2020

5 Practical Tips for Family Worship

There are lots of resources you can offer parents to help their kids engage in a family worship service (find some in the resource list at the bottom of this post), but as a ministry leader, there are lots of things YOU can do to make a family worship service engaging for all ages too. Here are 5 practical tips for hosting a family worship service: Remember it's a team effort. Effective family worship services involve more than just you as the children's pastor. Your senior pastor and worship leaders have to be on board too. Have a conversation with your senior pastor and share your vision and your heart with him or her. Talk about your ideas and what he or she is comfortable pursuing. Make a list of the top 3 things you’d like to see, then share with him/her and ask how you as a staff can work together to make it a great experience for the...
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Creative Ministry Brainstorming List

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]This week's freebie is a little bit different than our normal Freebie Friday Download. It's not cute. It's not formatted. It's not even complete. This Google Doc is a brainstorming list from my church staff as of August 28, 2020. After opening our doors and then closing again when nearly half of our staff tested positive for COVID-19 (hear the full story here), our pastor challenged us to consider new and creative ways to do ministry in a social-distanced world, and this is the result. It’s a list of all of the ideas, resources, links, and thoughts we’ve come up with individually and as a staff on how to move forward this semester in light of COVID-19. As a brainstorming page, it’s messy, it’s incomplete, and it’s unorganized. Some of these ideas have already turned into realities (marked green)....
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Creative Problem-Solving in Ministry

"Creativity begins at the moment we don't know what we are doing." - Simon Sinek  If that quote doesn't sum up 2020, I don't know what does. This year has given us lots of opportunities to be creative in ministry, and it's encouraged me to dig deeper into the process of creative thinking and creative problem-solving. I started listening to The Creative Thinker's Toolkit course on Audible. Even though I'm only a few lectures in, I've really enjoyed the challenges and encouragement to think creatively and build up my creative thinking muscles. Like other skills, creativity can be taught, refined, and strengthened. The more we practice it, the more creative we can be. The creative problem-solving process involves 4 key steps: Clarify - What is the problem you are trying to solve? If creativity is providing value in a new way, what kind...
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Money: Good or Bad? Activity for Kids

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Kids often grow up with an improper view of money. 1 Timothy 6:10 (NIV) says, "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil." Did you catch that? Loving money or placing it on a pedestal is bad, but the verse doesn't say anything about money itself. In fact, money is neither good nor bad; it is simply a tool for exchange. However, what you do with money and how you treat it can be good or bad. [/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Click Here to Download the Money: Good or Bad Activity for Kids Here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2019%2F12%2FDKM-Money-Good-or-Bad-Worksheet.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text] Use this free printable to help kids understand that money isn't good or bad, but how we use it can be. Use this printable as part of a lesson on...
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12 Things Invented By Kids

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Kids are some of the most creative people on the planet, and we have the privilege of helping them discover how to use that creativity for the Kingdom. Their brains often see solutions to problems that our adult brains don't. So next time you encounter a problem in your ministry, ask some of your kids how they would solve the problem. While you might get some funny answers, I'd bet one of them says something that sparks a valuable solution. After all, the 12 items below were invented by kids to solve a problem they faced. Use this list in a teaching time or encouraging note to inspire the kids in your ministry to use their gifts and talents to solve problems and serve others! BRAILLE LANGUAGE by Louis Braille, 12 CHRISTMAS LIGHTS by Albert Sadacca, 15 TRAMPOLINE by George Nissen, 16 POPSICLE by...
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Fall Family Challenge Printable

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Share this Fall Family Challenge with your families to help them celebrate the autumn season and have some fun together! Encourage families to post pictures of their family challenges on social media, tagging your church or using a specific hashtag. Give families a whole month, or set a few specific challenges each week. You choose what works best for you![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Fall Family Challenge Here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F08%2FDeeper-KidMin-Fall-Family-Challenge-Freebie.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="38960" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank"...
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COVID-Friendly Fall Resources

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Although autumn won't technically begin until the end of September, I know you're already planning what to do this year. How will you pull off your Fall Festival, Trunk or Treat, or other fall event while also maintaining social distancing and keeping everyone safe? Whether you're gathering in person, hosting a drive-through event, or equipping parents for the fall season at home, these ideas may help![/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text="In-Person Fall Events" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:center" use_theme_fonts="yes"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Preschool Playdate Brown Bag Hunt- Host this event for the littles with social-distancing at a local park, or distribute the game to preschool families with a brown lunch bag to complete on their own! Learn more and download the...
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Back to School Customizable Calendar

