2019

KidMin Reading List for the New Year

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]I'm an avid reader, and reading is one of my favorite ways to learn about ministry and leadership! Now that I've completed my seminary degree (woop woop!) I've got even more time to read books of my own choosing, so here are the kidmin/leadership books (in no particular order) I'm hoping to read in 2020, with one book for each month! What's on your reading list for this year?[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="21689" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" link="https://amzn.to/2Pxp2ra"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text] Sustainable Children's Ministry: From Last-Minute Scrambling to Long-Term Solutions - Burnout is such a problem in ministry, and especially in children's ministry. I'm hoping this...
written by
Filed Under Blog, Book Shelf, Leadership

Twinkle, Twinkle Christmas Lights: Printable Christmas Song for Families

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Put a Christmas twist on a classic children’s song and sing the lyrics below to the tune of “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.” This is the perfect, last-minute addition to your Christmas festivities, or use the printable below to send it home with families on Christmas Eve to sing together under the lights of the Christmas tree and talk about the birth of the light of the world.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download Shareable Version Here! " align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2019%2F12%2FDeeper-KidMin-Twinkle-Twinkle-Christmas-Lights-Light-of-Christmas-Freebie.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text] Twinkle, twinkle, Christmas lights, How I love when you shine bright! In the sky or on the tree, Every color I can see. Twinkle, twinkle Christmas lights, How...
written by
Filed Under Blog, For Parents, Free Weekly Downloads

Giveaway: Breakfast with Jesus 100 Devotions for Kids

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]'Tis the season of giving, so we're having another giveaway! Breakfast with Jesus: 100 Devotions for Kids About the Life of Jesus is a brand new, just-released kids devotional from Vanessa Myers that encourages kids to start their day with Jesus. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and now breakfast can provide physical AND spiritual nourishment with this devotional! Each devotion comes from one of the four Gospels, and they encourage kids to put themselves in the disciples' shoes, ready to learn from Jesus' teachings. The devotions are short enough to complete over breakfast, and practical enough to keep kids (and parents) engaged and thinking about them throughout the day.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image="21496" img_size="full" alignment="center"][vc_column_text]Each day’s reading...
written by
Filed Under Blog, Book Shelf, For Parents

Christmas Carols 4 Corners: Large Group Christmas Game for Kids

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]I don’t know about you, but the kids in my ministry love playing 4 corners! Now you can play a Christmas version of 4 Corners with this large-group game that gets kids moving and singing in the Christmas spirit![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download a printable version of the game here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2019%2F11%2FChristmas-Carols-4-Corners-Large-Group-Game.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text]Prep: In each corner of the room, tape up a piece of paper, one color per corner: blue, red, green, and white (or yellow). Supplies: Christmas songs you can start/stop easily (on a CD player or through your sound system), a sheet of blue paper, a sheet of red paper, a sheet of green paper, and sheet of white (or yellow) paper, tape Play: Play...
written by
Filed Under Blog, Free Weekly Downloads, Leadership

Last Christmas 2019

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Last Christmas, we shared these ideas & freebies, but some of you weren't here. This year, to save you some time, I'm bringing them back in case 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 Last Last Christmas too!)[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="7171" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" link="https://deeperkidmin.com/2-christmas-volunteer-appreciation-ideas/"][vc_custom_heading text="2 Christmas Volunteer Appreciation Ideas" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:center" use_theme_fonts="yes"...
written by
Filed Under Blog, Free Weekly Downloads, Leadership, Volunteers

Tinsel Talk: Christmas Family Conversation Cards

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Provide a copy of these 16 Tinsel Talk question cards for every family in your ministry to stir up intentional Christmas discussions. Or use in your ministry as part of a small group activity![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download Tinsel Talk Cards here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F11%2FDKM-Tinsel-Talk-Christmas-Family-Convo-Cards-UPDATED.pdf|target:_blank"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="19348" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" link="https://deeperkidmin.com/product/sense-of-christmas-family-devotions-tinsel-talk-cards/"][vc_single_image image="19346" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank"...
written by
Filed Under Blog, For Parents, Free Weekly Downloads

Christmas Resource Review & Giveaway: Confusing Christmas Activity Book for Kids!

