Explore exciting Kids’ Church Curriculum options for your Children’s Ministry programs. The following kids’ ministry curriculum is perfect for ages 6-12 years old and ideal for small churches with combined age groups in the children’s church.
Top Children’s Church Curriculum for 2024
Here are the most popular kids’ ministry programs for Sunday School and children’s church.
Foundations: 52-Week Chronological Bible Lessons for Children’s Church or Elementary Sunday School
Take kids deeper into the Bible with this powerful year long study through essential Bible stories for every child’s faith. Foundations Curriculum is perfect for Sunday School or Children’s Church programs for elementary students aged 6-12. Includes faith-building lessons, worksheets, teaching aids, and a comprehensive scope & sequence—all in an easy-to-teach format and at 90% off regular pricing. Available in KJV, NIV, and ESV Bible translations
Friend Request: 4-Week Kids Ministry Curriculum
“Friend Request: 4-Week Children’s Ministry Curriculum” helps children build healthy, Christ-centered friendships in an increasingly online world. This kids’ ministry curriculum teaches young people how to choose good friends and follow Jesus’ example of true friendship. Age Range: Elementary
EMOTIONS: 4-Week Curriculum for Children’s Ministry
Emotions children’s church curriculum teaches kids how to navigate positive and negative emotions with a clear connection to the Gospel. It emphasizes the importance of knowing Jesus and aims to keep children engaged, get them into God’s Word, and help them grow in their personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Age Range: Elementary
Fruit of the Spirit: 9-Lesson Children’s Church Curriculum
More than ever, kids need Bible studies on The Fruit of the Spirit. In this nine-lesson Sunday School or children’s ministry curriculum, children will discover the Holy Spirit’s impact on their lives. Age Range: Elementary
Love Like Jesus: 4-Week Children’s Ministry Curriculum
“Love Like Jesus: 4-Lesson Children’s Ministry Curriculum” is an interactive program that teaches kids about Jesus’ love through hands-on activities and Bible stories over four weeks. It includes a 28-day challenge to encourage kids to spread love through kind actions in their daily lives.
Bible Beach Club: 4-Lesson Kids Ministry Curriculum
“Bible Beach Club: 4-Lesson Children’s Ministry Curriculum” is now available for your summer ministry! Kids will have a blast learning about Jesus’s beachside miracles, from calming seas to miraculous catches of fish. Let’s explore the powerful works of Jesus. Popular for small church Vacation Bible School programs.
NEW Kids’ Ministry Curriculum Programs
- NEW LIFE: 5-Lesson EASTER Kids’ Church Curriculum for Children’s Ministry
- Compassion Crew: 4-Lesson Christmas Kids’ Church Curriculum for Children’s Ministry
- BEST YEAR EVER: 4-Lesson New Year’s Curriculum for Children’s Ministry
- 2025 LOVE IN ACTION: 4-Lesson Valentine’s Kids’ Church Curriculum for Children’s Ministry
- EMOTIONS: 4-Lesson Kids’ Church Curriculum for Children’s Ministry
- Incredible: 4-Lesson Kids’ Church Curriculum for Children’s Ministry
- Thanks: 4-Lesson Thanksgiving Curriculum for Children’s Ministry
- Maps: 4-Week Kids’ Church Curriculum for Children’s Ministry
- Friend Request: 4-Week Kids’ Church Curriculum for Children’s Ministry
- Seasons of Faith: 4-Week Kids’ Church Curriculum for Children’s Ministry
- Bible Beach Club: 4-Week Kids’ Church Curriculum for Children’s Ministry
- Unbreakable: 4-Week Children’s Ministry Curriculum on Christian Character for Kids
- Summer Games: 3-Week Kids’ Ministry Curriculum with Olympic Theme for 2024
Key Curriculum Features and Materials
Children’s ministry curriculum for small churches often includes comprehensive teaching materials, small group plans, music and video resources, and customizable content to suit various learning environments. Essential elements may feature Bible story teaching, parables of Jesus, interactive segments, and media packages like skits and drama DVDs or Theo Puppet shows. Many curriculums also offer resources focused on the Armor of God, Fruit of the Spirit, and Bible points to reinforce spiritual lessons. Supplementary materials often include music and audio files, prayer activities, and training videos, creating a fully immersive and engaging ministry experience for children.
Children’s church curriculum options cater to different age groups and church sizes, offering a range of materials and themes. Popular options include Orange Curriculum, Gospel Light, Awana, and Go! Curriculum, each designed to engage children with Bible teachings. The 252 Kids Curriculum, Gospel Story Curriculum, and Noah’s Park Children’s Church are also widely used, providing diverse formats and content. Themes such as the 10 Commandments, Armor of God 8-week curriculum, Bible trivia, Jesus’s miracles, and Parables of Jesus are common. Small Church Starter Curriculum and Fruit of the Spirit lessons are particularly suited for smaller congregations, focusing on key biblical principles in an accessible way.
