They can ask big questions, share their thoughts, and grow in their faith in ways that feel personal and exciting. Plus, they build awesome friendships and learn what it means to follow Jesus together. It’s where faith becomes real, and community comes to life!

Check out these awesome small group studies for kids and grab some resources for your ministry today!

The 13 Very Series: Small Group Studies Made Just for Kids

Leading children closer to Jesus can be challenging—even more so when you have a mix of ages in the same room! What do you do? The 13 Very series is here for you!

These easy-to-teach Bible lessons for a big range of ages are perfect for any children’s ministry opportunity. They are great for Sunday school, children’s church, small groups, and more! The 13 Very series is a must-have as you lead the next generation of God’s kingdom.

13 Very Amazing Animals and How God Used Them

Help kids discover the faith-building, life-changing truths tucked into the stories of 13 amazing animals God created and how God used them. They will see how God used some thirsty camels, low-flying quail, a talking donkey, and more. Along the way, kids will be assured that God knows and loves them—and is ready to use them in big ways too!

Learn More

13 Very Awesome Promises and How God Always Keeps Them

Help kids discover the faith-building, life-changing truths tucked into the stories of 13 very awesome promises God made and how He keeps them. They will see how God kept His word to people like Abram, David, Zechariah, and Elizabeth, and remember God’s promises when they’re afraid, lonely, sick, or in any tough situation. And along the way, kids will be encouraged to trust the God who has never broken a promise—and never will!

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13 Very Bad Days and How God Fixed Them

Help kids discover the faith-building, life-changing truths tucked into 13 stories of people who had very bad days and how God fixed them. They will see God’s power at work in the lives of Noah, Daniel, Mary, Lazarus, Stephen, and others. And along the way, kids will discover that the same God of long ago watches over them—and can fix their bad days too!

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13 Very Big Mistakes People Made and What God Did about Them

Help kids discover the faith-building, life-changing truths tucked into the stories of 13 very big mistakes people made and what God did about them. They will see how Adam and Eve, Jonah, King Saul, and others stepped away from God and straight into big trouble. And along the way, kids will be challenged to never step away from God and will grow in their certainty that God loves them—no matter what!

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13 Very Cool Stories and Why Jesus Told Them

Help kids discover the faith-building, life-changing truths tucked into 13 of Jesus’s very cool stories and why He told them. They will meet a lost and found son, a rich fool, disgruntled vineyard workers, a pretty good Samaritan, and many others. And along the way, kids will explore the eternal truths Jesus wrapped in those stories—and what those truths mean in their lives!

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13 Very Surprising Saying and Why Jesus Said Them

Help kids discover the faith-building, life-changing truths tucked into 13 of Jesus’s very surprising sayings and why He said them. They will begin to understand what it means to start fishing for people, love the meanies they know, why they would want to be last, and others. And along the way, kids will see that Jesus changes everything—for those who choose to follow Him!

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The entire 13 Very series is written by Mikal Keefer. He’s a trusted children’s ministry worker who created a towering stack of books and resources. Mikal loves inventing new ways to help kids engage with God’s big story.

13 Very Famous Friends and How Jesus Loved Them

Help kids discover the faith-building, life-changing love of Jesus tucked into 13 stories of Jesus’s famous friends and how He loved them. They will begin to understand what it means to love one another as Jesus did.

Download your Bible lesson

Free Lesson

13 Very Famous Friends and How Jesus Loved Them

Help kids discover the faith-building, life-changing love of Jesus tucked into 13 stories of Jesus’s famous friends and how He loved them. They will begin to understand what it means to love one another as Jesus did.

Download your bible lesson

Free Lesson

13 Very Famous Friends and How Jesus Loved Them

Help kids discover the faith-building, life-changing love of Jesus tucked into 13 stories of Jesus’s famous friends and how He loved them. They will begin to understand what it means to love one another as Jesus did.

Download your bible lesson

Free Lesson

Two or More: Small Church Curriculum for Kids

Looking for a children’s ministry curriculum that’s fun, flexible, and made for small groups of kids? Group’s Two or More is your new best friend! It’s perfect for churches with fewer kids or limited resources. And it’s made to work with mixed ages (think ages 3 to 12 all learning and growing together).

Whether you’ve got a handful of kids or a mini crowd, this curriculum brings big impact in a small group setting.

It’s simple to use, fun to teach, and helps kids grow closer to God—and each other!

Learn More

All Together Sunday School

Get ready to make Sundays awesome! Each All Together Sunday School book is packed with 13 fun, Bible-based lessons. Perfect for mixed-age groups (ages 4–12), every lesson is loaded with hands-on activities, easy-to-find supplies, and digital extras. You can teach with confidence and help kids dive into God’s Word with joy!

Learn More

David C Cook has so many great resources to offer. Check out more of our Ministry Spark recommended resources here.

Through intentionality, prayer, and the leading of the Holy Spirit, children’s ministry leaders and families, together, can lean into everyday moments as children come to know, love, and follow Jesus.

In this podcast series, INCM and David C Cook aim to equip children’s ministry leaders, volunteers, parents, and leaders involved in children’s lives to pass on a faith that grows in the everyday moments of life—big and small. Through conversations with children’s and family ministry leaders, curriculum developers, parents, and followers of Jesus, this six-episode series will speak to you as you follow Jesus and point children to Him.

Episode 1: Understanding Spiritual Formation

What is spiritual formation and why is it important? Simply put, spiritual formation is discipleship. It’s what we all signed up to do and why we’re doing what we’re doing. We want to see the next generation live out a vibrant faith throughout their lifetime.

To be intentional with spiritual formation, it’s imperative that we be authentic, trustworthy, and willing to get out of the way. We must create space for kids and families to encounter the living God.

Let’s ask: How are we going to teach in such a way that it transcends being limited a childhood belief system? And how can we help foster spiritual formation in the homes of the children and families we serve?

Episode 2: The Church’s Role in a Child’s Faith Formation

Christianity is now counter cultural in America. The wind is no longer at our backs. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. If we have been lulled by fair weather, our faith can become stronger as we weather the changes in our cultural environment.

Considering this cultural shift, it’s wise to ask ourselves the following questions.  

How are we partnering with other areas of the church for ministry to children? Are we running church in essentially the same way we did twenty years ago?

Episode 3: Children’s Ministry’s Role in a Child’s Faith Formation 

Within the context of a healthy, whole-church approach to faith formation, children’s ministry plays an undeniably crucial role. 

In 2005, David Kinnaman, now president of Barna Group, summed up why: “Young people are spiritual sponges whose most impressionable years are too important to pass up.” His statement remains as true as ever.

As we continue our Faith Formation discussion, let’s ask the following questions. 

Are we resourcing children’s ministry in essentially the same way we did twenty years ago? Are we passing on traditions and programs, only to have lost a clear focus on the very faith they are meant to foster?

Episode 4: The Family’s Role in a Child’s Faith Formation

Hands down, parents are the greatest influencers of their children’s faith formation. If you’re a Christian parent reading this, you feel the gravity of your responsibility. You know the joy and exasperation, the awe and challenge of the parenting journey, and you deeply desire to see your son or daughter become the person God made them to be.

As we continue our Faith Formation discussion, let’s ask these questions: How are we encouraging, equipping, and partnering with families? How are we utilizing other ministries within the church to do the same? Are we resourcing families in essentially the same way we did twenty years ago?

Episode 5: Keeping the Gospel Central in Life and Ministry

With the constant push and pull of ministry life, it’s easy to become distant from the Gospel. It’s not an intentional move, or one we ever hope to make when entering ministry, but slowly over time we can become focused on lesser things.

Keeping the Gospel central keeps our hope alive. It ignites our faith in Christ and reassures us of His goodness. It is why we are in ministry to begin with. His Story pursues our own. Join us! Be encouraged in life and ministry.

Episode 6: Helping Kids Know Who They Were Created to Be

Children are inundated with messages every single day about their identity. It’s our job to help them to know what is always true—what God says is true. 

Because what kids believe about themselves influences their thoughts and decisions. 

Help kids discover their identity in God’s Big Story—where Jesus is Lord, and the Holy Spirit is present. We need to leave room for their big questions and big ideas while leaving no doubt about who God is or who they are in Him. 

Our kids are image-bearing children of God, and we can declare this truth over them!

13 Very Famous Friends and How Jesus Loved Them

Help kids discover the faith-building, life-changing love of Jesus tucked into 13 stories of Jesus’s famous friends and how He loved them. They will begin to understand what it means to love one another as Jesus did.

Download your Bible lesson

Free Lesson

13 Very Famous Friends and How Jesus Loved Them

Help kids discover the faith-building, life-changing love of Jesus tucked into 13 stories of Jesus’s famous friends and how He loved them. They will begin to understand what it means to love one another as Jesus did.

Download your bible lesson

Free Lesson

13 Very Famous Friends and How Jesus Loved Them

Help kids discover the faith-building, life-changing love of Jesus tucked into 13 stories of Jesus’s famous friends and how He loved them. They will begin to understand what it means to love one another as Jesus did.

Download your bible lesson

Free Lesson

Here are some great ideas for this Mother’s Day!

Mother’s Day Craft Extravaganza

Praise the Lord for the blessing of mothers! Grab these crafts for celebrating moms and mother-figures alike.

Read More

Activities to Spark Joy for Mother’s Day

These super creative cards and crafts will make Mother’s Day special for every child in your care!

Read More

Easy Mother’s Day Crafts That Will Delight Kids (And Their Moms)

Send little ones home from church with a handmade gift mom will love!

Read More

For Those Struggling this Mother’s Day

Hard Questions and Answers from God’s Word

When we face difficult times and the questions that follow, we can hold tight to God and His promises. Read More >

A Devotion for Kids: Why Hard Times Help Us Grow

This devotion will help kids understand that the trials they face today can help them in the future. Read More >

More Ideas for Loving Parents in Your Ministry

How Ministering to Parents Ministers to Kids

If you minister to, pray for, encourage and invest in the parents in your ministry, kids will benefit in everyday moments. This article by ministry leader, Kristi McEleheny, gives you 4 steps to walk alongside parents. Read More >

Faith Formation: Helping Parents Walk with Kids

Walk alongside parents as you encourage them in making togetherness a priority, talking with their kids about faith, and living it out. This article, transcribed from our webinar: Our Role in the Faith Formation of Children: Parents and Families, will help you support parents in ministry. Read More >

Thoughtful Leadership Tools to Equip Parents for Ministry at Home

Parents play an important role in the development of their children’s faith and as leaders, it’s important to equip them. Children’s ministry leader, Catherine Hwang, shares tools to strategize and maximize your ministry to parents. Read More >

How to Become a Spiritual Parent: Beyond Managing Behavior

Dr. Michelle Anthony shares how the role of parent is deeper than controlling children’s behavior. This article lists ways to lead your children as a spiritual parent. Read More>

How to Love Your Ministry with Littles and Their Parents

Our littlest ones grow fast, so grasp the opportunity to minister to these families while you have it. Hear from leader Nancy de Jong as she shares a philosophy of ministering to the youngest of children and their families. Read More >

Ready to help parents create an environment for spiritual growth?

Get ready to help families with their most important task, in our guide from Ministry Spark: 7 Ways to Encourage Today’s Parents as Spiritual Influencers at Home.

Download your free guide

Free Guide

Ready to help parents create an environment for spiritual growth?

Get ready to help families with their most important task, in our guide from Ministry Spark: 7 Ways to Encourage Today’s Parents as Spiritual Influencers at Home.

Download your free guide

Free Guide

Ready to help parents create an environment for spiritual growth?

Get ready to help families with their most important task, in our guide from Ministry Spark: 7 Ways to Encourage Today’s Parents as Spiritual Influencers at Home.

Download your free guide

Free Guide

Stay curious about how they’re doing and how they feel in their role. Ask lots of questions and get their feedback. Communicate with them clearly and often—be intentional to invite their feedback to show appreciation and celebrate them. Grow with them.

Expect them to have ideas and care deeply about the ministry. Pray together and praise together when prayers are answered and show your appreciation.

Part of caring for your volunteer team is knowing how each person likes to receive appreciation. You can show appreciation in any number of ways—from a simple thank you note or an occasional treat, like a cup of coffee or a favorite snack to public recognition or a special picture from kids in your ministry.

Appreciating and Empowering You Team

You don’t have to do something big or fancy to show volunteers how much you appreciate them. There are lots of great and simple ways to show gratitude and remind your team of the impact they’re having on kids’ lives in the kingdom. Empower your team to build the team.

Encourage your current team members to personally invite people they know to serve in the children’s ministry. Make it easy for them. Give them a script or a simple card they can give to others. People are more likely to serve when they get to share the experience with friends.

Request formal feedback. It’s important to check in with new team members often, but it’s also important to get formal feedback from them within the first 90 days. Be sure to schedule an evaluation with every volunteer annually.

Use these 90-Day Volunteer Evaluation and Annual Volunteer Survey templates to check in with your volunteers. Ask specific questions to get their input on things they’re curious about and get feedback on how they’re feeling about serving in children’s ministry.

How to Use the Volunteer Check-In and Survey for Feedback

After the four (or more!) weeks of hands-on training your new volunteer completes, place the volunteer in their role, and set a reminder for yourself or a leader to follow up with them within 90 days of their start date. Use the 90-Day Volunteer Check-In and Annual Volunteer Survey to check in and get feedback about how they’re feeling about serving.

Ask if they want to try other roles. Give them positive and helpful feedback. Give them more responsibility if they’re ready for it.

The survey for your volunteers can be a written survey (printed or emailed), or it can be a guide for a one-on-one conversation (write down their answers, so you don’t forget!).

You can also use this survey with all regular volunteers annually to find out how they’re feeling about their volunteer role. And it helps as you take time to evaluate your ministry by looking at what’s working and what isn’t.

Remember to customize this resource, so it fits your ministry.

Volunteer Feedback: 90-Day Volunteer Check-In

Volunteer Name:
Role:
Start Date:
90-Day Follow-Up Date:
Name of Trainer:
Ministry Area:

Questions:

• What do you like about the role in which you’re currently serving?
  
• What questions do you have?
  
• How connected do you feel to the rest of the volunteer team?
  
• What do you wish was different about the role you’re serving in?
  
• What can we do to make your experience or this ministry area even better?
  
• Is there any other ministry area or role you’d be interested in trying?
  
• Have you experienced any memorial “God moments” while serving, including seeing God at work in kids’ lives?
  
• Are you happy with the frequency of the times you’re serving? Would you be interested in serving more or less often?
  

Volunteer Feedback: Annual Volunteer Survey

Name:
Date:
Ministry Area & Role:

Questions:

• What do you like about the role in which you’re currently serving?
  
• How connected to the rest of the volunteer team do you feel?
  
• What do you wish was different about the role you’re in or the ministry program?
  
• What can we do to make this ministry area even better?
  
• Is there any other ministry area or role you’d be interested in trying?
  
• Have you experienced any memorable “God moments” while serving, including seeing God at work in the kids’ lives?
  
• Are you happy with the frequency of the times you’re serving? Would you be interested in serving more or less often?
  
• How easy is the curriculum to use, and how effective do you feel it is for teaching the kids?
  
• How engaged are the kids in the service?
  

Like these ideas? Check out David C Cook’s Volunteer Onboarding Kit and get more resources just like this one!

Growing Volunteers: Building the Body of Christ in Ministry to Kids and Families

Ministry coach Byron Ragains empowers you minister TO your volunteers, not just through them. It’s a game changer!

Download free guide

Free Guide

Growing Volunteers: Building the Body of Christ in Ministry to Kids and Families

Ministry coach Byron Ragains empowers you minister TO your volunteers, not just through them. It’s a game changer!

Download free guide

Free Guide

Growing Volunteers: Building the Body of Christ in Ministry to Kids and Families

Ministry coach Byron Ragains empowers you minister TO your volunteers, not just through them. It’s a game changer!

