Homeschooling is Not for the Faint of Heart!

What a true statement that I am learning first hand!  We have almost completed a year of homeschooling, and I have to be honest: It Has Been Challenging! Homeschooling is definitely not something to be taken lightly.  We had prayed for guidance regarding this decision, and I still believe this is where God had us for this school year.  However, … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Bible Story Skit & Lesson on Sodom and Gommorah

Several months ago, I wrote a post with an idea for teaching kids using a play that doesn’t work.  I’ve used it a number of times since then, including this morning for presenting a lesson on the destruction of Sodom and Gommorah.  I thought it might be helpful to post that lesson here for two reasons: It is a concrete … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Paul's Shipwreck (Acts 27) Bible Lesson

This lesson continues the Journey through the Book of Acts.  This lesson covers Paul’s shipwreck as he sails toward Rome.  Students will see how the Holy Spirit enables believers to have courage in difficult situations and be able to be an encouragement to others who are struggling.  The lesson was prepared for older students.  This is only a suggested guide … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Sunday School Invitation Flyer (Coloring Page)

This printable Sunday School invitation is designed to help kids reach out to their friends. The template has two different images per standard printer page. I would recommend a card stock type paper. You can use crayons, colored pencils, or markers for decorations. Directions: Select the preview to the right to download this image as a printable PDF file. We’ve also uploaded … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Easter Craft: The Empty Tomb

The Empty Tomb Easter Craft Jesus is alive! Show kids the wonder of the resurrection message by leading them with the empty tomb craft. There are lots of good ones out there but this one is my favorite. You’ll need some prep time for cutting out tombs so give yourself time before class. Cut paper plates in half. Foam plates … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Object Lessons: God’s Forgiveness

The act of forgiveness is freeing but God’s forgiveness is so complete that it is astounding! Our relationship with God begins with His willingness to forgive us. The love match continues as the Christian, young and old learns to depend on that very forgiveness daily. Christian children need to understand that God’s forgiveness covers their entire list of sins. They … More Children’s Ministry Resources

FLYTE – An Exciting New Bible Study Series for Preteens

Flyte, the new preteen curriculum from Lifeway is described by Lifeway’s Jeff Land on their website as “a curriculum to call their (preteens) own. If you ask them, preteens would tell you they’re not “in between” anything. They are facing puberty, drugs, sex, acceptance, and self-esteem issues every day. They do not need a “sophisticized” children’s curriculum, nor do they … More Children’s Ministry Resources

17 Easter Coloring Pages (Easy Print PDF)

Show kids that Easter is all about Jesus. This coloring page bundle includes a variety of pictures so you will find something that works for your group. We’ve included complex and simple designs to fit different age groups. Mandy Groce created most of these illustrations over the years. Millions of children have enjoyed them over the years. This new edition … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Free Empty Tomb Coloring Page

God had a big surprise for the disciples on Easter morning. They came to the tomb and discovered it was empty. Jesus was not there because he had risen! This free empty tomb coloring page shows Mary standing beside the cave. The stone is rolled away and she has a look of shocked joy on her face. Directions: Select the … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Palm Sunday Coloring Pages

palm sunday coloring page triumphant entry

This free coloring sheet shows Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey for Palm Sunday. The crowd is shouting Hosanna! and waving Palm branches. This scenes is often called the Triumphant Entry and can be found in Matthew 21. The simple style of this coloring page would make it useful as a preschool or toddler craft project. Any age of … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Free "He Is Risen" Coloring Page

Directions: Click on the preview picture above for a printable PDF version of this coloring page. We’ve also made a higher resolution JPEG image available. This Easter coloring sheet would be ideal for Resurrection Sunday. It has a picture of Jesus along with the words, “He is Risen.” Other phrases decorate the picture as well. As with all our coloring pages, you … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Godly Play: A Review & Introduction

As I walked into the classroom, I noticed the simple white shelves that blended right into the walls. I was drawn like a magnet to the materials on these invisible shelves. The different hues of the natural woods, the heft of the brass, the richness of the velvet. Each material was placed on its own tray, organized and respected in … More Children’s Ministry Resources

The Lion and the Lamb: A Paper Plate Craft

This craft uses simple supplies every children’s ministry probably has on hand.  It is used to teach children about how Jesus is both the Lion and the Lamb.  It can be spread out over two lessons or be combined into one. Key Bible Passage: Revelation 5 Appropriate Age: K-5 (The younger the children the longer the craft will take. I … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Sunday School Lesson: Israel's Northern Kings

This is a continuation in the study of Israel’s kings.  This lesson covers the reigns of Jeroboam through Omri.  Although none of the kings from the northern kingdom were righteous before God they are included in this series because everything written in Scripture is for our learning. Students will learn how merciful God is towards sinful man as they examine … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Two Object Lessons about God’s Love

There is no bigger or better lesson to teach kids than about God’s love. As the Bible tells us, not only is love the primary attribute of God, it is the stuff He’s made of. (1 John 4:8) Yet, in our world today so many children and adults haven’t the vaguest concept of what His love is like. As children’s … More Children’s Ministry Resources

9 Things They Didn't Teach Me about Children's Ministry

9 Things They Didn’t teach Me in College about Children’s Ministry promises “practical advice, inspiring stories, and interesting interviews with others involved in children’s ministry.” This pocket-sized composition book look-alike is a cute little package, but inside, it’s spot on and sobering. Author, Ryan Frank, strikes a chord with statistics like “the probability of five-to-twelve-year-old children accepting Christ as Savior … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Autism Awareness & Mother's of Autistic Children

The Inclusive Church blog has been running a great series of posts in honor of Autism awareness month. Amy is writing about what you should know about mothers of children with autism. It’s a fascinating look inside what is often a private struggle. These articles are so helpful for any of us in children’s ministry because Autism is a very common challenge.  Click the … More Children’s Ministry Resources

"Obey Your Parents" Object Lesson

The circle of blessing is a fun way to illustrate the promise God makes to children in the 5th commandment. Use this for a fun children’s sermon on mother’s day or father’s day (or in any lesson on the 5th commandment.  Supplies Needed: Circle of about 3ft diameter. I used a piece of rope attached to the floor with masking … More Children’s Ministry Resources

"Invitation Cards" Printable Coloring Page

Directions: Click on the preview above to download this image as a print-friendly PDF. You can also download the jpeg file to edit the image and add your own details before printing. This free invitation coloring page started with request from a reader. They wanted some type of invitation for kids to reach out to their friends or relatives. Mandy took that … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Review: Kids of Courage Vacation Bible School

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I asked to review the new Kid of Courage VBS starter kit from Voice of the Martyrs.  I have a great deal of respect for Voice of the Martyrs and their work in promoting the plight of persecuted Christians around the world.  That said, I wasn’t sure what to expect when I found … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Sunday School Lesson: Paul's Trial before Festus

This free Bible lesson for children continues the journey through Acts. Specifically, it covers Paul’s trial before Festus.  Students will learn that the Holy Spirit enables believers to trust the Lord and wait patiently for God to help them through difficulties.  This study is based on the 25th chapter of the book of Acts. The lesson was originally prepared for older … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Special Report: Future of Kids Ministry

A few months back I wrote an article for Kidmin360’s group writing project called “The Future of Children’s Ministry.” Greg Baird gathered together some forward thinkers and asked them to imagine what’s coming next in kids ministry. Download: Now that all the articles are finished, you can download this special report as a print friendly PDF file. Here is a … More Children’s Ministry Resources