Mary Magdalene is Transformed by Jesus (Forever Changed Lesson #3)

Mary Magdalene was one of Jesus’ closest followers and friends. Her incredible conversion to Christ is evidenced throughout the gospel through committed and faithful service. In this third lesson of the “Forever Changed” series, children will learn how Christ’s resurrection gave Mary Magdalene increased boldness and dedication to the Lord. TARGET AGES: 10-14 OBJECTIVE: To outline how Jesus’ resurrection made … More Children’s Ministry Resources

The Top 4 Myths About Children's Pastors

Children’s pastors are like magical unicorns, strange creatures that are largely misunderstood — that is if you believe the myths about children’s pastors. Having been involved in children’s ministry for over 20 years I can assure you that I have heard just about everything. I am not offended by what I have heard just amused and slightly surprised. Perhaps you … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Lesson: Strong and Wise (Book of James – Part 1)

The book of James contains a plethora of information for believers to become mature in their relationships to Christ. This series of five lessons will cover each chapter of James with the goal of outlining how we can become stronger in our faith. In part 1, “Strong and Wise,” there will be an emphasis on trusting God’s plan, persevering through … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Sunday School Lesson: The Baptism of Jesus in Matthew 3:13-17

Teach about the Baptism of Jesus with this free Sunday School Lesson. Kids need to learn about Baptism. This lesson is from Matthew 3:13-17 and includes crafts, coloring pages, game ideas, worksheets, object lesson, and full teaching plan. About this Sunday School Lesson Title: Jesus’ Baptism Scripture: Matthew 3:11-17 and John 1:29-34 Sunday School Age Group: 3rd-5th grade Lesson Main … More Children’s Ministry Resources

How to Use Cell Phones for Teaching Kids

Let’s face it, y’all. Cell phones are here to stay and they are firmly in the hands of the kids in your children’s church. As children’s ministry leaders, we have to set boundaries on when and how the phones can be used. What better way to take control of cell phone usage then integrate the phones into your teaching sessions? … More Children’s Ministry Resources

God's "Sticky" Eternal Love – Valentine's Day Lesson for Kids

God’s love for us is extravagant, forever, and incomparable! In this lesson, “God’s ‘Sticky,’ Eternal Love,” children will explore the depth of God’s love for them through bible study, a sticky-note activity, and an energizing seek-and-find game. In addition, the children will learn that the “stickiness” of God’s love is secure, so we can live in assured obedience to his … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Planning a VBS on a Budget

It’s the beginning of the new year — time to plan a VBS! As you know, Ministry-to-Children loves Vacation Bible School and we frequently feature reviews on new VBS material. However if you’re in a financial pinch you can plan a VBS on a shoestring budget – don’t miss our free VBS curriculum downloads. Here are a few suggestions to … More Children’s Ministry Resources

New Beginning for Peter (John 21:15-19) Lesson for Kids

Peter is well-known among Jesus’ disciples as being an outspoken leader, and God used him to lead many people into a relationship with Christ. However, Peter was also an imperfect person who sinned and denied Christ. In, “A New Beginning,” children will learn that God desires repentance and the acceptance of his forgiveness so we can continue serving him. The Lord used Peter … More Children’s Ministry Resources

What to Do When Teaching Styles Clash?

If teaching children’s church or Sunday School was as easy as showing up and teaching a Bible story, everyone would do it! However, that’s rarely the case. We serve an awesome God but we’re all human–that includes our leaders. A recent email from a discouraged teacher has me thinking about one particular subject–when teaching styles clash. You know what I … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Thankful for Service (Biblical Thankfulness – Lesson 3)

This third and final lesson on biblical thankfulness, “Thankful for Service,” will help kids understand that we should be thankful to God for the service opportunities he gives us. While thankfulness and service don’t seem to be discussed together very often, it’s important for kids to make the connection between the heart’s motives (thankfulness) and our actions (service). True servants are thankful, so … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Thankful for Others (Biblical Thankfulness – Lesson 2)

Is it enough to only express thankfulness to God? Why and how should we take the time to say, “thank you” to others? In part 2 of “Biblical Thankfulness,” children will learn that real thankfulness to God will lead to thankfulness for others. Our words and actions must work together if we are serious about being thankful.  You can preview lesson 1 or lesson 3. … More Children’s Ministry Resources

What to Do When Kids Feel Entitled

Kids are loving beings who don’t mind getting muddy to help a friend in need. They have big hearts and feel very deeply about things. I love kids! I’ve been serving them for nearly twenty years! However, they can also be selfish and display a sense of entitlement that is nothing short of shocking. You know, kind of like some … More Children’s Ministry Resources

4 Ways to Encourage the Discouraged Leader

Leadership comes with a huge amount of responsibility and sometimes the leader doesn’t always get it right. Even if they do, that doesn’t mean the leader is immune to discouragement. If you sense your leader is struggling with discouragement you don’t have to sit back and wait for things to get better. YOU could be the person God uses to … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Exercises that Increase Creativity

In a previous article, “How to Become More Creative,” I mentioned that you should work your creative muscles daily if you want to improve it. Believe me, I wasn’t born writing object lessons or designing kids’ crusades. It took time and lots of practice but it all began at a children’s ministry conference in my hometown. It was my first … More Children’s Ministry Resources

How to Become More Creative in Your Teaching

One thing I hear a lot from new children’s ministry volunteers is, “I’m not that creative.” I used to argue with people who said this. Like a responsible children’s ministry leader, I’d tell them what I believed, that God made us all creative beings, that creativity can be expressed in infinite ways. I even took some by the hand and … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Lesson: Understanding the New Testament for Kids

This lesson is the final of three lessons in our series explaining how the Bible is organized. For more help, be sure to review our Bible worksheets on the divisions of the Bible. Lesson: Understanding Bible Layout Lesson: Understanding the Old Testament You are here – Lesson: Understanding the New Testament TARGET AGES: 10-14 OBJECTIVE: To teach the students about … More Children’s Ministry Resources