Download free guide

Free Guide

Easter is my absolute favorite. And I think it’s because it’s had the most impact on my spiritual walk—from Ash Wednesday to Resurrection Sunday.

And what I have found to be the most important way of posturing myself to help kids talk to and listen to God is to experience something. Spiritual practices or disciplines help believers to be intentional in their time with God.

What are spiritual practices?

When you hear the words ‘spiritual practices,’ what do you think of? In Adel Calhoun’s book, The Spiritual Disciplines Handbook, she describes spiritual practices as, “A place where we begin to notice God and respond to His word to us simply to keep company with God.”

Spiritual practice, simply put, is time spent with God. It’s time spent with God in an intentional, yet Spirit-led way. It’s not a program, it’s a practice. It’s something you’re invited in to. We’re simply meant to set the table for kids to keep company with God.

How are we making space for kids?

The word contemplation or contemplative comes up quickly when thinking about spiritual practices. But instead of thinking kids simply are quiet, it means they are having a prolonged thought.  

I like to remind myself that it’s more about slowing down, not about complete silence. It’s all about helping kids notice God and providing space so they can. That means physical space and space of time to slow down.

Why are these practices or disciplines important?

Well, a dear friend of mine told me about metaphor that her spiritual director used to help explain the importance of intentional spiritual practices. And this is what she said. “So, the Christian life is like being on a boat in a river. When we choose to walk with Jesus and accept Him as a leader in our lives, we step into the boat. So we’re in the boat and because of the Holy Spirit in us, and while God’s amazing grace, the river’s current carries the boat down the river. So we’re moving, but we can do more than passively ride the current. We can put up the sail and the Spirit’s wind will carry us farther and more swiftly. Engaging in spiritual practices is like putting up the sail.”

When we participate in spiritual practices, we keep company with Jesus through intentional habits and practices, and we submit to the Holy Spirit to power our journey.

Spiritual practices are a way for us to slowdown so we can join God how and where and when and why He wants us to journey.

What does it look like to make space for spiritual practices or disciplines?

Physical Space and Time

Making physical space and time leads to slowing down. In this space and time, we’re going to engage wonder and curiosity by allowing kids to use their creativity—their imaginations. We aren’t going to tell them what they must do—we’re going to ask questions that invite them to explore for themselves. 

We believe there is no junior Holy Spirit. God can speak to our children here and now where they are.

Set the atmosphere that allows them to listen for God.

Plan, But Program Minimally

Make a simple plan. You might want to include Scripture, images, music (whatever you’re using to engage their imaginations), and questions. Give space for kids to answer and explore and follow where the Lord leads.

We’re in the season of Lent, when we set aside time to pray, fast, and give. It’s the time leading up to Easter where we prepare our hearts for what Jesus has done. That is what the posture part of this is. How are we preparing ourselves? What might the season look like for the ministry you lead? It’s about setting aside time to be with God. How will you intentionally set aside time for kids to be with God?

Invitations to Respond

I’m following a Creative Companion for Lent. One of the quotes from yesterday hit me. “Lent is a time to acknowledge those things that take our attention away from God.”

Now, I’ve heard that before. That wasn’t something brand new to me, but it took on new meaning yesterday when I was reading that and thinking, “What are the things taking my attention away?” And so I thought about that, and I prayed about that and I said, “God, what is it that I need to fast from? What are the things that are taking me away from you?”

What is taking your attention away? And what could you replace it with? Maybe something from today will be something that you can try over the season of Lent for yourself or for the kids in your ministry. Maybe you’re in a church that doesn’t observe lent in a traditional fashion. That doesn’t mean we can’t all be preparing our hearts for Easter, right? We’re preparing to celebrate the resurrection.

I want you to also remember that it’s not about what is being produced, it is about the space that you’re providing for response.

The invitation to respond is the time we provide our kids is to spend time in God’s presence. That’s what it’s about.

How do I do this?

Help kids know God and respond to Him. That’s the focus. That is your benchmark. But how?

Choose things that kids already connect with. The kids in my ministry love talking about Legos, Minecraft, and Fortnite. And I will engage with them using those ideas and ask them to draw what they would hope God would see about their character. Would you create what you would look like as a character from _______ and tell me what God would see in you?

They then create these characters, and they tell me about them.

I would want God to see how much I care for people.

We have also used Legos to create prayer walls. We build our wall, and then we write on the Legos with dry erase markers so we can reuse the Legos. You could draw on them and write prayers.

Making spaces for kids to connect with God takes some trial and error. Okay? What works well for one child, doesn’t always work for another. Some other ideas you can try include the following:

(Watch the webinar for how-tos and ideas for each of these things.)

• Silence
• Reading Scripture
• Drawing Prayer
• Playdough Creations
• Breath Prayers (Breathing in and breathing out God’s truth, God’s Word)
• Movement Prayer/Prayer Stations
• Journaling
• Wondering Time
• Art Reflections
• Sensory Prayer Bins
• Poetry
• Sacred Play

Let’s proclaim to the world that children are followers of Jesus.

One Sunday we did paper airplane prayers. Everybody all ages wrote prayers. Then they folded their prayers into paper airplanes and launched them into our gathering space. After the prayer planes flew, each person went and got someone else’s paper airplane and took it home with them to pray that week for the prayer that was on that paper airplane.

Was it chaotic? Yeah. Was it worth it? 100% because we engaged in godly play in a new way.

So, if you have kids who make paper airplanes every week, turn it into a prayer practice. It’s so fun, and it’ll change your perspective.

There are so many things we can do like this that invite kids in through things they enjoy as they experience God.

How might you start? What ideas from today could be the beginning for you to incorporate spiritual practices in your children’s ministry? What could be something to help prepare the hearts of your kids and your volunteers for Easter?

For more Easter ideas, check out this article!

The Easter Storybook Coloring Pages

Need coloring pages for your family or the families in your ministry? We’ve got you covered in our new resource download from Ministry Spark, The Easter Storybook Coloring Pages.

Download your coloring pages

Free Activity

The Easter Storybook Coloring Pages

Need coloring pages for your family or the families in your ministry? We’ve got you covered in our new resource download from Ministry Spark, The Easter Storybook Coloring Pages.

Download your coloring pages

Free Activity

The Easter Storybook Coloring Pages

Need coloring pages for your family or the families in your ministry? We’ve got you covered in our new resource download from Ministry Spark, The Easter Storybook Coloring Pages.

Download your coloring pages

Free Activity

For kids, this can be a whirlwind of a season as well. But it’s so important that they know Jesus came and took on our sin and shame so that we might live. It’s a great time for them to see the story of the good news and how following Jesus holds the hope of life with Him forever.

Below are some ideas for what to do on Easter Sunday. We hope they help you as you share the good news with children in your church and community.

Children’s Easter Activities for Easter Sunday

Lessons and Resources

Jesus Is Alive! Easter Sunday (Preschool and Elementary Lesson)
Be prepared for the most highly attended church weekend with this Easter lesson.

Easter Kits: Lessons and Events

Celebrate Easter with a Series and Event by Wonder Ink
Celebrate Easter with a Seder Passover Meal Event. Plus get an Easter lesson series for your children’s ministry.

Starting Easter at the Exodus: Freedom Is Always God’s Way
Join this wonder-filled journey from Exodus to Easter and recognize the power of remembrance.

Celebrating Easter in Reverse with Kids and Families
Discover just how Easter begins long before Palm Sunday. You’ll want to jump right in!

Activities, Crafts, and Games

49 Brilliant Easter Games, Crafts, and Activities for Sunday School
Whether you’ve got 5 kids or 500, we’ve got you covered.

Free Children’s Ministry Easter Activities
Christ is worthy of our celebration! A fantastic way to celebrate Easter together as a kids’ ministry is through crafts and activities.

The Easter Storybook Coloring Pages
Come along on the journey through Jesus’ life to the joy of Easter morning. These storytelling coloring pages are a wonderful way to discover Jesus as our Rescuer, Redeemer, and Friend.

8 Downloadable Easter Sunday Activities
Wondering what to do this Easter Sunday? Get this guide and give families multiple activities that are ready to go.

16 Easter Crafts and Games for Your Children’s Ministry
These crafts and games intentionally share the love of Christ. Share the joy found in our risen Savior!

Exploring the Wonder of God Through Creative Activities at Eastertime
If you’re searching for a list of Easter activities to engage the children in your program, this article is for you!

Free Printable Children’s Ministry Coloring Sheets
Check out these fun, free printable coloring sheets and remind children of who God is and who they are in Him!

8 Downloadable Easter Sunday Activities

Wondering what to do this Easter Sunday? Get this guide and have multiple activities ready to go! Choose from coloring pages, crafts, puzzles, games, and science experiments. Let’s celebrate the risen King!

Download your free guide

Free Guide

8 Downloadable Easter Sunday Activities

Wondering what to do this Easter Sunday? Get this guide and have multiple activities ready to go! Choose from coloring pages, crafts, puzzles, games, and science experiments. Let’s celebrate the risen King!

Download your free guide

Free Guide

8 Downloadable Easter Sunday Activities

Wondering what to do this Easter Sunday? Get this guide and have multiple activities ready to go! Choose from coloring pages, crafts, puzzles, games, and science experiments. Let’s celebrate the risen King!

Download your free guide

Free Guide

Preparing for Easter

Webinars

Beholding Our Creator as We Prepare for Easter
Watch this to deepen your experience with God and move from a transactional relationship to a transformational friendship as we behold Him this Easter.

Preparing the Way for Easter: Ideas for Posturing Your Heart and Ministry Toward Jesus
Experience ways to spend time with God and walk away with practical activities and approaches to engage the kids (and volunteers and families) in your ministries.

Leadership and Encouragement

How to Prepare Yourself and Your Ministry for Easter
How can you prepare your heart for Easter? Are there ways to get your ministry ready and alleviate some of the pressure? Yes!

Dream with Me and Create an Easter Event Celebrating New Life
Come and dream along for a new vision of Easter celebrations for your church community!

Ash Wednesday: How to Participate with Kids
Ash Wednesday is an important reminder of why Jesus died on the cross. Here are a few special activities for kids!

Why Ash Wednesday Is So Powerful: The Bad and The Good News
Ash Wednesday is a hands-on experience. We feel and see the ashes traced on our foreheads. It stands as a marker on our spiritual journey.

Lent: Should You Give Things Up, Add Things In, or Both?
Is there a right way to observe Lent? This is a personal decision. In order to make that decision, we need to first understand the purpose behind Lent.

How to Teach Kids About Judas’ Life
Even our most confusing, hurtful, sinful actions can be used by God.

Lessons and Activities for Kids

40 Stories about Jesus That Will Be Your New Easter Tradition
Help children understand who Jesus is, what He did, and why His death and resurrection matter to us today!

Awesome Palm Sunday Activities for Kids and Families
Help kids prepare for the Easter story with these Palm Sunday crafts!

Hail to the King! Palm Sunday (Preschool and Elementary Lesson)
Palm Sunday can be big fun for the kids in your ministry with this free lesson!

Meet an Amazing Animal in the Story of the Triumphal Entry (Preschool and Elementary Lesson)
Use this grab-and-go lesson to bring Jesus’s triumphal entry on Palm Sunday to life.

The Last Supper (Preschool and Elementary Lesson)
These activities and games help the story of The Last Supper come alive!

Jesus Dies (Good Friday Preschool and Elementary Lesson)
Share the good news that Jesus took our sins with Him to the cross.

Celebrating Jesus: Good Friday Activities for Kids and Families
Help kids honor Jesus’ sacrifice with these Good Friday crafts.

With a combined 200 years of serving the Church, David C Cook (founded 1875) and Group Publishing (founded 1974), provide tested and trusted resources for churches just like yours. With children’s curriculum created for Sunday school, children’s church, and midweek programs, you can find exactly what you need to serve the children in your ministry.

As you explore the options below, be sure to think about the following:

• What is your context?
• Is there a particular format you prefer?
• What do you want your children to leave your ministry knowing?
• Are you highlighting the things that are most important to your ministry?
• What is your mission and how does the curriculum align?
• Is the curriculum practical for you to use?
• Can it serve your ministry in multiple areas?
• Plus, check out this comprehensive article and download to help you choose the right curriculum for your ministry.

Children’s Church Curriculums for Small Churches

Wonder Ink

Inspire kids to discover their identity in God’s Big Story.

Created by ministry practitioners and discipleship thought leaders, Wonder Ink curriculum for kids is a trusted solution for your children’s church or Sunday school program. It helps the local church inspire children in faith, walk alongside parents at home, and equip volunteers for ministry.

With a focus on God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, children discover who God is and who they are in Him.

Plus, Wonder Ink’s theological guideposts ensure every lesson points children to God. These guideposts focus on God’s Big Story, the gospel of Jesus, real people of Scripture (not characters or superheroes), biblical language in the context of Scripture, and kids’ identity as image bearers.

In the world today, this curriculum reminds children of who they were created to be—known, loved, and led by their Creator in heaven.

• 2 Age Levels: Early Childhood (Pre-K & K with Toddler Track) and Elementary
• Format: Classroom or Large Group/Small Group
• Scope & Sequence: 3 Years
• Try for Free
• Learn More

Bible-in-Life

Connect everyday moments to biblical wisdom.

Connect everyday situations to God’s Word with Bible-in-Life. The lessons help the kids in your ministry see God’s truth all around them as you disciple this generation with lifelong faith.

Bible-in-Life (also available for youth and adults) helps kids form faith and express their faith in everyday life moments. With a variety of age-appropriate activities to support Bible learning, there are built-in options for multiple learning styles and class sizes.

With the flexible materials, you can build a ministry program that works for your volunteers, your budget, and your church.

• 8 Age Levels: Toddler – Adult
• Format: Classroom
• Scope & Sequence: Toddler – Early Elementary 2 Years, Elementary – High School 3 Years, Adult Comprehensive Bible Study 6 Years, Adult Understanding the Bible 8 Years
• Try for Free
• Learn More

Simply Loved

A Sunday school curriculum with focus, clarity, and permission to exhale.

With Simply Loved, you get a simpler approach to Sunday school where kids experience God’s greatest gift.

Sundays can be simple and meaningful as you take children on a journey through the Bible with Simply Loved. No matter a child’s age, Bible Memory Buddies help make learning stick.

Some of your best buddies from Group VBS are part of Sunday school!

It’s a proven brainy thing that kids are conditioned to remember fun facts and crazy connections to characters they know and love.

So, when kids meet Savanna the giraffe, they remember that just like Savanna’s long neck, all God’s people should understand how wide, how long, how high, and how deep God’s love is. Every week your Bible Buddy makes an unforgettable Bible point. Plus, a new Bible Memory Buddy is featured every month in Simply Loved.

• 3 Age Levels: Pre-K & K – Upper Elementary
• Format: Classroom or Large Group/Small Group
• Scope & Sequence: 3 Years
• Try for Free
• Learn More

HeartShaper

Instilling God’s Word in every child’s heart.

Help kids discover God through His Word with HeartShaper. With Special Needs Friendly activities, inclusive ministry is central as you disciple every child in God’s kingdom work.

HeartShaper provides teacher-friendly lessons to reach the heart of every child. From toddler years through grade six, HeartShaper takes kids on a journey through the Bible five times to discover God’s story and how they fit into it. Plus, this children’s curriculum makes it easy to include every child in each step of the lesson—no matter their ability.

With HeartShaper’s well-crafted program, training tools, and free extras, your team is equipped to teach Bible skills and help kids grow in their walk with God.

• 6 Age Levels: Toddlers – Preteen
• Format: Classroom
• Scope & Sequence: Toddlers & 2s 1 Year, Preschool – PreTeen 2 Years
• Try for Free
• Learn More

Dig In

Dig deep into the Bible and equip kids with a solid faith foundation.

