We all know that God is a miracle-working God but have you ever paused to wonder why He performed so many miracles? I think one of the reasons why God would cause the sun to go backward or bring the walls of Jericho down is to show His people that nothing is impossible–if He is in the equation. As children’s pastors, we must teach kids about His miracles so they can see what He has already done
Summertime means warm weather and wearing flip flops! These inexpensive shoes are colorful and could help you share exciting bible stories. If you have some extra flip flops, decorate your classroom using this casual theme. Fill buckets with flip flops and set them on the welcome table. You could always send kids home with a pair of these comfy shoes. Add a few Summer themed coloring pages and a water games and you will have a
Looking for a few good games for your Mother’s Day service? These three winners will keep kids busy—they are perfect for filling in empty spaces in your schedule. That could happen since many churches do have special recognition for mothers during service in the “big church.” It might be a good idea to print this sheet and keep it handy, in case other teachers need some suggestions, too. #1 Mrs. Mumbles – Mother’s Day Game This game
Lesson Three: The Light of the World Main idea: Jesus is the light that shows us the way out of our dark sin.Series: This study is part of a 8- part series on the I AM statements of Jesus. Follow that link to find the other lesson plans.Teacher preparation: Scripture references: Game: Red Light, Green Light.The person who is “it” is the stoplight, and the goal for the other children is to be the first to reach
Lesson Two: The Bread of Life. Main idea: Jesus fills up our physical and spiritual needs. Series: This study is part of a 8- part series on the I AM statements of Jesus. Follow that link to find the other lesson plans.  Teacher preparation: Read Scripture references, John 6:1-59, Proverbs 30:8, and Exodus 16:1-18 Gather: Bible, dry erase markers or chart paper and markers, blocks for relay, baking soda, cornstarch, craft magnets Make blocks for the game
This lesson begins a series on the “I AM” statement of Jesus. Children will learn from Exodus 3:1-17 and John 8:54-59 how Jesus identified himself as the same all-powerful God who acted throughout the Old Testament. Throughout this study, kids will learn about the character of Christ and how they can follow him through faith. Series Index – The 7 I AM Statements of Christ You are here – Introduction / Jesus is the Great I AM
This lesson was prepared for a small group of students and was inspired by the the Gospel Project lesson.  Students will discover details from the vision in Ezekiel 10 that describe God’s glory departing from the temple. Bible Story: Ezekiel’s vision of God’s glory departing from temple Scripture: Ezekiel 10 Target Age Group: Age 6 – 11 (U.S. K – 5th Grade) Learning Context: Sunday School Target Time Frame: 60 minutes Supply List:  Bibles, plain paper or
This lesson strives to help young children understand one of the most important attributes of God; that He is constant. He is always with us and will never leave us. This does not mean that we will be free from trials, but that He will be with us through good times and bad. Lesson Title:Â Â God is Always with Us Bible Reference:Â Deuteronomy 2:7, Hebrews 11:24-30, Deuteronomy 31:8 Target Age Group: Preschool Learning Context: Sunday School Target
I don’t believe for a minute that any, kindhearted, loving children’s leader would ever intentionally hurt a volunteer’s feelings but sometimes it does happen. Often, it’s an offhand remark or a negative response that causes the friction. Regular volunteers know when you are teasing and when you’re not but the new guy hasn’t quite figured it out. Guess what? The onus isn’t on the newbie volunteer–it’s on the leader. We really do need to watch our words,
The following is an adaptation of the Gospel Project lesson of Jesus being dedicated at the temple.  The lesson was prepared for a small group of students ranging from age 5-11.  The students discover that as Simeon and Anna believed God would keep His promise to send a Savior, they can believe God keeps all His promises. Bible Story: Simeon and Anna see the Savior Scripture: Luke 2:22-38 Target Age Group: Age 5 – 11 (U.S. K –
This lesson uses inquiry to help middle schoolers find the meaning of thankfulness. Many of the Old Testament heroes faced difficult challenges in their lives, such as Daniel’s captivity in a den of lions. We know that God protected Daniel and brought him out of the den safely. We will focus on the aspect of the story where Daniel thanks God. He thanks God before he enters the den and continues to thank God until the end.Â
This lesson strives to teach young children that God is always with them and gives them what they need if they will just trust him. After the Exodus, Moses led the people of Israel away from Egypt and into the wilderness. At first the Israelites were overjoyed to finally be free, but that joy quickly turned to bitterness and agitation as they realized that there destined to wander in the wilderness before reaching their promised land. They
