You and I know that God’s Word has a supernatural quality–it not only empowers, frees and comforts us but it is infused with the Holy Spirit. How many times have I read a verse and all of a sudden, it kind of “jumps off the page.” You see something unique and amazing for the first time even though you have … More Children’s Ministry Resources
There are many wonderful worship songs out there to sing, hear, admire and inspire. For that matter, there are also abundant songs for kids to learn and sing. And modern Christian artists flood the radio with wonderful titles and varieties of music. But sometimes we forget how marvelous and insightful old hymns can be. We tend to see classic church … More Children’s Ministry Resources
I recently noticed something interesting and revealing. While I was chatting in the sanctuary after service, we were interrupted by a pair of notoriously rambunctious brothers who sprinted down a pew in a round of “tag.” The Sunday school superintendent with whom I was conversing (who does not hide her frustration with these boys) scolded them strongly, which did not … More Children’s Ministry Resources
These “interviews” can be performed as a skit, read out loud, or read collectively within a Sunday school lesson setting. The characters focused on here are some of the lesser-known “unsung” heroes of the story, in hopes that children gain deeper appreciation for the story. An Unexpected Burden: Simon of Cyrene As they led him away, they seized Simon from … More Children’s Ministry Resources
As we approach Holy Week and prepare our hearts for Easter, it’s easy to become caught up in the excitement of egg hunts, palm branch crosses, and chocolate bunnies. It can even grow tiresome to talk yet again about what may seem an “obvious” Christian story. But students can benefit from focusing on details of this time in Christ’s life, … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Have time to kill at the end of class or looking for an active game to break up a teaching block? Keep it simple and call out this fun, classic game. Of course, you could play the traditional Duck, Duck, Goose game but why not make it more biblical? Try these variations on this fast-paced game. Duck Duck Goose Call-Out … More Children’s Ministry Resources
The following lesson was created for a small class of children ranging from age 5-10. The students discover that Jesus’ miracles helped people believe in Him for eternal life. Bible Passage: John 4:46-54 Bible Story Title: Jesus Heals Official’s Son Target Age Group: Ages 5-11 (K-5th Grade U.S.A.) Target Time Frame: 60 Minutes Original Teaching Context: Sunday School Supply List: … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Lesson Title: Knowing Jesus Through the Five Senses: The Sense of Sight Bible Reference: John 18:1-14; 19-23; 28-40; John 19:1-16 Target Age Group: Elementary Learning Context: Sunday School Target Time Frame: 45 minutes Focus Verse: As soon as the chief priests and their officials saw him, they shouted, “Crucify! Crucify!” But Pilate answered, “You take him and crucify him. As … More Children’s Ministry Resources
by Bob Singleton, head worship guy at God’s Kids Worship® I worked for several years as music director for the top-rated children’s TV show on PBS (Barney™ & Friends). It might surprise you, but there is a lot of research that goes on for shows like that. While I was there, top experts in child development submitted papers and reported … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Kids need to know that God can see what our hearts look like and our lives. In our culture, there’s a lot of emphasis placed on what we look like but that’s now how God operates and we shouldn’t either. Proverbs 27:19 says, “As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.” It’s not our reflection that displays … More Children’s Ministry Resources
This Lent lesson explains the 40 days Jesus spent in the Wilderness. It’s perfect for kids to learn about the Temptation of Jesus and what it means to be devoted to God when no one else is around. The lesson download below includes the complete teacher notes, worksheets, coloring pages, and craft ideas. Dedication in the Desert Matthew 4:1-11 Lesson … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Lesson Title: Knowing Jesus Through the Five Senses: The Sense of Smell Bible Reference: Ephesians 5:2; Genesis 1:28-31; Genesis 2:15-17; Genesis 3:1-6; Romans 5:12 Target Age Group: Elementary Learning Context: Sunday School Target Time Frame: 45 minutes Focus Verse: “And walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Materials: Bucket of water, items that float, items that sink, picture of Jesus, large spoon, plastic egg, bucket (2 of each if you want to have teams), tape You can also download a coloring page of Jesus walking on water. Activity: Float vs Sink. – Put the bucket of water on the table – Talk with the children about the items … More Children’s Ministry Resources
We offer the following background and ideas for making the most of the Lenten season in your children’s ministry. Don’t miss our Lent lessons and coloring pages. For many years the period between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday has been honored as the time of “Lent,” marked generally by sacrifice and mindful contemplation. In modern Protestant churches, it can sometimes … More Children’s Ministry Resources
This free Bible lesson is based on Mark 1:29-39 when Jesus first begins to heal the sick. 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 B – 5th Sunday after the Epiphany, Gospel Reading – Mark 1:29-39. … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Sometimes, it’s hard for kids to get to know new people. We seem to stick with the people that we know and have something in common with. I know, as teachers, we try to make sure that our “new” kids get buddies and try to have our other children welcome them with open arms. This is sometimes difficult, depending on … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Download these free Scripture based Valentine’s cards for children. They are a perfect way to share what the Bible says about Love kids this February 14th. If you need more ideas, don’t miss our longer list of Valentine’s Day Bible Verses for Children and Valentines day coloring pages. I wanted to be able to give my students a valentine that … More Children’s Ministry Resources
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
This lesson is the eighth in a nine part study for children on the parables of Jesus. For related ideas, search our website for “Parables of Jesus.” Lesson Eight: The Story of the Good Neighbor Main idea: Citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven show sacrificial kindness and mercy to everyone, including their enemies. Teacher preparation: Read Scripture references, John 15:12-17, … More Children’s Ministry Resources
This free Bible lesson is based on Luke 2:22-40 where Mary and Joseph take baby Jesus to the temple to dedicate Him to God. 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 B – 1st Sunday after Christmas, Gospel … More Children’s Ministry Resources
The following lesson was created for older students. As students study the Bible lesson they will discover that how a believer lives their life reflects God’s character to those around them. This is only a guide to help teach your students. Please feel free to adapt to the needs of your class. Bible Passage: 1 Samuel 2:12-3:21 Bible Story Title: Samuel-Israel’s … More Children’s Ministry Resources
As we get closer to the Advent season, I am reminded to keep everything in perspective. I can get overwhelmed with Christmas programs, lessons that need to be written, children that need my attention, and just normal everyday life. It seems as we do get closer to the holidays, we get busier. School programs, church functions, and family get-togethers all seem … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Have you ever skipped ahead to the end of a book just to see how it ends? Do you often wonder what God could possibly have in mind when certain things happen? This lesson provides a quick challenge to illustrate our limited view and God’s big picture. Younger students may not be too occupied with the future, and may not … More Children’s Ministry Resources
3As we begin to prepare our hearts for the Advent Season, this lesson models how all Bible stories, Old and New Testament alike, point to the Savior. The activities and emphasis here take the story of Baby Moses and his miraculous rescue, but add a slight twist by drawing comparisons to the birth and first days of Jesus. Lesson focus: … More Children’s Ministry Resources