Everyone thinks that their particular ministry call is “the best” but children’s ministry leaders have the unique position of being right. (Insert LOL here.) I have had the privilege of being involved with some dynamic ministries and worked in at least five different ministries like Adopt-A-Block, discipleship and even ladies ministries. However, working with kids has always been my favorite. … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Could teaching kids about God be as easy as popping a bag of popcorn? Yes, indeed! If you have some popcorn, you can easily teach three significant object lessons to your Sunday School, children’s church or summer camp. Since it smells so tempting and delicious, have plenty of popcorn on hand to serve and share with kids after your teaching … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Have a cell phone? You have everything you need to teach a valuable Christian lesson to teens or kids. Based on bible verses like Romans 15:13, “ Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost,” You’ll have everything you need to … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Love visual lessons but can’t find the right one? You don’t have to rely on others to present you with object lessons–you can do it yourself. That’s true even if you don’t have a teaching degree or any experience writing curriculum. I learned how to create an object lesson a children’s ministry conference well over a decade ago. We were … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Hebrews 13:16 says “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” (ESV) As parents and teachers, we sometimes forget that there are two types of sharing: the kind that is forced and sharing that occurs as a prompting of the heart. How many of us have said, “Here’s a … More Children’s Ministry Resources
It is no secret that I love classic games! For teaching they work well because classic game brands, like Twister are recognizable and most of the class is familiar with game play rules. I recently found an old Twister game at the local thrift store and was able to put the Twister game mat to use as an object lesson. … More Children’s Ministry Resources
You have an exciting, growing ministry but filling your volunteer roster is a challenge. Despite some eye-catching incentives and advertising some fun volunteer events, the number of willing hands remains low. What’s the deal? That’s a great question and one that many of us are familiar with. Don’t give up! Sure, sometimes volunteer signups are seasonal but did you know … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Try this fun way to teach kids about what breaking God’s law means! I do love an object lesson and with so many inexpensive sheriff or police officer costumes available right now, why not? Base the object lesson on 1 John 3:4-5. “Everyone who sins breaks the law in fact, sin is lawlessness. But you know that he appeared so that … More Children’s Ministry Resources
The book of John is perhaps my favorite New Testament book. As my first adult Sunday School teacher used to tell us, “John is the love book.” Almost every chapter reveals the great love that Jesus had for the disciples, the people who ministered to and to everyone who believes in him today. Teach children about the Good Shepherd and … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Popcorn is a classic snack and children love hearing it and watching it pop-pop-pop! Did you know that popcorn makes the perfect tool for an object lesson? Take this opportunity to teach the kiddos an important Bible truth about what happens when God turns the heat up! Demonstrate how a hard, inedible seed becomes a fluffy, delicious treat. I recommend … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Teaching kids is kind of an art form, isn’t it? My hat is off to all the professional educators out there. You guys rock! However, the rest of us who don’t have educational backgrounds can find ourselves in a classroom that seems out of control. We want to serve God, the kids and the church but the kiddos haven’t gotten … More Children’s Ministry Resources
A few months ago, I wrote an article called 10 Things That Drive a Children’s Pastor Crazy. So many folks responded to the humorous punch list, that I followed that up with 6 More Things That Drive a Children’s Pastor Crazy. (Thanks by the way for all the shares, likes and comments you gave us.) It was kind of cathartic … More Children’s Ministry Resources
What can’t you say with an emoticon? I do love a smiley face, as anyone who texts me or sends me a message via Facebook well knows. (Sorry all my friends.) Recently, I was wracking my brain in search of an object lesson I could use to illustrate that God has feelings. Unlike their taller counterparts, kids are in touch … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Kids will love these candy object lessons from the Bible. Print this post for a quick children’s sermon our illustration in Sunday School class. I’m a huge candy fan! Not only is it sweet and fun to snack on but candy makes the perfect object lesson. I’ve found that whenever you use edible object lessons, kids attention is riveted to you. … More Children’s Ministry Resources
When today’s kids think about cleanliness, they probably think about using antibacterial gel or washing their hands with antibacterial soap. As hard as it is to remember, the rules about cleanliness are a lot less complicated than they used to be. Teach the kids a valuable lesson about godly cleanliness. Here’s what I recently taught my children’s church: Back in … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Working in Christian ministry is unlike any other career choice. Working in a store, serving food or working at a desk job, rarely demands the level of service of ministry requires; children’s ministry insists that you leave little bits of your heart behind. (For the record, I’ve done all these jobs and proudly so!) Pastors give of themselves and often … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Is it time to leave your current ministry position or church job? What a tough time in the life of a pastor! It’s not easy to leave the people you love, even when you know that you are doing the right thing. Whether stepping down for a sabbatical or moving on to a new assignment, leaving your children’s ministry takes … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Whatever your church’s stance on tithing, there’s no doubt that giving is biblical. It’s important to help children understand that even a small offering can be useful to God. (Remember the small lunch the boy presented Jesus? It fed 5000 men!) Begin this teaching by reading this verse or asking a volunteer to read it aloud. “Bring you all the … More Children’s Ministry Resources
When I first began my work in children’s ministry nearly two decades ago, I had one mission: tell kids that Jesus loved them. Over the years, I have tried my best to stay true to that original mission but my secondary purpose is to help my kids know Jesus more. You see, eventually, they will need to know God themselves … More Children’s Ministry Resources
In 2014, the children’s pastor must skillfully walk the increasingly awkward line between what’s appropriate and what’s not. Eighteen years ago, (yeah, I’m a kids min veteran) I never thought twice about hugging a child or calling a kid. I can’t say that today, sadly. Now that everyone is on the web (even the kiddos) the kids’ pastor faces a … More Children’s Ministry Resources
One thing I am known far and wide for is my messiness. In children’s church, it is anything goes really as long as no one gets hurt (or gets their feelings hurt) and it lifts up the name of Jesus. So far, I’ve been smacked in the face with a whipped cream pie, had a bucket of slime poured over … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Romans 10:15 says, “And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” This verse and the ones that support it provide rich soil for teaching about peace and about sharing the gospel of Jesus. Teach kids about taking the gospel to the four corners of … More Children’s Ministry Resources
I am about to be very transparent here, learning how to manage people kindly and thoughtfully didn’t come easily for me. I have been blessed to work with some wonderful people but working with me, a creative, sometimes unorganized children’s pastor hasn’t always been easy. We’d show up to teach and realize I didn’t delegate a craft properly, or forgot … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Kids that aren’t freaked out about candy that pops in their mouth will love Pop Rocks candy. If you have the change to grab a few packets of this unique, classic confection, do it! It makes the perfect item for an exciting object lesson. You see, when this candy is made, it is infused with carbon dioxide. When the candy … More Children’s Ministry Resources