With Dig In Sunday school and children’s church, you get flexible options to fit any ministry with a simple online lesson builder.

Dig In was designed with your ministry in mind. Its creative, adaptable, time-saving approach can support both your Sunday school and children’s church times. The easy-to-use online lesson builder lets you build exactly what you need for each portion of your children’s ministry.

• 4 Age Levels: Preschool – Elementary
• Format: Classroom or Large Group/Small Group
• Scope & Sequence: 5 one-year programs to choose from
• Try for Free
• Learn More

Gospel Light

Point kids to Jesus in every Bible lesson.

Point kids to Jesus and build strong relationships with this children’s curriculum. Emphasize evangelism and discipleship as you teach children in their formative years.

Each Bible lesson connects to Jesus and has a big impact on the faith formation of kids and volunteers alike! From Baby Beginnings through Grade 6, Gospel Light guides children to explore the Bible five times.

Through an engaging approach to Bible storytelling and relationships, you can build a children’s ministry that inspires volunteers to share the gospel. Plus, guide kids to a deep understanding of Jesus and what a relationship with Him offers.

• 6 Age Levels: Nursery – Preteen
• Format: Classroom or Large Group/Small Group
• Scope & Sequence: Nursery – Pre-K/K & Preteen 2 Years, Elementary 4 Years
• Try for Free
• Learn More

Hands-On Bible Curriculum

Hands-on learning for a faith that sticks!

Teach as Jesus taught using creative objects illustrating eternal truths. Jesus was the master at using creative objects to connect eternal truths to everyday life—and now you can master it too!

With Hands-On Bible Curriculum, kids experience the same powerful connections between Scripture and everyday life by engaging all five of their senses. Bring the Bible alive with these awesome lessons and activities.

• 6 Age Levels: Toddler – Grade 6
• Format: Classroom
• Scope & Sequence: 2 Years
• Try for Free
• Learn More

Echoes

Celebrate African American faith and cultural heritage.

Share God’s resounding Word and celebrate black history and faith with Echoes. Relatable lessons and teacher-friendly options help you disciple children through adults. Plus, connect all ages thematically with the Sunday School Superintendent Manual!

Echoes provides teacher-friendly options, helping today’s generations come to know God’s Word. Motivate students to study more and more with inspiring, relevant, and soul-searching materials. Plus, get options for every age level to develop Bible knowledge and foster lifelong spiritual growth—all while making meaningful connections to the African American experience.

With flexible materials, you can build a children’s ministry that works for your volunteers, your budget, and your church.

• 8 Age Levels: Toddler – Adult
• Format: Classroom
• Scope & Sequence: Toddler – Early Elementary 2 Years, Elementary – High School 3 Years, Adult Comprehensive Bible Study 6 Years, Adult Understanding the Bible 8 Years
• Try for Free
• Learn More

FaithWeaver Now

Create a foundation of faith that lasts a lifetime.

FaithWeaver Now weaves together fundamental elements of children’s ministry to create lasting faith: explore the Bible every 3 years, engage kids through proven, Jesus-style methods, and empower families by synchronizing all age levels.

FaithWeaver Now is a quarterly, age-graded curriculum for infants through adults, where every age level studies the same Bible passage at the same time. The 3-year scope and sequence covers the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. Each quarter goes through 13 sequential Bible events, so families get a snapshot of the Bible timeline.

• 10 Age Levels: Infant – Adult
• Format: Classroom
• Scope & Sequence: 3 Years
• Try for Free
• Learn More

Be Bold

Fearless Preteen Curriculum

With Be Bold, preteens explore the Bible and dive into the faith questions on their minds. Help preteens answer their own questions. Questions about God. About themselves. About where they fit in the world.

Give preteens exactly what they need—validation of their faith questions, and a place to connect as they explore those questions together. And be guided every step of the way as you become their conversation guide … and fellow explorer.

Tackle what preteens want to know and need to know and help them grow in their relationship with God.

• 1 Age Level: Preteen
• Format: Classroom
• Scope & Sequence: 6 Quarters (1.5 years)
• Try for Free
• Learn More

As you research and look for a children’s church curriculum for your ministry, remember that large or small, you are doing kingdom work, and every life is valued beyond measure.

“I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” Luke 15:7 NIV

Keep up the good work as you point kids to Jesus.

Curriculum Evaluation Checklist

Need help evaluating curriculum? Grab this downloadable list and follow the questions to a wise curriculum choice that equips you and your teachers for life-changing children’s ministry.

Download your Curriculum Checklist

Free Guide

Curriculum Evaluation Checklist

Need help evaluating curriculum? Grab this downloadable list and follow the questions to a wise curriculum choice that equips you and your teachers for life-changing children’s ministry.

Download your Curriculum Checklist

Free Guide

Curriculum Evaluation Checklist

Need help evaluating curriculum? Grab this downloadable list and follow the questions to a wise curriculum choice that equips you and your teachers for life-changing children’s ministry.

Download Your Curriculum Checklist

Free Guide

I could talk all day about children’s ministry curriculum. It’s such an important topic in children’s ministry. Now, is there a perfect curriculum? There is no perfect curriculum, and every curriculum is not made for your specific people and your specific kids and volunteers in your church setting. So, it is going to take some editing and customization to fit your church. But if you start with the right bones and the right structure, it’ll release a lot of the pressure and the burden from you, and free you up to do ministry better.

No curriculum can disciple your kids. You disciple your kids because a disciple is the one who creates more disciples and invites them into that relationship with Jesus. So, the most important thing to remember is that curriculum is a tool and a framework. It is a structure that carries us while we are doing the relational work of ministry, and the right curriculum can free us up to really invest in our people and do the work of ministry. So, it is important to find the right fit for your specific church.

Curriculum allows kids to encounter and experience God, to worship and respond to Him, and it helps kids discover biblical truth. When you purchase a curriculum and adjust it to fit your text, it frees you up to do the real work of ministry. And that is pouring into your people. It really gives such a joy and freedom that allows God to work in our ministry. My personal ministry began to thrive once I chose the right curriculum.

Choosing the Right Children’s Ministry Curriculum

Know Your Destination

That’s what we want for you. We want to know where we’re going, what we want our kids to know, and where we’d like them to be spiritually.

Having that destination and clear vision in your mind is one of the most important things you can do for your church before you choose your curriculum. What are the spiritual goals you have for the kids in your ministry? What are the milestones? Ask yourself how the curriculum aligns with your church’s mission and vision. Ask what outcome you are looking for?

And most importantly, as you begin, ask the Holy Spirit to lead you and help you discern as you’re choosing curriculum.

Utilize Your Team

As you go through this process, be sure to bring your team alongside you, gather research, and get feedback from people.

A year and a half ago, David C Cook did a survey for children’s ministry leaders asking all kinds of fun questions. Questions like: What do you want in a children’s ministry curriculum? How do you discover curriculum? How do you choose a curriculum? What is most important to you? What is not important to you in your curriculum? It’s a really interesting study, and we learned a lot of insights.

One of the things I thought was interesting was that the size of the church determines the various ways in which we choose and use our curriculum. What a church of 20 kids is going to need from a curriculum is different from a church that might have 500 kids.

Curriculum Evaluation Checklist

Need help evaluating curriculum? Grab this downloadable list and follow the questions to a wise curriculum choice that equips you and your teachers for life-changing children’s ministry.

Download your Curriculum Checklist

Free Guide

Curriculum Evaluation Checklist

Need help evaluating curriculum? Grab this downloadable list and follow the questions to a wise curriculum choice that equips you and your teachers for life-changing children’s ministry.

Download your Curriculum Checklist

Free Guide

Curriculum Evaluation Checklist

Need help evaluating curriculum? Grab this downloadable list and follow the questions to a wise curriculum choice that equips you and your teachers for life-changing children’s ministry.

Download Your Curriculum Checklist

Free Guide

Align with What’s Important

Look at the specific needs of the people in your church ask what’s important to your church.

• Who is in your church? Look at your demographics, your audience, the needs of the kids and families.
• Consider your volunteers. Where they are spiritually. Do they come from a highly “churched” background or are they new to the faith?
• Look at the mission and vision for your kids and families.

Earlier this year at CPC, we had an interactive experience where people got to go through and answer certain questions about their children’s ministry. These questions helped them discover what curriculum might be a good fit for their church. And one of the questions was, what is most important in your ministry?

As people were going through the maze, they answered most of the questions very quickly. Then when they got to this one, they would pause. It caused them to think deeply about their mission is and how it aligns with what they are teaching. So, think about that question and consider what is most important.

Think Critically

Evaluate all kinds of different curriculum lines, gather samples, and look at the scope and sequence for them. Is it random? Does it make sense? Is it balanced? Are kids getting to see a full picture of the Bible and how it’s all connected? And are they getting the gospel and Jesus?

If you possibly can, teach the sample lessons in your children’s ministry—that’s such a great way to get a good feel for a curriculum.

Don’t simply think that simply because it’s published that it is going to be biblically accurate and theologically sound. I have seen some things that just weren’t a good fit for my church’s theology or my understanding of the Bible. And so really look at the curriculum and think critically about what it’s saying and what it’s teaching, and how it’s teaching the Word of God.

God’s Word as Authority

And just remember the responsibility that we have when we teach kids the Word of God. It’s so important that we take that seriously and teach the Bible as it’s meant to be taught.

Not taking the Bible as God intended and twisting it to make it more entertaining or more fun for kids, or to make it fit what we want it to say, is not okay. We want the Bible to speak the text, to speak for itself within the context of what it was meant to say. And so, as you’re looking at the lessons, read the Bible stories in Scripture against the lesson, and look at how they’re taught and what they teach us about God. Consider the vision of the curriculum, the philosophy, and the values.

Go see it in action. If you can, visit a church that’s using the curriculum you’re evaluating (just ask their children’s pastor ahead of time). You can learn a lot quickly if you can see what their Sundays look like and talk with the volunteers and the children’s pastors and kids.

And then, most importantly before you choose a curriculum, ask yourself: does it draw kids closer to Jesus and allow them to experience Him and connect with Him? Is it discipleship-, gospel-, and Bible-centered?

Discover more on choosing and implementing children’s ministry curriculum by watching the full webinar here.

• Curriculum Feedback Survey 
  
  Want to know how families and volunteers feel about your ministry and the curriculum you use? Gather feedback from those in your ministry using this simple survey.  Download it now!
  
• Curriculum Evaluation Checklist
  
  Need help evaluating curriculum? Follow the questions to a wise curriculum choice that equips you and your teachers for life-changing children’s ministry.
  
  Grab this free checklist and evaluate curriculum like a champ!

So instead of adding on, I want to challenge us to evaluate and rearrange as necessary. You see, I think a lot of us are working toward great things. We’re striving to be better at ministry so that kids can know, love, and follow Jesus. I know you’re working to make your homes a sanctuary for our God and your children. We’re trying to improve our marriages, our careers, our communities, and more.

A New Goal for A New Year

It’s not the goals that have betrayed us, it’s our priorities. The do tends to take over and outweigh the magnitude of our be. What I mean by that is we are trying to do more within ourselves based on what we know to be true about Jesus and His call, rather than trying to be more in Jesus so that we can do the work He has given us.

So instead of the busy, or the challenges, or the do; I want us to reflect on the being. I want us to sit with Immanuel, God with us. How great would it be to be so close to Him that the fruit of all we do is from a holy God who is good.

Sure, this new year, let’s strive for more. But for more of Him, His work, and His kingdom.

I’ve included a writing of sorts below that I shared with teammates at David C Cook last year. It’s something I think we can all reflect on as followers of Jesus.

May you be encouraged to abide with the Life-Giver. May you sit with our good and gracious God—Father, Son, and Spirit. And may your year be full of overflow from the work He is doing within you. He was, is, and forever will be more than enough.

What I Still Find Amazing About God and Me

What I still find amazing about God and me.

Imagine with me. Do you ever notice the little things?

The warmth of the sun shining on your face, the feeling of a gentle breeze in your hair, the tickle of grass on your toes. The tenderness of a hand placed in yours, the way your heart swells when you find love, the sound of a newborn’s coo, of laughter, of voices all around you, the twinkle in another’s eye.

Can you taste your favorite meal? Smell it? Recall your favorite memory?

Each encounter with God’s creation holds life—amidst joy and pain—life full of hope and wonder.

Do you ever notice the big things?

The vastness of our universe and how God placed each star and knows them by name. The way God spoke, and it was.

Do you notice the way we each hold His Imago Dei as His very breath is breathed into us? Do you recall the amazing plan of rescue that began for us before we ever were? Imagine the distance between East and West, the heights and depths of His love, His forever promise to not leave us nor forsake us.

All great things.

What I still find amazing about God and me.

He knew me before I ever was, He loved me in spite of my mess, He called me before I ever heard Him, He saved me and brought me to Himself, He beckons me closer with every encounter. And in His greatness, He is near.

He has gifted me with this life I get to live—get to. One full of love and sorrow and joy and pain and hope and faith and all the things between.

What I still find amazing about God and me.

He calls me His own, He protects me from evil, He guides me on this path of righteousness, and His presence surrounds me. His Word upholds me, directs me, and sustains me.

I’m amazed by His favor that outruns me, His love that consumes me, His ways that are higher, and His thoughts that are better.

You see, His silence doesn’t equal absence. He is near. In every year, every season, every month, every week, every day, every hour, every minute, every second—He is near.

He clothes me in His righteousness, and He does the same for you.

He chose me. He could have come right off the cross, but He didn’t. Jesus stayed, He suffered, He endured. Why? Because He chose me. He still chooses me. And He chooses you.

What I still find amazing about God and me.

All powerful, unwavering, Holy He is called.
He could be found anywhere He wanted—in power, you name it. But He chose the whisper. He chose to be near, to me, to you, to us.

And no matter how much I say it, I still can’t comprehend.

He’s so good, in fact, that in my suffering—He still gives joy as He draws us to Himself. That we may draw near to Him and know and be known by Him.

And to think that in Him there’s no striving to be, to become—only abiding.

What I still find amazing about God and me.

I’m amazed that the more I seek Him, the more I find, the more I am consumed by Him, the less of me I see.

Everything I need is everything He is—the I Am. His grace is more than I could ever ask for, and He meets me where I am.

If you only knew my story, you’d see. His mercies are new every morning, His love is better than life. And though my body fades more each day, I am renewed in my soul as I look toward an eternal promise—His presence. Real, tangible, forever.

What I still find amazing about God and me.

My need for Him is more than the air I breathe. He gives me love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control through His Spirit.

It is not I, but Christ who lives within me. Love incarnate is He.

I could go on for hours, days, weeks, really. Because He is holy, holy, holy. It’s echoed in Heaven. But He still calls me friend. And because of who He is, I am who I am.

I will choose to forever praise His name, the name higher than any name—Jesus.

• EL Shaddai—Lord God Almighty
• Adonai—Lord, Master
• Yahweh—Lord, Jehovah
• Jehovah Nissi—The Lord My Banner
• Jehovah-Raah—The Lord My Shepherd
• Jehovah Rapha—The Lord That Heals
• Jehovah Shammah—The Lord Is There
• Elohim—God
• Jehovah Jireh—The Lord Will Provide
• Jehovah Shalom—The Lord Is Peace
• EL Roi—God Who Sees
• Prince of Peace
• The Most High God
• The Lord Our Righteousness
• The Lord Who Sanctifies You
• The Lord of Hosts
• The Everlasting God
• Immanuel
• The First and the Last
• Our Helper
• Our Advocate
• Wonderful Counselor
• Mighty God
• The Author and Finisher of Our faith
• The Word
• Healer
• Bread of Life
• Light of the World
• Hope for All Mankind
• Good Shepherd
• Comforter
• Messiah
• Great High Priest
• Rock and Redeemer
• Holy One
• Our Intercessor
• Lord of All
• Judge and King
• Way, Truth, and Life
• Father, Son, Spirit

What I still find amazing about God and me.

