Drag out that extra strand of Christmas lights — it’s an object lesson! While there are tons of teaching opportunities for presenting the Nativity story there are other topics you can teach too . One of those is the subject of church unity. Kids and teens can help encourage unity and solidarity in the church if they know how important … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Using a nativity scene for Christmas lesson is a no-brainer but if you want to present a new twist on your teaching, I’ve got some ideas to share with you. By presenting your teaching in this visual, interactive manner, you will engage kids in a way that will keep them interested in learning more about the Bible. Even if your … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Christmas bows make great party tools, especially if you have an abundance in a variety of colors. For these fast-paced games, you will need a couple of big bags of unused bows. From balancing games to straight up Christmas races, these party games will keep the fun going during game time or free time. Inexpensive an colorful, Christmas bows really … More Children’s Ministry Resources
From the small church program to the larger spectacles like a Christmas pageant, chances are you will attract a lot of attention during the holidays, as evidenced by the increase in attendance. It’s nice to see the pews full and the seats taken, isn’t it? Did you know that Christmas attendance doesn’t have to be a fluke? You really can … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Want to bring some excitement to your holiday curriculum? You can’t go wrong with this Christmas object lesson. The idea is to teach kids that God’s gift—His son, Jesus. He is truly the gift that keeps giving. By presenting the “gift in a gift” you will demonstrate how people who love Jesus can share him with everyone. He is the … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Purchase an inexpensive Christmas star ornament and test it to make sure it works properly. It should light up and be seen easily by the class. With this decoration, you have a Christmas object lesson that will help tell the story of the Christmas story from Matthew 2:1-2. “After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of … More Children’s Ministry Resources
There are many characters in the story of the first Christmas, but some get a lot more attention than others. Sure, we focus easily on Mary and Joseph and we celebrate the angels and the manger baby…but God was orchestrating a grand scheme of coordinated actions and motivations. Introduce (or get to know better) some of the “extras” in the … More Children’s Ministry Resources
It’s Christmas time and we are all looking for fun activities to do in our classrooms. This free Christmas I-Spy game is a great one to use during class or even during a Christmas party. You can use this activity in a variety of ways. First of all, you could print out a copy of the picture for each child … More Children’s Ministry Resources
So I’m sitting here, it’s after Thanksgiving, and our Christmas decorations are up. Lights are sparkling, ornaments are hanging, and bells are ringing. It’s the happiest time of the year, right? I always have good intentions. I want to make this year the best year ever. I sit at my desk and plan, plan, plan. I love to plan. Give … More Children’s Ministry Resources
This free Bible lesson is based on John 1:6-8, 19-28 where John the Baptist is questioned about his identity and purpose. It is designed for children’s church or Sunday School. Please modify as best fits your ministry. If your church follows the Revised Common Lectionary, this teaching plan would correspond to Year B – 3rd Sunday in Advent, Gospel Reading – John 1:6-8, … More Children’s Ministry Resources
This free Bible lesson is based on Mark 1:1-8 where John the Baptist prepares the people for Jesus. It is designed for children’s church or Sunday School. Please modify as best fits your ministry. If your church follows the Revised Common Lectionary, this teaching plan would correspond to Year B – 2nd Sunday in Advent, Gospel Reading – Mark 1:1-8. Opening Activity … More Children’s Ministry Resources
With all the festive wrapping paper, bows, bags and boxes, it is easy to forget that Christmas is not about the gifts we receive from a store. The best gift is the gift from God—His precious son, Jesus Christ. For children, this important message can get lost among the electronics, board games and baby dolls. Let’s keep it in front … More Children’s Ministry Resources
This time of year it is a tradition to send Christmas greetings with Christmas cards. Some cards feature family photos, play music or tell a funny story. Whichever Christmas card your family chooses to send the message is clear — the card is a way to express your holiday greetings. Grab a few of your favorite Christmas cards and bring … More Children’s Ministry Resources
The following Bible lesson was created for an older group of students to allow them to read Scripture and interact with the teacher discovering what the Scripture teaches. This lesson from 1 Samuel focuses on how God hears and answers Hannah’s prayers. Bible Passage: 1 Samuel 1-2:10 Bible Story Title: God hears and answers Hannah’s prayer Target Age Group: Ages 10-12 (4th-6th Grade … More Children’s Ministry Resources
This lesson is the seventh in a nine part study for children on the parables of Jesus. For related ideas, search our website for “Parables of Jesus.” Lesson Seven: The Story of the Talents Main idea: God rewards us when we use the talents he gives us for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven and punishes us when we don’t use … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Looking for a way to teach children about the intangible gifts of God, like peace, love, gentleness and kindness? This Christmas object lesson—the stocking stuffer makes it easy. Remind kids how precious and important the fruits of the Spirit, that they should want these gifts more than anything they get in their stocking or under the tree! Wrap up nine … More Children’s Ministry Resources
This lesson is the six in a nine part study for children on the parables of Jesus. For related ideas, search our website for “Parables of Jesus.” Lesson Six: The Son Who Obeyed His Father Main idea: Citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven do what the Bible commands, with the help and grace of God. Teacher preparation: Read Scripture references, John 14:15, … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Here is a great Christmas time activity to have your class take part in. This could be an individual or class project. Simply pass out the worksheet to the children in your class. Have them fill in a blessing for each letter in the word “Christmas”. For example: C=Christ, H=heaven, R=rain, etc. Click here to download and print. For an … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Sometimes the children in our ministry are timid when it comes to talking to adults. This activity is a great way to get them to know some adults in the congregation in a quick and safe way. Click here to download and print Give each of the children in your ministry a copy of this interview (there are 2 per … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Anyone who has worked with education of any sort is well aware that teaching can truly be the most effective method of learning. When we have to communicate a point or enforce a lesson, it usually forces us to study it thoroughly ourselves. Teaching stories that are less familiar to us can be even more educational, as we study to … More Children’s Ministry Resources
As Christmas nears, we are all looking for fun ways to go through the birth of Jesus. Here is a word search that helps the children in your class, or home, to recognize the names of people involved in the birth of Jesus. You can use it as a review after you have gone over all of the stories in your … More Children’s Ministry Resources
As we get closer to the Advent season, I am reminded to keep everything in perspective. I can get overwhelmed with Christmas programs, lessons that need to be written, children that need my attention, and just normal everyday life. It seems as we do get closer to the holidays, we get busier. School programs, church functions, and family get-togethers all seem … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Have you ever skipped ahead to the end of a book just to see how it ends? Do you often wonder what God could possibly have in mind when certain things happen? This lesson provides a quick challenge to illustrate our limited view and God’s big picture. Younger students may not be too occupied with the future, and may not … More Children’s Ministry Resources
This is a play about 2 scientists giving a presentation about the birth of Jesus. These scientists don’t just tell the story starting with Mary. They go all the way back to Creation and tie it all together through the story of Simeon and Anna. Click here to download Songs References in the Script 7 Days of Creation Song (sung … More Children’s Ministry Resources