2019

The Power of the Family Dinner

Since we talked about fasting last week, it's only natural to talk about dinner time this week, right? :) One of our DKM Vendors wrote a compelling argument for encouraging families in our ministries to spend time together around the dinner table, so rather than trying to reinvent the dinner table discussion wheel, I'll just let Dema Kohen do the talking this week... Family dinners are SPECIAL times. I would even say, they are SACRED times. In a world where media over-saturation and activity-overload are disconnecting us from ourselves, others, nature, and God, family dinner is the glue that can hold the family together.  I'm convinced that one of the most important things a church can do for the families is to encourage them to gather around the dinner table more often and teach them how to do it. I don't have time to cover the...
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Give Up, Fill Up Fasting Activity for Kids

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Earlier in the week, we talked about important elements of teaching fasting to kids, so here's an activity to help kids learn that fasting is a way for us to give up something so God can fill us up.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Give Up Fill Up Fasting Activity for Kids!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F09%2FDKM-Give-Up-Fill-Up-Fasting-Activity-for-Kids.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text]Supplies: 2 paper/plastic solo cups per child 1 copy of the Give Up/Fill Up slips per child Scissors Markers (to label the cups) Here’s how it works: Give each kid two plastic cups; one labeled “GIVE UP” and one labeled “FILL UP” and a set of “Give Up, Fill Up” strips. Give them scissors and have them cut their strips...
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Should Kids Fast?

Fasting is the spiritual discipline of abstaining from food or drink for spiritual purposes. It allows us to remove distraction, focus on God's blessings or callings, and develop the discipline of training our minds and our bodies. (I highly recommend Richard Foster's book Celebration of Discipline for an in-depth study and application of fasting and other spiritual disciplines.) Jesus (Luke 4), Daniel (Daniel 10), and Esther (Esther 4) are all Biblical examples of fasting, so we know it can be an important part of our faith journey. But what about kids? Should kids fast?  While I don't recommend kids fasting from meals, there are safe ways kids can develop the discipline of fasting. Fasting is all about sacrifice, about giving something up so that something else can take its place as a priority or consuming thought in our lives. It's a...
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Kids Prayer Journal Printable

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Give kids the experience of prayer journaling using this free prayer journal printable! This activity can easily fit into any lesson or small group time, although it was created for the Journey Through Jonah 8-week series.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Prayer Printable Now!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F09%2FDKM-Kids-Prayer-Journal-Printable.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text]Supplies: prayer journal printable, writing utensils, (optional: soft worship music in the background) Details: Explain to kids that one of the ways we can pray to God is through using a journal. Give each kid a prayer journal printable. Play quiet worship music in the background and have kids fill out their first prayer journal sheet. Older kids can write in...
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Family Easter Event: Walk in the Light

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]I've been getting a lot of questions about the Walk in the Light Family Easter Event, so I decided I'd give you a closer look at how our event went and answer some of the most common questions. A couple years ago, I was tired of hosting ANOTHER egg hunt for Easter. Even though our Glow in the Dark Egg Hunt events were pretty awesome, I was ready for something new. Plus, I got word that our local community was hosting a lantern parade on the same night as our scheduled Easter event. So after some prayer and talking with my Parent Council, we decided if you can't beat 'em, join 'em, and Walk in the Light was created! We invited families to join us for 2 hours on a Saturday morning for worship, a short lesson, and a time of lantern-decorating. We tied the lesson into 1 John 1:5-7 and talked about how we could...
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Walk in the Light Game

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Use this on-stage or small group game for any lesson/event with light as a central theme! It's perfect for your Glow in the Dark Easter Egg Hunt, and I used it in my Walk in the Light Easter Event.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download Printable Version Here" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F09%2FDKM-Walk-in-the-Light-Game-Freebie.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text]Supplies: flashlight (not a phone flashlight – one with a defined beam) Play: To play, shine a flashlight on the floor in front of the kids, moving it around at random. Kids must try to step on the light while you move it. If playing as a small group, continue to the next step. If playing as a large group, select 4 children from the group to join you. If you’re on a stage,...
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The Great Shout Off Game

