Not of this World… Bible Lesson about Heaven for Children

This lesson emphasizes placing our hope and peace in what is far beyond ourselves…God has put a sense of “eternity in our hearts,” yet we often drown that out with our busy-ness and noise. Using inspiration from books and stories, children will be stirred to recall that they are made for more than just earthly delight. Note: This lesson can be expanded into a series or collection following stories and parables, if desired. Also, see addendum for

"Drop Everything" Sunday School Lesson from Mark 1:14-20

This free Bible lesson is based on Mark 1:14-20 when Jesus begins to call His disciples. 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 – 3rd Sunday after the Epiphany, Gospel Reading – Mark 1:14-20. Opening Activity – Drop Everything – Most Important Matching Game Supplies – index cards, writing utensils Give each child 4 index cards

"Come and See" Sunday School Lesson from John 1:43-51

This free Bible lesson is based on John 1:43-51 when Jesus begins calling his disciples. 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 – 2nd Sunday after the Epiphany, Gospel Reading – John 1:43-51. Lesson Introduction Game “Leading the Blind” Supplies – blindfolds, classroom furniture or found objects Before class set up a maze in

Missions Education & Kids: The Ends of the Earth Means Everyone!

There is a lot in today’s world that competes for attention and time with kids (and adults!). We are occupied (sometimes overly so) with practices, work, homework, lessons, meetings, scheduling… not to mention the essential and mandatory time needed for shopping, playing, and watching TV. With this in mind, it can be easy to grow wrapped up in our own little bubbles of being, stuck amidst obligations and worries or lost in the drama of daily life.

Jesus Presented (Luke 2:22-40) Sunday School Lesson

Often the excitement of the Nativity story centers around the typical manger scene images: shepherds, angels, Mary and Joseph…somehow we skip from that to the remainder of Christ’s life and neglect some of the significant details. This lesson focuses on the dedication of Jesus in the temple, and the excitement of Simeon and Anna as they meet the Savior. Lesson focus: From the beginning God had prepared a special path for the life of Jesus; He has

Boy Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2:41-52) Sunday School Lesson

This lesson was created to teach an inductive style lesson to older students.  Reading the Scripture passage and interacting with what is written, the students will discover that when Jesus is in the temple at age 12 He showed that He was God’s Son who came to do God’s will. More Teaching Ideas: Watch the teaching demonstration of this children’s sermon and related Bible crafts Compare our full Luke 2:41-52 Sunday School See all our Christmas lesson ideas and Sunday School Curriculum Bible Passage: Luke

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 or teaching or church or even parenting. It is no wonder some animals hibernate through this time!

Valentine Object Lesson (Ezekiel 36:26) Tootsie Roll Pop

Looking for a sweet, yet effective Valentine’s themed object lesson? I’ve got one! This is a new take on an old lollipop lesson. The verse I use when teaching it is Ezekiel 36:26, And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I recommend having two for demonstration and one for

Lesson: Who was Jesus? Born to Die…

Sometimes the end of the holiday season leaves us with something of a disappointing let-down. Following the anticipation and excitement of Christmas, there is a sense of anticlimax as the wrapping paper is put away and Nativity scenes taken down. It is important to realize that Christmas is only the beginning of the story, which culminates God’s plan for His people. Jesus was born in a remarkable way, but He was born in order to serve and

Parables of Jesus: 9 Lessons for Kids

Kids learn best through storytelling – that’s why teaching the parables of Jesus is perfect for Sunday School and Junior Church. This 9 lesson curriculum is 100% free to download an teach. This page lists all the individual lesson plans in our 9 part series on the parables of Jesus. We’ve also included some additional teaching helps below. Why Jesus Told Parables (Matthew 13:10-17) The Story of the Soils (Matthew 13:3-9, 18-23) Stories of the Kingdom (Matthew

"My Son, My Beloved" Sunday School Lesson from Mark 1:4-11

This free Bible lesson is based on Mark 1:4-11 when God descends like a dove, and calls Jesus ‘His Beloved’. 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 the Epiphany, Gospel Reading – Mark 1:4-11. Opening Activity – My Son, My Beloved – Ultimate Dad Collage Supplies – old magazines, scissors,

Sunday School Lesson (John 1:10-18) The Word Became Flesh

This free Bible lesson is based on John 1:10-18 that tell of the significance of the birth of Jesus, God in the flesh.. It is designed for children’s church or Sunday School. Please modify as best fits your ministry. The Word Became Flesh Sunday School Lesson from John 1:10-18 If your church follows the Revised Common Lectionary, this teaching plan would correspond to Year B – 2nd Sunday after Christmas, Gospel Reading – John 1:10-18. Opening Activity

