Lesson: Daniel & Friends Seek God's Wisdom

This study covers how Daniel and his friends seek God’s wisdom to prevent their deaths along with the other wise men living in Babylon.  God gives them wisdom and King Nebuchadnezzar acknowledges God as the God of gods. In this lesson, students will learn from Daniel’s example of how they can be Ambassadors for Christ in this world as Daniel … More Children’s Ministry Resources

"Children’s Ministry in the 21st Century" with Art Murphy

Recently, my church hosted a conference which was open to our children’s ministry volunteers, as well as other local churches in the area.  The conference was intended to not only encourage volunteers, but to train them as well.  The Friday night through Saturday morning trainings focused on material entitled, CM:21, Children’s Ministry in the Twenty First Century. CM:21 was lead … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Psalm 19 Sunday School Lesson "The Word of God"

Open Bible

This guest post was contributed by Patricia M. Tamang, a reader from the Philippines who severs as Coordinator for Christian Education in her church. Bible Lesson Title: The Word of God Bible Passage: Psalm 19:7-10 Target Age Group: Older Elementary Learning Context: Sunday School Target Time Frame: 60 minutes Key Concept: God’s word gives us understanding and shows us the right way to … More Children’s Ministry Resources

How to Keep the Church Nursery Clean

A growing church nursery can become messy quickly. Anyone who has ever entertained a toddler or two knows that little ones can keep you on the run. Who has time to stop and tidy up the place when it is time for ministry? With the right procedures in place, you can control the mess and insure that your nursery ministry … More Children’s Ministry Resources

7 Basic Safety Precautions for Every Children's Ministry

Safety is non-negotiable in children’s ministry.  You can have the very best curriculum, most creative activities, and dynamic decor, but if you have not made safety a priority, you could be headed for potential disaster.  We can never fully protect our ministries or our kids from all impending harm, but it is our responsibility to be proactive when it comes to … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Object Lessons: Resisting Temptation

Failing to resist temptation will leave a child open to sin. Let’s face it—children are naturally impulsive. Kids need to have the spiritual skill set necessary to be victorious continuously. These object lessons will demonstrate the importance of resisting temptation and show kids how to do it. We recommend using these visuals in conjunction with the scripture reference James 4:7 … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Sunday School Lesson: Jehoshaphat's Dangerous Friendship

This lesson is for the study of Israel’s kings.  The lesson focuses on Jehoshaphat’s dangerous friendship with Ahab.  The students will discover from this lesson how believers should use wisdom in choosing relationships. After this lesson,the children will demonstrate comprehension by answering review questions and participating in Bible Lesson Charades. This lesson is only a guide to help you to prepare … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Easter Lesson: Wipe away your tears He's Alive!

This Easter lesson is based on John 20:10-21:25.  It was prepared for older students but can be adapted to your ministry’s needs.  The lesson focuses on how Jesus’ resurrection gives us hope as we face any difficulty.  It includes several additional learning activities that are optional, depending on the time you have for your class. This is only a suggested … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Godly Play: A Review & Introduction

As I walked into the classroom, I noticed the simple white shelves that blended right into the walls. I was drawn like a magnet to the materials on these invisible shelves. The different hues of the natural woods, the heft of the brass, the richness of the velvet. Each material was placed on its own tray, organized and respected in … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Sunday School Lesson: Israel's Northern Kings

This is a continuation in the study of Israel’s kings.  This lesson covers the reigns of Jeroboam through Omri.  Although none of the kings from the northern kingdom were righteous before God they are included in this series because everything written in Scripture is for our learning. Students will learn how merciful God is towards sinful man as they examine … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Lesson (Acts 21) Paul is Arrested in Jerusalem

This lesson is about Paul’s journey to Jerusalem.  Every place that Paul traveled the Holy Spirit warned him that prison and hardships were facing him.  Paul perseveres in the mission of sharing the Good News because he is enabled by the Holy Spirit to do the work he has been called to do.  Students will learn that believers who obey … More Children’s Ministry Resources

5 Tips for Teaching Kids Using the Real Bible

In my large group teaching I don’t usually have kids follow the lesson along in their Bible. That’s because we have a broadly graded program that includes many preliterate readers. Usually I’ll just read it aloud or have older kids read the verse for the group. Then any supporting texts I’ll display on PowerPoint or a marker board. So, when … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Paul's Journeys in Acts 17 Sunday School Lesson

This is a continuation of the Journey through Acts.  This lesson covers Paul’s visit to Thessalonica, Berea and Athens.  The lesson reveals the different responses of people as the message of the Good News is shared.  This part of Paul’s activity is often called the second missionary journey. The lesson was prepared for older elementary students but can be adapted … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Does Your Church Nursery Make a Good First Impression?

Your church nursery can have a bigger impact on church growth than you realize.  When young families visit your church usually the first place they stop is at the nursery.    A visitor’s first impression of your church may be what they observe in your nursery.  Your volunteers may be the first church members they meet.  A young family’s experience with … More Children’s Ministry Resources

5 Tips for Volunteer Recruitment in Children's Ministry

I think one of the biggest challenges anyone faces in ministry is recruiting (and keeping) volunteers. Particularly as a children’s director, it sometimes feels like pulling teeth to get church members to even consider stepping foot into the children’s department! I think there are several things we can do as preschool and elementary directors to remove people’s preconceived ideas about … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Kids Paper Crown – Printable Craft Template & Video

Try this easy paper crown craft project for kids. All you will need is the template below, card stock printing paper, coloring markers, child-friendly scissors, and a stapler. We used this cut-out crown in our Wednesday night children’s ministry. It would also be useful as a Sunday School or VBS craft. Leave a comment share how you used this project or make … More Children’s Ministry Resources

6 Easy Game Ideas (In Case Your Lesson Runs Short)

This happens every Sunday morning somewhere to someone and it will most likely happen to every one of us at some point during our time serving in children’s ministry. You have studied your lesson and planned in advance the answer to every question the children might ask.  You are well prepared for your lesson.  The curriculum states the lesson should … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Learn the Secret Art of "Verbal Judo" in Children's Ministry

The children gathered excitedly in front of me, sitting on their little red or blue plastic chairs. There were about thirty kids, ranging in age from three to seven years old. I sat my large dalmation Firedog puppet from Amaze Healing Wings on my right knee. A previous generation of kids I pastored long ago had named him “Scruffy.” As the children quieted down, I began … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Free VBS Material: The Fruit of the Spirit

Last year we posted a free VBS curriculum written by Tara Tegard called “Bible Boot Camp VBS.” It is still available for download and hundreds of churches have used it in their ministry. Tara has written a second Vacation Bible School curriculum and wants to share it with readers on our website. It is titled “BigHeart Farms” and covers Galatians 5:16-26, … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Funny Video to Encourage Church Nursery Workers

I found this funny video on YouTube about the real heroes who serve in the church nursery every week. It looks like a video clip produced to encourage church members but you might just forward it to your nursery volunteers. I could also imaging showing it in your next early childhood ministry training meeting. Click here to share it on … More Children’s Ministry Resources