This free coloring page is based on the book of Haggai. It’s one part of our series of illustrations for each individual book of the Bible. Click here to download the print friendly PDF version. We’ve also uploaded the image in JPEG format. The illustration shows the prophet pointing to a ruined temple along with this Bible quote, “You hoped for a large harvest, but they turned out to be small.” (Haggai 1:9) Another quote from the prophet Haggai,
What can’t you say with an emoticon? I do love a smiley face, as anyone who texts me or sends me a message via Facebook well knows. (Sorry all my friends.) Recently, I was wracking my brain in search of an object lesson I could use to illustrate that God has feelings. Unlike their taller counterparts, kids are in touch with their feelings. When they are frustrated, they stomp their feet. When they feel sad, the tears
This simple illustration will demonstrate how we all work together for the common goal of serving God. We may approach tasks in different ways and each of us is unique, but we are all God’s people and our aim is to help others know Him while we worship as well. Wear a pair of mismatched gloves, socks, or shoes…just so it is prominently visible and clearly different. Explain that in the early morning darkness and rush of
Kids will love these candy object lessons from the Bible. Print this post for a quick children’s sermon our illustration in Sunday School class. I’m a huge candy fan! Not only is it sweet and fun to snack on but candy makes the perfect object lesson. I’ve found that whenever you use edible object lessons, kids attention is riveted to you. (Mostly because they want some but they will listen!) Like you, I have favorite candies, including Runts,
This free Bible lesson is based on Matthew 22:1-14 where Jesus tells the parable of the ‘Wedding Banquet”. 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 A – 18th Sunday After Pentecost, Gospel Reading – Matthew 22:1-14 Opening Activity – You’re Invited – Party Charades Supplies – paper, writing utensils, small container Before class write each of the
Sure, most of us are familiar with the amazing story of Joshua and the fall of Jericho at the sound of trumpets, but how many kids know the equally remarkable tale of Jehoshaphat? Don’t let the long name scare you…this is a must-know lesson in trust, worship, and God’s unbelievable power. Lesson focus: God is able to do more than we can imagine and is worthy of all worship. Passage: 2 Chronicles 20: 13-30 Target Audience: 2nd-6th
This is a continuation of lessons from Proverbs. This lesson focuses on the tongue and the power of our words to bring life and death. Students will discover that we need God to use our tongues wisely. Bible Passage: (Selected Scriptures)Bible Story Title: Proverbs-The Power of WordsTarget Age Group: Ages 5-11 (K-5th Grade U.S.A.)Target Time Frame: 60 MinutesOriginal Teaching Context: Sunday School Supply List: Bibles, word puzzle and coloring page, markers/crayons, slips of paper with the Scriptures regarding words
This lesson is the third in a nine part study for children on the parables of Jesus. For related ideas, search our website for “Parables of Jesus.” Lesson Three: The Stories of the Kingdom Main idea: Since we are Christians, we represent the Kingdom of Heaven and carry the Kingdom of Heaven everywhere we go. We live like citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven. Teacher preparation: Read Scripture references, Matthew 4:17, 23; Ephesians 1:5; John 18:36; Matthew 28:18-20
When today’s kids think about cleanliness, they probably think about using antibacterial gel or washing their hands with antibacterial soap. As hard as it is to remember, the rules about cleanliness are a lot less complicated than they used to be. Teach the kids a valuable lesson about godly cleanliness. Here’s what I recently taught my children’s church: Back in the days when Jesus walked the earth, the Israelites had much stricter rules about cleanliness. When they
Working in Christian ministry is unlike any other career choice. Working in a store, serving food or working at a desk job, rarely demands the level of service of ministry requires; children’s ministry insists that you leave little bits of your heart behind. (For the record, I’ve done all these jobs and proudly so!) Pastors give of themselves and often 24/7. The children’s pastor goes home thinking about the kid he suspects is being mistreated at school.