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]This week, I'm teaming up with the authors over at Kid-tivity Books to offer our followers a giveaway! Kid-tivity Books provides beautifully designed resources to help kids and families engage with Biblical truths, and this week, we're giving away a free copy of their most popular Christmas resource, Confusing Christmas, to one lucky winner! It's the perfect gift for families at Christmas! Order a single physical copy here, or download the digital version to print unlimited copies for your families here![/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image="20978" img_size="full" alignment="center"][vc_column_text]I got my hands on a digital copy of Confusing Christmas, and this 30-page activity book teaches kids the Christmas story through interactive activities, a unique family story, and coloring pages! In this book...
written by
Filed Under Blog, Book Shelf, For Parents, Leadership

Have a Cup of Cheer Christmas Volunteer Appreciation Printable

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Thank your volunteers for serving in your ministry and invite them to "have a cup of cheer"  this Christmas season with this free printable![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Christmas Volunteer Appreciation Printable here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2019%2F11%2FDKM-Have-a-Cup-of-Cheer-Christmas-Volunteer-Appreciation-Gift-Printable.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text] Use the version with a pre-printed note at the bottom, or use the blank version to write in your own Christmas message of appreciation. Use page 2 and 3 to put together goodie bags with hot chocolate packs, instant coffee packs, tea bags, candy canes, and more for your team. You could even include a mug with your ministry logo! Use pages 3 and 4 as cards to attach to Starbucks...
written by
Filed Under Blog, Free Weekly Downloads, Leadership, Volunteers

Child of God

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]My favorite part of any conference is singing worship. I love being in a room with other children's ministry leaders, singing praise to the God we serve and introduce kids to. This time is so sweet because worship is often something that children's ministry leaders don't get to do very often. We're with the kids during Sunday morning worship, and even if it's a family service, we probably have responsibilities to think about. We may lead worship in the kids area, but we rarely have the opportunity to focus completely on the words and object of our worship. At the last conference I attended, the song below was an impactful one during one of our times of worship. We so often point children to God that we sometimes forget we are children of God ourselves. I'm praying you take time today to reflect and remember...
written by
Filed Under Blog, Leadership

Free Christmas Activity Printables

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Christmas is just a few weeks away, which means you're planning your parties, programs, plays, and more for the Christmas season. Here are a few free Christmas Activity Printables to add to your holiday cheer! This freebie includes a Christmas Word Search for older kids and an I Spy activity page for littles.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Christmas Activity Printables Here! " align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2019%2F11%2FDKM-Free-Christmas-Activity-Printables-for-Kids.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text]Use these printables for: Early arriver activities Time Filler activities Activities for a Christmas party Make an activity kit to give out to kids to use over Christmas break Add to worship bags or Praise Packs for special Christmas...
written by
Filed Under Blog, Free Weekly Downloads

4 Ways to Help Kids Develop an Attitude of Gratitude (And Why it’s Important to Their Success)

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]One of my favorite Christian authors, Dr. Caroline Leaf, is a communication pathologist and cognitive neuroscientist who studies how the brain and body work together. (Seriously, y'all, she's brilliant.) I stumbled upon one of her blog posts recently that talked about how having an attitude of gratitude leads to success. Here's what she said... Did you know that gratitude is essential to success? If you can’t appreciate what you have to be thankful for right now, it is harder to achieve what you desire in the future. In fact, gratitude changes the brain and body for the better! Research on the effects gratitude has on our biology shows how being thankful increases our longevity, our ability to use our imagination, and our ability to problem-solve. You can read even more of what Dr. Leaf has to say about...
written by
Filed Under Blog, For Parents, Leadership

24 Days of Carols Advent Activity for Families

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Julia Ball, one of our amazing Vendors, created a free Advent resource you need to know about! The full Family Advent Guide from her blog here gives families more details on the Advent season, why we should celebrate Advent, links to activities for all ages, and even the free 24 Days of Carols Advent Devotional we're sharing below![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the 24 Days of Carols Advent Activity Here" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2019%2F11%2F24-Days-of-Carols-Advent-Activity-from-Julia-Ball.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text]Click the button above for the 24-day Advent devotional that focuses on different Christmas carols, and be sure to check out the full Family Advent Guide from Julia's blog here. Thanks Julia for creating such a valuable...
written by
Filed Under Blog, For Parents, Free Weekly Downloads

Worship as a Way of Life

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]When I say "worship," pictures of waving arms, jumping, and Yancy may pop into your head. And while those are very real aspects of worship, if we let kids believe that worship is ONLY singing songs of praise to God, we're missing the mark.  Worship is more than just singing songs; it’s a way of life! It's a whole-life response to God and His greatness. Sometimes that means singing praise songs, but it also means so much more. We can worship God through our actions, our words, and our songs. When we serve, we are worshiping. When talk about God to others, we are worshiping. When we spend time thinking about how awesome God is, we position ourselves into a posture of worship. Worship doesn't just happen on Sunday mornings. It's the moments walking in between when God stirs our hearts with His presence and...
written by
Filed Under Blog, Book Shelf, For Parents, Leadership

