Last week I was talking with Roger Fields when he told me about a popular new game in his church. It’s called Ga-Ga ball and is a form of Israeli Dodge Ball. It’s safer and more contained than traditional dodge ball. You can play it with individuals or teams. After looking it up on the Internet, this is what I’ve found. Setting … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Easter Cross Printable Craft There are two options for this craft – depending on how complicated you want to make the project. Easy / Less Mess – Just print the paper, cover the cross shape with clear scotch tape. Have the kids use crayons or markers. The color won’t stick to the taped portion. The photo above is the finished … More Children’s Ministry Resources
This is lesson continues our curriculum for preschoolers about knowing Jesus. Each lesson is based on a passage in the Gospel of Mark. You can read the series introduction for more explanation and links to the other lessons. This particular lesson is from Mark 5:21-24; 35-43 when Jesus heals the daughter of Jairus. This story points to the power of Jesus and the … More Children’s Ministry Resources
This coloring pages is one part of our free Christian adoption book by Mandy Groce. The picture shows a girl thinking about adoption and a framed space to write in questions. This might be a good activity page for explaining Christian adoption to your children. Directions: Click on the preview image above to download a printable version of this file. … More Children’s Ministry Resources
This is a continuation of the Journey through Acts. This lesson covers Paul’s visit to Thessalonica, Berea and Athens. The lesson reveals the different responses of people as the message of the Good News is shared. This part of Paul’s activity is often called the second missionary journey. The lesson was prepared for older elementary students but can be adapted … More Children’s Ministry Resources
The following is a guest post submitted by Sam Luce. If you have something to share with our readers, just email us. I don’t know if you are like me and you have been totally overwhelmed after going to a conference, doing a site visit at another church or even just reading online some of the stuff people do in … More Children’s Ministry Resources
VBS requires months of preparation. During the week, it demands cups of coffee and perseverance. We love VBS and yet we feel relief when Friday comes because the week has been exhausting. Many people mistakenly believe VBS is finished when the last child is picked up on Friday. But, the work of VBS continues even after the children go home … More Children’s Ministry Resources
This is a question answered differently in many churches. It’s definitely a question we should be asking. Leave a comment to let me know what your church does. My friend Trevin wrote a helpful post asking should we baptize small children? He offered four principles for handling this topic. Here was his conclusion: To be clear, I do not consider childhood baptisms … More Children’s Ministry Resources
I recently attended a preview conference for Lifeway’s Big Apple Adventure in Nashville, TN. While there I joined in the excitement of VBS anticipation and preparation. It can be the case for me and I’m sure for many of you that in the hustle and bustle of VBS we focus too much on the physical preparation and push aside the … More Children’s Ministry Resources
A few months back I posted a video clip where Mary Margaret told the story of Jonah. In that article I added a few tips for Bible storytelling we could learn from this child. Then our readers shared that same video over 1500 times on Facebook. In fact, her Internet videos have been watched over 4 million times! By any … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Long Story Short is written to present a Biblical Gospel from cover to cover to aid parents in passing the Bible on to their children, day by day. To pass on a clear Gospel message showing children how every story in the bible points forward or back to the gospel of Jesus Christ and God’s story of salvation.” Author Marty … More Children’s Ministry Resources
This printable lesson plan is designed to teach preschool aged children about the story of Samson. It could be used in any setting with children age 2-5 at church, including a preschool Sunday School class or a preschool children’s church class. As always, consider your own ministry context and modify it as needed. Be sure to print off the Samson … More Children’s Ministry Resources
This free Children’s Church lesson plan was first written for elementary aged students. It covers the story of the ups and downs of Samson. This material could also be used as the Bible lesson plan for children’s Sunday school. Be sure to consider your own ministry context and modify it as needed. Look for additional teaching ideas and resources linked … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Monday is Washington’s Birthday, which is commonly called Presidents Day in the united states. I came arcoss this ideas an think it would be helpful the Sunday before. This great little tip came from a Children’s Ministry Magazine article called Droppin’ a line. Basically it’s a way to encourage kids to pray for and write a brief postcard prayer note … More Children’s Ministry Resources
I’ve always been interested in cultural trends and how they effect ministry to children & families. One way researchers study culture is by demographic or birth-year cohorts. Some new research is just emerging from Thom Rainer about the Millennial generation. Here are some quick facts and statistics, you can read more here. The Millennial (aka Generation Y) are those born … More Children’s Ministry Resources
This game idea also works for a Bible memory verse activity. Select a scripture memory verse and write each word on a single paper plate. For my example I am using Matthew 22:29 “You shall love your neighbors as yourself.” Discover the Verse Before introducing the verse, let the kids discover it on their own. Pass out single plates to … More Children’s Ministry Resources
I am always looking for a variety of hands-on activities to help kids learn Bible memory verses. Here is a recent activity we tried in kids church using wooden crafts sticks to memorize Matthew 22:39. Preparation: Write one word on each craft stick for your Bible verse before class. I made three sets so that all the kids could participate in … More Children’s Ministry Resources
I created this simple coloring worksheet for kids in our church to help them memorize Matthew 22:39. I used the Agent Orange font and then drew a simple box. The kids were instructed to illustrate anything in that box that reminded them to love other people. We used this in children’s church with ages 5 – 10 yeas old. The … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Continuing my Benefits of Hindsight series, I would like to suggest seven habits which can create highly insecure and ineffective children’s pastors. In my years of ministry I have witnessed all of them, and I also have been guilty of a few. So, as you read the list and think about the implications, imagine my voice as one of godly fear and … More Children’s Ministry Resources
This is lesson continues our curriculum for preschoolers about knowing Jesus. Each lesson is based on a passage in the Gospel of Mark. You can read the series introduction for more explanation and links to the other lessons. This particular lesson is from Mark 5:21-34 when Jesus heals a woman and commends her for having great faith. This story reminds us how Jesus … More Children’s Ministry Resources
I just finished watching four online preview videos of Theo Presents. The following statements in quotes are included in the press kit prepared by Whitestone Media. I respond to each paragraph based on my observations. Theo Presents is centered around the adventures and teachings of the main character, Theo, a student of God’s Word and a theologian. Theo lives in a cozy corner … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Your church nursery can have a bigger impact on church growth than you realize. When young families visit your church usually the first place they stop is at the nursery. A visitor’s first impression of your church may be what they observe in your nursery. Your volunteers may be the first church members they meet. A young family’s experience with … More Children’s Ministry Resources
This lesson continues the Journey through Acts as Paul and Silas continue on their missionary journey into Macedonia. This lesson encourages believers that the Holy Spirit enables them to praise God during difficult times. The lesson was prepared for older students but can be adapted for other ministry opportunities. The lesson is only a guide to help prepare to teach … More Children’s Ministry Resources
My husband and I have two children with big dreams. Our daughter speaks of becoming a doctor one day. She takes our blood pressure and assesses our symptoms daily. Her tender heart beats with compassion for those who are ill, especially in poverty stricken countries. I love the heart that God has given her. Our son speaks of becoming a … More Children’s Ministry Resources