And in all my days of life—if I give Him every second of every moment of every day—it would never be enough for what He has done. But because of His grace …

You see, without Him I was … really, I am … lost, broken, desperate, empty, spiritually blind, deaf, and given over to myself.

But because of His grace … I am forever grateful.

Grateful for this relationship, grateful that He wants time with me, grateful to be in the shadow of His wings, grateful for the very breath in my lungs. I am grateful for the inheritance promised, grateful for mercy and goodness, grateful that He found me, that He chose me, that He’s given me today—this moment. I am forever grateful that He loves me and that He is for me.

What I still find amazing about God and me.

Getting lost in Him is the best way to be found, over and over, day by day.

You see, I was made to love Him. He’s all I need and all I want, because when I laid down my life, I found it.

I was lost but now am found. I was dead, but now I live.

What I still find amazing about God and me.

So today and every day after, may you find your rest and joy and hope and energy in Jesus. May He direct your steps, and may you take your next breath knowing it is from Him.

More From Courtney

• Why Your Children’s Curriculum Needs the Gospel, Not Morals
• How the Hopeful Anticipation of Advent Draws Us to God
• Faith Formation: Helping Parents Walk with Kids
• Moving from Why to How: Bringing the Bible to Life
• Declaring Truth & The Power of Blessing Our Children
• Interview: The Importance of Caring for Your Soul in the Midst of Everything Else
• Jesus in Our Midst: The Importance of Sharing a Personal God with Kids
• How God’s Wonder Fills Your Worship
• Leading Strong When You’re the Youngest in the Room
• The Posture of Worship: A Life Pleasing to God
• The Top 5 Reasons to Invest in Your Fall Ministry Now
• Trust God’s Faithfulness in the Difficult Seasons
• Jesus Is Alive and Sunday Is Still Coming
• From the Editor: You Matter. Your Ministry Matters.
• VBS Alternatives: Take Back Summer for Kids’ Ministry!
• 6 “High Fives” Perfect for Volunteer Appreciation

I am the executive director and founder of Soar Special Needs. SOAR stands for Special Opportunities, Abilities, and Relationships. And we’re a nonprofit that helps answer three of the main questions every parent with an individual with disability has.

First, will my child ever be able to provide for themselves?
Secondly, who will take care of my child once I’m gone?
Thirdly, who will take care of me as a parent or a caregiver?

Those are questions that keep these families awake at night. If you are a parent of a neurotypical child, you are less likely to have to dream of those questions.

And, frequently, the church isn’t there to help them through these.

Everyone calls me Doc. I’m a pediatric ER doctor, so it fits. I’ve also been a children’s pastor in a ministry where we grew to over a thousand kids in about three years. And during that time, I was blessed with my second son Mark.

Unfortunately, today only 11% of churches would accept my son. You see, my son Mark had Dravet Syndrome, a very rare genetic seizure disorder and autism. Only 11% of churches, parishes, and synagogues in the United States today welcome families with disabilities. 89% turn them away and say, you’re not welcome.

It’s not right. And most importantly, it’s not biblical.

But here’s the bottom line. You are unable to be a world-class children’s ministry unless you welcome families with disabilities. It just cannot happen otherwise.

The Hard Statistics

Today, 90% of individuals with special needs in the United States do not attend church. It’s the largest unmet people group in the United States. There are three reasons why these families don’t attend church.

1. They’re afraid their child is not going to be taken care of. We know that’s right because we already said only 11% of churches know what they’re doing.
   
2. Secondly, they know the burden they carry, and they don’t want to be a burden to the church.
   
3. And third, they’ve been asked to leave the church too many times before, and they’re afraid that God has given up on them.

Church, we must do better.

According to the CDC today, 26% of the US population has a diagnosis of special needs or disability making them the largest minority group in the United States. And by this time next year, that number’s estimated to be 37%, well over one-third of the country.

The divorce rate for families with disabilities is 90%. You add to that a medical diagnosis—like diabetes or seizures—and it jumps to 95%. It’s unimaginable. Why? Because the stress of being a parent is 24/7/365. You never get a break. And the church isn’t there to help these families.

75% of Jesus’ miracles listed in the Bible were done for individuals with special needs. He healed the lame, He healed the blind, He healed the deaf. Remember that every individual with special needs is created the image and likeness of God. There is no difference. God created them on purpose, for a purpose.

The Biblical Purpose

So, why do we need to do a special needs ministry? Because it is a biblical mandate.

Luke 14: 12-14 NIV says, “Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”

This is the model of inclusion. Why? Because God’s Church needs those with disabilities just as much as those with disabilities need the Church.

We need to minister to and integrate those with special needs into the life of the church and give them opportunities to actively serve. You know, when I see and read the Great Commission, I don’t see any disclaimers on who should be included. It says we’re to go into all the world and share the gospel. No where does it say only those with an IQ over 70, only those who are able to walk, or only those who are able to speak. It says all.

It’s ministry with and ministry by. It’s where everyone is present, invited, welcomed, known, accepted, supported, cared for, befriended, needed, and loved.

3 Ways to Minister through Classrooms

There are three different ways that we can set up classrooms. There’s inclusion, segregation, and integration.

1. Let’s start by talking about inclusion. Pure inclusion is where the individual is in their typical class with a one-on-one buddy or an aide. They’re a guide on the side who can help them with everything. These classrooms are where all students are vital members of the class. They feel connected to their peers, and they have a meaningful general curriculum, but they have additional support to help them succeed. And, and so they’re in their age appropriate or their developmentally appropriate classroom.
   
2. Our second type is a self-contained or segregated classroom. This means having a special class for all the individuals with special needs and no neurotypical peers. This is best suited for those individuals who do not do well in or benefit from the typical classroom. So, when in a children’s ministry setting, we’re only talking about 5-10% of kids here.
   
3. The third is a combination where children with special needs have their own classroom, but it’s in with everybody else. They can still be with all their friends in the beginning for worship, etc., but they’ve got their special learning time that can be tailored for them and really help them in learning everything that they need to as they go through all that.

With all of these types, it may also be great to have a sensory room for children to go to when they feel overwhelmed.

Getting the Right Volunteers

I think the four most important letters in the alphabet are I-C-N-U (I see in you). And let me tell you how this works. Each and every one of you, your main job every Sunday is not making sure all the volunteers are in place, not making sure all the kids are in their ministry, not making sure everything is good, the curriculum’s ready, and you’ve got your lesson down. Your most important job is observing every single person who comes into your ministry area.

Because just about every church I know follows an 80-20 rule, 80% of the work’s done by 20% of the people.

That tells me 80% of your church walk into your service, sit there, collect dust during the message, stand up, knock off the dust, and walk out to get their kids. That’s who we have to go after. Go up to them and say something like this:

I-C-N-U: I See in You

“I’ve been observing you the last couple of weeks. And I just have to tell you, I see in you. I see in you someone who has an amazing heart for people. I see in you someone who loves people. And I’ve got a simple question for you. Can you be a friend?”

Guess what! I’ve never had anyone tell me, no, they can’t be a friend. Ask them to pray about it for a couple of weeks. I’ve also never had anyone tell me, no, they won’t pray. Ask them to search their heart and see if they could be a friend to someone with special needs. Tell them you’ll train them and help them if the answer is yes, but first ask them to pray.

And if they come back with a yes, work with them. Don’t make them serve more than they can and appreciate them for what they can give.

For your first training, call it anything but a training. And if you want people to show up, bring snacks. Play a quick game, share a quick word, and then get into it. Be sure to end your time with fellowship.

This is the beginning of something beautiful in your ministry when you love God and love people really well.

HeartShaper

Instilling God’s Word in every child’s heart

With our easy-to-follow lessons, teachers can focus on kids’ unique needs while helping them hide God’s Word in their hearts.

Learn more

Check out these podcasts for encouragement, ideas, and healthy conversation.

Like books, podcasts are a great way to learn and grow as leaders. And even better, most are on-demand, free, multitasking-friendly, portable, and filled with community aspects! Here are some of the top kidmin and ministry podcasts to encourage and support you in the Church.

And while this isn’t an exhaustive list, we believe you’ll like the encouragement, ideas, and healthy conversation for kidmin and ministry in general that these podcasts offer.

8 KidMin and Ministry Podcasts You Need to Know About

The INCM Podcast

Updated seasonally, the INCM Podcast focuses on different topics to help you as a children’s ministry leader. In spring of 2025, they will be partnering with our team at David C Cook to discuss spiritual formation and children’s ministry.

Host: The INCM Team
Listen Here

The KidzMatter Podcast

On their website, the KidzMatter team invites you to join Ryan Frank each week as he interviews respected children’s ministry leaders. This podcast was created to help you gain valuable insights and inspiration for your ministry journey. 

Host: Ryan Frank
Listen Here

Stained Glass Kids Podcast

New in 2024, artist, songwriter, and author Yancy launched a podcast for those who grew up as pastors’ kids. Yancy says, “Through raw, redeemed, broken, and honest interviews, we bring light to the darkest parts of our stories as PK’s and ministry kids.”

If you grew up as a PK, this one will encourage your heart greatly.

Host: Yancy Wideman Richmond
Listen Here

Raised to Stay Podcast

Natalie Runion has a heart for the church and a passion for raising disciples who stay.

She created this community, including the podcast, to encourage those who love the church, even after they’ve been hurt or wounded. It’s her desire to continue loving Jesus and His Bride, and to encourage others to do the same.

This podcast is for those who have stayed, and those who have wandered. Raised to Stay is a call back to Jesus.

Host: Natalie Runion
Listen Here

The Vault Children’s Ministry Podcast

The Vault Podcast features the Hillsong Kids team talking kidmin from Sydney Australia. All about children’s ministry, this podcast makes you feel like you are part of a team.

Host: Hillsong Kids
Listen Here

The Kidmin Huddle

As a children’s minster for over 17 years, Amber shares that kidmin is her life. Her website and podcast are created to encourage and equip children’s ministry leaders. With more than 90 episodes, you can search and find exactly what you’re looking for.

Host: Amber Pike
Listen Here

Kids Ministry Collective Podcast

This weekly podcast features interviews with children’s ministry leaders. The Kids Ministry Collective team also shares reviews and ideas about resources to help leaders grow along with their ministries.

Host: Kids Ministry Collective
Listen Here

Child Discipleship Podcast

This podcast is focused on helping you help kids form lasting faith in Jesus. With new episodes weekly, this podcast gives insights and offers solutions for ministry and families.

Host: Awana
Listen Here

Also Check Out Ministry Spark Webinars!

Created for ministry leaders, we host 8-10 webinars a year. The topics range from leadership encouragement to empowering your volunteers to choosing a curriculum. In these free webinars, you can hear from ministry leaders just like you.

Join us soon or watch a replay at MinistrySpark.com/webinars/.

No matter the situation you most relate to, David C Cook offers digital solutions so that you can access your curriculum wherever you are, whenever you need it!

Digital Children’s Ministry Curriculum

Experience the difference David C Cook’s top-selling Sunday school and children’s church curriculum can make in your ministry with our easy-to-use digital delivery options. With Scripture-based, gospel-centered curriculum lines, you can trust the materials are true to God’s Word.

Plus, whether you prefer instant PDF downloads or fully customizable lessons through our online portal, you’ll get immediate access—no shipping fees, storage issues, or quarterly sorting required.

Save both time and money while joining countless ministry leaders who are simplifying their teaching resources with David C Cook’s digital curriculum.

Curriculum Evaluation Checklist

Need help evaluating curriculum? Grab this downloadable list and follow the questions to a wise curriculum choice that equips you and your teachers for life-changing children’s ministry.

Download your Curriculum Checklist

Free Guide

Curriculum Evaluation Checklist

Need help evaluating curriculum? Grab this downloadable list and follow the questions to a wise curriculum choice that equips you and your teachers for life-changing children’s ministry.

Download your Curriculum Checklist

Free Guide

Curriculum Evaluation Checklist

Need help evaluating curriculum? Grab this downloadable list and follow the questions to a wise curriculum choice that equips you and your teachers for life-changing children’s ministry.

Download Your Curriculum Checklist

Free Guide

Children’s Curriculum Via Online Platform

Get fully resourced, fully editable curriculum through our online platform with Wonder Ink! Get access to lessons for early childhood age levels and elementary students in one place.

Wonder Ink

Help kids grasp the fullness of their identity in God’s Big Story as they explore four core truths:

• God Knows Me
• Jesus Loves Me
• The Holy Spirit Leads Me
• I Am a Child of God

Developed by children’s ministry experts and discipleship leaders, Wonder Ink is a trusted resource for your children’s church or Sunday school program. It empowers the local church to inspire kids in their faith, support parents at home, and equip volunteers in ministry.

Children’s Ministry Curriculum Via Digital Download

Explore the variety of digital curriculum options available as downloadable zipped PDFs.

Bible-in-Life

Bring God’s Word into everyday life with Bible-in-Life. This curriculum helps kids recognize God’s truth in the world around them while guiding them to build a lifelong faith.

Bible-in-Life equips kids to both form and live out their faith in everyday moments. With a range of age-appropriate activities designed to support Bible learning, it offers flexible options for different learning styles and class sizes.

HeartShaper

Instill God’s Word in every child’s heart with HeartShaper. Designed with special needs friendly activities, this curriculum helps you disciple every child in God’s kingdom.

HeartShaper offers teacher-friendly lessons that reach the heart of every child. From toddlers to sixth grade, it guides kids through the Bible five times, helping them discover God’s story and their place in it.

Gospel Light

Point kids to Jesus and build lasting relationships using Gospel Light. Focus on evangelism and discipleship as you nurture children and preteens.

Gospel Light highlights Jesus in every Bible lesson, making a lasting impact on the faith development of both kids and volunteers. From Baby Beginnings through Grade 6, Gospel Light takes children through the Bible five times, helping them explore God’s Word in a meaningful way.

Echoes

Share the power of God’s Word and celebrate African American heritage with Echoes. With relatable lessons and teacher-friendly resources, this curriculum helps you disciple children through adults. Plus, the Sunday School Superintendent’s Manual ensures a cohesive, thematic approach for all ages!

Echoes offers flexible options for churches of all sizes, guiding today’s generations to deepen their understanding of God’s Word. With age-appropriate content designed to build Bible knowledge and nurture lifelong spiritual development, Echoes also highlights meaningful connections to the African American experience.

We can’t behave ourselves into heaven. Salvation is only attainable through the grace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

As a young mom, I was trying my best to be exactly who my kids needed. I was trying to work hard within myself to show them who Jesus is in everyday moments. But in all reality, I was exhausted, unsure, and still trying to figure life out for myself.

I had grown up in the pews of the church, sat in Sunday school classes, had a great family, went to Christian college, attended conferences through my work at a Christian publisher, and married a PK (pastor’s kid). If anyone should know how to share their faith, I should. Instead, what kept coming out was a bunch of dos and don’ts: Behavior Modification 101.

If I really wanted to help my children know Jesus, it was going to come down to a matter of the heart. It was going to begin with understanding who God is—His character and His holiness. And in order to understand who God is, I would have to sit with Him in His Word. I would need to carve out space to know Him and be known by Him.

And when I got to know Him more and be loved by Him, I realized how easy it became to follow. There was no more guessing, perfectionism, or anxiety over tomorrow. There was rest in following Him.

The Very Good News

That’s what the good news of the Gospel does for us. It allows us to see God for who He is, recognize ourselves for who we are, become cleansed by Him, and then respond in going where He leads us. There isn’t a self-help book or morals guide to good behavior that leads to this. There is only heart change.

