Pastor’s kids are prone to rebel against the church. The problem is so common it’s become a stereotype. The same dangers affect MKs (missionary kids) and SKs (staff kids) and DKs (deacon’s kids). Every ministry volunteer should take this seriously. After all — What does it profit if gain all the kids for Jesus, but lose our own children. Ed Stetzer wrote … More Children’s Ministry Resources
This worksheet focuses on God the Father as one member of the Trinity. Both the characteristics and the actions of God are discussed. Click here to download this free printable in PDF format. This is part of a new series of worksheets called “Learn About…” which interpret Bible topics on an elementary school level. Bibles and pencils are needed for … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Need a few object lessons for the upcoming month but don’t want to break the bank on supplies? You can do that with inexpensive (okay, cheap) items like a glass or pitcher of water. In the Bible, water is often a symbol for purity and represents the cleansing of sins. That’s a great place to start! You can feature these … More Children’s Ministry Resources
This free coloring page is based on the book of Ecclesiastes. It’s one part of our series of illustrations for each individual book of the Bible. Click on the preview image above to download this coloring page in print-friendly PDF format. We’ve also uploaded a the JPEG image for anyone who needs to edit the picture or words. The illustration … More Children’s Ministry Resources
This free coloring page is based on the book of Proverbs. It’s one part of our series of illustrations for all the books of the Bible. Click on the preview image above to download this coloring page in print-friendly PDF format. We’ve also uploaded a the JPEG image for anyone who needs to edit the picture or words. The illustration … More Children’s Ministry Resources
It’s easy to make and great for an object lesson–it’s Jell-o! You’ll have to plan ahead for this visual aid as it takes a few hours to set but you can cheat and purchase some pre-made single servings to hand out after the demonstration. Since Jell-o has such an unusual composition, it’s perfect for a bible lesson about building your … More Children’s Ministry Resources
This free coloring page is based on the book of Psalms. It’s one part of our series of illustrations for each book of the Bible. Click on the preview image above to download this coloring page in print-friendly PDF format. You can also download the JPEG image to edit the picture or words using a photo editing program. The illustration has … More Children’s Ministry Resources
This lesson was inspired by the Gospel Project curriculum we’ve been using at our church. It was created for a small group of K-5 students. The students will learn that believers can confidently pray because God hears all our prayers. Bible Passage: 2 Kings 18-20 (Additional reading for teacher’s Bible study 2 Chron 29-32, Isaiah 37-38) Bible Story Title: King Hezekiah trusts … More Children’s Ministry Resources
In this worksheet children are reminded that God loved us first, and that is why we should love one another. Also discussed are ways of showing love for one another. Click here to download this free printable. This is part of a new series of worksheets called “Learn About…” which interpret Bible topics on an elementary school level. Bibles and … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Playing this card-matching game, children learn more about 12 married couples in the Bible. Who pleased God? Who didn’t please God? This game could be played near Valentine’s Day or any time you are studying one of these Bible couples. It would work well for 2 to 4 players or teams. Print the cards (PDF) on card stock or heavy paper … More Children’s Ministry Resources
This lesson is inspired by the Gospel Project curriculum we’ve been using at my church. This is an overview of Joel prepared for a small group of students ranging from age 6-10. The focus of the lesson is God’s desire for all people to repent and believe in Jesus to be saved from God’s punishment. Bible Passage: Joel 1-4 Bible Story … More Children’s Ministry Resources
This free coloring page could help children learn about the meaning of Holy Communion. Click on the preview image above to download this coloring-page (PDF). We’ve also uploaded a full color example (PDF) for kids who like a template to copy. 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 (ESV) 23 For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the … More Children’s Ministry Resources
If you are looking for an exciting theme for children’s church this winter you can’t go wrong with an Olympic theme. Using an identifiable theme is a fun way to integrate lessons games and crafts into a comprehensive unit. Teachers know that reinforcing the lesson with games and activities is a great way to help kids remember what they have … More Children’s Ministry Resources
No matter where you live in the United States, chances are people in your neck of the woods love football. Whether you’re a college fan or follow the NFL the rules of football are pretty basic. Get the ball, move the ball and score some points. These are all concepts that are easy to transfer into a classroom setting–even in … More Children’s Ministry Resources
This cartoon shows how Jacob (aka Israel) wrestled with an Angel of the Lord. The story itself is mysterious, but many interpreters believe this was a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ. Elgin offers this comic take on the incidence – complete with modern day wrestling tights! Use the links below to download this free illustration to use in your ministry. coloring … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Can we play a game… We should play a game… Can we play a game now… Her tone of voice was more demanding than you’d expect. After all, this little angel was only in kindergarten and usually gave me no trouble. But not today – she was in rare form. The lesson wasn’t enough to keep her entertained and she wanted … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Try this simple object lesson to teach children the importance of the church community in their lives. Main Idea: We are stronger together, the church is a group of friends who help each other follow Jesus. Items Needed: Several heavy books. We used unwrapped story Bibles. Suggested Verses: Ecclesiastes 4:12 — Though a man might prevail against one who is … More Children’s Ministry Resources
This game reminds children of things we can do to show our love for Jesus. Many activities are good things to do, but only certain ones especially show our love for Jesus. Because the game distinguishes between good actions and “best” actions, it is most appropriate for second graders and up. It can be played by 2 to 6 players … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Jesus Loves Me Bingo reminds children of the ways God shows his love for us. It could be used near Valentine’s Day or any time you are emphasizing God’s love. The 3×3 cards (where you have to get 3 in a row) would work well for kindergarten and above. The 2×2 cards (where you have to mark all 4 pictures) would … More Children’s Ministry Resources
A strong church focuses on the family–in whatever form that family takes. Whether a family is a single parent or a large blended family, chances are parents will face challenges they didn’t plan on. An angry tween who can’t seem to move past a divorce, a toddler with severe separation anxiety, a frazzled parent who has no idea what to … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Our post about church nursery brought out some interesting discussion about the pro’s/con’s of younger children being present during the pastor’s sermon. Many patents have strong convictions about this topic, but I will risk a little disagreement to hear what you think. Please leave your thoughts below. One note – respectful debate is welcome, but I will moderate anyone who … More Children’s Ministry Resources
At a recent children’s ministry workshop, a volunteer asked me who inspired me to work in kids’ ministry. My answer was two-fold, Jesus Christ and Willy Wonka. Not two role models that usually go together but it’s true! If I had my choice, I’d totally focus on finding creative ways to reach kids for Jesus; however, by not having a … More Children’s Ministry Resources
You’ve got a heart to teach kids how to pray but don’t know how to get started. Prayers are as varied as the kids you teach! If you need a place to begin, you can’t beat the Lord’s prayer. However, merely reciting it repeatedly won’t give kids the experience you’re after. Why not add some easy hand movements when you … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Learning the Lord’s Prayer in American Sign Language is another way to help children internalize and retain this scripture passage. Some children’s ministries will even have the class present their work to the congregation on Sunday morning. We found this video on YouTube that teaches the sign language movements for Jesus’ model prayer in Matthew 6:9-13. Credit: This video was … More Children’s Ministry Resources