Teaching kids about the kingdom of heaven? Present object lessons based on this passage from Matthew 13:44-46. The simplicity of Jesus’ parables will make it easy for kids to understand and apply to their own lives. “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Even young kids know how sweet and lovely a rose is! The bible describes the Lord as rose in the Song of Solomon, “I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys.” (Song of Solomon 2:1) This object lesson allows you kids to see and smell the “beauty of the Lord.” By demonstrating with a rose object … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Congratulations, new children’s pastor! The local church needs you and decided that you were the perfect match for their kids. Before you take the reins and hold your first service, make sure you do these six things. It is important to assess the current status of the ministry before you plan your next kids’ crusade or event; this checklist will … More Children’s Ministry Resources
The flowers are popping with color and these perky blooms make the perfect object lesson. Before class, tip toe through the tulips in your backyard (pun intended) or stop by a grocery store for an inexpensive bouquet. Object lessons with flowers allow kids to “smell” and “see” the Bible come to life. Have enough flowers to send a bloom home … More Children’s Ministry Resources
As a busy children’s pastor, I know how time can escape you when preparing for a lesson. I can always use some fresh ideas for class, especially activities. If you need some Bible activities, try the Build a Sentence game. All you need is the printed list of sentences and kids will need their Bibles. I created these games using … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Depending on Bible college or seminary to prepare you for a children’s pastor role? Well, you might be in for a shock! As an eighteen-year veteran in children’s ministry, I can tell you that there are some surprise requirements to serving in this field. Luckily, most of them you probably already have within you, all you need is to tap … More Children’s Ministry Resources
We all know that God is a miracle-working God but have you ever paused to wonder why He performed so many miracles? I think one of the reasons why God would cause the sun to go backward or bring the walls of Jericho down is to show His people that nothing is impossible–if He is in the equation. As children’s … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Yeah! It’s that time again–back to school. With all the uncertainty in the world, it’s easy to see why parents would be a little fearful about sending them to school. As children’s ministers we have the opportunity to help parents send their children back to school safely. Feel free to share these practical tips in your weekly bulletin, monthly newsletter … More Children’s Ministry Resources
I believe in object lessons! Especially visual lessons that involve food, like pizza. If you want to grab kids’ attention and teach them a valuable lesson about learning the Bible, try this pizza object lesson. It is a good idea to have some pizza on hand for snacking later, after the teaching. Supplies you’ll need: Pizza recipe on an index … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Small, sweet and colorful, this eye-catching candy can’t help but attract attention. Bring a bag of jellybeans to kids’ church or Sunday School as a visual aid for a special bible lesson. Once you have completed the demonstration, dole them out and share the candies with the class. (Have a bag of sugar-free candies available for diabetic or sugar-sensitive kids … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Are your kids “tweeting”? If so, then you can put their Twitter knowledge to use in a fun teaching situation. Even if they don’t know how to tweet yet, this micro-blogging, social networking site is great inspiration for Twitter-inspired games for kids ministry. How would the gospel look if it were tweeted to the followers of Christ? Ask yourself that … More Children’s Ministry Resources
You walk to the door carrying your most treasured possession–your child. You’ve decided to give the nursery a try. You want your little one to receive ministry at his level and you can’t wait to soak in the church worship service—it’s been a long week! However, when you open the door (that you have a hard time finding) you aren’t … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Summertime means warm weather and wearing flip flops! These inexpensive shoes are colorful and could help you share exciting bible stories. If you have some extra flip flops, decorate your classroom using this casual theme. Fill buckets with flip flops and set them on the welcome table. You could always send kids home with a pair of these comfy … More Children’s Ministry Resources
It’s back to school and that means back to church for many ministries. If you had the summer off or part of the summer off and want to start back with a bang, you need to try these awesome welcome back events. Create some excitement in your ministry that will last for months. Attract new kids and families with welcome … More Children’s Ministry Resources
It’s back to school time! Time for kids to hunker down and learn–and not just at school but in bible class too. What a great time to present kids some important bible principles and lessons! Break out these object lessons for back to school and get kids excited about returning to the classroom. All you need are a few visual … More Children’s Ministry Resources
When we get caught doing something wrong, it’s natural to feel embarrassed and even truly sorry. However, we can get stuck in a rut of saying “I’m sorry” but not actually changing anything. The bible tells us, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Looking for a power-packed object lesson? Reach for the fruit punch! You can blend fruit punch from a packet or buy a bottle of pre-mixed punch. When working with this colorful juice, remember that it can stain your skin and clothing. If you enlist the help of a child, have an apron handy to protect his clothing. Keep extra punch … More Children’s Ministry Resources
When I penned my recent article, 10 Things That Drive a Children’s Pastor Crazy I had no idea that I’d be starting such an expansive conversation. However, I am glad we can talk and share with one another and hopefully, encourage a children’s pastor who may be asking, “Does anyone understand?” To those passing by these posts and subsequent comments, … More Children’s Ministry Resources
When we need a good place to hide, God is to whom we should turn. Kids know all about hiding—just look at the games they play! Bring this object lesson to your class and you’ll teach them a valuable truth that is sure to bring comfort when they need it. I based this object lesson on, “God is our refuge … More Children’s Ministry Resources
How I love the book of Matthew! This book of the Bible has so many wonderful nuggets of truth right from the Master’s lips. Take for instance the parable about treasures in heaven from Matthew 6:19-21. “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and rust destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal. … More Children’s Ministry Resources
When praying about my ministry, I can’t help but reflect upon my blessings. I have such faithful volunteers; without their help, children’s church would be a whole lot crazier. However, during busy times, it’s easy to see my team get stressed out and me too! I must confess that I rarely have difficulty with volunteers but when problems do arise … More Children’s Ministry Resources
I love teaching from the book of Genesis—there’s just so much “God” there! Genesis gives an amazing retelling of what happened all those thousands of years ago. All the action, all the drama, it truly is one of my favorite books to share with my kids. I have found that children do want to know how the world started and … More Children’s Ministry Resources
“Do you hear what these children are saying?” they asked him. “Yes,” replied Jesus, “have you never read, “‘From the lips of children and infants you, Lord, have called forth your praise’?” (Matthew 21:16) What great news to know that God is “calling forth” praise from little ones! As children’s ministry leaders, it is our job to guide these precious … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Want an object lesson that they will always remember? Present this magnet object lesson to your kids’ church or Sunday School. It’s a great way to demonstrate important bible verses like Proverbs 17:17 “A friend loves at all time,” and 1 John 4:8, “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” The goal is to help … More Children’s Ministry Resources