We read this in Isaiah 6, when the prophet sees the throne room of the Lord. He recognizes God as Holy, recognizes himself as filth, is in turn cleansed, and then responds in worship saying send me.

That’s the story of Scripture! Our good and holy God is drawing imperfect people to Himself over and over again.

And that’s what we need to show our kids. That within ourselves, it’s hard. We can try and try and try to be good, but we can’t do it without the love of God and the gift of the Holy Spirit living in us. But the very good news is that when we choose Jesus, we receive His Spirit.

So, our churches on Sundays can’t be so focused on behavior modification that we forget to sit in awe of the King who was and is and is forevermore. We can’t get so caught up in teaching cooperation, joy, and compassion that we forget to engage the gift that is God Himself. And we can’t focus so much on getting our kids to sit down and be quiet that we teach them that God hasn’t made them to be curious and creative and fun.

You see, there is a peace and rest that comes from knowing we can only go so far alone. That being known, loved, and led by God means that we get to trust Him to guide us and change us. It’s His work.

Behavior Doesn’t Change Hearts

The curriculum we choose for our children’s ministries must do more than teach good values and behavior. Because as much as we like good behavior, that doesn’t get to the heart. And focusing on behavior actually puts more pressure on our children to ‘try and fix themselves.’ It sets them up to fail and then feel the weight that comes from not being able to live up to the expectations on their lives.

You see, when children can recognize the very good news of Jesus, and when they are taught about how amazing He is (and His Big Story), they can see how God works in and through them—the good and the bad. And as we sit with Jesus together, we begin to look like Him more and more, and as we look more like Him, we display Him in our actions.

That’s true behavior change, because of heart change.

Now, I’m not telling you to embrace chaos in your ministry by letting kids run wild. But what I am telling you is to remind them that you get it. It’s hard to be good, kind, and loving all the time. That sometimes it’s hard to show gentleness and self-control. But the good news is that when we sit with Jesus and know Him more, He helps us do these things that please Him. Because of the Holy Spirit, we can look more and more like Him every day.

Don’t Move from the Center

Over time, teaching methods change. Today there are videos, music, games, and more that we can use to reinforce lessons as kids spend time with God. But we can’t move from the center.

The message must stay the same—we don’t get to change it to be more relevant, approachable, ‘acceptable,’ or cool. God created, man sinned (and sinned again and again), God sent Jesus to rescue man, Jesus lived, Jesus died, Jesus rose again, Jesus ascended into heaven, God sent His followers the gift of the Holy Spirit, and one day He is coming back for His Bride, the Church. Those who believe, follow, and know Jesus have the promise of eternal life with Him. He is the only way to heaven.

You see, God’s Word is the authority, our emotions are not.

Be careful not to veer from the truth simply because it makes you uncomfortable. Don’t veer from the center simply because it causes you to wrestle with what you desire within yourself. God’s truth is the truth, and we can’t sidestep it.

Do we tell the truth in love? Yes. Should we be as wise as serpents, gentle as doves? Yes.

But don’t compromise the truth of the Gospel to feel better. We can’t work our way into Heaven. We simply must know Jesus and have relationship with Him. He works out the rest.

Take the Pressure Off

So, I encourage you to take the pressure off. Take it off yourself and off your kids. Sit with Jesus, lean into His Word, honor Him in worship, and take each moment as it comes. Trust in the Holy Spirit to guide you and your children.

Being well behaved is not bad. But we can’t behave ourselves into heaven. Salvation is only attainable through the grace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

We can teach our children behaviors, but we have to always get to the root for it to last. It begins at the heart and moves outward.

Choose a curriculum that centers on God’s Word and His Gospel and stays rooted there. And remember that, as we follow Jesus, our lives will speak of His great wonder.

Be with Him, and then go out with the fruit that He alone can give.

Trusted Children’s Ministry Curriculum Resources from David C Cook

As you look for curriculum rooted in Scripture, David C Cook has trusted resources doing just that.

Digital Options

Looking for something exclusively online? Check out Wonder Ink!

Wonder Ink

Faith begins with wonder

With ready-to-go lessons, Wonder Ink is a customizable digital curriculum and toolkit for creatively engaging kids and families in God’s Word—connecting the classroom on Sunday to their homes during the week.

Learn more

Wonder Ink

Empower kids to understand the fullness of who they are in God’s Big Story as they discover 4 core truths:

• God Knows Me
• Jesus Loves Me
• The Holy Spirit Leads Me
• I am a Child of God

Created by children’s ministry practitioners and discipleship thought leaders, Wonder Ink Bible curriculum for kids is a trusted solution for your children’s church or Sunday school program. It helps the local church inspire children in faith, walk alongside parents at home, and equip volunteers in ministry.

Plus, Wonder Ink’s theological guideposts make sure every lesson points children to God—with a focus on God’s Big Story, the hope of the gospel of Jesus, sharing the people of Scripture as real people (not characters or superheroes), exploring biblical language in the context of Scripture, and pointing kids to their identity as image bearers.

Wonder Ink features the NIrV^® Bible translation but makes it easy to change to the translation your church prefers. Try for free at WonderInk.org.

Printed and Downloadable Options

These curriculum options come with both printed and downloadable options.

Bible In Life

Connecting everyday situations to God’s word

With our 4-step lessons, teachers can focus on engaging kids, youth, and adults to discover God’s Word and bring it to life.

Learn more

Bible-in-Life Kids

Connect everyday situations to God’s Word with Bible-in-Life. The lessons help your kids see God’s truth all around them as you disciple this generation with lifelong faith.

Bible-in-Life helps kids form faith and express their faith in everyday life moments. With a variety of age-appropriate activities to support Bible learning, there are built-in options for multiple learning styles and class sizes.

With the flexible materials, you can build a ministry program that works for your volunteers, your budget, and your church.

Bible-in-Life features the popular NIV^® translation for all ages. Try for free at BibleinLife.com.

HeartShaper

Instilling God’s Word in every child’s heart

With our easy-to-follow lessons, teachers can focus on kids’ unique needs while helping them hide God’s Word in their hearts.

Learn more

HeartShaper Children’s Curriculum

Help kids discover God through His Word with HeartShaper. With Special Needs Friendly activities, inclusive ministry is central as you disciple every child in God’s kingdom work.

HeartShaper provides teacher-friendly lessons to reach the heart of every child. From toddler years through grade six, HeartShaper takes kids on a journey through the Bible five times to discover God’s story and how they fit into it. Plus, HeartShaper makes it easy to include every child in each step of the lesson—no matter their ability.

With HeartShaper’s well-crafted program, training tools, and free extras, your team is equipped to teach Bible skills and help kids grow in their walk with God.

HeartShaper features the ICB^® for early childhood age levels and NIV^® for early elementary through preteen. KJV option included. Try for free at HeartShaper.com.

Gospel Light

Because the Gospel Changes Lives

With our easy-prep lessons, teachers can focus on building relationships with kids and pointing them to Jesus as they explore God’s Word.

Learn more

Gospel Light

Point kids to Jesus and build strong relationships with Gospel Light. Emphasize evangelism and discipleship as you teach children and preteens in their formative years.

Gospel Light points to Jesus in every Bible lesson and has a big impact on the faith formation of kids and volunteers alike! From Baby Beginnings through Grade 6, Gospel Light guides children to explore the Bible five times.

Through an engaging approach to Bible storytelling and relationships, you can build a ministry program that inspires volunteers to share the gospel and guides kids to a deep understanding of Jesus and what a relationship with Him offers.

Gospel Light features the popular NIV^® translation for all ages. Try for free at GospelLight.com.

Echoes​

Celebrating African American Heritage and Faith

With our 4-step lessons, teachers can focus on engaging kids, youth, and adults to discover God’s Word while celebrating African American heritage and faith.

Learn more

Echoes Children’s Curriculum

Share God’s resounding Word and celebrate African American heritage with Echoes. Relatable lessons and teacher-friendly options help you disciple children through adults. Plus, the Sunday School Superintendent’s Manual connects all ages thematically!

Echoes provides teacher-friendly options for churches of all sizes, helping today’s generations come to know God’s Word. Motivate students to study more and more with inspiring, relevant, and soul-searching materials. Plus, Echoes provides options for every age level to develop Bible knowledge and foster lifelong spiritual growth—all while making meaningful connections to the African American experience.

With flexible materials, you can build a ministry program that works for your volunteers, your budget, and your church.

Echoes features the popular NIV^® translation for all ages and has a KJV option for adult lessons. Try for free at EchoesCurriculum.com.

13 Free Printable Coloring Sheets

Coloring Pages for Kids: Who God Says They Are

Download these coloring sheets from our friends at Wonder Ink to fill children with the good news of who Jesus says they are. They are known by God, loved by Jesus, and led by the Holy Spirit. And when they follow Him, they are His kids!

God’s Way Is Best Bible Coloring Pages

God is good and holy and righteous. His ways are higher and better than anything we could imagine. He is before all and above all. And that means that sometimes He takes things that we think and flips them upside down! Reenforce God’s ways being better with these fun coloring pages from Wonder Ink.

The Action Bible Coloring Pages

Need coloring pages for the families in your ministry? We’ve got you covered with a download featuring 5 coloring pages from The Action Bible Coloring Book.

Download your coloring pages

Free Activity

The Action Bible Coloring Pages

Need coloring pages for the families in your ministry? We’ve got you covered with a download featuring 5 coloring pages from The Action Bible Coloring Book.

Download your coloring pages

Free Activity

The Action Bible Coloring Pages

Need coloring pages for the families in your ministry? We’ve got you covered with a download featuring 5 coloring pages from The Action Bible Coloring Book.

Download your coloring pages

Free Activity

More Free Printable Coloring Sheets

26 Free Preschool Coloring Pages for Your Children’s Ministry from Wonder Ink

Check out these fun coloring pages featured by Wonder Ink children’s ministry curriculum. Whether you need something for Sunday school, children’s church, or midweek—these coloring pages teach preschool children who Jesus is and who they are in Him! Choose from free printable coloring sheets for Christmas, Easter, and anytime of the year.

52 FREE Bible Story Coloring Sheets for Kids from Ministry Spark

When you need Bible coloring pages, you don’t want to go hunting through a stack of old books. We’ve got you covered with 52 Bible coloring pages—plus a kid-friendly retelling of each story—to take you through the whole year.

We hope you enjoy these free printable coloring sheets! You can download them one-by-one below or as a set in a single PDF file by clicking here.

If we’re really honest, what’s meant to be a time celebrating the Prince of Peace turns into a time of balancing chaos and stress.

Outside of typically having to run the adorable, tiring, well-worth-it Christmas children’s program, we also host something special the weekend before Christmas, find a time to celebrate and gift our volunteers, all while getting the extras prepped for our regularly scheduled programming. We’re balancing relationships and longer-than-normal task lists.

It’s easy to get swept into the seemingly endless preparation of the Christmas season for crafts, special projects, festive snacks, volunteer gifts, and all the other things we do outside of our church responsibilities.

It can leave us tired, weary, and cranky. And it can put us in a space where we aren’t experiencing the joy of Christmas. But we can’t let that happen!

So, how do we avoid the Christmas burnout? Here are 5 ways to prepare and protect your joy this Christmas season.

5 Ways to Protect Your Christmas Joy in Ministry

Prepare to get things done.

Yes! Prepare, prepare, prepare!

There is a lot to do in the Christmas season. During this time, it is especially important to make sure we stay organized, on task, and prepped so that we can get things done as early as possible. It’s also important to delegate in anticipation of this busy season.

Delegating appropriately gives you space to get your follow-up systems in place and helps you avoid as many ‘last minute’ tasks as possible. It’s not just ministry leaders who are especially busy between Thanksgiving and Christmas!

Take care of your soul and take mental breaks.

Between home, work, and church, life seems to be non-stop. If we aren’t careful, we can run ourselves dry very quickly.

It’s key to stay rooted in Scripture, prayer, and worship in all the seasons we walk through. Times of busyness can’t be excluded from that.

Find ways to take mental breaks. Find the things that work for you and do them. Stop at your favorite coffee shop and sit and enjoy a moment before you go to work. Take a short walk around your church to get out of your office. Play a game with your fellow staff members and enjoy one another’s company for no other reason but to connect.

Take 10-15 minutes when you need it. It can really help in times of stress!

How to Guard Yourself from Ministry Burnout

There are moments in every leader’s journey that defines whether they move forward or give up. Things happen, life gets hard, and opportunities come and go. Download this guide to be encouraged in your leadership walk with the Lord!

Download your ministry burnout guide

Free Guide

How to Guard Yourself from Ministry Burnout

There are moments in every leader’s journey that defines whether they move forward or give up. Things happen, life gets hard, and opportunities come and go. Download this guide to be encouraged in your leadership walk with the Lord!

Download your ministry burnout guide

Free Guide

How to Guard Yourself from Ministry Burnout

There are moments in every leader’s journey that defines whether they move forward or give up. Things happen, life gets hard, and opportunities come and go. Download this guide to be encouraged in your leadership walk with the Lord!

Download your ministry burnout guide

Free Guide

Remind yourself of the why of this Christmas season.

We are not doing what we do in order to bolster the numbers, put on an impressive program, or wow anyone with festive decorations. We are doing what we do because of the very meaning behind this season. So keep your joy and your peace!

What reminds you of that? It could be as simple as reading a portion of the Christmas story every day. Post a sign on your office door. Or maybe even go all out and wear one of those pins with that saying on it!

And to help you in this, stay extra connected to your family in this time. God did not call you to lead your children’s ministry at the expense of your family. It is so easy, especially during a busy season such as this, to allow our ministry to overtake our family. We all have to adjust to make sure this doesn’t happen, so we encourage you to find the ways that work for you.

Attend a worship service for worship (and nothing more).

Attending services is always important for children’s and family ministry leaders and volunteers, but it rings especially true in this season of Advent.

We understand that it’s difficult sometimes with your requirements to oversee your program. But please find a way! Even if it means attending another church’s service this time of year. Sit with your family, your spouse, your children as a member of their family and not as the children’s pastor. And rest in His goodness!

Finally, bless your volunteers.

Children’s ministry thrives for many reasons, not the least of which is our volunteers. It matters how we care for our volunteers. We must find ways to serve them and bless them throughout the year, but Christmas is an especially opportune time to do this.

• Give them permission to not volunteer in additional Christmas programs.
• Send them a personal note of thanks, not only for all that they do, but for who they are to you.
• Make an effort to make sure they attend the special Christmas services and events, not just serve in them.
• Personally drop by to give them a small gift of thanks for their commitment to children’s ministry.
• Have the kids in their class (or better yet, also the parents) sign a card expressing their appreciation and wish them a Merry Christmas.

Christmas is a time of celebration, but it still takes hard work and commitment from our volunteers. Take this natural opportunity to say thanks and bless the volunteers who work so hard with you and on behalf of your kids and families.

More for Christmas

• Over 100 Christmas Activities for Your Children’s Ministry
• 10 Easy Ways to Engage Families this Christmas
• 43 Colorful Christmas Crafts to Celebrate Jesus’ Birth
• How the Hopeful Anticipation of Advent Draws Us to God
• The Birth of Jesus (Elementary Lesson)
• Names of Jesus: Messiah (Elementary Lesson)
• 10 Simple Advent Wreath Ideas That Will Make Your Classroom Beautiful
• How to Lead Your Kids’ Ministry Through a Beautiful Advent

It is so easy to get bogged down in the lesser things: the busy, the overload of gifts, and the constant tug to meet the many expectations. So, let’s pause. Take a deep breath. And dive into leading well this holiday season.

Let us support you as you support the families you serve!

5 Ways to Lead Well During the Holiday Season

1. Focus on people, not programs.

The holidays can be a heavily programmed time of year.

Depending on your church, you may not have much of a choice outside of driving the program during this season. But that doesn’t mean you have to put people second. In all your interactions, planning for the programs, and so on, always keep the needs and concerns of the people you’re serving top of mind.

