Animated Video of Jesus Crucifixion

The Jesus Film Project has released a short animated film titled “My Last Day.” It’s the story of Christ’s crucifixion through the eyes of one of the criminals who died beside him on that day. I wouldn’t show this to younger children. It reminds me of a miniature cartoon “Passion of the Christ.” You might use this to get the … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Easter Craft: The Empty Tomb

The Empty Tomb Easter Craft Jesus is alive! Show kids the wonder of the resurrection message by leading them with the empty tomb craft. There are lots of good ones out there but this one is my favorite. You’ll need some prep time for cutting out tombs so give yourself time before class. Cut paper plates in half. Foam plates … More Children’s Ministry Resources

17 Easter Coloring Pages (Easy Print PDF)

Show kids that Easter is all about Jesus. This coloring page bundle includes a variety of pictures so you will find something that works for your group. We’ve included complex and simple designs to fit different age groups. Mandy Groce created most of these illustrations over the years. Millions of children have enjoyed them over the years. This new edition … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Free Empty Tomb Coloring Page

God had a big surprise for the disciples on Easter morning. They came to the tomb and discovered it was empty. Jesus was not there because he had risen! This free empty tomb coloring page shows Mary standing beside the cave. The stone is rolled away and she has a look of shocked joy on her face. Directions: Select the … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Palm Sunday Coloring Pages

palm sunday coloring page triumphant entry

This free coloring sheet shows Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey for Palm Sunday. The crowd is shouting Hosanna! and waving Palm branches. This scenes is often called the Triumphant Entry and can be found in Matthew 21. The simple style of this coloring page would make it useful as a preschool or toddler craft project. Any age of … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Free "He Is Risen" Coloring Page

Directions: Click on the preview picture above for a printable PDF version of this coloring page. We’ve also made a higher resolution JPEG image available. This Easter coloring sheet would be ideal for Resurrection Sunday. It has a picture of Jesus along with the words, “He is Risen.” Other phrases decorate the picture as well. As with all our coloring pages, you … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Folding a Palm Sunday Cross Craft

Have you ever seen those little crosses made using real palm fonds and wonder how they did it? This is a tradition in many churches to distribute these to the congregation on Palm Sunday. It’s also a memorable craft for children’s Sunday School. This is a craft idea we tried once in our children’s church. It took some real patience and was … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Palm Sunday Craft for Kids (Easy Paper Leaf)

Video Example of Easter & Palm Sunday Crafts The best crafts are simple and hands on, that’s why we love making these paper palm leaves from green construction paper. As a bonus you can act out the waving branches. This one won’t win an art content but it’s easy way to get kids active in the Bible lesson. Easter is … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Ruth Bible Lesson for Children

This free Children’s Church lesson plan was first written for elementary aged students. It covers the story of Ruth. This material could also be used as the Ruth Bible story lesson for children’s Sunday school. Be sure to consider your own ministry context and modify it as needed. We’ve tried to include enough activities to allow some choice in your … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Easy Easter Crafts for Busy Teachers

Ministry isn’t always scripted. Christian teachers are often called upon to lead special holiday projects and events without much notice. If the ministry you serve is on a budget, you may find preparing for even well planned Easter projects stressful. Supplying each child with a craft kit is pricy if your ideas are complicated. You need easy, inexpensive crafts that … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Easter Sunday (Preschool Bible Lesson)

This printable lesson plan is designed to teach preschool aged children about the story of Easter. It could be used in any setting with children age 2-5 at church, including a preschool Sunday School class or a preschool children’s church class. As always, consider your own ministry context and modify it as needed. Bible Story: The Story of Easter SundayScripture: … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Easter Lesson for Kids (Matthew 28:1-10)

This free Children’s Church lesson plan was first written for elementary aged students. It goes over the story of Easter Sunday. This material could also be used as the Bible lesson plan for children’s Sunday school. Be sure to consider your own ministry context and modify it as needed. Look for additional teaching ideas and resources linked at the bottom … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Easter Cross (Simple Printable) Craft for Kids

Easter Cross Printable Craft There are two options for this craft – depending on how complicated you want to make the project. Easy / Less Mess – Just print the paper, cover the cross shape with clear scotch tape. Have the kids use crayons or markers. The color won’t stick to the taped portion. The photo above is the finished … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Valentine's Day Games for Kids (Videos)

Girl holding up paper heart.

Try these fun Valentine’s Day games for kids. They work in the classroom and just need some popular candy. They are basically toss the candy minute-to-win-it style. Watch this video below. Do you have some game ideas you would like to share. You’ll see several examples of fun ways to add a little play to your children’s Valentine party. There … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Resurrection Sunday Bible Journey for Families (Download Here)

This guest post was contributed by Lynda Freeman who blogs at About the Children’s Department. Bible Journeys provide unique opportunities for families to work together to provide special events where church and community families can experience God’s Word together and come to understand what it means and how to live it in their everyday lives! Resurrection Sunday Bible Journey is an event with four … More Children’s Ministry Resources

What Kids Really Need from Parents at Christmas

It’s that time of year for the last minute Christmas scramble. Whether it’s those last few gifts to purchase, those sugar cookies to make, the presents that need wrapped, or the holiday cards that need mailed, the days before Christmas always seem to expend a lot of energy, stress, and money. I’m pretty certain that’s not what Christ intended. As … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Christmas Story Told by Facebook Updates [video]

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

You Decide: Best Christmas Hymn for Kids

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

Where's the Line to See Jesus? [Video]

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

Children’s Church Christmas Party Games

A Christmas party provides a nice background for kids to socialize with one another. However, every seasoned ministry leader knows expecting kids to entertain themselves is a recipe for disaster. This is especially true if sugar is involved! Keep your children’s church Christmas party on the “straight and narrow” by breaking up social time with fun party games. Enjoy these … More Children’s Ministry Resources

You Decide: Should Santa Come to Church?

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.

Are You Missing the "Why" of Christmas?

At this time of year churches are focused on the angels, Mary and Joseph, the shepherds, the wise men, and most importantly baby Jesus.  As we teach the children in our churches about the story of Jesus’ birth we cannot forget to teach them the “why” of Christmas.  Jesus did not just come to earth in the form of a … More Children’s Ministry Resources