"Children’s Ministry in the 21st Century" with Art Murphy

Recently, my church hosted a conference which was open to our children’s ministry volunteers, as well as other local churches in the area.  The conference was intended to not only encourage volunteers, but to train them as well.  The Friday night through Saturday morning trainings focused on material entitled, CM:21, Children’s Ministry in the Twenty First Century. CM:21 was lead … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Lesson: Jehoiada’s Godly influence upon King Joash

This lesson is the second lesson about King Joash.  The focus of this lesson is the Godly influence that Jehoiada the priest had on Joash while he was alive.  Unfortunately after his death Joash did not continue in his faithfulness to the Lord.  The lesson teaches students that they have the potential to be a powerful Godly influence in the … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Psalm 19 Sunday School Lesson "The Word of God"

Open Bible

This guest post was contributed by Patricia M. Tamang, a reader from the Philippines who severs as Coordinator for Christian Education in her church. Bible Lesson Title: The Word of God Bible Passage: Psalm 19:7-10 Target Age Group: Older Elementary Learning Context: Sunday School Target Time Frame: 60 minutes Key Concept: God’s word gives us understanding and shows us the right way to … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Top 10 Devotional Blogs for Kidmin

Don’t miss our free printable devotions for kids. A few weeks ago, I posted the top ten theological blogs for kidmin noting that it is important that those of us who work in children’s ministry continue to educate ourselves in theology and doctrine.  It is equally important that we spend regular time in relationship with our Heavenly Father.  To that … More Children’s Ministry Resources

20 Non-Negotiable Principles for Evangelizing Kids

Based on his findings from a 2004 survey of the age at which most people accept Christ, George Barna wrote: “Families, churches and parachurch ministries must recognize that primary window of opportunity for effectively reaching people with the good news of Jesus’ death and resurrection is during the pre-teen years. It is during those years that people develop their frames … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Sunday School Lesson: Joash is safely hidden

This lesson is told from the first person account of Jehosheba.  She appears in the Scriptures briefly but was used by God to fulfill His sovereign plan to preserve the lineage of Christ through David’s descendants.  Her story should encourage all of us that when we have a courageous faith in God’s promises we can be used by Him in … More Children’s Ministry Resources

How to Plan a Family Mission Trip

This spring I experienced one of the most life-changing and ministry-changing weeks ever.  We had the opportunity to take several families, including kids ages 7 – 14 on a mission trip to Belize.  We partnered with David and Karen Rhodes of Kidz Konnect 4 Jesus to minister at Light of the Valley school, a school we have been sponsoring for … More Children’s Ministry Resources

10 Steps to Prepare for Cross-Cultural Kids Ministry

Among other things, summer time is prime time for service projects and missions trips.  Often, those trips will include working with children through Vacation Bible Schools, summer camps, outreach programs, orphanages, etc.  Whether you’ve got trips planned for the inner city, a different place in the US, or an international mission trip planned, an essential component of that trip is … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Object Lessons: Resisting Temptation

Failing to resist temptation will leave a child open to sin. Let’s face it—children are naturally impulsive. Kids need to have the spiritual skill set necessary to be victorious continuously. These object lessons will demonstrate the importance of resisting temptation and show kids how to do it. We recommend using these visuals in conjunction with the scripture reference James 4:7 … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Peace Bible Lesson for Children (Fruit of the Spirit)

This is the third Bible lesson in our series based on the Fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5. Each particular lesson plan explains a specific character quality that God creates in us through his Spirit. These lessons are designed to accompany the printable Fruit of the Spirit coloring book from our website. Click here to see all the lessons in this … More Children’s Ministry Resources

10 Ways to Bond with a Preschooler

I love preschoolers.  They’re just a whole lot of fun, and they provide a mostly blank canvas.  I love their energy.  I love their excitement.  I love their thirst and hunger for knowledge.  I love their innocent view of the world.  Spend the morning with a room full of preschoolers, and you will get a much better understanding why Jesus … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Sunday School Lesson: Jehoshaphat's Dangerous Friendship

This lesson is for the study of Israel’s kings.  The lesson focuses on Jehoshaphat’s dangerous friendship with Ahab.  The students will discover from this lesson how believers should use wisdom in choosing relationships. After this lesson,the children will demonstrate comprehension by answering review questions and participating in Bible Lesson Charades. This lesson is only a guide to help you to prepare … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Easter Lesson: Wipe away your tears He's Alive!

This Easter lesson is based on John 20:10-21:25.  It was prepared for older students but can be adapted to your ministry’s needs.  The lesson focuses on how Jesus’ resurrection gives us hope as we face any difficulty.  It includes several additional learning activities that are optional, depending on the time you have for your class. This is only a suggested … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Preschool Bible Lesson: Jesus' Transfiguration

Preschool Lesson about Jesus

This is lesson continues our curriculum for preschoolers about knowing Jesus. Each lesson is based on a passage in the Gospel of Mark. You can read the series introduction for more explanation and links to the other lessons. This particular lesson is from Mark 9:2-10 where Jesus is transfigured before his disciples. This reveals His true form from eternity past and confirms his divinity.  This … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Bible Story Skit & Lesson on Sodom and Gommorah

Several months ago, I wrote a post with an idea for teaching kids using a play that doesn’t work.  I’ve used it a number of times since then, including this morning for presenting a lesson on the destruction of Sodom and Gommorah.  I thought it might be helpful to post that lesson here for two reasons: It is a concrete … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Paul's Shipwreck (Acts 27) Bible Lesson

This lesson continues the Journey through the Book of Acts.  This lesson covers Paul’s shipwreck as he sails toward Rome.  Students will see how the Holy Spirit enables believers to have courage in difficult situations and be able to be an encouragement to others who are struggling.  The lesson was prepared for older students.  This is only a suggested guide … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Object Lessons: God’s Forgiveness

The act of forgiveness is freeing but God’s forgiveness is so complete that it is astounding! Our relationship with God begins with His willingness to forgive us. The love match continues as the Christian, young and old learns to depend on that very forgiveness daily. Christian children need to understand that God’s forgiveness covers their entire list of sins. They … More Children’s Ministry Resources

FLYTE – An Exciting New Bible Study Series for Preteens

Flyte, the new preteen curriculum from Lifeway is described by Lifeway’s Jeff Land on their website as “a curriculum to call their (preteens) own. If you ask them, preteens would tell you they’re not “in between” anything. They are facing puberty, drugs, sex, acceptance, and self-esteem issues every day. They do not need a “sophisticized” children’s curriculum, nor do they … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Godly Play: A Review & Introduction

As I walked into the classroom, I noticed the simple white shelves that blended right into the walls. I was drawn like a magnet to the materials on these invisible shelves. The different hues of the natural woods, the heft of the brass, the richness of the velvet. Each material was placed on its own tray, organized and respected in … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Sunday School Lesson: Israel's Northern Kings

This is a continuation in the study of Israel’s kings.  This lesson covers the reigns of Jeroboam through Omri.  Although none of the kings from the northern kingdom were righteous before God they are included in this series because everything written in Scripture is for our learning. Students will learn how merciful God is towards sinful man as they examine … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Review: Kids of Courage Vacation Bible School

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I asked to review the new Kid of Courage VBS starter kit from Voice of the Martyrs.  I have a great deal of respect for Voice of the Martyrs and their work in promoting the plight of persecuted Christians around the world.  That said, I wasn’t sure what to expect when I found … More Children’s Ministry Resources