Generosity Challenge for Kids

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Earlier in the week, we talked about 5 ways to raise generous children. Now, as we move into a season focused on thankfulness and giving back, help kids explore and practice generosity by completing this generosity challenge! [/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Generosity Challenge for Kids Here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2019%2F10%2FDKM-Generosity-Challenge.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text] Invite children to define the word "generosity," then check to see how a dictionary defines "generosity." Ask: Have you experienced the happy feeling that comes from giving (sharing)? (Allow time for stories.) Show kids page 2 of the download above and explain that this challenge will help them bring generosity into their daily lives and experience...
written by
Filed Under Blog, For Parents, Free Weekly Downloads

5 Ways to Raise Generous Kids

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Dema Kohen, author of the 9-week series The Great Money Adventure, includes these 5 tips for parents in his curriculum resource. Here are 5 simple ways to raise generous kids... VOLUNTEER. Volunteering teaches your kids that giving to others is an act rather than a concept. TELL STORIES. Explain how the generosity of others has helped you, or how someone's generous spirit has helped your child. Doing so will instill a desire to pay it forward. LEAD BY EXAMPLE. Our kids imitate our actions, so let them see you help their teacher in the classroom, ask your grocery checker how their day is going, collect cans for the food bank, visit senior citizens who may be lonely, etc.  There are so many ways to be generous with your spirit – and your kids will grow up wanting to do the same. BROADEN THEIR VIEW OF...
written by
Filed Under Blog, For Parents, Leadership

Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice Fall Volunteer Appreciation Gift

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Use this printable to wish your volunteers "pumpkin spice and everything nice" this fall! Print, cut, and attach page 2 to a small bag of homemade Pumpkin Spice Chex Mix (recipe below). Or print and cut page 3, then use Glue Dots to attach a Starbucks gift card to the back![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download Printable Gift Tags Here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2019%2F10%2FDKM-Pumpkin-Spice-and-Everything-Nice-Thanks-a-Latte-Volunteer-Appreciation-Gift.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text] Pumpkin Spice Chex Mix Recipe INGREDIENTS: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted 1 cup packed brown sugar 3 tablespoons pumpkin spice 2 tablespoons vanilla extract 1 (12 oz) box cinnamon chex cereal 1 (12 oz) box honey nut chex cereal ...
written by
Filed Under Blog, Free Weekly Downloads, Leadership, Volunteers

Top Free Downloads from Year 2

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Deeper KidMin turns 2 years old this week, and we're celebrating with a day of free downloads, highlighting the top 10 freebies from year 2 (plus a 20% off sale in the DKM Marketplace). Just click on each picture below to access the post with the free download, and join our subscriber's list here to make sure you don't miss one of our weekly free downloads in year 3![/vc_column_text][vc_text_separator title="#1 - 10 Commandments Hopscotch Printable" color="custom" border_width="3" accent_color="#3ac1e1"][vc_single_image image="8877" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" link="https://deeperkidmin.com/10-commandments-hopscotch-printable/"][vc_text_separator title="#2 - The Empty Cup: Object Lesson on Fasting for Kids" color="custom" border_width="3"...
written by
Filed Under Blog, Free Weekly Downloads, Leadership, Volunteers

Host a “VIP” Volunteer Meeting

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Kelli, a kidmin leader in Texas, shared on Facebook about her "VIP" volunteer meeting and how she used several free downloads from Deeper KidMin to do it! She let me pick her brain on what the morning looked like, and agreed to let me share her thoughts so others could replicate this simple but effective time of connecting with your volunteers. "VIP" stands for vision, information, and prayer, and she met with her volunteer team 15 minutes before they needed to be in their classrooms for Sunday morning. She plans to hold these VIP meetings on the first Sunday of each month and uses the time as a way to, you guessed it, cast vision, share information, and pray for the kids in the ministry. This time not only allows her volunteer team to connect with each other, but it provides an opportunity for them to share...
written by
Filed Under Blog, Leadership, Volunteers

7 Fall Fest Marshmallow Games

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Use these marshmallow games at your fall fest event or just for fun! [/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download Printable Version of the Marshmallow Games Here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2019%2F10%2FDKM-7-Marshmallow-Games-For-Kids.pdf|||"][vc_column_text]1) Marshmallow Toss Supplies: 5 buckets (sand buckets work well), marshmallows, rope or pool noodle (to stand behind and toss) Details: Set up five buckets with point levels written on each bucket. Line the buckets up in a row with the lowest points in the front and the highest points in the back. Players will stand behind a line (rope or pool noodle) and toss marshmallows into each bucket.   2) Marshmallow Catch Supplies: Mini Marshmallows, cups, 2 pool noodles or ropes Details: This...
written by
Filed Under Blog, Free Weekly Downloads

