When recently asked to “come up with” an unusual outreach idea for Mother’s Day, I have to admit I was stumped. I love the usual tea party and flower distributions but that’s not anything unusual. I finally settled on this unique idea for Mother’s Day. In a corner of my children’s church, I’ve set up a photo booth for moms … More Children’s Ministry Resources
It’s time to talk about Mother’s Day! It’s a huge day for church attendance and in children’s ministry, it’s especially important. I’m fairly sure most children’s workers have already though about crafts and a lesson but that’s not all you can do. Make moms feel special by incorporating these ideas into your ministry time. Idea #1: Encourage everyone from volunteers … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Mother’s Day is not specifically a Christian holiday but many churches do take that day to honor women. By honoring motherhood, we acknowledge the significance of Mom’s role in our faith and culture. If your children’s ministry publishes a newsletter, you can throw the spotlight on some of the mothers in your ministry. Show parents some love in the month … More Children’s Ministry Resources
This lesson was adapted for a small group of children ranging from 6-10 years old. The lesson introduces students how to read and discover what is in each verse as we go through the selected verses from John 20 as a class. The students will discover that our sins can be forgiven because Jesus is alive! Bible Passage: Selected passages (John … More Children’s Ministry Resources
I believe God designed us to learn self-control during early childhood but for a number of reasons, this doesn’t always happen. Let’s be honest–some children have stronger wills than others and insist on touching the “hot stove” even when they are told not to. Poor impulse control can manifest in different ways–constant interruptions during conversations, throwing a fit, ignoring instructions … More Children’s Ministry Resources
What must parents think when they pop into kids’ church or Sunday School and find Junior sitting solo in time out? From experience, I can give you an idea. “What now?” and “Not here too…” I have been working in kids’ ministry for almost two decades and I totally get how “wonderful” the time out chair can be. It’s probably … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Without the help of volunteers, where would be? I don’t know about everyone else but I would probably be found crying in my classroom. This Easter, show your volunteers how much you appreciate them with their own Easter basket. You don’t have to blow the entire kids min budget but arranging a few themed items in a basket, along with … More Children’s Ministry Resources
This lesson begins a series on the “I AM” statement of Jesus. Children will learn from Exodus 3:1-17 and John 8:54-59 how Jesus identified himself as the same all-powerful God who acted throughout the Old Testament. Throughout this study, kids will learn about the character of Christ and how they can follow him through faith. Series Index – The 7 … More Children’s Ministry Resources
“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6) That’s a verse we live by, isn’t it? I take my responsibility to train up kids seriously but getting kids to love the Bible can be a challenge. Of course, once they dive off into God’s word, … More Children’s Ministry Resources
During my sixteen year tenure in children’s ministry I have met many angry, defiant children. I won’t get into the details of all these situations—that’s confidential, but I am sure you have also met the angry child. He comes through with his arms folded across his chest, refuses to respond to his name and keeps his lip in a perpetual … More Children’s Ministry Resources
In case you haven’t noticed, I totally love object lessons! Visual demonstrations of bible principles delivers the “wow” factor that every teacher wants. If you’re looking for some super-colorful lessons to share with the kiddos, you can’t go wrong with object lessons with food coloring. Bright colors grab the eye and keep kids spellbound. However, before you start squirting, remember … More Children’s Ministry Resources
I don’t believe for a minute that any, kindhearted, loving children’s leader would ever intentionally hurt a volunteer’s feelings but sometimes it does happen. Often, it’s an offhand remark or a negative response that causes the friction. Regular volunteers know when you are teasing and when you’re not but the new guy hasn’t quite figured it out. Guess what? The … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Prayer is something we should all do but understandably it can feel intimidating if you aren’t confident or experienced. I love listening to children pray. They really don’t have the presets we do and they aren’t afraid to ask God for anything. Still, after a few unanswered prayers, like, “Dear God, please make me fly,” kids will need some encouragement … More Children’s Ministry Resources
We serve a God who loves the entire world so it makes sense to celebrate Him on Valentine’s Day. Besides sugar-laden treats, heart crafts and passing out Valentine cards, you’ll probably need a few games for your children’s ministry parties. With a few supplies and some preparation, you can offer these exciting four games to your kids. (Prepping for these … More Children’s Ministry Resources
One of my favorite times in kids’ church is one of the few moments when I get to sit and just hang out with children. With some activities, you can’t help but worry about spills or sharing. However, when you use a no mess activity you have less to worry about–you can just have fun! Best of all, you don’t … More Children’s Ministry Resources
It’s easy to make and great for an object lesson–it’s Jell-o! You’ll have to plan ahead for this visual aid as it takes a few hours to set but you can cheat and purchase some pre-made single servings to hand out after the demonstration. Since Jell-o has such an unusual composition, it’s perfect for a bible lesson about building your … More Children’s Ministry Resources
No matter where you live in the United States, chances are people in your neck of the woods love football. Whether you’re a college fan or follow the NFL the rules of football are pretty basic. Get the ball, move the ball and score some points. These are all concepts that are easy to transfer into a classroom setting–even in … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Try this simple object lesson to teach children the importance of the church community in their lives. Main Idea: We are stronger together, the church is a group of friends who help each other follow Jesus. Items Needed: Several heavy books. We used unwrapped story Bibles. Suggested Verses: Ecclesiastes 4:12 — Though a man might prevail against one who is … More Children’s Ministry Resources
A strong church focuses on the family–in whatever form that family takes. Whether a family is a single parent or a large blended family, chances are parents will face challenges they didn’t plan on. An angry tween who can’t seem to move past a divorce, a toddler with severe separation anxiety, a frazzled parent who has no idea what to … More Children’s Ministry Resources
You’ve got a heart to teach kids how to pray but don’t know how to get started. Prayers are as varied as the kids you teach! If you need a place to begin, you can’t beat the Lord’s prayer. However, merely reciting it repeatedly won’t give kids the experience you’re after. Why not add some easy hand movements when you … More Children’s Ministry Resources
You’ve got a great lesson planned to teach kids the Lord’s prayer but what about object lessons? When you reinforce a teaching session with visual aids, you keep kids’ attention and give volunteers a chance to dip their toes into the teaching waters. Illustrate this important lesson with object lessons inspired by the Lord’s prayer. Which bread? A few days … More Children’s Ministry Resources
After a season of working solo, an extra pair of hands is a welcome sight but in our zeal to lighten the load, we can make recruiting mistakes. Recruiting for kids’ ministry is an ongoing process but don’t fall into the trap of desperation and compromise. While the gospel is an “everyone welcome” message, not everyone is “called” to work … More Children’s Ministry Resources
One of my two favorite times of the week both happen on Sunday—at the beginning and end of children’s church. I can’t wait to get in there and teach but by the time the service is over, I’m ready to crawl to my couch and hope a kind family member will bring me a glass of iced tea. I’ve noticed … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Wondering how you can mark the New Year in children’s church? A time capsule is a capital idea! What a fun tradition to open and replace a time capsule each year. This activity is good for any class size and even younger children will find this New Year activity fun. With a time capsule, you can teach kids valuable lessons … More Children’s Ministry Resources