happened. How do you explain to children when … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Got some jellybeans? Then you’ve got almost everything you need to play a few exciting Easter games. These make great time fillers in between lessons or lesson components. (Jellybeans also make great directions for the check-in table.) Prepare to Play Jellybean Race This first game is like Mother May I, only the jellybean colors tell the students what movements they … More Children’s Ministry Resources
What a wonderful time of year! I sometimes wonder if we forget how valuable Jesus’ sacrifice was–for all of us. There is something wonderful about the atonement. It’s a central part of the resurrection story. I intend to share these verses before and after I teach this object lesson: 1 John 2:2, John 3:16, 1 Peter 2:24, John 1:29. What … More Children’s Ministry Resources