Halloween Alternative: Glow Night Outreach Event

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Why Glow Night? Halloween is a holiday that has often been controversial for the church. Despite its origins and some of the unchristian activities connected with the day, it is a great opportunity to reach out into our communities! And rather than asking families to come to you for a Fall Fest or Trunk or Treat, what if you went to them? On Halloween night - regardless of the size of the town you live in - families, especially those with young children, are out and about. Some of them will be knocking on the doors of members of your church family. It is a great time to be intentional to show God’s love to these families and glow with His light. What is Glow Night? The main idea behind Glow Night is to have your church family outside its walls, loving your community intentionally on Halloween. This can...
written by
Filed Under Blog, For Parents, Leadership

Starburst Candy Devotional Printable

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Use Starburst candy and this printable devotional to help kids learn about having the right attitude that comes from the Fruit of the Spirit![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download Starburst Candy Devotion Here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2019%2F09%2FDKM-Starburst-Candy-Devotion-Freebie.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text]Want even more candy devotionals? Check out the Sweet Thoughts Download: Quick devotions flavored by different candies that anyone can do! Click here to learn more.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="12646" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank"...
written by
Filed Under Blog, For Parents, Free Weekly Downloads

If KidMin Volunteers Were Candy

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]October means candy infiltrates the thoughts, minds, and dreams of kids as Halloween draws near. As candy fills the shelves and kids' stomachs, I started thinking... what if our volunteers were candy bars? Snickers - The volunteer who is sweet but firm (and a little bit nutty). Nerds - The volunteer who has their very own laminator at home and comes fully prepared (even with extra activities) every Sunday. Three Musketeers - This adventurous volunteer is up for anything! This is the one you contact when you need someone to drink a strange concoction or perform a random feat of courage on stage. Tootsie Pops (how many licks?) - Quiet and reserved at first, this patient volunteer sticks around for the long-haul. Skittles - This volunteer can do everything, and their skills span the rainbow. You can...
written by
Filed Under Blog, Leadership, Volunteers

Glow Stick Object Lesson: Light of the World

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Use this glow stick object lesson before or after your Glow Night Halloween Outreach Event, anytime you teach about missions or Matthew 5:14-16, or at any other glow event you host! Learn more about the Glow Night Halloween Outreach Event here.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download Printable Version of the Glow Stick Object Lesson Here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2019%2F09%2FDKM-Glow-Stick-Missions-Object-Lesson-Freebie.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text]Supplies Needed: Glow Stick, Bible Scripture: Matthew 5:14-16 Object Lesson: Say: Have you ever been inside a dark room? (Have someone turn off lights in the area you’re in). It is nearly impossible to see anything! For the first few moments you’re in the dark, and your eyes aren’t adjusted,...
written by
Filed Under Blog, Free Weekly Downloads

Fall Outreach Idea: Reverse Trick or Treating

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Every kid is familiar with trick-or-treating. You dress up, walk to a neighbor's house, ring the doorbell, say "Trick or Treat!" and you get free candy! But what if you could REVERSE this fall activity and utilize it as a community outreach and family service project?  Lynne Howard, one of our amazing vendors (check out all of Lynne's resources here), had the brilliant idea to host a Reverse Trick or Treating event with her families. In this Fall outreach event, instead of going door-to-door asking for candy, families from her church went door-to-door to hand out candy and collect donations for a local charity! It helped her church people get outside the church walls together to have fun AND served their community at the same time. You could host a similar event as a Halloween-alternative that can be done...
written by
Filed Under Blog, For Parents, Leadership

Free Fall Fest Social Media Graphics

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We know planning for your fall fest is well underway, so here are some simple, fall-themed graphics from the Fall Family Night Outreach Event to help you spread the word! Note: Because the download is a zipped folder with multiple graphics, it may not open on mobile devices.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Click Here to Download the Fall Graphics!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2019%2F09%2FDKM-Fall-Social-Media-Graphics-Freebie.zip||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text]Use some of the graphics as they are, or insert the blank versions into your favorite graphics editor to add your own text and details! Julia Ball, one of our DKM Marketplace vendors, created these graphics (and more) to promote their Fall Family...
written by
Filed Under Blog, Free Weekly Downloads
Copyright © 2017-2024 Deeper KidMin | chriscorbett.design | Privacy Policy | Terms of Services