Sandcastle Children’s Ministry Object Lesson

What’s more “summery” than a sandcastle? Besides being a recognizable symbol of fun in the sun, sandcastles make a great object lesson. This powerful object lesson takes a little prep work but I’m confident that you will find it worth it.
I recommend that you use Matthew 7:26-27 as the text: “But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” After this lesson, kids will understand how important it is to build their lives on Jesus and no other foundation!
Sandcastle Object Lesson
Supplies: Shallow plastic tub filled half full with playground sand, sand bucket with a sand castle shape, water, sandcastle carving tools, a plastic house on a foundation (like a Lego play house)
Prepare: Place the tub of sand on a table where kids can see it. Put a cup of water and all the supplies you need near the tub. You may need to cover the table with plastic garbage bags to protect it from the sand. Hide the plastic house; you’ll use it at the end.
Teach: (Scoop up a cup of sand.) Who knows what this is? (Let kids answer.) Right! It’s sand. Who has a sandbox? Who likes building sandcastles at the beach? However, you can’t just scoop up sand and make it into something; you have to add a little water. (Pour water into the sand and mix it up but save some water.) Let me see what I can build! (Build a sandcastle. Ask a volunteer to help you.)
Wow! Look at my amazing sandcastle. It looks so wonderful but you know looks can be deceiving. What happens if it rains? (Sprinkle water on the sandcastle.) Oh no! That changed it a little didn’t it? What happens if there’s an earthquake? (Shake the box until the sandcastle crumbles.) Oh no! This is bad news. Look at how easily my castle crumbled. I guess sand is not a great thing to build a house with.
(Take the other house out of hiding and show it.) Take a look at this house. It’s not made of sand, it’s made of something that is sturdy. What happens if it rains? (Sprinkle water on the house.) Look, it just got wet but it didn’t crumble. What happens if we shake it? (Shake the house.) Nothing! That’s great!
This reminds me of the Bible verse we read at the beginning. Jesus wants us to have a life that won’t crumble if a few drops of rain fall. Jesus wants us to have a life that won’t fall if it is shaken a bit. Are you ready to build your life on a strong foundation? Let’s pray!
Read more from Mimi by visiting her blog at Tools for Kids Church.
Don’t miss our other ministry ideas for summer, including our tips for managing your children’s ministry in the Summer. If you’re planning a Vacation Bible School, we want to help! Checkout our free VBS curriculum.