Children can have a challenging time understanding metaphors and abstract concepts. In this Gospel passage, Jesus offers some hyperbolic statements that can be hard even for adults. The focus of this message emphasizes the “salt” element, though. Kids are encouraged to think about the importance of our influence on the world as Christians. Just as salt can add flavor to … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Use this coloring page when teaching about Elijah, the prophet featured prominently the book of Kings. His ministry was during a dark time in Israel’s history and he often was the messenger of God’s judgement. This is another illustration in our Bible Heroes Coloring Book. This line art illustration shows Elijah with hands raised in prayer. Visual elements of a raven, … More Children’s Ministry Resources
“Me first!” This is a cry that is likely heard by anyone working with children. Kids are often short on patience, and can also be a bit competitive. This message communicates to them the principles that Jesus taught, which turn our ideas of greatness upside down. Discussing this Gospel passage with kids emphasizes to them how dependent we are on … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Who is the greatest? It all seems upside down…These crafts focus on the interaction between Jesus and His disciples in Mark 9, when He instructed them in humility and explained that to be “greatest”, they needed to think less of themselves and depend on God. This idea might seem upside down or “topsy turvy” to what we normally expect. But … More Children’s Ministry Resources
What does it take to be the best? This is a question that might arise when we contemplate the lives and efforts of sports stars or historical figures. Greatness in the eyes of society usually means recognizing those who work hard, achieve success, and operate competitively. Yet in this Gospel passage, we see that God has different concepts of being … More Children’s Ministry Resources
The tongue can be a tremendous tool…or a deadly weapon! It might seem simple enough, but our words have powerful impact. It’s important to teach young children that our words carry weight, and we want to use them wisely. These crafts remind students to think before speaking and to use kind words that build others up and glorify God. A … More Children’s Ministry Resources
This message emphasizes to kids the importance of using speech wisely. Children experience the impact that words can have, but they don’t always stop to think before they speak or consider how their words will impact others. This message reminds students that the things we say can be a helpful tool or a harmful weapon. Words do have lasting effects … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Jesus did many amazing miracles in His life on Earth…in fact, “He did all things well” as people said of Him! We can trust that He will do all things well in our lives, too. He loves us and promises His presence, even if we still struggle. These crafts celebrate the healing of a man born deaf and mute. Through … More Children’s Ministry Resources
This message describes another of Christ’s remarkable healings. Jesus was noticed and celebrated for His amazing power. People watching did not always recognize who He was or why He did such incredible things, but we know! As kids consider how Jesus healed a man born deaf and mute, they will be encouraged to think about how we can ask God … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Wash your hands! It’s an important admonition and one that children are used to hearing. In this lesson, they’ll learn of a time when Jesus was criticized for not washing His hands…only it wasn’t about germs in His case. The story touches on Jewish traditions and customs, and how they distracted people from recognizing and understanding who Jesus was and … More Children’s Ministry Resources
How do we have good “heart hygiene”? These crafts recollect the importance of not only taking care of our physical bodies, but having the right heart intent as well. Children will consider the blessing and comfort of knowing that Jesus washes our inner sins away. A “Clean Up Box” provides a handy space for cleaning implements, as well as reminders … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Actions speak louder than words…and pure intentions speak louder than outer actions! Children are accustomed to following rules or going along with traditions, even if they often don’t quite understand the meaning behind them. However, it is important to recognize that in our Christian lives, heart intent matters. God cares about what’s inside of us, more than the details of … More Children’s Ministry Resources
The Armor of God is a fun visual to talk about with students, but it is important to communicate what it truly means, as well. As frightening as it might sound, there are evil forces at work in the world around us. The good news is that we know God protects and provides for us, no matter what. This message … More Children’s Ministry Resources
How do we protect ourselves spiritually? What is God’s Armor, and how do we clothe ourselves with it? These crafts are just a few fun examples of how to make great visual reminders of the elements that make up the Armor of God. A paper plate serves as the base for a “shield” of faith; a headband makes a “helmet” … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Children can relate to the concept of admiring soldiers…whether the idea of armor comes from ancient Roman days, Medieval knights, or modern day military and police, donning a protective uniform is something kids appreciate. Wearing defensive gear offers a visual analogy to spiritual armor. It’s important to share with students that there is spiritual warfare going on around us. This … More Children’s Ministry Resources
This message aims to describe for children what wisdom means and where it comes from. Young people might think of wisdom as mere knowledge or “head smarts”, but true wisdom comes from the heart. Wisdom is something that we should desire because God wants us to have it and practice using it. The message uses practical objects and misconceptions to … More Children’s Ministry Resources
What is wisdom? How do we get it and use it, and why is it important? Youngsters might imagine wisdom to be synonymous with intelligence, but it is helpful to explain that wisdom comes from the Lord, and that it involves decisions and discernment. These crafts highlight those principles. A “Decision Bag” allows children to create a re-usable tool for … More Children’s Ministry Resources
What is wisdom? How do we know what choices are best? Can we make ourselves wise? Young students may or may not have encountered such considerations in their lives, but they are worth discussion. Kids should understand what wisdom is and where it comes from. They can learn the importance of discernment, even at an early age. The story of … More Children’s Ministry Resources
This message addresses a beautiful passage in Ephesians, which reminds us to “put on Christ” as we focus on living in ways that are kind and truthful, rather than lashing out in anger. The key principle of this message focuses on what it means to imitate Jesus. When we imitate something, we mimic or copy it, recognizing that we are … More Children’s Ministry Resources
What does it mean to imitate Jesus? How do we build others up with kindness and tenderheartedness? Is it a sin to be angry? This beautiful passage from Ephesians emphasizes the importance of genuine kindness. These crafts reiterate the significance of building each other up in love and controlling our reactions to emotion by focusing on Jesus. A “flipside of … More Children’s Ministry Resources
“Be kind”…we say it often, but what does it mean? How do we describe and encourage love and kindness in students, and how do we explain the importance of imitating Jesus, despite our troublesome human nature? It can be challenging to re-shape the naturally self-centered habits of children, but it’s important to provide them with God’s word as an example … More Children’s Ministry Resources
As children’s ministry leaders, you’ve been called to child discipleship. Every week you fill the critical need for a loving, caring adult to pass on a legacy of faith to the incoming generation of children. Hundreds of thousands of leaders around the world commit themselves to this high calling. Time only reveals more clearly that, now more than ever, we … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Have some bread! In this day of gluten-free, carb friendly diet consciousness, we might lose sight of how essential bread has been historically to life. It is a food staple that sees variations throughout time and culture, but which nourishes and strengthens us physically. Understanding that Jesus is our “bread” reminds us that He provides what we need for spiritual … More Children’s Ministry Resources
We see bread appear several times in the Bible…God gave the Israelites manna in the wilderness. Christ used loaves and fish to feed crowds. Most significantly, the savior gave His body for us on the cross, and calls us to remember that with the bread of Communion. What does it mean that Jesus calls Himself the bread of life? Just … More Children’s Ministry Resources