2018 – Deeper KidMin

Top Nine 2018

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]There's a handy little app that consolidates your top 9 Instagram posts from the year into one easy post, so as we head into 2019, I wanted to take a minute and celebrate the moments and posts you enjoyed most! (And you can create your own Top Nine image here.)[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text]May 1 - Shared a review of this book on the blog today. If you have children or serve children, this is a great read! Read the full review here.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="8604" img_size="full" alignment="center"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="8609" img_size="full" alignment="center"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text]January 13 - "Thank you for the fantastic idea...

December 30, 2018

written by Brittany Nelson

Filed Under Blog, For Parents, Leadership

Happy Birthday Jesus Candle Activity

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Use this printable to give the families in your ministry an interactive prayer activity for Christmas Day![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Happy Birthday Jesus Candle Activity Cards Now" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F09%2FDKM-Happy-Birthday-Jesus-Candle-Printable.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text]Supplies: This printable printed on cardstock Glue Dots Birthday candles (one per printable/family) Prep: Print and cut the printables so you have at least one per family. Use Glue Dots to attach a single birthday candle to each printable in the candle silhouette. Then pass out the printables the Sunday before Christmas or at your Christmas Eve service to give families an interactive way to celebrate Jesus' birthday...

December 20, 2018

written by Brittany Nelson

Filed Under Blog, For Parents, Free Weekly Downloads

Rock N Roll Christmas Party: A Unique Family Christmas Event

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]My friends over at RISING Church in GA hosted a family-fun Christmas event that was a huge hit with the whole church. They rented out the local skate rink from 6-8 PM on a Sunday evening for a “Rock N Roll” Christmas Party! [/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image="7910" img_size="full" alignment="center"][vc_column_text]They hosted a special night for their entire church family to start off the Christmas season with some good old fashioned fun! With desserts, the concession stand, and extra activities for all ages, families could join them for an evening of laughter and Christmas-themed fellowship. They had an ornament craft that families could make together or as individuals, Christmas Trivia elimination, themed skates, a rock-n-roll Christmas cake for all to enjoy, and there was even a Frozen...

December 10, 2018

written by Brittany Nelson

Filed Under Blog, For Parents, Leadership

Last Christmas 2018

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Last Christmas, I gave you these printables, but some of you weren't here. This year, to save you some time, I'm bringing them back in cased you missed them. Ok, so maybe those aren't the lyrics, but it's true! (And you already have my heart anyway, kidmin leader.) Here are our top resources from Last Christmas and a sneak peek at what's coming this year![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="7269" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" link="https://deeperkidmin.com/candy-cane-poem-printable/"][vc_custom_heading text="Candy Cane Printable" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:center" use_theme_fonts="yes"...

December 3, 2018

written by Brittany Nelson

Filed Under Blog, Free Weekly Downloads, Leadership, Volunteers

2 Christmas Volunteer Appreciation Ideas

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Earlier in the week, we talked about 3 tips for appreciating your volunteers this Christmas. Spread some Christmas cheer to your volunteers with these simple, easy, and affordable gifts! Download the printable below for two different gift tag options. Then print, sign your name, cut, and attach to the gifts! Both designs are available as Christmas-themed or general appreciation, so use one this Christmas and save the other one for the spring![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Christmas Volunteer Appreciation Printables Now!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F09%2FDKM-Christmas-Volunteer-Appreciation-2018.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_single_image image="7172" img_size="full" alignment="center"][vc_column_text]Idea #1:...

November 29, 2018

written by Brittany Nelson

Filed Under Blog, Free Weekly Downloads, Leadership, Volunteers

Beloved: 365 Devotions for Young Women (Lit Lowdown)

[vc_row 0=""][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="7254" img_size="medium" onclick="custom_link" link="https://amzn.to/2ShLiI4"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text 0=""] Beloved: 365 Devotions For Young Women By Lindsay Franklin My rating: 4/5 stars - I really liked it Reviewed: November 2018[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row 0=""][vc_column 0=""][vc_column_text 0=""]This book is for you if... you are a woman of God, you are (or know) a woman in her teens and twenties, you are looking for a devotional about what God says about women in the Bible My Thoughts: I love that this devotional speaks to women specifically, highlighting the way God wired us uniquely. “Your identity as a woman matters to God, beloved daughter, so let’s see what He has to say about it.” It’s geared...