Lost Things Get Found (Luke 15:1-32) Lesson

This is the final lesson in a nine part study for children on the parables of Jesus. For related ideas, search our website for “Parables of Jesus.” Lesson Nine: The Stories of Lost Things Found Main idea: God rejoices when lost sinners come to him, and we should too. As citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven, we search for lost sinners and tell them about Jesus. Teacher preparation: Read Scripture references, James 5:20 Gather: Bible; dry erase

Sunday School Lesson: Samson-God's judge chosen before birth (Judges 13-16)

The following Bible lesson from the life of Samson was created to teach older students. Students will discover that believers are chosen by God and set apart for His work. Bible Passage: Judges 13-16 Bible Story Title: Samson-God’s judge chosen before birth Target Age Group:  Ages 10-12 (5-6th Grade U.S.A.) Target Time Frame: 60 Minutes Original Teaching Context: Sunday School Supply List:  Bibles Learning Goal:  Students will learn that believers are chosen by God and set apart for His work. Test:

Dear Leader…. When You Just Want to Quit

So you’re teaching a class and things just aren’t going well. The kids are running around the room playing tag, someone is crying at the door for their mom, your assistant is out sick, and the snack just spilled all over the floor. You feel like quitting, right? One question: Is this a normal day in your classroom? If it is, you may need some keys to success to help you get through. Quitting is not the

Story Time with Jesus: Lesson Eight (Luke 10:25-37)

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, Philippians 2:3-4, and Galatians 5:13-15 Gather: Bible; dry erase markers or chart paper and markers; hand out

Fulfilling Prophecy (Luke 2:22-40) Activities and Lesson

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 Reading – Luke 2:22-40. Activity #1 Fulfilling Prophecy – True or False Supplies – index cards, writing

Calendar Object Lesson: New Year’s Activity

Since no one knows the future, who can tell someone else what is to come? That’s from the Bible—Ecclesiastes 8:7! What a great time to share an object lesson pertaining to God’s control of the future! All you need are a few calendars to illustrate how God is in control—one from the passing year and one for the next. Place them in your teaching area so kids can see them as you teach. Follow the teaching prompts

New Year's Game: Confetti Balloons

If you ask kids what their favorite holiday is, New Year’s isn’t likely to make the top three but that’s no reason to skip over the world’s most popular “do over.” In the secular world, the “new year” is a time stamp that initiates a life change but like every day with Jesus, it is time to do better, to stretch your faith, to try again. If you teach that, kids will certainly get it. If you’re

Bible Lesson: Samuel-Israel’s Last Judge (1 Samuel 2:12-3:21)

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 Last Judge Target Age Group:  Ages 9-11 (3rd-5th Grade U.S.A.) Target Time Frame: 60 Minutes Original Teaching

Sunday School Lesson: The Birth of John (Luke 1:57-80)

This lesson was created for a small group of students and focuses on God’s plan for John the Baptist’s life.  Students will discover that God has a plan for their lives. Bible Passage: Luke 1:57-80 Bible Story Title:  The Birth of John   Target Age Group:  Ages 5-11 (K-5th Grade U.S.A.) Target Time Frame: 60 Minutes Original Teaching Context: Sunday School Supply List:  Bibles, activity pages, pens, crayons Learning Goal:  Students will learn that God had a plan

"Nothing is Impossible" Sunday School Lesson from Luke 1:26-38

This free Bible lesson is based on Luke 1:26-38 where the Angel Gabriel visits Mary to tell her of her upcoming pregnancy and birth with God’s Son Jesus. 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 – 4th Sunday in Advent, Gospel Reading – Luke 1:26-38. Opening Activity – Nothing is Impossible – It’s

"Who Are You?" Sunday School Lesson on John 1:6-8, 19-28

This free Bible lesson is based on John 1:6-8, 19-28 where John the Baptist is questioned about his identity and purpose.  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 – 3rd Sunday in Advent, Gospel Reading – John 1:6-8, 19-28. Opening Activity – Who Are You? – Who am I? Supplies – index cards, dark marker, tape On

"Preparing for Jesus" Sunday School Lesson from Mark 1:1-8

This free Bible lesson is based on Mark 1:1-8 where John the Baptist prepares the people for Jesus.  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 – 2nd Sunday in Advent, Gospel Reading – Mark 1:1-8. Opening Activity – Preparing for Jesus – Preparing for Christmas Supplies – paper, drawing utensils Give each child a piece of