Paper Airplane Object Lesson

Use this simple & fun object lesson to teach kids about being made in the image of God. It could also serve as a children’s sermon or the framework for a full Bible lesson. So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27 NIV SAY: … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Video: How to Use Ministry-To-Children

I created this video to help readers get the most out of our website. With thousands of 100% free resources ministry, we want to make things as easy as possible. Watch below to learn learn more and leave a comment to let me know what you think.

Five Finger Prayer for Children

Try this classic prayer model to help children and preschoolers learn to pray. Don’t miss our complete coloring book based on the Lord’s Prayer – it’s 100% free too. Five Finger Prayer for Children Free Printable Worksheet / Template Here is a helpful approach for teaching kids to pray. It’s a format that allows children to recall and pray in … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Simple Bedtime Prayers for Children

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Teaching children to pray often includes learning a few sample prayers by memory. Use these evening prayers for kids every night at bedtime. Download and print this list of children’s prayer to keep beside your child’s bed or inside their children’s Bible. You should teach kids to pray using their own words, but these route prayers are powerful tools to … More Children’s Ministry Resources

How To Win Over the Stubborn People at Your Church

You know who I’m talking about. They’ve been called stuffed shirts, God’s chosen frozen, and the criticism committee. I would discourage such phrases, but these change resistant church members can have a chilling effect on your ministry. Many a youth pastor, children’s director, and preacher has cowered before their glaring eyes. They secretly question your leadership, withhold their support, and sometimes oppose your plans outright. … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Video: Armor of God Song by Go Fish

This song about the Armor of God is from Go Fish’s album Kickin It Old School. The video below was created as part of that VBS curriculum. and the song “I’m A Soldier In The Army Of The Lord.” To get this video (plus 8 more) on DVD, visit the Go Fish website and purchase the Kickin’ It Old School DVD. I’m … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Podcast #16 Growing Up as the Pastor's Kid

Children who grow up as the preacher’s kid face a unique set of challenges & opportunities. Amy Fenton Lee knows this first hand. She is the daughter of a respected Baptist minister. In this podcast, she talks candidly about that experience and how it has shaped her faith today. She also shares some tips for raising kids in this unique situation. Anyone serving in ministry … More Children’s Ministry Resources

"Dream Big" Kids Ministry Conference

Have you heard about the 2011 LifeWay Kids Ministry Conference. Readers below shared their BIG DREAM for children’s ministry. The details of LifeWay’s Kids Ministry Conference are being planned now, and we want you to come and Dream Big with us! What a better place to Dream Big than Nashville, TN! Many move to Nashville each year to seek out big dreams in a … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Podcast #15 Divorce Ministry for Children

Divorce is a traumatic life event for an large number of children in our society. This presents both an opportunity and a challenge for the local church. In this podcast, I talk with Wayne Stocks about his new website focused on ministry to children of divorce. Directions: To listen to this audio recording, simply click the play button below or … More Children’s Ministry Resources

How to Raise a Fake Christian

Raising kids that truly love Jesus is hard work. That’s why so many of parents settle for plan B. What would happen if you were actually trying to raise a pretend believer? Here are some 9 steps you might take. My point is not to encourage this type of parenting, only to point out where we might be doing it on accident. Click … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Podcast #14 The Legacy Path with Brian Haynes

In this fast moving interview, I talk with Brain Haynes about his new Christian parenting book titled The Legacy Path. Among other topics, I asked how these principles can help the non-traditional and broken families our churches need to reach with the Gospel. Update ~ Brian also responded specifically to one of my questions on his blog. Directions: To listen … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Should parents force their kids to go to church?

Now that’s a loaded question for you! Any answer you give will likely blow up in your face. So before we attempt this dangerous feat, let’s work through some background issues. Who’s asking the question? In church life, you’ll find many motivations behind this query. Both parents and teens use those same words, but with different intent. It’s also a … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Video: Why is Children's Ministry Important?

Watch the video below to see how 25 of the smartest people in kids ministry answer that question. Then click here to share your opinion. This video was filmed during the 2011 Children’s Ministry Expo in Lexington, KY. I only gave each person about 10 seconds to think before they started talking. So these are gut level reactions on why … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Sunday School Games: Trusting God & Others

There are many game ideas about trust that you can create with a blindfold. In this example, I have the children lead around their friends. The goal is to keep them safe, so use an appropriate area. After the children complete the course, ask them to talk about the experience. Here are some questions to guide the debrief. How did … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Self-Control Game Idea (Ninja Game)

My oldest daughter learned this game at Youth Camp. After playing a few times with the family, I thought it would be a helpful game to talk about self-control. Watch the video below for full directions. Be sure to browse all our Fruit of the Spirit lessons and resources. This is the type of game that would be very popular in Vacation Bible … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Books of the Bible Game for Kids

Watch this video to learn a simple game that will help kids review the books of the Bible. Specifically, this game will allow them to practice where books belong in the Bible. The setup is rather simple, all you need is sidewalk chalk and a place to play. Draw two box shapes large enough for all the kids to stand … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Bible Game Idea about the Fruit of the Spirit

Here is a simple way to review the Fruit of the Spirit and the Works of the Flesh with kids in your ministry. All you need is some sidewalk chalk and an open area to play. This learning activity would work well with any lesson plans based on Galatians 5:22-23. Be sure to browse all our Fruit of the Spirit lessons and resources. … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Jesus Gives Freedom from Sin (John 8:32) Lesson Plan

Boy praying in open field

This Bible lesson plan about freedom in Christ follows our new hassle-free format. The basic version makes it easy to teach with very little preparation or outside materials. We’ve also suggested more activities so you can expand the lesson to best fit your ministry setting. Lesson Title: Following Jesus & Freedom from Sin Bible Reference: John 8:31-32 Target Age Group: … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Bible School Games: Drip, Drip, Drop

This game is a fun variation of duck-duck-goose for Vacation Bible School. All you need a new cleaning sponge and a bucket of water. Watch the video below for instructions and an example of the game. This Vacation Bible School game would also be popular at children’s birthday parties or school field days. In our example we played with as … More Children’s Ministry Resources

"Honor Your Father" Bible Lesson (Exodus 20:12)

Father and children playing

This lesson plan explains what it means when the Bible says, “honor your father.” It’s designed for children’s church or Sunday school and would be a perfect lesson to use on Father’s Day. The basic version of this lesson makes it easy to teach with very little preparation or outside materials. We’ve also suggested more activities so you can expand … More Children’s Ministry Resources