Small Churches Need Customization and Flexibility
Children’s ministry curriculums offer significant customization and flexibility to meet the specific needs of different churches. Many provide a 3-year scope and sequence, ensuring long-term planning, while materials are often available in PDF format for easy adaptation. Comprehensive curriculums can be tailored to various child development stages and core doctrines, with flexible options for printed materials, mobile and web app access, and scalable content that works for small or large groups. Churches can benefit from regular emails with games, theology-based lessons, and unlimited access to digital resources, allowing for dynamic, adaptable teaching solutions.
Curriculum with Event and Seasonal Programming
Event and seasonal programming in children’s ministry provides unique opportunities for churches to engage children in special activities, such as Vacation Bible School (VBS) and holiday-themed lessons. These programs are designed to complement regular curriculum by offering dynamic, high-energy events that can draw in new participants and deepen the faith of current attendees. VBS often incorporates engaging themes, crafts, music, and Bible stories to teach core Christian principles in a fun environment. Holiday-themed lessons, like those for Christmas or Easter, provide churches with a way to highlight the significance of these events in the Christian faith, encouraging children to connect deeper with God’s story through special seasonal content.
Curriculum that Promotes Kids’ Faith and Identity Formation
Faith and identity formation are central components of children’s ministry, helping children understand their role in God’s big story and the core truths of Christianity. This focus on spiritual development encourages children to explore their belief, curiosity, and identity in Christ. Programs often integrate foundational Christian doctrines and theology with age-appropriate teachings to guide children through key aspects of their faith. As part of child discipleship plans, these curriculums foster an understanding of God’s truth, the gospel, and personal faith, laying a strong foundation for children’s ongoing spiritual growth and helping them develop a lasting identity rooted in their relationship with God.
Sunday School Volunteer and Leader Resources
Effective children’s ministry relies on well-equipped volunteers and leaders, making it essential to provide comprehensive resources and support. Many curriculums offer volunteer training materials and strategies for recruiting and retaining leaders, ensuring consistent, high-quality delivery of the curriculum. Small group leaders and ministry leaders benefit from targeted training programs, such as volunteer training curriculums or guidance from certified ministry coaches, which enhance their ability to teach and connect with children. Additionally, volunteer appreciation materials and world-class support are often included to boost morale and recognize the dedication of the team, creating a stronger, more motivated group of leaders.
Connecting Church with Parent / Family / Home Engagement
Family and home engagement play a vital role in reinforcing children’s faith formation beyond the church setting. Many curriculums provide home resources and parent engagement strategies to help parents become active participants in their children’s spiritual growth. These resources often include faith conversation starters, biblical themes for family interaction, and shared strategies that link church teachings with home life. Disciple-making is encouraged through parent and home resources that foster ongoing discussions about God’s truth and the gospel. By partnering with families, children’s ministries create a holistic approach to spiritual development, ensuring that lessons learned at church are reinforced at home, even within small church experiences. Volunteer teams also play a part by supporting family engagement initiatives, creating a cohesive strategy between church and home.
Curriculum Pricing and Subscription Models
Children’s church curriculums are available in various pricing structures and subscription models, offering flexibility for churches of different sizes and budgets. Options typically range from one-time purchases to annual subscriptions, with discounts often available for smaller churches. Some curriculums offer tiered access, where premium features like additional media resources, training videos, or family engagement tools come with higher subscription levels. Free trials or scaled-down versions may also be available to allow churches to evaluate content before committing financially. This range of pricing models ensures that even small churches can access high-quality, impactful curriculum without straining their budgets.
Essential Bible Teaching Series for Kids
Children’s ministry curriculums often include specific teaching series that focus on biblical stories and themes designed to engage and educate children. Popular series topics include David & Psalms, Jesus’ Miracles, and The Early Church, with content often structured around chronological studies or biblical concept areas. Creative lessons are designed to be interactive, incorporating elements like worship songs, prayer activities, and family ministry events to deepen the learning experience. Curriculums often use a scope and sequence approach, helping ministries plan lessons that build on each other while developing essential Bible skills and spiritual habits in children. These dedicated series make it easier for churches to plan cohesive, meaningful teaching that aligns with broader ministry goals.
What are the top children’s ministry programs in 2024?
Popular Children’s Ministry and Sunday School Curriculum Publishers
For 2024, top children’s ministry curriculums offer a variety of engaging options designed to suit different church sizes and teaching styles. Brands like Wonder Ink, GO! Curriculum, and 252 Kids Curriculum by Think Orange are popular for their comprehensive and interactive lessons tailored for elementary-aged children. Lifeway and David C Cook provide both print and digital formats, such as Noah’s Park Children’s Church Kits, which cater to diverse ministry needs. Elevate Kids Now and KidsOwn Worship by Group deliver vibrant worship experiences and Bible-based activities. Life.Church also offers free church resources, making it easier for ministries to access quality content. For churches seeking both curriculum and leader training, Orange and Regular Baptist Press offer full-service solutions for effective children’s ministry.