Is it time to leave your current ministry position or church job? What a tough time in the life of a pastor! It’s not easy to leave the people you love, even when you know that you are doing the right thing. Whether stepping down for a sabbatical or moving on to a new assignment, leaving your children’s ministry takes some finesse because ultimately, you want to leave it better than it was. I have worked in
One of the essential components of a healthy children’s ministry is a good relationship with the pastor and or pastors of your church. Whether you serve as a Sunday School teacher, a children’s ministry director, or a nursery worker, it is imperative that servants in any capacity work together to support the leaders whom God has appointed for the local church body. Pastors in today’s society do not have an easy job, but I suppose they never
Whatever your church’s stance on tithing, there’s no doubt that giving is biblical. It’s important to help children understand that even a small offering can be useful to God. (Remember the small lunch the boy presented Jesus? It fed 5000 men!) Begin this teaching by reading this verse or asking a volunteer to read it aloud. “Bring you all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in my house, and prove me now herewith,
When I first began my work in children’s ministry nearly two decades ago, I had one mission: tell kids that Jesus loved them. Over the years, I have tried my best to stay true to that original mission but my secondary purpose is to help my kids know Jesus more. You see, eventually, they will need to know God themselves and not simply through me or Mom or Dad. Knowing Jesus comes through maturity in the Lord
This free Bible lesson is based on Matthew 21:33-46 where Jesus talks about bearing spiritual fruit. 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 A – 17th Sunday After Pentecost, Gospel Reading – Matthew 21:33-46. Opening Activity – Producing Fruit – Favorite Fruit Supplies – blank paper, coloring/writing utensils Ask each child to think of
In short, it’s a shared calendar of Bible readings used across many different Christian churches from several nations. Many churches in the Protestant tradition share a common scripture reading calendar called the Revised Common Lectionary. It marks out the long-standing dates and themes on the church calendar such as Advent, Pentecost, and Lent. While often associated with mainline churches, this practice is non-denominational and only suggests which Bible verses to read. These scripture readings are used as a
In 2014, the children’s pastor must skillfully walk the increasingly awkward line between what’s appropriate and what’s not. Eighteen years ago, (yeah, I’m a kids min veteran) I never thought twice about hugging a child or calling a kid. I can’t say that today, sadly. Now that everyone is on the web (even the kiddos) the kids’ pastor faces a lot of pressure to be hip and become socially connected. By adding your tweeting, liking and pinning
This lesson is another in a series from Proverbs that our entire church is doing. The lesson was prepared for a small group of students ranging from age 5-10. This lesson focuses on how the path of pride leads to destruction and the path of humility leads to wisdom. Bible Passage: Proverbs 11:2, 16:18, 29:23, Daniel 4 Bible Story Title: Proverbs-Two Paths: Pride & Humility Target Age Group: Ages 5-11 (3rd-5th Grade U.S.A.) Target Time Frame: 60 Minutes Original
This free Bible lesson is based on Jesus’ parable of the wise & foolish builders. Use it in your children’s church or Sunday School to help children build their life upon Jesus Christ. He is the “rock” that can withstand any storm. Lesson Focus: A life built on a firm foundation of faith will survive trials and tests. Bible Passages: Matthew 7:24-27 Target audience: 1st-5th grade (adaptable older or younger) Materials needed: Blocks (foam or wood); rug;
One thing I am known far and wide for is my messiness. In children’s church, it is anything goes really as long as no one gets hurt (or gets their feelings hurt) and it lifts up the name of Jesus. So far, I’ve been smacked in the face with a whipped cream pie, had a bucket of slime poured over me and I’ve smashed at least a dozen bananas. Partly because I have adult ADD but also
This lesson is the second in a nine part study for children on the parables of Jesus. For related ideas, search our website for “Parables of Jesus.” Main idea: We sow the seed of Truth into every kind of heart, just like God does. Teacher preparation: Read Scripture references, Galatians 5:22-23 Gather: Bible; dry erase markers or chart paper and markers; rice; sunflower or pumpkin seeds; small rocks, gravel, or glass marbles used in vases; feathers; small fake flowers; a
Last week I received a copy of the new CD from Seeds Family Worship. From the first listen, I was impressed. This is the 8th volume of their scripture based praise music for children & families. All the songs in this edition relate to the theme of God’s Word. Here’s a track listing. The Word of God (Hebrews 4:12) Your Life is Hidden (Colossians 3:2-3) Impress Them (Deuteronomy 6:4-7 ) Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:9-11) Breathed
Romans 10:15 says, “And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” This verse and the ones that support it provide rich soil for teaching about peace and about sharing the gospel of Jesus. Teach kids about taking the gospel to the four corners of the earth. Before the class gather these items. Supplies you’ll need: Old shoes Permanent marker Map Spread
This lesson is the first in a nine part study for children on the parables of Jesus. For related ideas, search our website for “Parables of Jesus.” Lesson One: Why Jesus Told Parables Main idea: Parables are stories Jesus told to teach us important lessons about the Kingdom of Heaven. Teacher preparation: Read Scripture references, Proverbs 28:13-14, Isaiah 6:9-10, Mark 4:10-12 and Luke 8:9-10 Gather: Bible; dry erase markers or chart paper and markers; random box of stuff
