Children’s Ministry Statistics (2019) How do kids come to Christ?

Update: We released a research on 2022 children’s ministry statistics with over 1200 ministry leaders responding. We surveyed 400 children’s ministry leaders and analyzed the latest research. Here’s what we learned. Jesus loves the little ones – that’s why we love to serve in children’s ministry. Every person (no matter their age) was created to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It’s the most pressing need in this life. It’s also the goal of everything we

God Protects His People (Exodus 1-2) Lesson #28 in What is God Like?

AGE GROUP: elementary (ages 6-11)TIME REQUIRED: 45 minutes This is lesson 28 of 42 in our study on the Attributes of God called “Can you tell me what God is like?” Visit the series index to view all the lessons and get more ideas for using this curriculum in your children’s ministry. LESSON 28: GOD PROTECTS HIS PEOPLE Key Verse: “Do not withhold your mercy from me, O Lord; may Your love and Your truth always protect me.”

God is Merciful (1 Kings 18) Lesson #23 in What is God Like?

AGE GROUP: elementary (ages 6-11)TIME REQUIRED: 45 minutes This is lesson 23 of 42 in our study on the Attributes of God called “Can you tell me what God is like?” Visit the series index to view all the lessons and get more ideas for using this curriculum in your children’s ministry. LESSON 23: GOD IS MERCIFUL Key Verse: “The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against Him.” Daniel 9:9 Teaching Passage: Elijah &

God is the Deliverer (Exodus 17:8-16) Lesson #5 in What is God Like?

When you think about what you want your children to learn at church, what’s the first thing that pops into your mind? We’ve all been there. With so much truth in the Bible where do we start? Why not start where the Bible starts. No, not necessarily creation, but GOD. Who is God? What is God like? What does God do? “The highest science, the loftiest speculation, the mightiest philosophy, which can ever engage the attention of

God is Almighty (Judges 7) Lesson #1 in What is God Like?

When you think about what you want your children to learn at church, what’s the first thing that pops into your mind? We’ve all been there. With so much truth in the Bible where do we start? Why not start where the Bible starts. No, not necessarily creation, but GOD. Who is God? What is God like? What does God do? C.H Spurgeon once said, “The highest science, the loftiest speculation, the mightiest philosophy, which can ever

Cokesbury VBS Starter Kit 2019 "To Mars and Beyond"

Cokesbury is an important friend to our website and we are excited to let you know about their new VBS curriculum for 2019 called “Mission to Mars.” Glory to God, who is able to do far beyond all that we could ask or imagine by his power at work within us! – Ephesians 3:20 If you’re just hearing about this VBS theme, be sure to watch the video below and visit their website for yourself. Cokesbury is

Group Kidmin Conference: 13 Things You’ll Love

This is a special guest post by Danielle Bell. Most people don’t love the number 13, but I find it quite encouraging as I think about Group’s KidMin Conference. I’ve been to every KidMin Conference and they never disappoint. Each one has it’s own special viewpoint and I so appreciate all the ways each conference challenges, inspires, and encourages me. As I look to this year’s KidMin Conference in Chicago (September 22-24, 2017), I came up with 13

"Lord of Hosts/ King/ King of Kings" Names of God Lessons for Kids

This lesson is part of a series we’re calling, “Hello, My Name Is…  A Series on the Names of God.” You can find the latest when you follow Tara’s author archive. We’ll add links to the whole Bible study once it’s complete. Lesson Eight: Lord of Hosts, King, King of Kings Main Idea: God the King is in charge of everything in the Universe, and when we believe in Jesus the King of Kings, he makes us princes

4th of July Sunday School Lessons and Activities

Download and print our 100% free activities for the 4th of July in Sunday School. God has blessed America! Let’s teach kids to respect their freedom and give thanks to God on the 4th of July. The Fourth of July is a major holiday in the United States. It’s officially called Independence Day and is a celebration about our freedom as a nation. The Fourth ties in themes of patriotism, loyalty, thankfulness, and the belief that freedom is a gift from God.

Bible People Cards – Old Testament Part 3 of 3

This is part of our Old Testament Bible Character trading cards. This is Part 3 of the Old Testament cards and includes: Saul, Jonathan, David, Solomon, Elijah, Elisha, Jonah, Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, Esther, Nehemiah Click on the image above to download the printable version We’re uploading the whole series (51 cards total). If you’d like to download the whole set, click here for the file (2.4 mb). They have a Bible reference as well as some points to remember the character. The Bible reference is a general reference.

