Teaching the Lord’s prayer? Remember that teaching time for kids should include a bit of fun! If you’re looking for some Lord’s prayer activities, you can’t beat these ideas. Choose one or two or use them all! Introducing activities into a lesson gives children the opportunity to activate their faith on what they’ve learned. Write it in the sky! If … More Children’s Ministry Resources
You’ve got a great lesson planned to teach kids the Lord’s prayer but what about object lessons? When you reinforce a teaching session with visual aids, you keep kids’ attention and give volunteers a chance to dip their toes into the teaching waters. Illustrate this important lesson with object lessons inspired by the Lord’s prayer. Which bread? A few days … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Without volunteers most children’s ministry would have a difficult time managing the many details of ministering to children. From leading at the crafts table to distributing snacks to teaching, willing hands make it happen. Most of the time, they work without all the recognition they deserve and of course, pay. However, because you do depend on them so much, it’s … More Children’s Ministry Resources
As much as you hate to miss, you’ll need to ask a substitute teacher to step in. If you’ve got an inexperienced teacher, or one that’s not used to your particular group, the substitute can feel a little overwhelmed. For the best teaching experience for both kids and substitute, the teacher needs to be prepared. If possible, have everything ready … More Children’s Ministry Resources
After a season of working solo, an extra pair of hands is a welcome sight but in our zeal to lighten the load, we can make recruiting mistakes. Recruiting for kids’ ministry is an ongoing process but don’t fall into the trap of desperation and compromise. While the gospel is an “everyone welcome” message, not everyone is “called” to work … More Children’s Ministry Resources
This lesson strives to help children understand that sin is like a chain that is bounding them. Sin may seem good at first, but the repercussions are always negative. We cannot be free as long as we are surrounded by sin. Only God has the power to forgive our sins and our hope must be in him. Lesson Title: All … More Children’s Ministry Resources
This lesson uses inquiry to help middle schoolers find the meaning of thankfulness. Many of the Old Testament heroes faced difficult challenges in their lives, such as Daniel’s captivity in a den of lions. We know that God protected Daniel and brought him out of the den safely. We will focus on the aspect of the story where Daniel thanks … More Children’s Ministry Resources
This lesson strives to teach young children that God is always with them and gives them what they need if they will just trust him. After the Exodus, Moses led the people of Israel away from Egypt and into the wilderness. At first the Israelites were overjoyed to finally be free, but that joy quickly turned to bitterness and agitation … More Children’s Ministry Resources
One of my two favorite times of the week both happen on Sunday—at the beginning and end of children’s church. I can’t wait to get in there and teach but by the time the service is over, I’m ready to crawl to my couch and hope a kind family member will bring me a glass of iced tea. I’ve noticed … More Children’s Ministry Resources
You took a weekend off but came back feeling just as restless, tired and spiritually out of focus as you did when you left. You’ve been serving non-stop for months, even years and simply feel like you don’t have anything left to give. All attempts at “pepping yourself up” or encouraging yourself in the Lord have fallen flat. It’s obvious … More Children’s Ministry Resources
The Lord’s prayer is simple but perhaps that’s what makes it so powerful. The words of Jesus have resonated with humanity for 2000 years–long after he first spoke them. What better prayer example can we ask for? If you have a heart to get your families praying this prayer at home, give them some inspiration. Put some suggestions in your … More Children’s Ministry Resources
The Sunday after Christmas kids want to talk about their stuff. They always run up to me and start pouring out their list of new belongings. To redirect this, I’ve made some time in children’s church to talk about Christmas gifts and return thanks for God’s blessing. Here’s how it works. Have the children sit in a large circle for a … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Today, I was a last minute substitute for our 4th-5th grade Sunday School class. We expected class size to be down this weekend, so I decided for a non-traditional lesson plan. I gathered up all the different story Bibles from around my office and placed them out in front of the class. In case you didn’t know, I love story … More Children’s Ministry Resources
If I believed in magic, (which I don’t) I would have to say that balloons have a magical quality. No matter where you put them in a room, children will unavoidably be drawn to them. Even uninflated balloons are full of potential for kids. Don’t believe me? Place a basket full of balloons in the center of your classroom table. … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Main idea: As we welcome a new year, we can remember the Christmas message, that GOD IS WITH US! Teacher preparation: Read Scripture references (below), Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148:7-14 and Hebrews 2:10-18 Spend time in prayer. Pray for your students. Many people get the “Christmas blues” this time of year, as the family festivities come to a close. We don’t … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Do kids really need a New Year’s Eve party? Yes! Everybody appreciates a “do over.” Repentance and forgiveness are foundational in our Christian. In our culture, New Year’s Eve is the time when many people decide to start over in their attempt to reach a specific goal. Encourage your kids to search their hearts and get a fresh start for … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Many churches hold New Year’s Eve “watch parties” to ring in the new year. Congregations have different programs but if it’s a lengthy one, kids will get bored. Nobody wants that! If your church has an activity planned for the adults have something for kids to do too–besides watch a movie. These activities are great time fillers when you want … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Wondering how you can mark the New Year in children’s church? A time capsule is a capital idea! What a fun tradition to open and replace a time capsule each year. This activity is good for any class size and even younger children will find this New Year activity fun. With a time capsule, you can teach kids valuable lessons … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Like most people I begin the New Year with a list of resolutions. However like many of you, I have learned over the years that most of my resolutions rarely leave the dream list. I have found that the best New Year’s resolutions are the ones that involve doing something for someone else. As a children’s pastor and servant, I … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Use this free Christian coloring sheet to help children remember that Jesus is the greatest “gift” ever given. When God gave his son to the world, it wasn’t for our temporary happiness but our eternal joy in Him. Click on the preview image to download this coloring sheet in print-friendly PDF format. We’ve also uploaded the JPEG version for any … More Children’s Ministry Resources
**This is a guest post from Nick Diliberto from PreteenMinistry.net Object: This game is a mix of charades, listening, and tons of laughing! Supplies: Large bowl Timers Scrap pieces of paper (each student & leader need 3 pieces) Pens Preparation: Give each preteen a pen and three pieces of paper How to Play: Everyone will receive 3 pieces of scrap paper and … More Children’s Ministry Resources
This Bible teaching skit reviews the events that happened after Jesus’ birth – meeting Simeon and Anna in the temple, the Wise Men coming, and the angel telling Joseph to take Mary and Jesus to Egypt. It is designed to be read during Sunday School or children’s church to review the story. Different children could play the roles in different … More Children’s Ministry Resources
* This idea was submitted by Bethany Tapp, the director of children’s ministries at the United Christian Church of Dubai. In preparation for our church’s Christmas carnival I was looking for a book to give families that was clear on the gospel as it told the Christmas story and couldn’t find anything that fit my needs, so I decided to write one for … More Children’s Ministry Resources
In Matthew 2:2 the wise men travel seeking the new king of Israel. What they discover is a young child who was God come in human flesh. While they did not arrive until some months (or up to 2 years) after Jesus was born, it was at the star above Bethlehem that appeared when he was born that led the … More Children’s Ministry Resources