Christmas Object Lesson: The Christmas Card

This time of year it is a tradition to send Christmas greetings with Christmas cards. Some cards feature family photos, play music or tell a funny story. Whichever Christmas card your family chooses to send the message is clear — the card is a way to express your holiday greetings. Grab a few of your favorite Christmas cards and bring … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Beating the Winter Blues… maintaining motivation in your children's ministry

The winter let-down…Christmas wrappings are hauled away, fruit cake is steadily hardening, temperatures are dropping, and schedules are returning to normal routine. Following the hype and hubbub of the holiday season, the winter months can sometimes seem dreary. Between cold weather and lack of significant events, it’s tempting to fall into apathy in any area of our lives, be it work … More Children’s Ministry Resources

5 Recruiting Mistakes Kids Ministry Leaders Make

After a season of working solo, an extra pair of hands is a welcome sight but in our zeal to lighten the load, we can make recruiting mistakes. Recruiting for kids’ ministry is an ongoing process but don’t fall into the trap of desperation and compromise. While the gospel is an “everyone welcome” message, not everyone is “called” to work … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Christmas Object Lesson: The Gift in a Gift

Want to bring some excitement to your holiday curriculum? You can’t go wrong with this Christmas object lesson. The idea is to teach kids that God’s gift—His son, Jesus. He is truly the gift that keeps giving. By presenting the “gift in a gift” you will demonstrate how people who love Jesus can share him with everyone. He is the … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Easy Christmas Play Ideas

Planning a Christmas play takes a lot of work and commitment but even the best-laid plans are subject to change when kids get involved. How many times have you held a month of rehearsals (or more) only to have five new kids show up the week before the big event? It has happened to me more than once. The worst-case … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Preteen Ministry Game: Christmas Mix

**This is a guest post from Nick Diliberto from PreteenMinistry.net Object: This game is a mix of charades, listening, and tons of laughing! Supplies: Large bowl Timers Scrap pieces of paper (each student & leader need 3 pieces) Pens Preparation: Give each preteen a pen and three pieces of paper How to Play: Everyone will receive 3 pieces of scrap paper and … More Children’s Ministry Resources

"The Christmas Story" Skit for Sunday School Class

This skit of the Christmas story is designed to be read in a Sunday School class. It gives the children the chance to experience what happened without an elaborate stage production. If you wanted, however, you could use some props and actions in your classroom. The Story of Christmas Skit for Children’s Church or Sunday School Use the link above … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Is Multi Tasking Killing Your Ministry?

Volunteer shortages and demands on your time tempt many leaders to multi task. When several projects sit on your desk, the office isn’t the only thing that gets cluttered–so does your mind. (At least that’s true in my case.) I end up falling down spiritually too. Multitasking is a great ability when cooking a special meal or running an office, … More Children’s Ministry Resources

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 … More Children’s Ministry Resources

25 Things a Children’s Pastor’s Must Do this Summer

I know what you’re thinking,”25 more things?” Well these 25 “must do activities” are really fun suggestions that could help you reconnect with your inner child. As children’s ministers, we should think like our sheep. That’s hard to do at times, especially when we get busy with grown up life, ministry and family. Our top 25 summer bucket list is … More Children’s Ministry Resources

"Super Christmas" Printable Play Script for Kids

modern christmas play for church

Use this creative script if you want to add a fun super hero twist to your Christmas Play. The play was written by Vanessa Unti.  She is a student at Western Washington University and the Youth Minister at Christ the Servant Lutheran Church in Bellingham, WA. Super Christmas A Free Christmas Play for Children’s Ministry Enjoy this skit called “A … More Children’s Ministry Resources

How to Organize a Christmas Mom's Day Out

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

Teaching Kids About Loving Others

Children have no problem loving others but sometimes they aren’t sure how to put legs on that love. If we don’t teach kids that love needs action, we’ll raise a generation of children that don’t follow the Golden Rule. In my kids church, I use my weekly bulletin to encourage kids to step outside their comfort zone and love others. … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Lesson: Jesus Says "Ask, Seek, Knock"

ask seek knock

This free Bible lesson on prayer is based on Matthew 7:7-12 in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Use it in your Sunday School or Children’s Church. Please modify to best meet the ministry setting and the children you will teach. We welcome your ideas and feedback in the comment section below. Gospel Connection: In this passage, we are reminded of … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Jesus Birthday Party for Children

**This is a guest post by Glenys Nellist  from Kids Ministry Matters Imagine this… you are a young mom with three little kids. It is Christmas Eve. Your kids are in a state of high excitement. The kitchen counter top is strewn with multi colored sprinkles and blobs of red frosting… tell tale signs that you have just finished decorating the … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Christmas Lesson for Preteens "God is With Us"

**This is a guest post from Nick Diliberto from PreteenMinistry.net Reaching preteens can be tough. Here’s some help. This is a great Christmas lesson that is sure to impact the preteens in your ministry. It’s fun, experiential and adaptable to any ministry setting. Preteens will dig into the true meaning of Christmas. Enjoy! IMMANUEL – GOD IS WITH US LUKE 2:1–20, … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Sugar Cookie Object Lessons

Sweets play a big role in many holiday celebrations and one treat that tops the list is sugar cookies. Since many of us serve a snack during our classes, why not use the beloved sugar cookie as a tasty object lesson? You’ll keep kids spellbound with your sweet stories that illustrate precious Bible meanings. An object lesson that engages multiple … More Children’s Ministry Resources

"Who's This All About?" Christmas Script

**This is a guest post by Dale Hudson from Relevant Children’s Ministry I’ve been getting a lot of emails for the scripts, schedules, etc. from the Christmas Family Experience we produced last year called “Who’s This All About?” It’s that time of year when people are looking for Christmas plays, etc. It can be used for a shared Christmas family … More Children’s Ministry Resources