November 13, 2018

written by Brittany Nelson

Filed Under Blog, Book Shelf

Advent in a Box: A Small Box with a Big Impact

I just found out about a brand new resource from Family Ministry Tools that helps kids and families not only understand what Advent is but also spend time preparing for the coming of Jesus together. Advent in a Box is a small box with a big impact. You download the printables from Family Ministry Tools, order the necessary supplies, pack your boxes, then distribute them to the families in your ministry to use at home all December long. Each download includes start-up instructions, printable labels for the boxes, and all of the printables you need to include. To make life easier, they’ve even included an Amazon shopping list for you with all of the necessary items for each box. With Advent in a Box, the planning and thinking are done for you; you just have to do the organizing. Here’s what I like about this resource: It’s...

November 12, 2018

written by Brittany Nelson

Filed Under Blog, For Parents, Leadership

Snowflake Scavenger Hunt

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Use this winter scavenger hunt to help remind kids that God made each snowflake special and unique - just like them![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Snowflake Scavenger Hunt Now!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F09%2FDKM-Snowflake-Scavenger-Hunt-Final.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text]Prep: Print one Snowflake Scavenger Hunt List per child. Print one copy of each snowflake. Cut out the snowflakes and hide/tape them around the room. Play: Give each child a pen/pencil and a clipboard with the Snowflake Scavenger Hunt List. Invite them to look for the snowflakes hidden around the room. When they find a snowflake, they should cross it off their list and leave it behind for a friend. Remind kids that each snowflake is...

November 8, 2018

written by Brittany Nelson

Filed Under Blog, Free Weekly Downloads

The Best Gift You Can Give the Parents In Your Ministry

[vc_row 0=""][vc_column 0=""][vc_column_text 0=""]This holiday season, give the parents in your ministry the best gift ever: a night out without the kids. Host a Parents’ Night Out (PNO) where you have youth or empty nesters watch the children while their parents enjoy 4 hours of children-free time. You basically throw one big party for the kids, use youth as your volunteers, and the parents have a night out for dinner and a movie, Christmas shopping, or just relaxing at home with no kids! I don't normally like hosting events in December (it was a month my families blacked out on my calendar planning checklist), but they LOVED having a PNO in December. It gave them a well-deserved break or the chance to get some Christmas shopping/wrapping done.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image="7059" img_size="full"][vc_column_text 0=""]Because of the...

November 5, 2018

written by Brittany Nelson

Filed Under Blog, For Parents, Leadership

Thankfulness Log

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Help your kids express their thanks to God through written word by giving them this Thankfulness Log Printable! Print one Thankfulness Log per child, and encourage kids to use it throughout the week to write down the things, people, places, food, etc. they are thankful for. Use it as part of your Thanksgiving lesson or as a take-home activity this fall.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download Thankfulness Log Printable" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F09%2FDKM-Thankfulness-Log-SHTP-Freebie.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_single_image image="6938" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" link="https://deeperkidmin.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/DKM-Thankfulness-Log-SHTP-Freebie.pdf"][vc_single_image image="6933"...

November 1, 2018

written by Brittany Nelson

Filed Under Blog, Free Weekly Downloads

How Do You Handle Halloween in KidMin?

The History Channel gives a great overview of the history of Halloween, so I won’t go into it here, but it’s not uncommon for Christians to struggle with whether or not to celebrate this spooky holiday. Some see it as a dark day full of evil influence while others deem it a harmless time for fun costumes and candy. So how do you handle Halloween as a children’s pastor? The answer to this question will be different for every leader because it’s all about your context. How you handle Halloween in your children’s ministry should be more about the families you serve than your personal convictions. For me, if I hosted an event on Halloween, no one would come because they’d all be out trick-or-treating. I can condemn them for that, or I can equip them to use that time as a way to connect with the gospel. I know other churches that...

October 29, 2018

written by Brittany Nelson

Filed Under Blog, Leadership

Candy Memory Match Printable

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]What kid doesn’t love candy? Use this candy-themed printable for a quick and easy memory match game. Kids will eat it up! Play at church, or share with families to play at home! [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Prep: 1) Print the candy pages on cardstock. Print in color or black and white. Pro Tip: Print one copy on white cardstock and another copy on another color to create multiple sets! 2) Cut out the 3.33 x 4 inch squares 3) Laminate the squares for longevity (we re-used these each fall), or leave as is for one-time use! Play: 1) Lay all of the cards face down. 2) Players take turns turning over 2 cards at a time. If the two cards they turn over are a match, they keep the cards and go again. If they aren't a match, turn the cards back over and it's the next player's turn. 3) The winner is the one...

