Many churches and fellowships mark certain holidays with exciting outreach programs featuring plays and skits. However, there are always that group of children that can’t or won’t come to practice and then you are left trying to figure out what to do. You don’t want to leave anyone out, especially new children but at the same time, you can’t very … More Children’s Ministry Resources
If you want to change someone’s perspective, teach them how to be thankful. It’s not just good advice for shaping a positive attitude but it is something the bible instructs us to do. You will find dozens and dozens of verses about the benefits of thankfulness but one of my favorites is in the New Testament. Colossians 3:15-17 says, “And … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Everyone thinks that their particular ministry call is “the best” but children’s ministry leaders have the unique position of being right. (Insert LOL here.) I have had the privilege of being involved with some dynamic ministries and worked in at least five different ministries like Adopt-A-Block, discipleship and even ladies ministries. However, working with kids has always been my favorite. … More Children’s Ministry Resources
This lesson is the fourth in a nine part study for children on the parables of Jesus. For related ideas, search our website for “Parables of Jesus.” Lesson Four: The Stories of the Kingdom, continued Main idea: As citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven, we are willing to give up everything to follow Jesus, and we tell everyone about how … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Teaching kids is kind of an art form, isn’t it? My hat is off to all the professional educators out there. You guys rock! However, the rest of us who don’t have educational backgrounds can find ourselves in a classroom that seems out of control. We want to serve God, the kids and the church but the kiddos haven’t gotten … More Children’s Ministry Resources
This free Bible lesson is based on Matthew 22:15-22 on paying the imperial tax to Caesar. It is designed for children’s church or Sunday School. Please modify as best fits your ministry. If your church follows the Revised Common Lectionary, this teaching plan would correspond to Year A – 19th Sunday After Pentecost, Gospel Reading – Matthew 22:15-22. Lesson Opening Activity No Right Answer? … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Working in Christian ministry is unlike any other career choice. Working in a store, serving food or working at a desk job, rarely demands the level of service of ministry requires; children’s ministry insists that you leave little bits of your heart behind. (For the record, I’ve done all these jobs and proudly so!) Pastors give of themselves and often … More Children’s Ministry Resources
This lesson is the first in a nine part study for children on the parables of Jesus. For related ideas, search our website for “Parables of Jesus.” Lesson One: Why Jesus Told Parables Main idea: Parables are stories Jesus told to teach us important lessons about the Kingdom of Heaven. Teacher preparation: Read Scripture references, Proverbs 28:13-14, Isaiah 6:9-10, Mark 4:10-12 … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Depending on Bible college or seminary to prepare you for a children’s pastor role? Well, you might be in for a shock! As an eighteen-year veteran in children’s ministry, I can tell you that there are some surprise requirements to serving in this field. Luckily, most of them you probably already have within you, all you need is to tap … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Proverbs 15:1 says, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” This verse has been coming in handy lately, at home as well as in my classes at church. Maybe it’s the warmer weather that makes everyone, including myself, be quick tempered with others, but this was a necessary lesson that we all needed to … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Being a children’s pastor for eighteen years has brought so much joy into my life! From the glue sticks to the creased Bibles to the beach balls, I love every aspect of ministering to kids. It has been a blessing to teach hundreds and thousands of kids about Jesus. However, there are some things that drive me crazy. When I … More Children’s Ministry Resources
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; … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Prayer is something we should all do but understandably it can feel intimidating if you aren’t confident or experienced. I love listening to children pray. They really don’t have the presets we do and they aren’t afraid to ask God for anything. Still, after a few unanswered prayers, like, “Dear God, please make me fly,” kids will need some encouragement … More Children’s Ministry Resources
We serve a God who loves the entire world so it makes sense to celebrate Him on Valentine’s Day. Besides sugar-laden treats, heart crafts and passing out Valentine cards, you’ll probably need a few games for your children’s ministry parties. With a few supplies and some preparation, you can offer these exciting four games to your kids. (Prepping for these … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Are you always looking for ways to keep kids involved in outreach ministry? Want some ideas for teaching your group about servanthood? Evangelism is a big part of what my local church’s mission statement but finding activities kids can participate in is challenging at times. Especially when parents can’t bring them or stay with them. Still, at least once a … More Children’s Ministry Resources
If I believed in magic, (which I don’t) I would have to say that balloons have a magical quality. No matter where you put them in a room, children will unavoidably be drawn to them. Even uninflated balloons are full of potential for kids. Don’t believe me? Place a basket full of balloons in the center of your classroom table. … More Children’s Ministry Resources
This free Bible lesson is part 6 of 10 in our Lord’s Prayer study. Click here to browse all the lessons and related ideas. Don’t miss our printable Lord’s Prayer coloring book, use it as an additional activity while teaching this unit. Main idea: As we wait for Jesus Christ to return, we follow God’s will and tell others the Good News of … More Children’s Ministry Resources
I’m crazy about themes, props and the Bible! I love creating new ways to present Bible principles and verses to kids. Like many children’s pastors, I’m not a big fan of Halloween but I do recognize the incredible evangelistic opportunity I am presented with every year. Since kids love to dress up, each October I fill the kids’ church calendar … More Children’s Ministry Resources
One Sunday, (not so long ago) I stood in the front of the kids’ church, totally ignored by my kids, despite the fact that lights flashed around me and I held a microphone in my hands. It had been quite a week. I had felt under-the-weather all week and by the time Sunday rolled around, I was ill-prepared for teaching. … More Children’s Ministry Resources
I “heart” children’s ministry but even something you love can become burdensome if you let it. After my first ten years of working inkids’ ministry, I was burned out, tired, and stressed. I had experienced unexpected upheavals in my personal life and faced severe setbacks in my ministry. I took a break, thinking I’d be back in a few months … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Sending home small Mother’s Day gifts makes kids, moms and me happy but with a group as large as mine, that can cost a pretty penny. When you’ve got more than a handful of kids, what can you do for cheap mother’s day gifts for kids? My volunteers and I recently brainstormed on this subject and came up with some … More Children’s Ministry Resources
My children’s ministry has a two-fold mission: teaching kids about God’s love and training kids for ministry. I find kids love to serve God, and others, but that type of training is missing in many churches. I am sure there are some great mentoring programs out there but I wanted one that suited my needs. I created a certificate program … More Children’s Ministry Resources
This is the 7th lesson in our series called “How to Win Against Sin.” It’s based on the Armor of God teaching found in Ephesians 6. Click here to see more Bible lessons in this unit. Like all our resources, this material is 100% free to use in your ministry. Please leave a comment below to share your own thoughts … More Children’s Ministry Resources
asdIsn’t it amazing how captivated kids are by balloons? Offer kids a bag of candy or a balloon and nine times out of ten, they’ll reach for the balloon. I’m a firm believer that we should never let a tool go to waste so I’ve found some fun ways to use balloons during children’s church. Keep kids focused on your … More Children’s Ministry Resources