This message addresses a beautiful passage in Ephesians, which reminds us to “put on Christ” as we focus on living in ways that are kind and truthful, rather than lashing out in anger. The key principle of this message focuses on what it means to imitate Jesus. When we imitate something, we mimic or copy it, recognizing that we are … More Children’s Ministry Resources
“Be kind”…we say it often, but what does it mean? How do we describe and encourage love and kindness in students, and how do we explain the importance of imitating Jesus, despite our troublesome human nature? It can be challenging to re-shape the naturally self-centered habits of children, but it’s important to provide them with God’s word as an example … More Children’s Ministry Resources
What is my purpose? Young children might not worry too much about a grand plan or purpose for their lives, but it’s still meaningful to communicate to them that God loves them and has chosen them for something important. We might not know much about the future, but we can be confident that God promises us amazing blessings, and that … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Young students might not yet be wrestling with the question of life purpose, but every child seeks to be known and loved. Whether or not they have strong relationships with family, it’s important for kids to know that they are chosen by God and adopted into His family. This message reminds students that God has a special plan and purpose … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Families are wonderful and important…but they certainly are not perfect. Fortunately, we have been given the opportunity to be part of the family of Jesus! This message emphasizes how Jesus calls us His brothers and sisters. We are sons and daughters of God, and siblings of one another and of Christ. This is a blessed and comforting thought, whether or … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Children need to understand the power and importance of prayer, but it can be a challenging topic to teach. This message describes the way that Jesus has prayed for us and encourages children to recognize that God helps us pray. The illustration involved uses an object that requires tools and assistance to fix, in order to share with kids how … More Children’s Ministry Resources
This message explains that we need to remain constantly connected to Christ. As a branch needs to be connected to the main part of the plant in order to live, we need to be “attached” to the Lord. What does this mean? Being rooted in prayer and Bible reading should be components of our daily life, providing the fuel we … 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
Children tend to be rather trusting in general. However, they are also literal in their understanding and interpretation of things, and often have a hard time grasping abstract or unseen concepts. This message reminds kids that our faith in Jesus is reliable and true, even though we cannot physically see or touch the Lord. When we believe despite a lack … More Children’s Ministry Resources
This message explores the story of Jesus cleansing the temple, which was being corrupted and not used for proper worship. For this illustration, children will see an object being polluted and used for the wrong reason, and through that they will better understand Christ’s actions. Children will also hear the importance of respecting not only the church, but our own … More Children’s Ministry Resources
The New Year often brings with it new goals and resolutions for self-improvement, but for kids and adults alike, those aren’t easy to keep. Fortunately, we know that Jesus offers new life and fresh opportunities, and we can take hold of those and rejoice in our forgiveness. These crafts remind children of the blessings found in Baptism, and how we … More Children’s Ministry Resources
This message combines New Year’s resolutions and goals with the beauty of new life in Christ through baptism. People do a lot of things in efforts to improve themselves or “start fresh.” We can truly start with a clean slate when we trust the work of Jesus and the cleansing power of His precious sacrifice. This message seeks to communicate … More Children’s Ministry Resources
This message uses the “post-Christmas blues” let-down as an example of how we sometimes wait for things and wind up disheartened. However, we know that waiting for God is always worth it, because He keeps His promises. The Gospel lesson that ties in is the story of Anna and Simeon in the temple. They waited for Jesus, and saw that … 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
Mary is a celebrated Biblical leading lady, and with incredibly valid reason! We aren’t sure exactly what virtues caused her to be chosen as mother of the Messiah, but she found favor in God’s eyes, and was called to bear the Lord Jesus. This Gospel passage focuses on the angel’s annunciation to Mary that she would carry God’s son. The … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Make way! Someone special is coming! Who wouldn’t want to be the bearer of good news? The task of John the Baptist was an important one. He announced the coming of the Messiah. But he was not always celebrated and appreciated. He also brought a message calling people to repentance, and he wasn’t afraid to call out sin. John was … More Children’s Ministry Resources
How do we receive information? Is the news good, or frustrating? In this message, discuss who John the Baptist was and the message of hope he came to share. Encourage students to receive this good news and to tell others about the joy of Jesus. Main Objective: John the Baptist is a key figure in the Bible, not only for … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Use this free Sunday School lesson to teach kids about the Trinity. Use it in your children’s ministry or kids church to explain how God is three in one: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is usually the most vague element of the trinity, and thus the most difficult to teach and understand. Yet its role is an … More Children’s Ministry Resources
“That’s not fair!” This is a common refrain heard by anyone who works with children…kids want things to be just and are quick to let us know when they think they’ve been dealt otherwise. But it is important to communicate that in some cases, we don’t want absolute fairness…this lesson reminds kids that Christ is the One who we … More Children’s Ministry Resources
How do we know we are saved? Many kids not wonder over this with too grave concern, and may not understand it either. But when questions begin to arise, it’s important to give them a solid background sense of what their faith is and why. This lesson reminds us that it’s not our own power, but God working in … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Anyone who has attended churches of varying views or backgrounds has probably encountered questions (especially if kids are involved) over why certain things are done so differently. For students, particularly those raised in one specific branch of the church, it can be tricky to understand or accept that there are so many distinctions when it comes to how Christians … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Bible Focus: God does not always promise comfort or fun, but life with Him is an adventure! This lesson provides a twist on traditional St. Patrick’s Day emphasis by looking at the event’s founder relative to Biblical patriarchs. Patrick followed God’s lead and spread the word of the Gospel, just like Old (and New) Testament heroes followed God’s direction. Target … More Children’s Ministry Resources
It seems like kids today have more and more: technology, opportunity, luxury…yet sometimes they wind up stressed and over-anxious. This devotional Bible study seeks to discuss and address some of the common stressors, and to guide students back to the peace that passes all understanding, found in Christ alone. Bible Focus: There are many things that tend to bring … More Children’s Ministry Resources