October 11, 2018

written by Brittany Nelson

Filed Under Blog, Free Weekly Downloads

KidMin Nation Mega-Con 2018 Notes

Last week I attended KidMin Nation Mega-Con 2018 in Nashville, TN, and while I did use my conference reflection worksheet to help me process the week, here are my notes from the general sessions! Ryan Frank - “State of the Nation” Talked about the 4 major ingredients of success, according to Norman Winarsky (creator of Siri - make a joke about how my phone picked it up throughout the talk?) Address a pain point Use differentiated technology Build a team Create value proposition So what does that look like for us as kidmin leaders? Address a pain point - what problem are we solving? We solve a spiritual problem, and there is eternal value in our job. Our job = evangelizing and discipling kids We also solve other problems that kids and parents face Differentiated technology - what do we do about...

October 8, 2018

written by Brittany Nelson

Filed Under Blog, Leadership

Post-Conference Reflection Worksheet

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Attending conferences is great (I’m a conference junkie myself), but sometimes they can feel like trying to drink from a fire hose. [/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image="6087" img_size="full" alignment="center"][vc_column_text]There are just so many new ideas, new people, new resources, new everything! And as an introvert, just being around that many people 3 days in a row is exhausting. So I use the process below after every conference I attend to help me reflect on the week and focus on what it means for me as I head home.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Printable Version Here" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fproduct%2Fpost-conference-reflection-worksheet%2F||target:%20_blank|"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Pray. Thank God for the...

October 4, 2018

written by Brittany Nelson

Filed Under Blog, Free Weekly Downloads, Leadership

Do It Again: A Testimony of God’s Faithfulness

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]As I head to MegaCon 2018 this week, I’ve been reflecting on the past year, and all that has happened since MegaCon 2017. I attended last year during my final weeks as a full-time children’s pastor in a season of struggle. I’m attending this year from a place of joy and awe at God’s faithfulness... 2017 was a tough year. My husband and I had decided that it was time for us to move on from the church where we were both working full-time (me as the children’s pastor, him as the youth pastor). Nothing had gone wrong. There was no drama. Things were going great, in fact. But we’d been with this community and under the same leadership since middle school and felt like it was time for us to “move out of the house” if we wanted to continue to grow. So my husband stepped down in May and started...

October 1, 2018

written by Brittany Nelson

Filed Under Blog, Leadership

Sweet Verses Printable

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Kids eat (and love) candy. So why not use candy to help them learn about God? Pack some sweet goody bags for the kids in your ministry this fall, then attach this easy printable to relate the treats with the Bible! Give them out at your Fall Event, as part of your fall fest take-home kit, or as part of the Not So Spooky Lesson![/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Supplies: Fun size M&M’s Fun size Starbursts Fun size Laffy Taffy Fun size Almond Joy Blow Pops Fun Size Milky Way Ziploc bag or fall-themed goody bag This printable! [/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image="6054" img_size="full" alignment="center"][vc_column_text]Put one piece of each candy in the bag. Print the pages double-sided and cut the sheet into quarters so each quarter sheet has the sweet verses on one side and...

September 27, 2018

written by Brittany Nelson

Filed Under Blog, For Parents, Free Weekly Downloads

10 Fall Fest Games

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Fall season is here, which means Fall Fest season is here too. Here are 10 Fall Fest games/activities kids love! Happy Fall, Y'all! Pumpkin Ring Toss - Write points on 3-5 large pumpkins, set them up, then invite kids to toss a hula hoop around the pumpkins, earning the most points possible! Donut Tree - What kid doesn't love eating donuts? In this game, hang donuts from string in a tree, and see how fast kids can eat a donut without using their hands! Leaf Rubbings - Collect and dry some large fall leaves. Provide paper and crayons for kids to create rubbings with the leaves for a cool fall craft! Lay the paper on top of the leaf, then using the side of the crayon, gently rub the paper until the imprint of the leaf shows through. Pro tip: lay the leaf upside down so the veins are facing up (this...

September 24, 2018

written by Brittany Nelson

Filed Under Blog, Leadership

Pumpkin Patch Memory Verse Activity

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Earlier in the week, I shared some musings about how we as adults can rest in the truth of God's eternal and yet intimate presence, so I figured why not help kids remember that God is always with them too? This week's free download is a festive, fall activity to help kids learn Isaiah 41:10 (NIrV) and remind them that they are never alone.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Pumpkin Patch Memory Verse Printable!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F09%2FDKM-Pumpkin-Patch-Memory-Verse-Activity.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text]Prep: Print the following pages and cut out the pumpkins. Play: Scramble the pumpkins, then encourage children to set up the pumpkin patch by placing the words in the right order so they say Isaiah 41:10 (NIrV): So do not...