Seek to invest in those involved, not just use them to fill a spot in the Christmas play.

And if you don’t have to focus on programs, find a fun way to love on your people, give them rest, or support them during this time. Spread love and joy and the good news of Jesus this holiday season.

2. To lead well, keep your family above your ministry.

The demands of the season can be many. I hear it all the time:

• “But I have to be at the church …”
• “It’s my job …”
• “The (insert program here) would fall apart without me …”

While each of those statements might be true, it can’t be the excuse for giving your family second best.

We can’t offer specific ideas on how to solve this issue except this: figure it out with your family. What is important to them? What are things you can do together? How can you bring them alongside you when you have other responsibilities?

What is important in your life gets your time and attention. Your relationship with God and your family should never be shadowed by your ministry—even in the chaos of Thanksgiving and Christmas (and the New Year).

Celebrate Advent with Ornaments and Coloring

Inside this download, you’ll find 25 illustrated ornaments celebrating each day of Advent and a Christmas coloring page!

Check it out

Celebrate Advent with Ornaments and Coloring

Inside this download, you’ll find 25 illustrated ornaments celebrating each day of Advent and a Christmas coloring page!

Check it out

Celebrate Advent with Ornaments and Coloring

Inside this download, you’ll find 25 illustrated ornaments celebrating each day of Advent and a Christmas coloring page!

Check it out

3. Don’t be a grinch. Bring joy to lead well this season!

Stress is real, and it hits most of us in waves this time of year. It’s a well-known fact that the holidays can be one of the most stressful times of the year, and leading in ministry isn’t excluded.

It can really wear you down.

For most of us, getting worn out means we start fighting attitude problems, perspective problems, and peace problems. Be aware of this and what your “buttons” are. Stay focused on setting the tone with your attitude and not letting those buttons get pushed.

Being a grinch during the holidays will likely cost you some leadership influence in the New Year.

4. Be sure to celebrate the season personally.

Thanksgiving and Christmas are not only for the people in your church … they are for you!

It’s a time for thankfulness, reflection, and the wonderful celebration of our good and holy Savior coming to earth. It’s an opportunity for you to worship the King of Kings.

Be intentional about carving out opportunities to celebrate these truths personally. That might be making sure you get to the services with your family. It might mean you find some private worship time. It might mean taking a few minutes daily to walk through a holiday season devotional.

Your own personal celebration can take many different forms. Be intentional and celebrate!

5. Capture momentum heading into the New Year.

The holidays can be an enormously profitable time in sharing a great vision for the future. Good leaders are always thinking beyond the present, and the holidays are no different.

Think through questions like:

• How can you capture the joyful spirit and translate it into momentum in the New Year?
• What relationships can you deepen that you can draw from after the holidays?
• What spiritual investment can you make in the life of a parent or leader that you can continue beyond the season?
• How can you maximize the giving spirit to encourage people in making a tangible investment in the vision of your ministry?

Leaders find a way to not only enjoy the season, but also use it to influence the future. Take time to do that!

In all these things, look to God to fill your cup as only He can. He will help you lead well this holiday season. Trust that He will fill you, and overflow in you so that you can love others well, even in the middle of a stressful, overloaded season.

Amazing Ideas for the Holidays

• Thanksgiving
  • 36 Thanksgiving Games, Crafts, and Snacks to Delight Kids
  • 10 Uplifting Ways Kids Can Bless Others This Thanksgiving
  • 100 Useful Gifts That Say, “Thank You, Volunteers!” (With Free Printables)
• Christmas and Advent
  • Over 100 Christmas Activities for Your Children’s Ministry
  • 10 Easy Ways to Engage Families this Christmas
  • 43 Colorful Christmas Crafts to Celebrate Jesus’ Birth
  • How the Hopeful Anticipation of Advent Draws Us to God
  • The Birth of Jesus (Elementary Lesson)
  • Names of Jesus: Messiah (Elementary Lesson)
  • 10 Simple Advent Wreath Ideas That Will Make Your Classroom Beautiful
  • How to Lead Your Kids’ Ministry Through a Beautiful Advent

60+ Real Life Bible Stories from Scripture

Bible Stories from Genesis

Creation: Use this lesson outline to teach elementary students about the Creation story found in Genesis 1—3. It’s the very beginning of the Big God Story!

Adam and Eve: Elementary kids discover that God created us to live in community with each other and with Him. Use this lesson to teach children about how God wants to be with us.

Cain and Abel: Use this grab-and-go lesson to teach elementary kids that God corrects us because He loves us. Kids will be encouraged to ask for forgiveness when they do wrong.

Noah’s Ark: Share the Noah’s Ark story and discover how one animal in particular can help us bring it to life for elementary kids. (Also check out Simple Noah’s Ark Crafts and Activities You Can Download for Free)

Tower of Babel: Teach elementary students about the Tower of Babel and how God is the only one worthy of our worship.

Balaam and the Donkey: Share the story of Balaam and discover how one animal in particular can help us bring it to life for elementary kids.

God’s Covenant with Abraham: Use this grab-and-go lesson to teach elementary kids that God keeps His promises!

Isaac and Rebekah: Help elementary kids discover the Biblical story of Isaac and Rebekah and how one animal in particular can help bring it to life.

Jacob Wrestles with God: Share this grab-and-go with elementary kids as they discover God’s faithfulness to us through the story of Jacob wrestling with God.

Joseph: Use this lesson to teach elementary students about forgiveness through the story of Joseph.

Joseph and God’s Faithfulness: Help elementary kids discover that in the end, God’s in control with this grab-and-go lesson.

Bible Stories from Exodus

Moses and the Burning Bush: Teach elementary kids that God will help them with difficult tasks using this grab-and-go lesson.

Plagues of Egypt: Use this grab-and-go lesson to teach elementary kids all about God’s power.

Parting of the Red Sea: While Moses might not know what to do next, God had a plan for Moses—and God has a plan for us too. Teach elementary kids about our faithful God who has plans for them!

Golden Calf: Inspire kids to worship only God with this grab-and-go lesson.

10 Commandments Activities Free to Download: Make the 10 Commandments relevant for kids with these surprising ideas.

Age-Appropriate Versions of the Ten Commandments for Kids: Age-appropriate version of the Ten Commandments, plus tips for teaching this tricky subject.

Bible Stories from Numbers

Israelites in the Desert: Look at the Biblical story of the Israelites in the desert and discover how one animal in particular can help us bring it to life for elementary kids.

66 Short Bible Verses Perfect for Kids to Memorize

Memorized verses are the rails the Spirit’s instructions run on. How much track have we laid? Download this guide on Short Bible Verses. With 1 verse from every book, kids will learn to hide God’s Word in their hearts!

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66 Short Bible Verses Perfect for Kids to Memorize

Memorized verses are the rails the Spirit’s instructions run on. How much track have we laid? Download this guide on Short Bible Verses. With 1 verse from every book, kids will learn to hide God’s Word in their hearts!

Download your free guide

Free Guide

66 Short Bible Verses Perfect for Kids to Memorize

Memorized verses are the rails the Spirit’s instructions run on. How much track have we laid? Download this guide on Short Bible Verses. With 1 verse from every book, kids will learn to hide God’s Word in their hearts!

Download your free guide

Free Guide

Lessons from Joshua

Walls of Jericho: Use this lesson to teach elementary students about God’s faithfulness through the story about the Walls of Jericho.

Bible Stories from Judges

Samson and Delilah: Use this lesson to teach preteen students about how God is strength and God gives them strength.

Bible Stories from Ruth

Ruth and Boaz (Elementary Lesson): Teach kids that God is our redeemer with this grab-and-go lesson!

From 1 Samuel

Jesse and David: This elementary lesson preview is pulled from the 5-lesson Christmas Series from Wonder Ink. It can be used in large group/small group and in classrooms.

David and Goliath: Use this lesson outline to teach the David and Goliath story for kids. They’ll see how God can help with even the biggest of problems.

Bible Stories from Jonah

Jonah and the Whale: This free grab-and-go lesson brings the story of Jonah to life. Help preschool and elementary children learn how God used an animal and Jonah to accomplish his purpose.

Jonah and the Whale: God forgives us and that’s good news! Use this grab-and-go lesson to teach elementary kids.

Lessons from Ezekiel

Ezekiel and the Dry Bones: This elementary lesson preview is pulled from the 5-lesson Easter Series from Wonder Ink.

Bible Stories from Daniel

Fire-y Furnace: Help preschool children know how much God loves and cares for them with this grab-and-go lesson.

Daniel in the Lions’ Den: Share the story of Daniel in the lions’ den and discover how to bring it to life for kids.

Bible Stories from Matthew

Jesus in the Temple: Help preschool children begin to identify God’s love in their lives.

Jesus’ Baptism: When we consider that the perfect Son of God asked a man to baptize Him, we should be humbled by His example. Use this grab-and-go lesson to help preschool kids know that they can obey and please God!

The Lord’s Prayer: Use this lesson outline to teach elementary students about the Lord’s Prayer and how Jesus used it as an example to point out the right and wrong ways to pray.

Jesus Calms the Storm: In this lesson, Jesus brings peace to a stormy sea and peace to His disciples. Teach elementary kids that when Jesus is in control of their lives, they have nothing to worry about or fear.

Parable of the Mustard Seed: This story is actually an illustration, but it’s a powerful one. Teach elementary kids that when God is there, big things come from small ones.

Jesus Feeds 5,000: Use this elementary lesson from Matthew 14 and John 6 to show how Jesus is compassionate. He invites us to be compassionate too!

Jesus Walks on Water: Use this elementary lesson from Matthew 14 to teach kids about strong faith.

The Temple Tax: Share the story of the temple tax and how one animal can help us bring it to life for kids.

More from Matthew

Parable of the Unforgiving Servant: Elementary kids discover that we can forgive others just like God forgives us in this grab-and-go lesson.

Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard: In this elementary lesson, kids learn that the kingdom of God isn’t just about rules or behavior or justice. It’s also about grace.

Palm Sunday: Palm Sunday can be big fun for the kids in your ministry with this free lesson!

Parable of the Sheep and the Goats: Use this lesson outline to teach elementary students about Jesus’s parable of the sheep and the goats found in the book of Matthew.

Parable of the Talents: Use this lesson outline to teach elementary students about Jesus’s parable of the talents found in the book of Matthew.

The Last Supper: Teach preschoolers and early elementary students about the disciples’ last supper with Jesus.

Good Friday: Teach preschoolers and early elementary students about Jesus’s death on the cross. It’s perfect to use when you teach on Good Friday.

The Great Commission: Show elementary students how Jesus commanded His disciples to go and make disciples in the Great Commission.

Bible Lessons from Mark

Miracles of Jesus: Jesus Heals a Woman and a Girl: You can use this grab-and-go lesson to teach elementary kids that Jesus is God and He knows everything!

Let the Children Come to Me: Teach preschool children that they can always come to Jesus because He loves them.

Easter Sunday: Use this lesson outline to teach preschoolers and early elementary students about Jesus’s resurrection. It’s perfect as an Easter Sunday School lesson. (Also check out 49 Brilliant Easter Games, Crafts, and Activities for Sunday School)

Bible Stories from Luke

The Birth of Jesus: Use this lesson to teach elementary children about Jesus’s birth.

Names of Jesus: Messiah: Use this lesson to teach kids about the meaning of one of the names of Jesus: Messiah.

Parable of the Sower: Use this lesson to teach elementary students the parable of the sower. It shows how Jesus wants us to grow!

Parable of the Good Samaritan: Teach elementary students about Jesus’s parable of the Good Samaritan found in the book of Luke.

The Parable of the Lost Sheep: Look at Jesus’s parable of the lost sheep and how to bring it to life for kids.

Parable of the Prodigal Son: Teach elementary students about Jesus’ parable of the prodigal son found in the book of Luke.

Parable of the Lost Coin: Use this grab-and-go lesson to teach kids about how Jesus came to seek and save lost people.

Peter Denies Jesus: Share the story of Peter’s betrayal and discover how one animal in particular can help us bring it to life for kids.

Lessons from John

Jesus Turns Water into Wine: Use this grab-and-go lesson to teach kids that we can ask for Jesus’ help with any situation. And that is a great thing!

Jesus’ Disciples: Children learn about the friends Jesus made with this grab-and-go elementary lesson.

Parable of the Good Shepherd: This elementary lesson helps kids discover just how deep Jesus’ love is for his followers—for us.

Jesus Raises Lazarus: Teach kids about how powerful Jesus is with this fun, elementary lesson!

Vine and Branches: This elementary lesson will help you teach kids about all the great things Jesus can do when we are in Him!

12 Awesome Bible Games for Kids of All Ages

Bible learning is serious business, but it doesn’t have to be boring. Choose from games for toddlers to preteens and help kids know that God loves them.

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12 Awesome Bible Games for Kids of All Ages

Bible learning is serious business, but it doesn’t have to be boring. Choose from games for toddlers to preteens and help kids know that God loves them.

Download your free guide

Free Guide

12 Awesome Bible Games for Kids of All Ages

Bible learning is serious business, but it doesn’t have to be boring. Choose from games for toddlers to preteens and help kids know that God loves them.

Download your free guide

Free Guide

Bible Stories from Acts

Pentecost: This grab-and-go lesson teaches elementary kids that God sent His Holy Spirit to help them.

Ananias and Sapphira: Teach kids about why God wants us to tell the truth and why it’s important.

Paul and Silas in Jail: It wasn’t Paul and Silas’ preaching that brought the jailer to Jesus; it was their actions . . . and actions speak louder than words. This elementary lesson will help you teach kids about how our actions mean a-whole-awful lot!

Paul’s Shipwreck: Teach the story of Paul shipwrecked on Malta and discover how one animal in particular can help us bring it to life for kids.

From Galatians

The Fruit of the Spirit: Teach kids about the Fruit of the Spirit found in Galatians 5.

Topical Lessons and Resources

The Need for A Rescuer: This elementary lesson helps kids and families lean into their need for our Rescuer God.

I Can Help Others: Use this lesson to teach kids that they can still help people during difficult times.

God Cares About My Grief and Loss: Use this lesson to teach kids that God cares about their grief and help them deal with loss.

God is Provider: Use this lesson to teach kids that God provides.

Taking a Family Prayer Walk: Check out these simple prayer stations families can use to help children trust God when they face worries of many kinds.

God Takes Our Worries: Use this lesson to teach kids that we can give our worries to God.

God Is Stronger Than My Fear: Let’s teach children that they can trust God with their fears—no matter how big or small those fears are.

52 FREE Bible Coloring Pages: From Creation to Revelation, these Bible coloring pages take you through the Scriptures in a year.

As we seek to engage children, there are 4 things that every child needs and wants—even though they won’t articulate them.

Including these 4 things in your interactions will help bring the complexity and simplicity together. These are competencies every leader needs.

4 Things Children Want from Adults

Appropriate Physical Interaction

A pat on the back, a high five, a fist bump—kids respond to appropriate touch. It’s been said that physical touch is one of the first languages we learn, and it can be a powerful communication tool.

It can communicate approval, respect, appreciation, and love. It can guide, calm, and direct. And appropriate physical touch can unlock the door to receiving the other 3 elements.

A terrific resource for parents or ministry leaders, which includes the value of physical touch, is The 5 Love Languages of Children.

Emotional Connection

We often communicate that ministry happens best through relationships.

Relationships are about emotional connections. Knowing one another. Understanding one another. This is why it is critical that we don’t just show up and “do our thing” in ministry.

It’s imperative that we know the kids, know the parents, and know all the staff and volunteers who are part of our ministry. Emotionally safe environments and meaningful connections can send our ministry impact through the roof.

Mental Stimulation

Too often we take the everyone’s a winner mentality from the sports field to the church. Instead of distilling information to kids, we end up lowering our teaching to the lowest possible denominator and fail to truly challenge our kids.