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Use this customizable Back to School Calendar to provide families with daily prompts to keep them connected to God and each other! The goal: each day’s activity should take five minutes or less. There are no dates on the calendar so you can begin and end whenever you want! Please note: The customizable feature will not show up on a mobile device. Read the Editable PDF instructions below for more details.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Click here to download the customizable Back to School Calendar!" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F08%2FDKM-Back-to-School-Customizable-Calendar-Freebie.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text]Recommended Ideas for Daily Activities: Make each day of the week fit a specific theme or idea: Prayer Prompt Sundays (Tell God one thing...
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Drive-Through Food Drive Back to School Event

Since we can't do our normal Back to School Bash this year (thanks COVID), we're getting creative with another idea instead! Our children's pastor wanted to find a fun way to distribute our Back to School Kits to families while also helping our food pantry stock up on the most-needed items for the year ahead. So she came up with Drive Away Hunger: A Drive-Through Food Drive Event!  What is it? Drive Away Hunger is a back to school event that helps us connect with our people and also gives back to the community. It's a drive-through food drive where families bring donations for our food pantry, and they also pick up a Back to School Kit and an ice cream treat! How will it work? Church members of all ages are invited to drive through the church parking lot and drop off their donations anytime between 6:30-8:00 PM on Wednesday, August 19....
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Back to School Survival Kits

Making back to school survival kits are the perfect opportunity for you to connect with the families in your ministry as they head back to school. With so much uncertainty and diversity in back-to-school plans, a Back to School Survival Kit can be a great opportunity to provide families with simple ways to connect with God and each other! The point of the survival kit is to provide families with items they’ll need to “survive” the school year. You can include a spiritual element like the freebie calendar we'll share on Friday, August 21, this Back to School Prayer Journal for Kids, or this full Back to School Survival Kit that includes a family devotional and the list of ideas below. But you can also include physical items that offer practical help and encouragement. Here are some ideas for packing and distributing your Back to School...
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Grief Journal for Kids

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Our giveaway for Martha Black's book is over, but we're also sharing this free printable grief journal for kids that Martha made! Use this journaling activity from author Martha Black to help kids process their grief and remember a loved one who has passed away.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Grief Journal Activity Here! " align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F08%2FAuthor-Martha-Black-Freebie.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text]Martha is an author, blogger, wife, mom, and a public elementary school teacher, who lost her mom to cancer in 2015. She felt God leading her to begin a grief ministry for others who were also hurting from the loss of a loved one, and she wrote this book as an extension of that ministry. Thanks Martha, for allowing us to...
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Book Review & Giveaway: You’ll Find Me at the Ocean

This week, we're teaming up with Martha Black from Martha Black Ministries to share about her new book: You'll Find Me at the Ocean - A Journey of Grief through the Eyes of a Child. Martha is an author, blogger, wife, mom, and a public elementary school teacher, who lost her mom to cancer in 2015. She felt God leading her to begin a grief ministry for others who were also hurting from the loss of a loved one, and she wrote this book as an extension of that ministry. (Learn how to win a free copy below!) The book tells the story of young Beth, whose mama is dying of cancer. Mama shares with her daughter how she will always be near, even after she has passed away from her earthly life. Mama reassures Beth that she can always be found at the ocean: in the seashells, the salty breeze, the sunrise, and so many more places. One of my favorite...
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Brain Dump Activity: 4 Steps to Reduce Stress and Maximize Productivity

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Anyone else feeling just a *bit* overwhelmed lately?  😅 🙋 Me too. Between back to school, figuring out what ministry looks like, feeding the family, finding time to exercise, and all the other things, there’s a lot rattling around in my brain! Maybe you can relate. (And if you can relate, we want to help!) Sometimes it's just all so overwhelming, you don't even know where to start. That’s why I love brain dumps. What is a brain dump? I learned about brain dumps from my friend and leadership coach Joy Canupp, and a brain dump is exactly what it sounds like: dumping the contents of your mind out onto paper to clear out the mental clutter and give you the clarity to move forward. A brain dump is effective because it allows you to calm the whirling tornado of thoughts and bring them to a more...
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We Want To Help

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]As we move into the school year in the midst of COVID-19, life and ministry look more different than ever before. That's why we wanted to check in, see how you're doing, and ask how we can help you navigate this season. Thank you for taking a few minutes to answer this survey that will help us serve you better as you serve and lead kids! Click here to access the survey or complete the version below. Note: Survey closes August 12,...
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Emoji Prayer Activity

