One of my biggest frustrations is when kids know right & wrong but choose to do wrong anyway. This drives me crazy, especially when it’s just a small temptation that wins them over. So, I began to brainstorm a way to teach about the practical effects of sin even when they don’t get caught. Watch the video below to see … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Last week, I was thinking of a way to illustrate the power of one kid telling another about Jesus. This Bible object lesson with dominoes is what I came up with. The basic idea is told in the video below. This would be perfect for a children’s sermon on the Great Commission. Supplies Needed: I got a simple box of … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Here is another activity to help kids memorize a scripture verse in a group setting. This one is perfect for longer verses and works best with a smaller group of kids (less than 15). Let me know what you think or if you have any new variations. Click here to leave a comment. Supplies: Large dry erase marker board with … More Children’s Ministry Resources
If you’ve ever paid attention to my email signature line, then you’ll know about 3 John 1:4. It’s a greatly under appreciated Bible verse, especially overlooked when talking about kids ministry. “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” 3 John 1:4 ESV One of my Sunday School teachers surprised me this … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Here is another creative way for groups of children to work together on learning their Bible memory verse. This hands-on activity includes elements of teamwork and problem solving. I’ve included pictures below to demonstrate the activity. I’d love to hear your feedback, simply click here to leave a comment. Supplies: Several copies of the memory verse printed on white paper … More Children’s Ministry Resources
This video clip is from the Jesus Storybook Bible, by far my favorite for kids. This clip tells the story of Noah and God’s great rescue. At some point they’ll publish these animations on a DVD, but for now there are only a few available online. Pay close attention to the final page of this story as the author relates … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Children can learn the 10 Commandments. Our free resources will help you explain God’s Law to even the youngest kids. Ten Commandments Song Kids’ Bible Study on the Ten Commandments Compare Translations Ten Commandments Coloring Book Learning Activities on the Ten Commandment Children’s version of the Ten Commandments Teaching the Ten Commandments with Hand Motions We absolutely love teaching Bible … More Children’s Ministry Resources
This is a simple Bible object lesson that includes an element of science. It can be used to illustrate how Christ makes us clean through salvation. If you’re brave you can even introduce the term ‘sanctification’ as the process where Jesus changes our behaviors to match our new heart. Alternately, you could use it to talk about how God transforms … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Deb from Artsy Mommy forwarded me this video link. I thought it would be fun to show to my own kids and talk about all the different animals God has made. Plus it has a strong element of humor so kids won’t check-out. Scroll down for my potential learning debrief questions, or click here to add your own comments. Note: … More Children’s Ministry Resources
For years, I’ve been recommending Age of Opportunity as an excellent and Gospel-focused book about Christian parenting. Now that same author has a whole parenting conference on DVD called “Getting to the Heart of Parenting.” Each of the 10 sessions last for about 25 minutes. That makes it an excellent tool for a small group, church seminary, or private study. … More Children’s Ministry Resources
This learning method is one I discovered one day when the kids were feeling rowdy in kids church. Instead of my normal methods of group memory verse work, I asked the kids to do something different. I never use this as a stand-alone memory exercise, but it’s a good supplement that brings some variety by promoting active listening. Supplies: A … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Here is a fun learning activity that will promote understanding of Bible memory verses. One of weak points of route Bible memory is a lack of comprehension. This sketch process will force them (and you) to transfer concepts into symbols, a key skill in learning. Supplies: Dry erase maker and board. Alternatively you can use poster board, giant Post-It notes, … More Children’s Ministry Resources
I often take for granted all the formal Bible training I’ve had. But when I talk with Christians from around the world I realize my days in seminary were a real privilege. I often recommend online theological training to help these believers. So, let me introduce a few online training tools to help you deepen your understanding of God’s Word. … More Children’s Ministry Resources
It’s been a few years, but I still remember the first time I read this encouraging poem about children’s ministry. It came in an email to me from a friend. It really spoke to me about the struggles and joys of being a kids pastor. Later I learned that poem was written by Roger Fields of Kidz Blitz ministries. It’s been available on their … More Children’s Ministry Resources
My friend and former contributor Terry Delaney sent me this video clip. It’s a man using balloons to share the gospel with a group of kids. It looks like some type of church based presentation, but it certainly captured my attention. Normally I don’t really get into the balloon thing (my little boys live to fight over them) but this … More Children’s Ministry Resources
With all the buzz about the new year, I wanted to offer some insights from God’s Word as we look forward to the new year. I hope this will be encouraging for you. Click here to share on Facebook. #1 The Bible will have all the answers (that we really need) The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but … More Children’s Ministry Resources
The weeks after Christmas are some of the toughest in your ministry year. Long winters bring discouragement and dull the passion of even the most devoted. Let me share a few ways I am preparing my heart to make it through discouragement in the ministry this winter. Feel free to comment and add to the list. 1. Focus on the … More Children’s Ministry Resources
I love this creative way of re-telling the Christmas story. It uses different status updates from “Joseph” and “Mary” to highlight the experience of the characters who were really there. The company who produced this has it available for download on their website. Editors Note: Check out a similar video here with a little more humor. The video was uploaded … More Children’s Ministry Resources
I asked this question on our Facebook page and thought it might be a fun poll question here on our site. Use the poll below to settle this question once and for all. Click here to leave comments [polldaddy poll=4265548] Some more background to help you make your choice! Joy to the World was written by Issac Watts and first … More Children’s Ministry Resources
A few different friends have been sending me this video from YouTube. It’s a new Christmas song that has a lot of appeal. It tells the story of shopping one Christmas when a young boy asks, “Where’s the line to see Jesus?” That simple statement points out a profound truth about the holiday season. Jesus should be the real attraction. … More Children’s Ministry Resources
It’s an annual debate in congregations across the country. Now is your chance to officially ban Santa from the church. Simply take the poll. You can also click here to leave a comment. [polldaddy poll=4257584] Editor’s Note: This is just for fun, Santa will not actually be excommunicated. Please play nice in the comment section.
Here is a lesson plan on the Bible verse that says children obey your parents. I wrote it for a chapel service at our Christian school. There were about 40 kids from preschool to 5th grade in the room. Because the children have a strong background of Bible knowledge I wanted to focus on heart application. The whole lesson is … More Children’s Ministry Resources
What is Autism and what issues does it raise in real world ministry? That’s what I wanted to talk about in this latest episode of our podcast. So I invited back Amy Fenton Lee who runs a popular blog about special needs children’s ministry. You’ll remember her from our very first podcast and her guest post about adapting curriculum for … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Here’s another animated clip from the Jesus Storybook Bible. It’s from the chapter titled, “Light of the Whole World.” I love the how the wonder and life come through in these videos. I’ll definitely be showing this in kids church. This is by far my favorite story Bible, I’ve probably bought and given away 50 copies! Question: When was the last time … More Children’s Ministry Resources