Don’t do that. Don’t cut out pieces of Scripture or avoid hard questions, because kids will miss the fullness of who God is (note: you can be age appropriate, without nullifying Scripture).

If there is one thing we’ve learned from experienced ministry leaders, it’s that children are far more capable of understanding and experiencing the awe of the greatness of God than we typically give them credit for.

Yes, we need to be age appropriate in our teaching, but don’t be afraid to set the bar high and challenge them. They are capable of more than we realize. And they need us to create opportunities for them to wonder at our amazing God!

Spiritual Truth

Spiritual truth goes hand in hand with the need for mental stimulation.

You see, not only do our methods need to stimulate children’s minds, but our content needs to challenge them spiritually. And this can only be done by telling them the truth of the Gospel, the truth of God’s Word.

When it comes to doctrine and theology, children can handle far more than we usually give them credit for.

If we as leaders make a habit of practicing these elements on a consistent basis, we will see the engagement level in our ministries increase significantly. And the more engaged our kids, parents, and volunteers are, the more we will see disciples of all ages growing in their love and wonder of God.

Curriculum Evaluation Checklist

Need help evaluating curriculum? Grab this downloadable list and follow the questions to a wise curriculum choice that equips you and your teachers for life-changing children’s ministry.

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Curriculum Evaluation Checklist

Need help evaluating curriculum? Grab this downloadable list and follow the questions to a wise curriculum choice that equips you and your teachers for life-changing children’s ministry.

Download your Curriculum Checklist

Free Guide

Curriculum Evaluation Checklist

Need help evaluating curriculum? Grab this downloadable list and follow the questions to a wise curriculum choice that equips you and your teachers for life-changing children’s ministry.

Download Your Curriculum Checklist

Free Guide

More Articles for Your Children’s Ministry

• God Is Personal: Why Story Matters in Children’s Ministry
• 10 Tough Questions to Ask Yourself as a Children’s Ministry Leader
• Children’s Ministry Events You Won’t Want to Miss
• 5 Ideas for Welcoming New Families in Your Children’s Ministry
• The Most Important Item on Your Children’s Ministry To-Do List
• Proclaiming the Whole Will of God in Children’s Ministry
• 13+ Children’s Ministry Bible Games that Spark Joy

How do we lead with the gospel at the center of everything that we do? This is something that we all agree is important. But I think sometimes the gospel can be lost because of the busyness of our schedules. The tyranny of the urgent can sometimes shove it to the periphery of what we do.

It’s important for us to remind ourselves of the things that we know to be true.

First, I want you to know that I’m not going to get into the details of what your vision should be. Vision should be contextualized to the church that you lead and the pastor you serve. The vision for your ministry needs to be centered on the things that your church believes to be true, and the things that your pastor strongly believes your church is called to do.

But today, we are going to talk about those things that are true of every church. No matter where you are, no matter what church you find yourself in.

3 Steps to a Gospel-Centered Children’s Ministry Vision

First, your gospel-centered vision has to be distinctly Christian.

We can sometimes accommodate culture to the point where our message is no longer Christian. So the first thing I would say is your vision has to be distinctly Christian. This is simple, but it’s necessary. Do we properly proclaim God as Father, Christ as Redeemer and Advocate, and the Holy Spirit as Helper? One way we can be faithful to the message of the gospel is to be explicitly trinitarian. We talk about the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit in the messages that we teach and proclaim.

That’s where we must start. The things we’re going to be talking about in our lessons and in our vision need to be focused on the person and work of the Holy Spirit as well as the person and work of Christ in our lives, as ordained by the Father.

Secondly, we must avoid Moralistic Therapeutic Deism.

The term Moralistic Therapeutic Deism was created by Christian Smith. Moralistic meaning primarily producing good kids. If the goal of our ministry is primarily producing good kids, we’re missing the mark.

If that’s primary, it’s therapeutic. And if we’re mainly concerned about the feelings of our kids, then we’re also missing the mark.

I think sometimes in our right desire to reach people, we try to focus on feelings and producing good citizens. But as a Church, we are called to write lessons and to preach messages that are uniquely Christian. As a result of being uniquely Christian, we are to point to the person and work of Christ as ordained by the Father, and the Holy Spirit points us back to the work of Christ over and over again.

Thirdly, we must be relentlessly focused.

As leaders, we want to be focused on discipleship over entertainment. For us to be a gospel-centered church, our desire must be focused on the formation of faith in the life of kids.

Therefore, it’s important that we teach every week in a way that children are becoming more and more like Jesus. What I’m not saying is that we shouldn’t be engaging, that we shouldn’t be creative, that kids shouldn’t have a great time.

However, what I am saying is that we teach these truths of Scripture in memorable, age-appropriate, engaging ways. The goal is not fun. The goal is Jesus.

Making an Impact in Your Children’s Ministry

Why Your Curriculum Matters and How to Choose the Right One
This guide was created to help you dive into some of the topics facing your ministries today and lead into why your curriculum matters and how to choose the right one depending on your needs.

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How to Guard Yourself from Ministry Burnout

There are moments in every leader’s journey that defines whether they move forward or give up. Things happen, life gets hard, and opportunities come and go. Download this guide to be encouraged in your leadership walk with the Lord!

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How to Guard Yourself from Ministry Burnout

There are moments in every leader’s journey that defines whether they move forward or give up. Things happen, life gets hard, and opportunities come and go. Download this guide to be encouraged in your leadership walk with the Lord!

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Don’t get caught up in the wrong things.

What you see in the Bible is that we so often get caught up in the wrong things. But in the Bible, when shepherds count their sheep, it’s not to compete for the biggest flock, it’s because they want to know who is missing.

Unlike Scripture, we typically count to see how many are coming.

But are you showing up in the family? Are you showing up? And are you being present? Are you pastoring the sheep that God has placed in your care? Who is missing?

This is what’s true of a five-year-old heart and a 95-year-old heart: they want to be completely known and totally loved. The beauty of the gospel is it makes the mundane profound, right? Because of the gospel, we understand how we’re loved.

The Word of God goes deep in the hearts of kids. And it shows them what God’s love is like. It reveals to them what God’s love is like. God takes the small gift of my faithfulness and makes it into something far more beautiful than I could ever imagine.

When our ministries are centered on the gospel, everything flows from that.

More from Sam Luce

• WATCH: Casting Vision: Staying Rooted in the Gospel
• WATCH: The Importance of Sharing a Personal God in Children’s Ministry
• God Is Personal: Why Story Matters in Children’s Ministry
• What Did Jesus Think About Kids and Why Does It Matter?
• Why Thanksgiving Is an Important Response to God’s Gifts
• How Can Leaders Cultivate Wonder in a World of Incessant Distraction?
• Parents as Primary Source of Discipleship in the Home
• Telling Your Children the Truth in a World of Sorrow and Pain
• I’m Still In: A Response to Leaders Leaving Their Faith
• How to Smuggle the Gospel through the Imagination to the Heart
• 5 Things Your Pastor Would Want You to Know about His Kids
• Why Kids Need to Know the Old Testament
• 4 Powerful Things Every Parent Needs to Hear from You
• How to Give Kids Faith They Grow Into, Not Out Of

Why weren’t they there? Well, I had gotten comfortable. We had a system for Sunday morning, and we had gotten so used to the system that I didn’t have thorough checks in place. As a result, we had started doing quick run-through’s instead of the step-by-step checks we should be doing.

And I missed making sure all the necessary props were on stage and in place.

I learned a valuable lesson that day: not to get caught in the trap of being comfortable. That’s the first of five traps we’d like to lay out for children’s ministry leaders.

1. The Comfort Trap

Systems, processes, and standard operating procedures are important. Done correctly, they leave plenty of room for creativity, flexibility, and even spontaneity.

But they also open the door for getting a little too complacent. Essentially, we say, “We do this so much, we don’t need to prepare as much.” That’s when we get caught in the comfort trap. And the comfort trap deceives us into thinking that we know what we’re doing and what to expect. This is true to a certain degree, but preparation is always important!

Is there something you’ve gotten too comfortable with in your ministry?

2. The Small-Church-Thinking Trap

Have you ever gotten into this trap?

We’re just a small church and know everyone … we don’t need to worry too much about security.

But don’t buy into this thought. We need to be wise when it comes to security (and all the other matters), no matter how big or small our ministries are. Be it one child or 300, their lives matter and the ministry we serve them with matters too. Being small does not give us an excuse to be less than excellent.

3. The Hoarding Trap

You are the leader of your ministry, and God has placed you there for a reason! But remember that the Church is a Body of Believers. When it comes to the collective job of ministry to children, we have to do it together. We need the full support of the Body, from the toes to the top of the head.

When we forget what the Church is supposed to look like, we tend to keep more things to do them ourselves. Not only does this begin to limit the potential of you and your ministry, but sooner or later it leads to burnout.

What tasks do you need to equip others to do, so your primary focus is on those things that only you can do?

How to Guard Yourself from Ministry Burnout

There are moments in every leader’s journey that defines whether they move forward or give up. Things happen, life gets hard, and opportunities come and go. Download this guide to be encouraged in your leadership walk with the Lord!

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How to Guard Yourself from Ministry Burnout

There are moments in every leader’s journey that defines whether they move forward or give up. Things happen, life gets hard, and opportunities come and go. Download this guide to be encouraged in your leadership walk with the Lord!

Download your ministry burnout guide

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How to Guard Yourself from Ministry Burnout

There are moments in every leader’s journey that defines whether they move forward or give up. Things happen, life gets hard, and opportunities come and go. Download this guide to be encouraged in your leadership walk with the Lord!

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4. The Blame-It-on-the-Big-Guys Trap.

While some of us have great senior leadership and others of us struggle, we can’t point fingers at them. If they lack understanding, let’s work to bring understanding. If they create challenges, let’s work to build bridges.

We can still have a great vision for children’s ministry, even when it’s not cherished by senior leadership (although it should be). You may have greater challenges, fewer resources, and need to take smaller steps in pursuing a great vision, but let’s remember that God is with us, and He cares deeply about children.

What attitudes might you need to adjust in order to pursue a great vision, regardless of the support you receive from senior leadership?

5. The Comparison Trap

You may be thinking at times, “We don’t have [insert your challenge here] like the church down the street, so we can’t really do a lot of great ministry like they do.”

While you may have fewer resources or more challenges, comparison will steal your joy (and many times your creativity).

You see, friends, great ministry doesn’t happen because you have a big budget, great facilities, a lot of people, or any of these types of resources. Great ministry happens as a result of a great vision. It happens because people are equipped, and leaders are developed. It happens because there’s a culture of relationships. Great ministry happens because the Gospel is primary.

It happens because you love God and you love people, and you act on it—plain and simple.

Continue doing the good work that has been laid before you! And beware of the traps. Keep your focus on the Lord and His kingdom and do all things for Him. As Scripture tells us, He will direct your path.

To our children’s pastors and youth pastors and nursery caregivers, some of the first to introduce Jesus to a brand-new flock. You are more than spiritual babysitters and Christian entertainment for the Church.

You are some of the very first to pastor our children and young people through biblical creativity, gentle discipleship, and sweet Psalms.

We see you rocking babies, changing diapers, holding hands, wiping noses, all while teaching lessons on blind men, seeing lame men walking, Noah building, Moses partying, Zacchaeus climbing, and Father Abraham marching.

You are some of the first our families meet as they learn to trust God and their littles are welcomed to the family of God. You remember names when they expect you to forget birthdays, anniversaries, and milestones, and watch in pride as they graduate from your arms to running the church halls on their own two feet.

You are the most hidden down long hallways tucked in little spaces, but you are most seen by the Heavenly Father who welcomes the little children. You are about His business. You carry His heart and reflect His love to every tiny soul.

Thank you for being the gatekeepers of a new generation of sheep by protecting their innocence and instilling in them a deep love for Jesus. Thank you for teaching them friendship, how to share that it’s okay to cry, and to celebrate when mom and dad show up to take them home.

You are an eternal extension to our earthly families. And we will never forget the songs you taught us, Scriptures we memorized, and prizes we won. Jesus being the greatest reward.

May you know your labor is not in vain. Walk with authority and purpose as you lead our littles to the feet of a good Father.

Raised to Stay

Because of having children of my own, it’s always an honor to speak with children’s ministry leaders.

This space with our children is really something that just burns in my heart because children are not the future of the Church. They are the Church. And we know that the Holy Spirit who moves and speaks to us is the same Holy Spirit we encounter through biblical formation and worship.

He is the same Holy Spirit who our children can feel in their bedrooms while they’re worshiping and reading their Bibles. He’s the same who guides them while they’re with their friends and while they are learning. The Holy Spirit is a hundred percent moving in them and through them.

Growing up, children’s church was my jam. I knew every song, I was in every play, and I was saved when I was seven. I can remember it happening when I was sitting in a children’s church service, hearing the gospel being presented to me by my children’s pastor.

But get this, I didn’t go to the altar at church that night. I waited until I got home. I do believe that sometimes we think that creating these hyped situations are what will speak to kids. And then we feel like we’ve failed when nothing happens.

It Continues at Home

But I waited until I got home because I wanted my parents to be part of it. And even at seven years old, I went home and processed this message of Jesus Christ in the safety of my bedroom. I then called my mom into my room and had my mom pray with me.

I can remember it like it was yesterday. I ran into my parents’ bedroom. And I started screaming at the top of my lungs to my dad, “I’m a Christian!”

I loved the church like my own family. My dad was a pastor. I was raised by church people. I went to public school, but we lived in church parsonages. So church people were everywhere I went.

If I wasn’t at the church, I was with church people. And I probably saw church people more than I saw my own biological family.

Hurt Happens

But many of us know that if you love something, there is a likelihood that you’re going to get hurt by it. And when I began to grow a little bit older, I would watch my parents get hurt by this very institution, this very place that was supposed to protect me.

While we will face hard times, it is very important that we are not trauma dumping on our children.

I can remember standing on the front of that platform as they announced, unbeknownst to us, that it was our last Sunday. In my life, it was like a funeral. And that was really the first time at 18 years old that I thought, you know what, God, if these are your people, “no thank you.”

What if We're Failing Kids at Faith Formation? (And How Not To)

Have you ever wondered if we’re missing the mark? Research shows that young people are leaving the church and aren’t looking back. In this guide, we examine this difficult, challenging, and eye-opening question and seek answers to help change the trends. There is hope. We can make a difference.

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What if We're Failing Kids at Faith Formation? (And How Not To)

Have you ever wondered if we’re missing the mark? Research shows that young people are leaving the church and aren’t looking back. In this guide, we examine this difficult, challenging, and eye-opening question and seek answers to help change the trends. There is hope. We can make a difference.

Download your faith formation guide

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What if We're Failing Kids at Faith Formation? (And How Not To)

Have you ever wondered if we’re missing the mark? Research shows that young people are leaving the church and aren’t looking back. In this guide, we examine this difficult, challenging, and eye-opening question and seek answers to help change the trends. There is hope. We can make a difference.

Download your faith formation guide

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Importance of Biblical Formation

The reason we need biblical formation is because there will come a point where children will have to fight for faith. When voices come into our lives through college professors, through friends, through other people’s family members, and they start to say the thing that Satan says, it’s important our kids know what God says and what His Word says.

And if God says it and the Word says it, then that means that it’s true. And if we don’t know the Word of God, then we can’t declare it over the things that are being spoken to us that are lies.

For me, I didn’t understand my need for biblical formation until college. It was through Campus Crusade for Christ that I started to develop a biblical literacy. It allowed me to be able to stand up in rooms and say, “Here’s why I believe that God is the God of the universe.”

Biblical formation at an early age must be repetitive.