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Kids love to make noise. So why not tap into that loudness and use it to help kids learn the memory verse, the main point, or a simple truth about God? Use this week's download to play a fun and easy game with kids that will have them SHOUTING what they're learning![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download Printable Version of the Great Shout Off Game Now!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F09%2FDKM-The-Great-Shout-Off.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text]Use this easy game with any memory verse or main point you want kids to learn! Prep: Before class decide on some different voices or characters that children will have to imitate (see the free download for a list of ideas). Print or write out the voices or characters you decide on onto smaller pieces...
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10 Psalms Every Kid Should Know

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The Psalms are often overlooked in children's ministry since they don't provide the typical story-style teaching. But the book of Psalms is still an important book for kids to know about, especially as they learn to deal with their emotions and discover the character of God. Here are 10 Psalms I think every kid should know. What are some of your favorites? Psalm 1 - This one reminds kids what it looks like to walk with God. Psalm 19 - A great passage for reminding kids how God's Word leads to refreshment, enlightenment, and life, and how God is worthy of our praise. Psalm 19:14 is a great one for kids to memorize! Psalm 23 - Isn't this pretty much everyone's favorite Psalm? The shepherd analogy helps kids understand God as their protector, and this Psalm can be a source of comfort when kids are...
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Lean In Giveaway Results & Your KidMin Goals

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]In the latest giveaway for this book from KidMin Nation, I asked you to tell me about one of your goals for the year and how you plan to accomplish it. And boy do you have some big goals! I love seeing how you’re thinking big and starting small with your plans for the year ahead.  Congratulations to Kristina in Washington State for winning a free copy of the book! Kristina said her goal for the year was all about volunteer management: I want to learn how to train and empower my volunteer team. I really struggle with this area in the past. Working toward this goal by strategically planning our bi-annual trainings (the purpose, what we will cover, how to appreciate them). What do I teach them? And how/what do I teach them depending on the age they teach. I'd like to find ways each month to do this rather...
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Heart Sort Game

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Use this heart sort cut-out game as an extra activity for your Valentine event! [/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Heart Sort Cut-Out Game Now! " align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F09%2FDKM-Heart-Sort-Cut-Out-Game.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text] Objective: Groups compete against each other to sort the hearts by size and color. Prep: Print and cut out one set of Heart Cut-Outs for each team (pages 2-8) or use page 9 to print on different colored paper. Play: Give each team/small group their own set of mixed up heart cut-outs. One at a time, call out the following categories, and the team who sorts their hearts in that order first wins! Sort by color (same colors together) Sort by size (same sizes together) Sort smallest to...
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Lean In Book Review and Giveaway

[vc_row 0=""][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="8992" img_size="medium" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" link="https://amzn.to/2CSaJ99"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text 0=""] Lean In: Leverage Your Influence for Ministry Impact By KidMin Nation (Editor: Tina Houser) My rating: 5/5 stars - It was amazing!     Read: December 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 leader, you want to grow as a leader, you don't feel like a leader but want to My thoughts: Third time's a charm! I'm so excited to have had another chance to be included for publication in a KidMin Nation book. While the first book was all about connecting with parents (see more details here) and the second book was all about connecting...
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Corral the Sheep Bible Skills Game

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Use this fun game to help teach Bible skills to kids. Can be used with any set of Books of the Bible cards or check out the Bible Skills Sheep download for printable Books of the Bible Sheep (plus more game ideas!).[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download a Printable Version of the Bible Skills Game Here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F09%2FDKM-Corral-the-Sheep-Bible-Skills-Game-Freebie.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text]Prep: Write a book of the Bible on different index cards or individual sheep shapes. Use a different color index card/sheep shape color per team. Play: Divide your kids into teams. Place all cards/sheep in a pile on stage, in a basket, or in a hula hoop. Have each team send one member at a time to retrieve a card/sheep of their...
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Resource Review – The Greatest Story Ever Told: The Bible Album

I love finding new ways to draw kids into the overarching story of the Bible and helping them connect the storyline throughout the Scriptures. Which is why I'm IN LOVE with this new album from High Point Church. There are 66 books of the Bible, and The Greatest Story Ever Told: The Bible helps kids see how all of those books connect through 12 catchy songs. It was created by a children's pastor with a passion for helping kids enjoy the Bible. My favorite song? #6: Rise of the Kingship (Forever Be) - First of all, it's a beautiful melody. But then you get to the lyrics and that's where it got me. Even though it talks about Saul and David and the rise of the Kingship in Israel (hence the title), it emphasizes how these kings point to a future King... "But it's not about David, you see. David pointed to a much greater king... God will put a...
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10 Commandments Hopscotch Printable

