With the 500th anniversary of the Reformation just around the corner, Protestant churches (especially Lutheran ones) are celebrating Martin Luther with all bells and whistles clanging. For adults and confirmand this is an exciting and fascinating commemoration of church history. For younger students, games, crafts, and activities can make things fun. But the youngest of church-goers can certainly also … More Children’s Ministry Resources
It can evoke strong memories, warn of danger, or make someone swoon. It can be pleasant or nauseating and have varying nuances for different individuals. It provides flavor and environment understanding. It can be powerful, mild, pungent, sweet, mouthwatering, or tear-inducing. Smell is quite an amazing miracle, and carries a great deal of value for our lives, minds, … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Creative and beloved children’s author Mo Willems has written a delightful series of books centering on “the Pigeon.” The pigeon is a rather boisterous and self-centered character who (like some toddlers) will beg, plead, cajole, bargain, and even throw tantrums in attempts to get his way. This is usually done in a rather humorous and entertaining way, but provides … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Words carry a great deal of power. Names and specific words have so much meaning and connotation, and sometimes we forget or fail to recognize how significant these elements are. It is important for children to understand that what they say is important, and that names and words are important, too. Lesson focus: God gives us language as a … More Children’s Ministry Resources
The word “sacrifice” often carries a connotation of suffering or struggle, as we think of giving things up or going without them. But the idea of sacrifice is more than that. Sacrificed items were meant to be given over completely to God, and that is how we want to think of our lives. This lesson looks at how we … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Are there things that are more or less important in Heaven’s eyes? Sometimes we think certain elements of life are not significant or don’t really make a difference. “Trivia” might seem to be unimportant details. But God has a plan in all things. No matter what, He is in control and has a plan. This lesson takes a peek … More Children’s Ministry Resources
We see in God’s word that the Lord rewards faith. Sometimes we don’t quite understand what this means, but persistence is important. Not only that, but often there are elements of life that we don’t at first comprehend, but God makes clear. This lesson looks at Jesus and His interaction with a woman who did some unique and surprising things. … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Sometimes we take for granted some of our most amazing features, and we forget how remarkably blessed our lives are because of God’s handiwork. Many things can open our eyes anew to appreciate those blessings, and one in particular is….feet! These wonderful little tootsies of ours are quite a miracle as well as a necessity, and are actually mentioned … More Children’s Ministry Resources
This lesson involves a simple but powerfully important reminder of what God wants us to place at the center of our attention. It can be tricky for children to understand the principles of this prophetic passage (it can even be difficult for adults), but Isaiah 55 has some beautiful and comforting words about the comfort found in God. The … More Children’s Ministry Resources
This visual chat provides a bit of a reminder for kids of the awesome capabilities of God, as well as what it means to allow the Holy Spirit to work through us. Gather students together and have a talk about human limitations and Holy Spirit boundlessness. Appropriate age range: 5-11 Verses referenced: Romans 8:18-27 Hold up images of several … More Children’s Ministry Resources
I have never had much of a green thumb. I try to garden and produce things, but rarely succeed, in spite of consistent research and efforts. I currently have two porch pot attempts in the works, neither of which are wildly thriving. One of these pots features a tomato that I planted in the spring…I have watered it diligently … More Children’s Ministry Resources
In Northern Kentucky, a 75,000 square-foot museum boasts exhibits and merchandise that celebrate and emphasize the “young earth” argument that insists on a literal interpretation of creation’s seven days. The museum employs over 300 workers and receives hundreds (or even thousands) of visitors daily. It cost founder Ken Ham over $27 million to develop…however, that amount is pocket change … More Children’s Ministry Resources
This devotional draws on fantastical themes of fiction, in particular the Disney movie Moana, in which the ocean calls a young girl to pursue more than just a life of ease on her island. In the same way, as Christians we are called by God. We are meant to be more than just humans, and our lives are more … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Aretha Franklin sang about it: RESPECT but it’s not always easy to gain the respect of the people you work with. But that doesn’t stop us from wanting or needing their respect and support. Otherwise, its easy to feel as if you’re like a handy old shoe that people grab when they want to smash a bug–or constantly call upon … More Children’s Ministry Resources
We wish somehow that church could be “perfect” and grant us opportunity for beautiful fellowship, community, and outreach. Unfortunately, though, churches are made of people, and people are not perfect. We make mistakes and sometimes lose track of the truly important things in God’s service. There are times in our experience as church members, and even leaders, when we may … More Children’s Ministry Resources
When Mother’s Day pops up, we shift our focus on earthly families and appreciate how much our mothers do. This is of course important, and respects God’s commandment to honor parents (Exodus 20:12). God has given us father and mother with special purpose. On the other side of things, though, what about those who do not have such a blessed … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Why is church important? Why does God value community and relationship, and what does that mean? Young (and older) children might go along with family church habits, but often come to a point where they question the value of Christian fellowship and collaboration. This lesson focuses on the early church as example of community, and explores teamwork and relationships. … More Children’s Ministry Resources
As Christians, we know that our value is in much different things than what the world tends to judge as important. In daily life, we often struggle with what seems most critical, and this can lessen our hope and confuse our priorities. This lesson reminds us of what truly lasts in life, and what we can knowingly aim our … More Children’s Ministry Resources
When spring is in the air and new life blooms, lessons and illustrations involving plants can be especially relevant. This example reminds children that we often have to be patient and wait for things…whether we are preparing a garden, praying for a desire, or witnessing to others, life takes time and perseverance. Do a little frustrated planting for students…display a … More Children’s Ministry Resources
“Dem bones dem bones, dem dry bones…” Perhaps we are familiar with the song or even the story, but what does it mean? Why did God give Ezekiel a vision of dancing skeletons? This lesson looks at the story of Ezekiel and how it represents a message of hope for Godly renewal. Lesson focus: Sometimes we feel that life … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Sometimes we all get too caught up in details…how we do things in church, specifics of what we are doing…and we lose sight of the reason and purpose of serving God. This lesson emphasizes that principle with a look at a miracle from Jesus’s life: the healing of a man born blind. Lesson focus: Jesus is our hope and … More Children’s Ministry Resources
It seems like kids today have more and more: technology, opportunity, luxury…yet sometimes they wind up stressed and over-anxious. This devotional Bible study seeks to discuss and address some of the common stressors, and to guide students back to the peace that passes all understanding, found in Christ alone. Bible Focus: There are many things that tend to bring … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Bible Focus: God does not always promise comfort or fun, but life with Him is an adventure! This lesson provides a twist on traditional St. Patrick’s Day emphasis by looking at the event’s founder relative to Biblical patriarchs. Patrick followed God’s lead and spread the word of the Gospel, just like Old (and New) Testament heroes followed God’s direction. Target … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Sometimes it is easy to read the Old Testament and think of it as irrelevant, or less important than the gospels and epistles. Words of prophecy may seem harsh, repetitive, or difficult to understand. But so much that we find in the prophetic books can be significant and meaningful to our daily lives and especially to kids. Not only that, … More Children’s Ministry Resources