And so, if we’re pouring into kids every Sunday morning and then they’re going to school, or they’re going to their sporting event, or they’re going to a sleepover, and they’re having other things poured in on top of that, we want that biblical formation to be the thing that’s really taking root in their life. It can sift out anything that’s toxic.

Raised in Christ Vs. Raised in Church

What I love is that I was raised knowing Jesus. And that’s the difference. We can send our kids to church and hope that our kids pastors are going to help us partner in our children’s faith. But really what’s going to keep them going to church is not the programming, but this relationship with Jesus that has them believing with their whole heart. Knowing that they are loved, wanted, believed in, and that they have purpose.

And that’s really what I have been trying to instill in my children as I’m raising my own stayers. It’s not about simply attending church. It’s about knowing Jesus together. We go to church to be with His people, to learn, and then to take all of that out to a world that’s desperate.

Radically Rooted

We have to continue to teach our children that their value—their identity—is rooted and established in Christ, which means we have to raise radical children. When we look at the word radical, the root word in Hebrew means rooted.

It means that they are rooted in something so strongly that no matter how difficult things get—no matter how much persecution they face, no matter how many times they’re made fun of at school, no matter how much church hurt—that they’re so rooted and established in Christ. So then when tragedy comes, when chaos comes, when the enemy blows that hot air toward their house, they will not be moved.

That like a tree planted by the water, they will be rooted and established in Christ so they will not be shaken when people fall, when there’s moral failures of leaders, when there are people that aren’t who they say that they are. They’ll be so radically saved, so radical for Jesus, that they cannot be moved from the foundation of their faith.

Identity in Christ

I believe that when our children believe that they are loved by God, when they truly believe they are loved by God, that is one way that we are going to keep them asking questions about who God is.

I believe the Scriptures when it says that He loves you, that He protects you, that He fights for you. We have to be willing to model that in our homes for our children, because a lot of times our children are going to imagine the love of God looking like the love of their earthly father.

And depending on what that looks like to them, it can skew how they see God’s love. So, in children’s ministry, we must begin to model it for them.

When it comes to ministering to our children to teach them love of God, it doesn’t have to come directly from even the parent or the pastor. It can come from the precious volunteers who are just waiting for someone to activate the passion that’s inside of them.

Altogether, we’re a team. A body of believers who want to point children to Him.

…

I want to encourage you that if you’ve been hurt by the church, if you have a little bit of bitterness in your heart, if you don’t do it for anyone else, do it for your children. Do it for your children. Get to a place where you can forgive. You don’t have to forget but get to a point where you can talk about people with a mindset of blessing them.

Because I want my kids to see that a reconciled church is the church that will bring revival, making Christ’s last command our first concern, and modeling His love for our children every single day.

These kids deserve to know that Jesus is with them in the middle. He sees them exactly as they are and can meet them there. And they deserve our attention too.

Here are some free materials you can use with the preteens at your church!

Preteen Sunday School Lessons

The Action Bible Anytime Easter Lessons

Celebrate Easter with 4 preteen Sunday school lesson videos and all the resources you need for sharing with kids and families. Resources include Scripture and prayer prompts, lesson application ideas, and more.

Samson and Delilah Sunday School Lesson

Use this grab-and-go preteen lesson to teach preteens that God gives them strength. God is strength!

Despite Samson often displeasing the Lord, God gave strength to Samson to fight the Philistines and lead Israel as a judge for 20 years. The Spirit of the Lord was on Samson giving strength. The same Spirit of the Lord was on Jesus when He was ministering on earth.

Classroom or At-Home Devotions for Preteens

The Action Bible Anytime Devotions

Inside this download, you’ll find verses, practical questions, life application, and simple prayers. Watch the Bible come to life as preteens dive into these 8 topics.

• When You’re Lonely
• When Hope Is Hard to See
• For Impossible Times
• When You’re Anxious
• When You Feel Angry
• When You Get Tired of the Rules
• When You Feel Trapped
• When You Think About Others

Making an Impact in Your Children’s Ministry

Why Your Curriculum Matters and How to Choose the Right One
This guide was created to help you dive into some of the topics facing your ministries today and lead into why your curriculum matters and how to choose the right one depending on your needs.

Download Your Guide

Free Guide

How to Guard Yourself from Ministry Burnout

There are moments in every leader’s journey that defines whether they move forward or give up. Things happen, life gets hard, and opportunities come and go. Download this guide to be encouraged in your leadership walk with the Lord!

Download your ministry burnout guide

Free Guide

How to Guard Yourself from Ministry Burnout

There are moments in every leader’s journey that defines whether they move forward or give up. Things happen, life gets hard, and opportunities come and go. Download this guide to be encouraged in your leadership walk with the Lord!

Download your ministry burnout guide

Free Guide

Preteen Coloring Pages for Sunday School

The Action Bible Coloring Pages​

Inside this download, you’ll find 5 coloring pages, hero bios, Scripture verses, and questions for preteens to respond to during your Sunday school lessons.

• Rebekah
• David
• Jesus, as a child
• Zacchaeus
• Mary Magdalene

More Articles on Preteens

• How to Help Preteens Find Peace in Chaos
• One Solution for Keeping Preteens Captivated on Sundays
• How to Cultivate Strong Leaders in Your Preteen Ministry
• Preteen Bible Engagement for a Vibrant Faith

Their service to kids and their families is inspiring. And their love for Jesus is contagious.

Here are some of the top volunteer articles for training your volunteers. These will help you inspire, empower, and encourage your volunteer team. Equip them so they can run well.

Top Volunteer Training Articles

3 Fundamentals of Team Development Every Volunteer Needs

When your team is growing, kids and families will grow too.

8 Classroom Management Secrets You’ll Want to Share with Volunteers

Keep every classroom focused and engaged with these simple tips.

Volunteers, You Are More than What You Do

Volunteers, be encouraged by this Family Ministry Conversation video. You are leaders in God’s Church—you are giving away Christ.

2-Minute Training Videos

How to Deal with Kids’ Inappropriate Comments

This 2-minute training video will help equip volunteers to be prepared to speak the truth in love.

How to Deal with Pouting in Your Kids’ Ministry

This 2-minute training video will give volunteers 5 principles to prepare them to deal with pouters!

How to Deal with a Runner in Your Kids’ Ministry

This 2-minute training video will help your volunteers manage their classes when a child tries to escape.

How to Prepare for a Great Sunday School Class

This 2-minute training video will encourage volunteers to be ready for the kids they teach.

Simple Ways to Show Sad Children You Care

This 2-minute training video will encourage volunteers to acknowledge children’s feelings and demonstrate God’s love.

Volunteer Thank You Cards

Volunteers bring energy and heart to your ministry. They give of themselves freely and intentionally—so it’s important to say THANK YOU as often as you can. Download these 5 cards and give all the warm fuzzies away!

Download your thank you cards

Free Cards

Volunteer Thank You Cards

Volunteers bring energy and heart to your ministry. They give of themselves freely and intentionally—so it’s important to say THANK YOU as often as you can. Download these 5 cards and give all the warm fuzzies away!

Download your thank you cards

Free Cards

Volunteer Thank You Cards

Volunteers bring energy and heart to your ministry. They give of themselves freely and intentionally—so it’s important to say THANK YOU as often as you can. Download these 5 cards and give all the warm fuzzies away!

Download your thank you cards

Free Cards

Powerful Ways to Pray for Kids in Your Ministry

This 2-minute training video will give volunteers 7 practical tips on praying for kids they serve.

How to Use Quick Connections to See and Know Families

This 2-minute training video will equip your volunteers to make the most of moments with families!

5 Absolutely Simple Tips for Leading Groups Better

This 2-minute training video will help you maximize your time with kids!

How to Shift Gears When You Lead Kids

This 2-minute training video will give volunteers 7 practical tips to minimize chaos between activity or room changes.

How to Foster Emotional and Spiritual Safety

This 2-minute training video will show you how to foster emotional and spiritual safety.

10 Commandments You’ll Want to Follow When You Teach Kids

Check out this 2-minute training video and discover tips for leading the children in your group.

Check out more articles all about volunteers here!

Here you can discover the top children’s ministry curriculum from David C Cook!

We encourage you to pause and pray for God’s direction for your ministry. Pray that He leads you to know the right fit (and the wrong ones), so that you can choose what’s best for the kids at your church.

5 Children’s Curriculums

Wonder Ink

• Digital Materials
• Sunday School, Midweek, Large/Small Group, Children’s Church
• Toddler to Grade 6

Rooted in the Wonder of the Gospel

Empower kids to understand the fullness of who they are in God’s Big Story as they discover 4 core truths:

• God Knows Me
• Jesus Loves Me
• The Holy Spirit Leads Me
• I am a Child of God

Created by ministry practitioners and discipleship thought leaders, Wonder Ink Bible curriculum for kids is a trusted solution for your children’s church or Sunday school program. It helps the local church inspire children in faith, walk alongside parents at home, and equip volunteers in ministry.

Plus, Wonder Ink’s theological guideposts make sure every lesson points children to God—with a focus on God’s Big Story, the hope of the gospel of Jesus, sharing the people of Scripture as real people (not characters or superheroes), sharing biblical language in the context of Scripture, and pointing kids to their identity as image bearers.

Wonder Ink features the NIrV Bible translation but makes it easy to change to the translation your church prefers.

Try for free at WonderInk.org.

“What don’t I love about Wonder Ink is the question. I was using a curriculum that was just big and huge and was teaching a lot about behaviors and was teaching a lot about how to be a great person. And so, I wanted to find a curriculum that I could teach birth through fifth grade, all the same Bible lesson. And I wanted it to be about God, and I wanted it to reinforce their identity—the kids’ identity and who they are.

And I love the kids and want them to know who they are and who they are in God.

But it also kind of leaks into my volunteer training. And I want to make sure my volunteers know that they are enough and that they are loved by God.

And because if they don’t know that, how can they possibly teach the kids that too?

. . . I’ve just really enjoyed watching, of course, my kids and families grow, but I’ve really enjoyed my volunteers growing and learning.”

—Christin Merz

Bible-in-Life

• Printed Materials
• Sunday School, Age-Graded Classroom Format
• Toddler to Adult

Big Faith for Everyday Life

Connect everyday situations to God’s Word with Bible-in-Life. The lessons help your kids see God’s truth all around them as you disciple this generation with lifelong faith.

Bible-in-Life helps kids form faith and express their faith in everyday life moments. With a variety of age-appropriate activities to support Bible learning, there are built-in options for multiple learning styles and class sizes.

With the flexible materials, you can build a ministry program that works for your volunteers, your budget, and your church.

Bible-in-Life features the popular NIV translation for all ages.

Try for free at BibleinLife.com.

“This curriculum works so well for various learning styles. And it helps point the lesson to real life situations.

Our teachers love how Bible-in-Life builds in time for them with a teacher devotional, commentary on the lesson, and age-level tips.

In addition, they tell me they love how they can delve into the lesson focus on their own level to understand what they are teaching about God. That equips them as they discover more about God right along with the kids in their classrooms.

But sometimes things come up on Sunday mornings and teachers need a sub.

Our subs are wonderful! Right?! And because Bible-in-Life lessons are easy to prepare, they feel confident before teaching a lesson—even at the last minute.

You should try it out for yourself!”

—Gail Rohlfing

Gospel Light Children’s Curriculum

• Printed Materials
• Sunday School, Age-Graded Classroom Format
• Nursery to Grade 6

Jesus for the Next Generation

Point kids to Jesus and build strong relationships with Gospel Light. Emphasize evangelism and discipleship as you teach children and preteens in their formative years.

Gospel Light points to Jesus in every Bible lesson and has a big impact on the faith formation of kids and volunteers alike! From Baby Beginnings through Grade 6, Gospel Light guides children to explore the Bible five times.

Through an engaging approach to Bible storytelling and relationships, you can build a ministry program that inspires volunteers to share the gospel and guides kids to a deep understanding of Jesus and what a relationship with Him offers.

Gospel Light features the popular NIV translation for all ages.

Try for free at GospelLight.com.

“When I began to use Gospel Light’s ‘Give Me Jesus’ curriculum, my mind was blown to discover Jesus in places I never expected—and soon, I began to look for Him everywhere in Scripture! Finding Jesus in every part of the Bible was a great adventure and a new experience for me.

Once I began to look, finding Him got easier and easier.

But I’ll confess, I had help! As I dug in to teach my first lesson, a simple and understandable “Connecting You to Jesus” paragraph outlined just how the action in the lesson’s Bible content pointed to Jesus.

So (unlike looking for Waldo!) I began to use the clues I was given there to learn for myself where and how to find Jesus in each Bible account! And that gave me courage to teach more intentionally—I wasn’t just re-hashing the “same old same old” moral lessons.

I was excited because I was learning along with the kids that Jesus is ‘the same, yesterday, today and forever’ and that we could know Him right here, right now!”

—Mary Davis

HeartShaper Children’s Curriculum

• Printed Materials
• Sunday School, Age-Graded Classroom Format
• Toddler to Grade 6

Hearts Shaped. Lives Changed.

Help kids discover God through His Word with HeartShaper. With Special Needs Friendly activities, inclusive ministry is central as you disciple every child in God’s kingdom work.

HeartShaper provides teacher-friendly lessons to reach the heart of every child. From toddler years through grade six, HeartShaper takes kids on a journey through the Bible five times to discover God’s story and how they fit into it. Plus, HeartShaper makes it easy to include every child in each step of the lesson—no matter their ability.

With HeartShaper’s well-crafted program, training tools, and free extras, your team is equipped to teach Bible skills and help kids grow in their walk with God.

HeartShaper features the ICB for early childhood age levels and NIV for early elementary through preteen. KJV option included.

Try for free at HeartShaper.com.

“In our search to find a resource that would help us meet the goal of connecting kids of varying ages and abilities to the Bible lessons, we discovered HeartShaper Children’s Curriculum. HeartShaper provides tools to include kids with varied levels of Bible knowledge, different learning styles, and diverse abilities.

With this curriculum, our children go through the Bible five times from their preschool to middle elementary years.

Having learned what the Bible teaches, our preteens look at topics that impact their everyday lives. Then they look at Scriptures that help them live out God’s Word in those situations.

Every child learns that God prepared for salvation, He sent salvation, and He offers salvation.”

—Margie Redford

Echoes

• Printed Materials
• Sunday School, Age-Graded Classroom Format
• Toddler to Adult

Celebrating African American Heritage and Faith

Share God’s resounding Word and celebrate black history and faith with Echoes. Relatable lessons and teacher-friendly options help you disciple children through adults. Plus, the Sunday School Superintendent’s Manual connects all ages thematically!

Echoes provides teacher-friendly options for churches of all sizes, helping today’s generations come to know God’s Word. Motivate students to study more and more with inspiring, relevant, and soul-searching materials. Plus, Echoes provides options for every age level to develop Bible knowledge and foster lifelong spiritual growth—all while making meaningful connections to the African American experience.

With flexible materials, you can build a ministry program that works for your volunteers, your budget, and your church.

Echoes features the popular NIV translation for all ages and has a KJV option for adult lessons.

Try for free at EchoesCurriculum.com.

“I encourage you to check out Echoes curriculum for yourself. As children’s ministry leaders and Christians, we are called in Matthew 28, the Great Commission, to go out and make disciples of all nations . . . and to teach them to observe all things as I have commanded you.

This curriculum is strong in the teaching of the Word and the cultural emphasis for God’s children of color. Teachers and volunteers appreciate how, in addition to a great lesson, they receive a special section in the teacher guide that includes black history highlights.

It is often said that children are the church of tomorrow. But I disagree with that statement. They are the church of today. They are the reason we do what we do in ministry.

May God continue to bless you and guide you with His Holy Spirit as you work with children, teach them the Word, encourage them in their relationship with God, and help them identify themselves within their culture and as part of God’s plan.”

—Sharon Gilbert