Ministry Segments That Motivate Kids to Attend

Kids can’t drive but they still hold a tremendous influence over parents that do. When kids are motivated to attend church there is no stopping them. So short of an expensive, time-consuming event what is a children’s pastor to do? Start by motivating the group that you already have. Strengthen your base with ministry segments that will keep kids coming … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Bible Geocaching for Preteens

**This is a guest post by Glenys Nellist  from Kids Ministry Matters Geocaching is a fascinating, fun phenomenon that is growing in popularity. A free, real-world outdoor treasure hunt, geocaching is played by using a smartphone or GPS to locate hidden containers called geocaches. With over two million treasures hidden around the world, geocaching is an ideal activity for tweens, and … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Game Idea: SLIP ‘N’ SLIDE ‘N’ GRAB

**This is a guest post from Nick Diliberto from PreteenMinistry.net Use this fun game in your preteen ministry this spring or summer. Supplies: Homemade Slip ‘N’ Slide made from plastic sheeting, baby shampoo, water hose, assortment of objects varying in size (small, medium, large, x-large) How to Make a Slip ‘N’ Slide: You can purchase plastic sheeting (heavy duty) at most … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Lesson Skit – God Speaks to Samuel

Here is a skit about God speaking to Samuel during the night while he was living in the Tabernacle with Eli (1 Samuel 3). It could be used to review the story and give the children a chance to participate. No props are needed except maybe “beds” for Samuel and Eli to lie down on. Click here to download this … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Bible Lesson: Nehemiah's Opposition (Nehemiah 4,6)

This lesson focuses on Nehemiah’s opposition to rebuild the wall.  Students will discover from Nehemiah’s example how they can overcome obstacles they may face to serve and obey God. This lesson was created for older students but can easily be adapted to use for your ministry needs. Bible Passage: Nehemiah 4,6 Bible Story Title: Nehemiah’s Opposition Target Age Group:  Ages 9-11 (3rd-5th Grade … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Race Car Object Lessons

Kids love their toys and remote-controlled race cars continue to be a kid favorite. Since I have kids of my own, I always have a toy box full of object lesson inspiration, including a few remote-controlled cars, robots and dinosaurs. I grabbed a few remote-controlled cars and used them in these three different object lessons. (One important note — remember … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Lesson: Live Your Life For God

This free Bible lesson will help children understand what it means to “live for God.” It is well suited for an older elementary Sunday School class, but we encourage you to modify our ideas to best fit your ministry setting. As always, we welcome your comments to help other readers in teaching this material. Gospel Connection: More than anything elementary … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Getting the Most from Your Kids Ministry Event

Hosting a kids’ event takes a ton of effort, planning and prayer. By the time the event comes around, I’m ready for it to be over but just running through it without thought won’t yield the results I want. After investing so much, financially and spiritually, I want to get the most from the kids’ event I’m involved with. You … More Children’s Ministry Resources

"Happy Mother's Day" Coloring Page

This is our latest free coloring sheet related to mother’s day. It’s a simple design and has the words, “Happy Mother’s Day.” The illustration shows a girl and a boy giving flowers to their mother while she works on laundry. It can serve as a reminder to mom that despite her busy life, the blessing of her children is worth … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Lesson Skit: David Defeats the Giant Goliath

This skit dramatizes the Bible story where David battles Goliath. The scripture text for this incident is 1 Samuel 17. This script can be read during a Sunday School class or kids’ worship to give a feel for the story without requiring any rehearsal or advance preparation. It could be repeated to give more kids a chance to participate.  You can … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Mother's Day Prayer Ideas

One of the best gifts anyone can give to someone they love is to pray for them. In fact, it truly is our duty to lift up the people we know and love in prayer. The Bible teaches us to “Honor your father and mother…” I believe that praying for your parents falls under this category! Build stronger families this … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Mother's Day Tea Party Activities

What better way to celebrate Moms than by hosting a tea party in your kids’ ministry facility? I love tea parties and I’ll make an educated guess here, many other Moms do too. Let’s take a special day, even a Sunday, to pay tribute to mothers in your church. Locate a few white tablecloths or sheets, some mismatched china and … More Children’s Ministry Resources

5 Cheap Mother's Day Gifts for Kids

Sending home small Mother’s Day gifts makes kids, moms and me happy but with a group as large as mine, that can cost a pretty penny. When you’ve got more than a handful of kids, what can you do for cheap mother’s day gifts for kids? My volunteers and I recently brainstormed on this subject and came up with some … More Children’s Ministry Resources

7 Can't Forget Biblical Storytelling Tips

Storytelling immerses the listener into the panorama of the Bible with an enormous effect if it’s done right. You don’t have to be a natural-born ham or a professional to tell an unforgettable story. Before your next class or session, review these storytelling tips. You can bring the Bible to life with a few adjustments! 1. Know the story backwards … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Lesson: Jesus Says "Ask, Seek, Knock"

ask seek knock

This free Bible lesson on prayer is based on Matthew 7:7-12 in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Use it in your Sunday School or Children’s Church. Please modify to best meet the ministry setting and the children you will teach. We welcome your ideas and feedback in the comment section below. Gospel Connection: In this passage, we are reminded of … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Bible Lesson: Repairing the Wall (Nehemiah 3-4)

This is the second lesson in a series from the Book of Nehemiah.  The students discover from reading about Nehemiah repairing Jerusalem’s walls that every believer has work to do.  The lesson was prepared for older students, but can easily be modified for any ministry context. We welcome your suggestions and ideas in the comment box below. Bible Passage:  Nehemiah … More Children’s Ministry Resources

4 Tips for Transitioning Kids to Youth Ministry

Graduating kids up to the teen ministry of the church is always a bittersweet experience, isn’t it? Actually, moving children along their set spiritual path has been the goal all along, but sometimes the finish line blurs under the weight of crayons, crafts and object lessons. Like parents and pastors, kids often feel a bit unsettled about “moving up.”  Transitioning … More Children’s Ministry Resources

6 Things New Families Want to See

When a new family visits your children’s ministry, you’ve got one opportunity to make a good impression. Your core families may forgive you for an overflowing garbage can or your late arrival but new families…not so much. Unfortunately, ministry isn’t always neat and tidy and even the most organized kids’ pastor can have an off day. I know I have! … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Daniel and the Lion’s Den (Preschool Bible Lesson)

Use this free lesson plan to teach preschoolers how God saved Daniel from the Lion’s Den. We’ve included several activities, but please modify and include what is most appropriate for your ministry setting. Your suggestions are always helpful to other readers. Bible Story: Daniel and the Lion’s Den – Daniel 6:2-4,6-7,10-13,16-17,19-22 Learning Objectives: After this lesson, the children will demonstrate … More Children’s Ministry Resources

10 Ways to Guide a Child’s Behavior

The average children’s pastor has a child for a few hours a week, the rest of his time is divided between school, family and probably video games. Kids, like little sponges, pick up a lot from their surroundings like words they should not hear, actions you wish they wouldn’t see and the list goes on and on. While we only … More Children’s Ministry Resources