New mamas are the epitome of the nervous parent. Often the church nursery is the first place where they release their precious little one to someone else. They are torn between desperately wanting to go be a grown up and guilt of being away from their little one. By recognizing their apprehension, we have the opportunity in the church nursery … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Who knew a free iPhone app could boost the attendance in my kids’ church? Thanks to some inspiration from the popular Angry Birds game, we just wrapped up a month of Not-So Angry Birds in kids’ church. Along with lessons on anger, revenge and unity, we had plenty of fun along the way too. Before the month was over, we … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Kids don’t worship in a humdrum fashion — it’s always active, exciting and genuine. If you have the responsibility of leading worship in kids church, you may feel a little overwhelmed, even if you can play three instruments. As a children’s pastor, I am always looking for new ways to freshen our praise power! Here are a few pointers to … More Children’s Ministry Resources
This is a simple lesson plan for children’s church. It could be modified with more learning activities and expanded into a full Sunday School Lesson. Main Idea: We can choose to rejoice in whatever kind of day God gives us. Required Supplies: Marker board (or poster board) to display the Bible verse on the wall. Soft plastic balls and a … More Children’s Ministry Resources
At the first of every year, I began to fervently pray for volunteers. Whether they’ve signed on for a month or for six, most volunteers need and appreciate training. I believe in hands-on training but you’ve got to teach too. Host regular training conferences for volunteers and inspire your team to minister to children effectively. Incorporate a few ideas into a … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Being a reactionary always put you at the losing end, take my word for it. When you spend your time responding to bad behavior, you don’t have the time to recognize good behavior. Chances are your little attention-grabbers need you but sadly, they’ve been trained to have their needs fulfilled in a negative manner. If you’ve got behavior challenges in … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Relying solely on the offering from your children’s church to keep things running isn’t a good financial plan in most cases. Kids don’t have access to the family finances and therefore, do not make decisions about how and when to give. However, those giving lessons need to be taught. (Jesus never shied away from teaching about honoring God with our … More Children’s Ministry Resources
**This is a guest post from Nick Diliberto from PreteenMinistry.net Looking for a great preteen Bible lesson? Use this one! Communicating the timeless message of the Bible in a culturally relevant way is important, which is why the lesson uses a clip from the movie Brave to drive home the point. The lesson also includes these creative elements: fun opening game, … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Nothing shakes up a stale kids ministry like a wacky theme event. Themes allow you to ride the wave of what’s already popular with kids, transforming it into a God-anointed message. For example, one year we had Spongebob Sunday. All the kids wore yellow and we shouted, “I’m ready, I’m ready, I’m ready… to go to church!” (Anyone who watches … More Children’s Ministry Resources
This is a simple flyer to hang up around your church. It reminds members to say thanks to the church nursery volunteers. After all, the are serving the most important guests each Sunday. Click on the image to the right to download as a printable PDF document. You can also save the jpeg image. Some churches might want to insert … More Children’s Ministry Resources
This Bible lesson will help older elementary children better understand what it means to be a creation of God. You will find learning activities and detailed directions below. Memory Verse: “How precious to me are your thoughts, Oh God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand.” Psalm 139:17-18a … More Children’s Ministry Resources
One of the things I love most about Christmas (besides the Nativity story, children and presents) is the opportunity it presents for outreach. Too often I think, we focus on bringing holiday joy to our regular group and forget about the rest. However, it is really the perfect time to meet and reach new children and families. Expand your ministry … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Whether an outreach or a fundraiser, parents love a “Mom’s Day Out,” especially at Christmas. Nothing stresses parents out more than shopping with children hanging off their sleeves or asking for every toy they see. Plan this fun night in and give Moms and Dads a teensy break so they can play “Santa” or just enjoy a dinner out together. … More Children’s Ministry Resources
As ancestors of Adam, we get the desire to name things honest. (Imagine having the privilege of naming all the animals on the planet?) I don’t know about you but when the chance to name something arises, I can’t help but get excited. Over my near two decades of experience, I have had quite a few opportunities to name a … More Children’s Ministry Resources
It’s no stretch to say that the methods of ministry have changed radically over the past few decades. Changes in technology allow families the option to “have church” at home and many families don’t even bother to attend any church at all. Still, there is a world of hurting children out there and someone has to reach them. Why not … More Children’s Ministry Resources
This lesson continues the process of introducing students to inductive Bible study. As the students study Philemon they will combine 2 steps (overview, closer look). Click here to see the next lesson on the book of Philemon. (Personal note: Due to ministry changes at my church and lack of teachers I have a combined class of newly promoted 4th & … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Prayer is not just a helpful practice for believers, it’s an essential lifeline to our Savior. This simple Bible lesson will help school aged children understand how praying can be a normal part of their daily experience. God can be their best friend and closest helper in any difficult situation. We have suggested several learning activities to help the children … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Isn’t it amazing how God can count our hairs, know our needs and love us so completely? He encourages us along life’s path with all sorts of special moments. As the Good Shepherd, He loves us collectively but individually too. He’s provided us a wonderful example of loving and leading the children He sends our way. Still, I fall short … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Good news! Your iPhone contains the potential to create renewed excitement about your ministry. With just a few inexpensive downloads, you’ll have access to entertaining tools and resources. Share these app ideas with parents and kids to build a digital network dedicated to serving the Lord! Start with these six cool smartphone apps for children’s ministry. It’s a low-cost investment … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Children’s ministry volunteers deserve all the praise and thanks you can give them. Without their dedication to your ministry, many dreams may go unfulfilled, kids unreached and communities broken. From the part-timer to the “lifer,” every ministry volunteer needs a tangible reward occasionally. However, many ministries operate on a shoestring budget. Don’t panic–there are plenty of cool volunteer gifts for … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Can you believe it’s almost fall? If you’re ministry is like mine, you’re probably enjoying that post-summer attendance surge. Thank goodness summer vacations are over! It’s always great when the core group of children attends regularly and participates in the programs with enthusiasm. Fall always leads me to thinking about outreach. I think the coolness of the temperature coupled with … More Children’s Ministry Resources
There has been a lot of discussion in my circle of friends recently about the necessity of Sunday School. I’ve been working in children’s ministry for nearly two decades and I never thought I’d see the day when churches would consider doing away with this valuable ministry. I know the arguments, “We need to cut costs,” and “We don’t have … More Children’s Ministry Resources
What’s the first thing your child sees when he comes to your classroom? Why the door of course! The front door of your room should excite, welcome and inspire parents and students. So how do you do this? With cool, classroom door decorations. Change your door decor every month or few months to keep the excitement level up. Decorating a … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Faith in God is the turnkey to His miracle-working power manifesting in our lives; a truth kids need to understand. And God isn’t just looking to perform the big, showy miracles like parting the Red Sea but the everyday ones too, like crossing the Jordan. Regardless of the need or nature of the miracle, it requires faith to receive it. … More Children’s Ministry Resources