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Use this 10 Commandments hopscotch printable from the Love God, Love People lesson to give kids a kinesthetic way to learn the 10 Commandments! This activity is actually one of several prayer stations kids can visit after the main lesson. (Psst - read more about Prayer Stations here.)[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Printable Now!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F09%2FDKM-10-Commandments-Hopscotch.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text]Supplies: Colored paper & printer Laminator Packing tape Prep & Play: Choose either the numbers alone or the numbers with the 10 Commandments. Print the chosen pages on colored paper. Laminate the pages for durability. Use packing tape to connect the laminated papers in a hopscotch...
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Learn the 10 Commandments with Your Fingers

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Help kids learn (and remember) the 10 Commandments using only their fingers! This quick and easy guide is included in the Love God, Love People lesson and is easy to teach. (Scroll down to the bottom for a full video tutorial!) Combine this tutorial with a fun game like 10 Commandments hopscotch, and you're set! 1 – (hold up 1 index finger) Number 1 is You shall have only one God. 2 – (hold up your index and middle finger, putting one behind the other) Number 2 is you will not make or worship idols, or you shall have no other Gods before me. This means God should be the most important thing in your life! 3 – (hold up your index, middle, and ring fingers, pointing out how they make the letter “w”) The third commandment Is do not take the Lord’s name in vain, and the three can remind us to...
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Getting Away to Pray, Plan, and Dream

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]This past weekend, I had the opportunity to attend a "work retreat" with Joy Canupp, a women's Christian leadership coach/speaker and the creator behind Simply Joy. It was AWESOME. The point of the weekend was for creators, writers, business leaders, etc. to come together for a time of productivity and shared learning. We stayed in Joy's vacation home in the mountains of NC, and the 100+-year-old house had so much character and so much space to spread out and work. (The electric heated blanket on my bed and the hot tea selection also made my stay super cozy). Throughout the Thursday-lunch to Saturday-lunch event, there were over 14 hours of individual, uninterrupted work time scheduled, and it was glorious. I was able to pray, plan, dream, and write for the year ahead, jotting down ideas and checking...
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Roll A Snowman Dice Game

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Use this week's free download to play a fun, wintery dice game with kids![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download Roll a Snowman Now!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F09%2FDKM-Roll-A-Snowman-Printable-Let-It-Snow.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text]Supplies: Roll-A-Snowman Printable, dice, pencils Play: Print off at least one Roll-A-Snowman Printable per child (make sure to select "fit to page" in your printer settings!). Playing in pairs or small groups, children take turns rolling the die and adding the appropriate feature to their snowman (eyes, hat, arms, etc.). If you roll a number you already have, the turn moves on to the next player. The first person to complete their snowman wins![/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image="8821" img_size="full"...
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8 Indoor Winter Activities for Kids

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]With the cold weather keeping everyone inside, here are 8 easy indoor, winter-themed activities kids will love! Snowball Toss Supplies: buckets or hula hoops, several pieces of white paper (balled up) Details: Set up the buckets or hula hoops a short distance away from where the children will throw. Children will toss the snowballs (balled up paper) and try to land them in the buckets/hula hoops. Children can compete against each other or against themselves by seeing how far away they can stand and still make it.     Marshmallow Painting Supplies: marshmallows, light blue construction paper, white paint, bowls for paint, baby wipes, crayons/markers Details: Give each child a piece of light blue construction paper and a marshmallow. Show them how to dip the marshmallow in the...
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The Empty Cup: Object Lesson on Fasting For Kids

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]As we head into the new year with resolutions and Lent coming up, use this free object lesson to help kids understand that fasting is something people do that helps them give up so God can fill us up.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download printable version of the Empty Cup Object Lesson here! " align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F09%2FDKM-Empty-Cup-Object-Lesson.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text]Set out an empty cup, a bowl, some sand, and a pitcher of water. Each time you talk about something that fills our lives, pour a little sand in the cup. Say: This cup represents us. We fill our lives with things. We might fill our lives with friends or sports. (pour some sand into the cup) We might fill our lives with toys or clothes, music, our...
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