This lesson is an adaptation from the Gospel Project lesson on this Scripture passage. When the temple was complete Solomon praised God before His people reminding them of His promises. From the study of Solomon’s prayer after the completion of the temple, the students will discover that God keeps all His promises. This lesson was prepared for older elementary students and can be adapted for your ministry’s needs. Bible Passage: 1 Kings 6-8Bible Story Title: Solomon Builds Temple and
Planning a Thanksgiving meal for bus riders when you have ample space, volunteers and time is a cinch. What if you don’t have those kinds of resources but still want to minister to the kids and families in your community this Thanksgiving? Have a Thanksgiving feast—bus ministry style! It takes a bit of planning but it’s a bus ministry promotion that will rev up the evangelists in your church. Prepare now to have everything ready for your
This free Bible lesson is part 7 of 10 in our Lord’s Prayer study. God wants to satisfy the needs of his children, that’s why we are taught to pray for “our daily bread.” Click here to see the other parts in this 10 lesson plan unit. We value your input to make these lessons more helpful for other readers, leave a comment below with your ideas. Main idea: We rely on God to provide everything we need to
What if I lived during “Bible times”? Would I be included in the Bible? What would have been written about my life? These questions meld in my head as I reflect on my life, my actions, and my decisions. There are extraordinary people whose lives have been documented for all time in the greatest book of all time. We can read in Hebrews 11 all about Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Moses, along with many others whose faith
The free Bible lesson is based on the events surrounding David being chosen as King for Israel. It was adapted for older elementary students and helps them discover that God’s power helps believers defeat their enemies. Please modify it to best serve the children you are teaching. Bible Passage:Â 1 Samuel 16-17 Bible Story Title:Â Samuel anoints a shepherd boy Target Age Group:Â Ages 9-11 (3rd-5th Grade U.S.A.) Target Time Frame: 60 Minutes Original Teaching Context: Sunday School Image
This lesson continues a Bible study from 1 Samuel.  In this lesson students will discover that only God can satisfy every need they have.  This was created for older students. Bible Story:  Israel rejects God and requests a king Scripture: 1 Samuel 8-10 Target Age Group: Age 9 – 11 (U.S. 3rd – 5th Grade) Learning Context: Sunday School Target Time Frame: 60 minutes Image Credits:  Sweet Publishing and Distant Shores Media Supply List:  Bibles, decorative fruit, activity pages, pens/pencils,
For my Wednesday Night Bible Study class for Kindergarteners-6th grade, I decided to do an overview of the life of Stephen. Most of us know that he was the first Christian killed for his faith, but do we know what led up to that? Well, here’s an overview of what Acts 6 & 7 says about Stephen and his incredible courage. Background of Stephen 6:1 widows are not being well taken care of 6:2-4 the 12 decided
This lesson begins a brief study of Judges.  The students will discover that God’s people continuously sinned and turned away from Him They were punished and God faithfully delivered them when they cried out to Him.  This is only a suggested guide to teach this lesson.  Please prepare and adapt for the needs of your ministry. Bible Passage: Judges 3 Bible Story Title: Israel’s Cycle of Sin & Rescue Target Age Group:  Ages 9-11 (3rd-5th Grade U.S.A.) Target Time Frame: 60
So you arrive at church and the Children’s Minister asks you to teach a class for a teacher who got sick just this morning. No problem, right? Just follow the lesson that they had prepared and it’ll be smooth sailing. Wait! If the teacher is home sick, then, most likely, the lesson is home with them. Ok, you can do this. Just breathe. Here are the basics of a lesson so that you can get through the
The following lesson is the second from the Book of Joshua. In this lesson students discover that God hears the prayers of His people and saves them.  This lesson was created for older elementary students. Bible Passage: Joshua 10:1-15 Bible Story Title: God answers Joshua’s Prayers Target Age Group:  Ages 9-11 (3rd-5th Grade U.S.A.) Target Time Frame: 60 Minutes Original Teaching Context: Sunday School Credits: Image courtesy of Sweet Publishing and Distant Shores Media Supply List: Bibles, activity page, pens/pencils Learning Goal:  Students will learn that
As students study Nehemiah 7-8 they will discover the importance of God’s Word in our daily lives to protect against the destructiveness of sin. Â This lesson was created for older elementary students. You are welcome to modify it for any teaching context. We welcome your feedback in the comment section and tips for other readers. Bible Passage:Â Nehemiah 7-8 Bible Story Title:Â Returning to the Word of God Target Age Group:Â Ages 9-11 (3rd-5th Grade U.S.A.) Target Time Frame:
We live in a very fast-paced world. We are used to having it “our way” and get disturbed when it isn’t. We can go through a drive-thru for dinner, play games and watch movies on our phones, and talk to far away family and friends through our computers. For most of us in America, we can drive to our local Christian book store and have our choice of many different versions of the Bible. We can buy