FREE VBS Curriculum "Outlaws for God…Wild West Adventure"

This is the introduction to a free Western Themed VBS we’re posting here on the website. We hope you enjoy and would love feedback from any churches who use this material. Click here to download the 42-page director’s manual Howdy! Welcome to a rowdy Western adventure romp through the pages of history and the Bible. This Vacation Bible School program will take you through a series of Bible stories that highlight characters who were “outlaws,” defying norms

Psalm 66 Sunday School Lesson for kids

This is lesson 24 of 33 in a series of lessons called “Praise God Through the Psalms.” “Praise God Through the Psalms” – Psalm 66 Lesson focus: Through the book of Psalms and the worship of the people of Israel, we get a glimpse into the character of God and how we should rightly respond to Him in worship. In Psalm 66, the psalmist talks about the amazing things that God has done that show His power

"What is Love?" (Printable Devotions for Kids)

This printable devotion for kids entitled “What is Love?” is the second of its kind. Click here to see the first devotional plan about hope. Children are given a scripture to read and a question to answer each day to practice studying God’s word. This particular topic is important because biblical love is one of the most misunderstood topics in today’s world. The devotion outlines the truth concerning love, and there is also an instruction page that

"What is Hope?" (Printable Devotions for Kids)

I’ve struggled for quite some time to help the 5th and 6th graders in my Sunday school class understand the importance of daily bible reading and prayer. It can be challenging for anyone to start (and stick with) the habit of daily time with the Lord, but it’s even more true for today’s youth who are busier and face more distractions than ever! So I put together a monthly devotional for kids with a few verses and

The Story of Abraham: Bible Lesson for Children’s Church

In the first lesson of the series, “Who was…?”, children will learn about Abraham, God’s chosen father of his people. This in-depth series will focus on fourteen specific people in the bible whom God used to fulfill, and implement, his plan of salvation for all of mankind. Included in this lesson is a trivia game called, “Who Said It?” and a special mission project. Children will be comforted to know that even Abraham wasn’t perfect but God

Lesson: Strong and Kindly Spoken (The Book of James – Part 3)

A strong believer knows his or her words have the power to draw or push others away from Christ and avidly desires to honor God through their speech. In “Strong and Kindly Spoken (The Book of James – Part 3),” children will learn to stop and think about their words, consider how their speech affects others, and come up with positive substitutions for everyday, sinful responses. In addition, they will learn that humility is required to speak

Youth Group Lesson: Is Sin Bringing Me Down? (Romans 1:21-23)

As the romanticism of sin continues to increase in our culture, it becomes even more imperative for teenagers to be equipped to battle temptation and sin. In this lesson, “Is Sin Bringing Me Down?” youth will learn that sin’s fleeting and deceptive nature causes severe harm to their walk with Christ. Furthermore, they will be equipped through numerous scriptures to battle specific sins and move forward with confidence as believers.From Pastor Ken Gray’s sermon entitled, “The Downward

Lesson: What Happens After the Manger?

When we are obedient to God’s commands, we can count on his order, provision, and protection. In “After the Manger,” children will learn about the events that took place after Jesus’ birth and how those events teach us to boldly obey God. Even among opposition we can have the confidence that the Lord is near because he provides exactly what we need to follow him. From Pastor Ken Gray’s sermon entitled, “Beyond the Manger.” (December 27, 2015) Transcribed

Bible Buckets for Toys

New years is a great way to organize and clean out things. I like to work through the classroom to see what can be cleaned up, thrown away, or organized. That’s where the toys come in. I don’t know about you, but when I teach classes, we are way too busy to play with toys. Don’t get me wrong, I try to make my lessons as hands-on as possible sometimes using toys to help make a point

What to Do When Teaching Styles Clash?

If teaching children’s church or Sunday School was as easy as showing up and teaching a Bible story, everyone would do it! However, that’s rarely the case. We serve an awesome God but we’re all human–that includes our leaders. A recent email from a discouraged teacher has me thinking about one particular subject–when teaching styles clash. You know what I mean. You’ve got a tried and true method of teaching but someone you work with, like a

“Blind Bartimaeus” Sunday School Lesson from Mark 10:46-52

This free Bible lesson is based on Mark 10:46-52 when Jesus first began 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 – 22nd Sunday after Pentecost, Gospel Reading – Mark 10:46-52. Opening Activity – Let Me See Again – Now You See… Now You Don’t Supplies – slips of paper,

Book Review: The Original Jesus

Recently, I received a copy of Daniel Darling’s new book, The Original Jesus: Trading the Myths We Create for the Savior Who Is.  (Available on Amazon.com) Published by Baker Books, Darling takes on an interesting subject–the  Christian’s concept of Jesus. If your shopping for a children’s Bible, be sure to see the our new articles reviewing the top choices for your kids. I have to admit, I was intrigued right away and unfortunately, in some ways, I could see

Lesson: Understanding the Old Testament for Kids

This lesson is the second in our series explaining how the Bible is organized. For more help, be sure to review our Bible worksheets on the divisions of the Bible. Lesson: Understanding Bible Layout You are here – Lesson: Understanding the Old Testament Lesson: Understanding the New Testament TARGET AGES: 10-14 OBJECTIVE: To teach the students about the organization of the Old Testament and how each section of books point to Christ. MAIN IDEA: The Old Testament consists

The Word "GOD" Search Puzzle for Preschoolers

My new Preschool/Kindergarten class has a couple of young children. They are just starting out with letters and words. We are going over the lesson about when Daniel interpreted the writing on the wall for King Belshazzar. I thought it would be great to have the kids learn how to write the name of God to go along with this lesson. So I put together this very simple word search. Click on the image above to download