Bible Lesson: Proverbs-Two Paths: Pride & Humility

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

Bible Lesson: God uses Mordecai and Esther to thwart Haman’s evil plan

The following lesson was prepared for a small group of students.  The actual lesson is written out to include all the main points of the Book of Esther.  The students who attended when this lesson was taught were ages 5-8.  It was adapted and modified to their attention span and they stayed engaged and participated throughout the lesson.  An option for this lesson is to have part 1 and part 2 of this amazing Book about God

I AM the True Vine (John 15:1) Lesson

Lesson Eight: The True Vine Main idea: Jesus helps us to grow when we stay connected to him. 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, Isaiah 5:1-7, Psalm 80:7-19, and Hebrews 12:7-12. Gather: Bible; dry erase markers or chart paper and markers; review game card (download here and here) printed and cut out; several

I AM the Way, the Truth, the Life (John 14:6) Lesson

Lesson Seven: The Way, the Truth, and The Life Main idea: Jesus is comfort and certainty in an uncertain world. 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. Gather: Bible; dry erase markers or chart paper and markers; 5-10 pieces of string, each between 10-20 feet; painters tape; 5-10 random objects and toys for the

I AM the Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25) Lesson

Lesson Six: The Resurrection and the Life Main idea: Jesus has power over life and death. 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, Romans 5:12-21, 1 Corinthians 15 Gather: Bible; dry erase markers or chart paper and markers; playing cards; terra cotta pots and saucers for each child (or plastic cups); packs of flower

I AM the Good Shepherd (John 10:11-16) Lesson

Lesson Five: The Good Shepherd Main idea: Jesus is the good shepherd who sacrificed his life for our lives. 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, Ezekiel 34:1-24 Gather: Bible; dry erase markers or chart paper and markers; white balloons, blown up and with a sheep’s face drawn on them in permanent marker (eyes, a nose

I AM the Gate of the Sheep (John 10:7) Lesson

Lesson Four: The Gate for the Sheep Main idea: Jesus is the only entrance to salvation. 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, Psalm 23 Gather: Bible; dry erase markers or chart paper and markers; hula hoops, carpet squares, or masking tape; ball-pit balls, bean bags, or crumpled paper; craft printables; scissors; glue; crayons

I AM the Light of the World (John 8:12) Lesson

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

I AM the Bread of Life (John 6:35) Lesson

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

Jesus is the Great "I AM" Lesson & Series Index (John 8:58, Exodus 3:14)

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

Bible Lesson: Elisha and Naaman

This lesson was adapted for older students about Naaman and Elisha.  The students discover that only faith in the Lord Jesus cleanses a person from the consequences of sin (death). This is only a guide, please adapt to the needs of your class. Bible Passage:  2 Kings 5:1-9 Bible Story Title:  Elisha and Naaman  Target Age Group:  Ages 9-11 (3rd-5th Grade U.S.A.) Target Time Frame: 60 Minutes Original Teaching Context: Sunday School Image Credits: Sweet Publishing and Distant Shores Media

Bible Lesson: Samson (Judges 13-16)

This lesson concludes a study in the Book of Judges.  As students examine Samson’s life they will discover that sin hinders God’s power in the life of a believer.  Confession of sin cleanses a believer’s life and enables the Holy Spirit’s power to be seen. The lesson was prepared for older elementary students and is only a guide.  Please adapt for the needs of your ministry. Bible Passage: Judges 13-16 Bible Story Title: Samson Target Age Group: 

"Not So Angry Birds" Games for Kids Church

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 had doubled our attendance and now look forward to moving into a spring revival in the ministry.