September 20, 2018

written by Brittany Nelson

Filed Under Blog, Free Weekly Downloads

Eternal & Intimate

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]One of the cool things about God is that His character is full of juxtapositions. Of opposite traits that shouldn’t be able to co-exist in one person but do. He is a judge and yet merciful. He (in Jesus) is holy and yet human. And my favorite one is that He is eternal and yet intimate. The same God who created the heavens and the earth - who built universes and exists outside of time - is the same God who wants a personal relationship with me. It makes my heart sing when He pursues me in the midst of His busy schedule. He’s got a lot going on, and yet He still makes time for me every day. He draws near to me just as I draw near to Him, and even when He feels far away, He’s not. I’m reminded of the story of Elijah in 1 Kings 19:11-13. Elijah goes to stand out on the side of the mountain to wait...

September 17, 2018

written by Brittany Nelson

Filed Under Blog, Leadership

Preschool Playdate: Brown Bag Fall Hunt

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]A Preschool Playdate is a great way to provide a fun event for the little ones while also helping moms connect with each other too. As the fall season rolls around, use this week's free download as a way to host an easy Preschool Playdate.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Brown Bag Fall Hunt Printable" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fproduct%2Fpreschool-playdate-brown-bag-fall-hunt%2F||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text]Here's how it works... Print out copies of both pages. Pick a time and a park to meet at, then add those details to the first page copies. Hand out these "invites" to your preschool families. Even if they can't make it, now they have a fun activity to do with their preschooler at home! For those who can make it, attach the second page to brown bags,...

September 13, 2018

written by Brittany Nelson

Filed Under Blog, For Parents

My Favorite Feedback Questions

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We've been talking about receiving feedback well and asking the right questions, so this week's download is a list of my favorite questions to ask families and volunteers! These questions help provide insight into my leadership and how I can improve the ministry. As we each work to receive feedback well, I pray these questions provide answers that encourage willing and humble hearts to grow. (Please note: the download is a Microsoft Word document so you can easily use and adapt the questions for your ministry.)[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download a Word Doc List of the Questions" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fproduct%2Fkidmin-planning-bundle%2F||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text] My Favorite Children/Family Questions Event-Specific: What questions did you have going into...

September 6, 2018

written by Brittany Nelson

Filed Under Blog, Free Weekly Downloads, Leadership

Asking the Right Questions

Last week we talked about receiving feedback well, but once your heart is in check, how do you ask the questions that will give you the most valuable answers? Start with yourself. Appreciation, coaching, and evaluation shouldn’t only come from others. We have to receive feedback from ourselves too! Plus, if you intentionally evaluate the things you could have done better, it doesn’t sting as much when someone else points them out too. Create a culture of openness and feedback. People want to know their voice matters, and they want to feel heard. Consistently ask for feedback from your key volunteers and parents about your leadership and the week-to-week happenings of your ministry. Set up a volunteer or parent council that meets at least twice a year for evaluation and coaching. By being open to at least hearing all ideas, we give...

September 3, 2018

written by Brittany Nelson

Filed Under Blog, Leadership

Proverbs 19:20 Printable

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We're in the middle of a short series about receiving feedback well and asking the right questions in KidMin. Earlier in the week, we talked about how receiving feedback well is a more about our heart than our questions. One verse that always helps me check my heart when it comes to feedback is Proverbs 19:20, so I made this printable to help me remember that wisdom comes from listening to counsel and advice. It even comes with 2 options so you can choose which one matches your style best.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Proverbs 19:20 Printable " align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F09%2FDKM-Proverbs-19.20-printable.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_single_image image="5675" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank"...

August 30, 2018

written by Brittany Nelson

Filed Under Blog, Free Weekly Downloads, Leadership

Receiving Feedback Well in KidMin

The beginning of a new school year means new volunteers, new policies, and new procedures. And sometimes that comes with opinions and feedback on how the new changes are going. So for the next couple of weeks, we'll talk about receiving feedback well and asking the right questions. That may seem backward. Shouldn’t asking the right questions happen before we talk about receiving feedback well? From my experiences, no. Receiving feedback well is more about our heart than our questions. We have to be mentally, emotionally, and prayerfully ready to hear feedback and accept it gracefully before we even start asking the questions. Otherwise, the responses to our questions get tangled up in our own emotions and blind spots. As a young leader, I worked so hard to prove myself and gain the trust of parents and families that I often closed...

August 27, 2018

written by Brittany Nelson

Filed Under Blog, Leadership, Volunteers