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There has been a lot of discussion in my circle of friends recently about the necessity of Sunday School. I’ve been working in children’s ministry for nearly two decades and I never thought I’d see the day when churches would consider doing away with this valuable ministry. I know the arguments, “We need to cut costs,” and “We don’t have … More Children’s Ministry Resources

If my 12-year old were given a choice, he’d never grow up. (That’s been his confession since he was four.) When it came time to “move up” at church, he didn’t embrace the idea at all, at least not at first. Our senior children’s church runs from the ages of 6 to 11. Now that he was 12 he got … More Children’s Ministry Resources

When the weather turns cool and pumpkins appear at the farmer’s market kids start thinking about candy, costumes and Halloween. If your church is like mine, you like offering parents a trick or treating alternative. Soliciting candy door-to-door isn’t safe and let’s face it, some of the costumes and decorations are over the top scary. Traditionally, our kids’ ministry partners … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Ten years ago, I had the opportunity to visit a Los Angeles ministry called the Dream Center. Associated with the Assemblies of God, the Dream Center had an amazing grasp on outreach, a skill they used to fill an old, abandoned hospital in downtown LA with new worshipers. So when I had the chance to join them for a week … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Never underestimate the influence of your children’s worship bulletins. Pay no mind to the forgotten ones left behind, dirty and crumpled on your facility floor. It’s not the paper that matters but what’s inside it. When kids receive a bulletin, they know three things: you care, they matter and you have fun planned. I’ve seen many time, a rowdy bunch … More Children’s Ministry Resources

With any church event, from a one-night, kids’ crusade to a week-long VBS, the ultimate goal is to get as many people as possible to attend. An expansive reach with the resources available translates to smart stewardship and it pleases the Lord. (Remember the story of the man who hid his talents?) However, there is nothing more spiritually deflating then … More Children’s Ministry Resources

This free printable features the month of August. It allows children to write in the days for the month and count them down. In North America, the weather begins to cool near the end of August and children return to school after their summer vacation. Click here to see all the months in our calendar. Directions: Click on the preview image … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Children of every generation always have heroes but today’s kids seemed focused on superheroes. With the help of the media, kids watch digitally-enhanced characters achieve great feats like save an entire city from villains, all while shooting spider webs. What greater hero is there than Jesus? He offers so much more than a hulking hero or an invisible man! If … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Getting a shy child to visit your children’s ministry can take some coaxing but I don’t like forcing anyone to attend.  I find that giving out welcome packs breaks the ice and provides me with the opportunity to introduce myself (and the rest of the gang.) Mostly my welcome packs go to kids that visit big church but are afraid … More Children’s Ministry Resources

With the blazing summer temperatures, it may be hard to envision celebrating Christmas at this time of year.  But the heart of the gospel is that God came down to be present with us each and every day.  Christmas in July gives us the opportunity to talk about God’s story all over again.  The unique timing of the celebration ensures … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Before I became involved in children’s ministries, I never associated kids with revival. However, now that my life is “all things kids,” I clearly see the need for fanning the flames of a child’s faith. Like their adult counterparts, kids get distracted by life and can fall into complacency. It’s easy to go through the motions, especially if church attendance … More Children’s Ministry Resources

A children’s church store may not be top priority for a busy kids’ pastor but if you struggle with discipline, it could be a good idea for your group. Running a children’s church store requires some planning and tracking but the results are worth the effort. Besides encouraging good behavior, a children’s church store promotes attendance, builds excitement and faith. … More Children’s Ministry Resources

God holds wonderful treasures, some of which may only be accessed through prayer. Kids want those treasures but they need a guide to help them find their way. One of the things I love the most about children’s ministry is having the opportunity to pray with children. Teaching kids to pray isn’t tough; however, I find many teachers and volunteers … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Sunday School changed my life! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard that statement during my experience teaching children’s classes. A vibrant, exciting Sunday Sunday educates believers by familiarizing them with the Bible record while teaching them how to  apply the principles to their lives. As a new superintendent, you have the responsibility of making that vision happen … More Children’s Ministry Resources

If you’ve been asked to participate in a kids’ church takeover service — rejoice! How wonderful to participate in a church that welcomes children in the “big church” and allows kids to serve in ministry. For the children’s pastor faced with leading this service, it may seem like a daunting task. During my tenure as a children’s pastor, I’ve been … More Children’s Ministry Resources

**This is a guest post from Nick Diliberto from PreteenMinistry.net Preteens crave an authentic relationship with God and are eager to grow their friendship with Him. They’re capable of owning the relationship, independently of their mom or dad. One of the best things leaders can do is provide preteens opportunities to grow in their faith. Here are a three ideas to … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Warm weather makes me want to run outdoors and play, even though I am slightly older than the average kid. If you and I feel that way after a long, cold winter, imagine how the kids feel! Did you know, the great outdoors is the perfect location for reaching kids for Jesus? Kids love to play, no matter where they … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Unless your ministry is located under a rock, you’ve had firsthand experience with at risk children. Although I do not like labeling kids, we teachers need to know what challenges lay before us. Children who fall under the “at risk” category tend to act out, even dangerously, to gain attention while other children remain resolutely hidden in the background. At … More Children’s Ministry Resources