Printable Resources & Game for Jesus Birthday Party

A birthday party for Jesus reminds young children of the true meaning of Christmas. Here is a game as well as cupcake toppers and wrappers. First Christmas Game Print one game board per child on cardstock or heavy paper. Print one sheet of small cards for each two children on cardstock or heavy paper, and cut the cards apart. Shuffle the small cards and put them face down. Give each player a game board. When it is your turn, take a

Days of Creation Game

Is there any benefit in learning the days of creation in order? The goal should never be enabling someone to spout off the information just so they can say they memorized it. However, we can learn some lessons from studying God’s creation activities: God has a plan and does things in an orderly fashion. Days 1 through 3 prepared for days 4 through 6. The sun, moon, and stars (day 4) shine the light (day 1); the

"Planted by Streams of Water" Pslam 1:3 Coloring Page

This is the fourth page in our free Psalm One Coloring Book. This sheet illustrates the third verses of this scripture passage. “He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither.” This continues the biblical description of the blessed person. The life of the righteous is constantly nourished by God’s Word and in turn produces good things. Download all 8-pages in one PDF document (1 MB) or edit

"The Noodle Game" Idea for Preteen Ministry

**This is a guest post from Nick Diliberto from PreteenMinistry.net In a previous post, Harnessing the High Energy of Preteens, I wrote about using the high energy level of preteens (especially boys) constructively. One idea mentioned was to play a large group game at the beginning of your gathering. Below is a great example of a fun relationship building game that preteens absolutely love. The Noodle Game Supplies: 3-4 swimming noodles per 30 players. If your group is over 30

How to Create a Bus Ministry Program

A healthy bus ministry consists of more than providing transportation between church and home. Volunteers and riders will flock to buses that offer programs that meet their needs. Volunteers need to know what to expect and how they can help. Riders are counting on you to set the tone, teach them how to behave, and introduce them to God’s kingdom. It sounds like a tall order but hundreds of bus ministries do it every week—you can too!

Preschool Bible Lesson: Jesus Feeds the 5,000 & Walks on Water

This is lesson continues our curriculum for preschoolers about knowing Jesus. Each lesson is based on a passage in the Gospel of Mark. You can read the series introduction for more explanation and links to the other lessons. This particular lesson is from Mark 6:33-52 where Jesus performs a series of miracles. While these are often familiar stories for adults they may be new for the children in your class. The feeding of the 5,000 and the walking on water show

Samson Preschool Bible Lesson

This printable lesson plan is designed to teach preschool aged children about the story of Samson. It could be used in any setting with children age 2-5 at church, including a preschool Sunday School class or a preschool children’s church class. As always, consider your own ministry context and modify it as needed. Be sure to print off the Samson storybook linked in the supplies below. Bible Story: The Story of Samson Scripture: Judges 13:3,5,24 & 16:6,7,16,17,20,23,25,26,28,29

Samson Bible Lesson for Kids

This free Children’s Church lesson plan was first written for elementary aged students. It covers the story of the ups and downs of Samson. This material could also be used as the Bible lesson plan for children’s Sunday school. Be sure to consider your own ministry context and modify it as needed. Look for additional teaching ideas and resources linked at the bottom of this page. Bible Story: The Story of Samson Scripture: Judges 13:1-5, 24 &

Seven Habits of Highly Insecure Children’s Pastors

Continuing my Benefits of Hindsight series, I would like to suggest seven habits which can create highly insecure and ineffective children’s pastors. In my years of ministry I have witnessed all of them, and I also have been guilty of a few. So, as you read the list and think about the implications, imagine my voice as one of godly fear and trembling, rather than witty sarcasm. In the statements below I refer to the CP, for children’s pastor.

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 take approximately forty-five minutes and you are prepared to teach for forty-five minutes.  Or so you thought…When

Creepy Crawly Family Devotions

In our home, we have a thing for bugs, spiders, and the like.  I don’t mind them and all, but my kids LOVE them.  It’s almost disturbing how my daughter can have seven worms climbing up her arms simultaneously.  She giggles as I gasp…. Yuck! Though you would never catch me covered with creepy crawlers, I would have to agree that they’re fascinating.  Consider the cockroach.  If it happens to lose its head (unfortunate, I know), it