Have some bread! In this day of gluten-free, carb friendly diet consciousness, we might lose sight of how essential bread has been historically to life. It is a food staple that sees variations throughout time and culture, but which nourishes and strengthens us physically. Understanding that Jesus is our “bread” reminds us that He provides what we need for spiritual … More Children’s Ministry Resources
How can something be made strong because it’s weak? Only through the power of God! This simple Sunday School lesson focuses on a beautiful passage of Paul’s letter to the Corinthians. Students will consider what it means to face challenges that they might not be able to conquer on their own power. They will appreciate the strength that comes through … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Children are often trusting, but they sometimes have difficulty understanding what it means to believe things without seeing them. They don’t have a solid handle on abstract concepts and need to see and experience to fully comprehend. It’s important for faith teachers to communicate to kids that God is very real and loves us, even though we cannot see Him … More Children’s Ministry Resources
During His time on Earth, Jesus provided people with many intriguing analogies and explanations regarding who He was and why He came. Some of these can be challenging for young children to understand, but they can also be helpful to describe as we seek to go deeper into the life and significance of Christ. He was much more than a … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Did Jesus really brandish a whip and overturn tables in church? The story of the temple cleansing can be a fun and fascinating one to share with children. Certainly, it reminds us that Jesus was not merely a meek flannel-graph image, but He was willing to take a stand when necessary to preserve the integrity of His Father’s house. There … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Young students are quite familiar with the concept of having a teacher or leader to guide them. For most, it’s a fact that is taken for granted, with little thought given to what we do with the information we receive from mentors. In this story, we see an eager learner who not only persists in following his teacher, but insists … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Sickness and pain are all around us. Unfortunately, children today are quite aware of this, and it can seem confusing or frustrating. But we rejoice that in Christ we find hope and healing. Our ultimate solution to life’s struggles does not lie in any manmade treatment but in the one who came to suffer in our stead. While on Earth, … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Children are used to taking instruction and following directions from others. But what does it mean to recognize and obey authority? And what kinds of people are reliable for information and authority? It’s important to elucidate that Jesus is the ultimate power. Students should respect authorities that God has placed over them (parents, teachers, etc.), but sometimes life can seem … More Children’s Ministry Resources
We were big fans of the super user-friendly virtual VBS from Go Curriculum last year. Churches found their plug and play format incredibly useful for Vacation Bible School at home. David and his team are bringing back the BOLT format with an all new curriculum for VBS in 2021. It’s called “Bolt Totally 80’s VBS.” Hold onto your mullet, we’re … More Children’s Ministry Resources
For most children, the focus of day to day living includes trying to follow directions, having fun, and perhaps surviving time with siblings. Kids might not contemplate an overall “life plan” or goals for the future. They might feel that they are insignificant or too young to do anything important. It is important to remind them that God cares for … More Children’s Ministry Resources
For many people, the Christmas carols turn up and the decorations come out as soon as the Thanksgiving turkey is put away (or perhaps a few weeks before that). Stockings are hung, trees decked out with ornaments, cookies baked, and gifts wrapped. Cars drive slowly down neighborhood streets as kids and adults alike admire bright lights and inflatable lawn characters. … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Imagine what it might be like to be called “favored” in the eyes of God. It certainly sounds like a remarkable honor! Those were words that Mary heard, coming from an angel of God. What an incredible privilege to carry and raise the Messiah. At the same time, of course, this meant a lot of challenge, hardship, and even ridicule … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Use this free Sunday school lesson to teach kids the importance of waiting for Jesus’ return. It’s based on Mark 13:24-37, often called the parable of the fig tree. The download below includes complete teaching notes, games, and craft ideas. “Hopeful Waiting: Parable of the Fig Tree” Sunday School Lesson from Mark 13:24-37 about the Second Coming of Jesus Watching and … More Children’s Ministry Resources
For a lot of people, transitioning seasons are marked by holidays, wardrobe changes, and new flavors at Starbucks. Fall might mean a chill in the air, brilliant leaf colors, and pumpkin spice in everything from cereal to pickles. Autumn is of course a lot more than early nightfall and candy corn, though. In fact, it’s a great season to share … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Use this free Sunday School lesson when teaching kids the Parable of the Vineyard Tenants from Matthew 21:33-36. The PDF download below includes full teaching plan and learning activities to share with your class. “God of Second Chances” Children’s Bible Study on Matthew 21:33-46 The Parable of the Tenants The parable of the tenants is a seemingly strange one, and … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Actions Speak Louder Than Words…God’s Speak Loudest of All …. That’s the main idea in these Sunday School suggestions for the Parable of the Two Sons found in Matthew 21. The complete lesson plan below has everything you need to prepare for your Bible teaching. “Parable of Two Sons” Children’s Bible Study on Matthew 21:23-32 “I’ll believe it when I see … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Jesus expects his followers to forgive others and he offered this parable in Matthew 18:21-35 to help us understand that means everyone. Download this Sunday School lesson below and prepare to teach. “God Wants Me to Forgive Everyone?” Sunday School Lesson on the Unforgiving Servant in Matthew 18:21-35 What is mercy? The concept can seem foreign or abstract to children, … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Use this children’s Bible study to teach about the real identity of Jesus as the promised Messiah. It is based on Matthew 16, where Peter makes this good confession. “Who Do You Say That I AM? Children’s Sunday School Lesson Matthew 16:13-20 Who do YOU say I am? Sunday School Suggestions For Identifying Jesus as the Messiah For kids (and … More Children’s Ministry Resources
The new VBS curriculum has arrived for 2021. Which is best for your church? Browse all the new themes for VBS 2021. VBS 2021 Starts Here What is the theme for Vacation Bible School next summer? BOLT 2021 VBS theme reveal LifeWay VBS 2021 theme reveal Group VBS 2021 theme reveal Torchbearers VBS: Olympics / Missions Theme Lava Lava Luau VBS 2021: Controlling Our … More Children’s Ministry Resources
The Parable of the Sower can be slightly challenging to look at when working with very young children, as far as metaphor explanation goes. However, it is a fun one when it comes to crafts. As with many planting and growth analogies, there are plenty of engaging ways to make items that lend themselves to the story. Here are a … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Summer is different in children’s ministry. After all the VBS activities, regular weekly programs like Sunday School can see lower attendance. This is true in children’s church too. Many congregations pause their Wednesday evening programs when school is out for Summer vacation. This page links all our best ideas for making the most of Summertime in your Sunday School. Don’t … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Use this lesson plan when teaching from Matthew 10:40-42 in your children’s Sunday School class. We’ve included complete teaching notes, game ideas, craft projects, and more. It’s everything you need to teach this Bible lesson to kids. “Welcome One and All”Sunday School Lesson on Matthew 10:40-42 Hospitality and valuing others is important. What does it mean to welcome someone? The … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Kids have a difficult time with abstracts. It is understandably challenging to put trust in things that cannot be seen, or to grasp concepts that are not tangible. “The faith of a mustard seed can move mountains”, we might hear. But to the concrete mind of a six-year-old this only conjures a very perplexing image. When discussing faith, it’s … More Children’s Ministry Resources
In this lesson, we will look at the Gospel of Mark, which features some interesting topics. The emphasis of this study is to see the amazing wonders that Jesus did, and to consider how He can change our lives even if it seems like less “drastic” methods are used. Lesson focus: Christ is in control of our lives and can … More Children’s Ministry Resources