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Kids have a lot of feelings as the school year begins in the midst of COVID-19. They may be feeling frustrated, excited, scared, angry, or all of the above. Use this free printable to help kids process their feelings, share them with the Lord, and ask Him for the peace only He can give. (Psst! Educators could probably use some encouragement too! Check out some free educator appreciation video ideas here!)[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Emoji Prayer Printable here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F07%2FDKM-Emoji-Prayer-Back-to-School-Freebie.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_single_image image="36745" img_size="medium" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank"...
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Educator Appreciation Videos

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]As we head back to school (online or in-person), it's the perfect opportunity to honor the teachers and educators in our churches. Below are some video + post ideas to use in your Sunday service and/or to post on your ministry social media accounts to remind your educators how much they are appreciated. On-stage or email script: Thank you, educators! You've put so much time, energy, and love into figuring out the school year ahead. We are grateful for you, and we are praying for your school year. [/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download this video for free here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fproduct%2Fthank-you-educators-video%2F||target:%20_blank|"][vc_separator color="custom" border_width="6" accent_color="#3ac1e1"][vc_column_text] This video from Google is so fun and...
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Sunshine Mail Freebie

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Even though we're celebrating our Christmas in July sale this week, there's still time to soak up some sun! Use this Sunshine Cards printable to send some sunshine in the mail to your kids! Print and cut the cards on the download below, then add a little note on the bottom or back of the card. To make it even more special, add other yellow or orange items such as balloons (uninflated), yellow laffy taffy, or other yellow and orange candies. [/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Sunshine Mail Cards here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F07%2FDKM-Sunshine-Mail-Freebie.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="33691" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link"...
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Christmas in July Sale!

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Get in the holiday spirit early this year with our Christmas in July sale! This week only (July 19-26, 2020), we're offering 20% off select Christmas resources so you can plan, prepare, and save early for the jolly season at the end of the year. Explore our resources on sale below, and browse all of our Christmas resources here![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="19295" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" link="https://deeperkidmin.com/product/a-praise-in-a-manger-4-week-christmas-unit-on-worship/"][vc_column_text]A Praise in a Manger is a 4-week Christmas series for elementary kids focusing on worship as a whole-life response to God and His greatness. Using the Christmas story, kids will learn we can worship...
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VBS Mad Libs Game For Kids

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Use the VBS-themed Mad Lib game in this week's free download for a fun activity to play with your kids! Underneath each blank line in the story, there is a prompt for the type of word you need. Make a copy for each child to make their own story, or use it as a group activity. To use in a small or large group setting: One at a time, call on kids to help you fill in the blanks, but only tell them the prompt, not the title, theme, or sentence. Write down kids’ answers in the blank, then read your Mad Lib VBS Story to the kids once all of the blanks are filled in. It’s sure to get some laughs! [/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Mad Libs Game Here!" align="center"...
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Hoops: A Social-Distanced Kids Event

Jolie, the children's pastor at my church, came up with a BRILLIANT social-distanced kids event for the K-5th graders at our church, and she has graciously agreed to let me share her ideas with you! What is Hoops? A social-distanced event for kids that everyone loves (and that's easy to host)! How does Hoops work? Set up hula hoops 6ft apart in your church or ministry space. Invite kids to pack a lunch and meet you at the church (we divide up by small groups - each small group comes on a specific day to keep our numbers low). Hoops is a social-distanced kids event where parents drop their kids off at the church at 11:15 am for lunch, then pick the kids up again at 12:15 once lunch is over. Kids enter the building, find a hula hoop to sit in, and the fun begins! We talk, laugh, play a game, invite kids to share any prayer requests, and then...
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Made in His Image Family Devotional

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Talking to kids about racial issues can be intimidating, but share this free devotional with your parents to help them start conversations about equality, race, and justice at home![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the free devotional here! " align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F06%2FDKM-Free-Truth-1-of-Precious-in-His-Sight.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text]The devotional includes Scripture verses, discussion questions, and an easy object lesson to help kids understand and apply biblical truths.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="34486" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank"...
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2020 Halfway Checkpoint

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We're just about halfway through the year 2020. Have you seen those memes about how 2020 has gone so far? Here are some of my favorites...[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image="34544" img_size="full" alignment="center"][vc_single_image image="34545" img_size="full" alignment="center"][vc_single_image image="34546" img_size="full" alignment="center"][vc_single_image image="34547" img_size="full" alignment="center"][vc_single_image image="34549" img_size="full" alignment="center"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]These make me smile, but what a tough and strange year it's been (and I think we've all felt like Chandler at some point)! When God put the word "change" on my heart as my word for 2020, I had no idea how much things would change! I expected the changes that would come with life...
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Return-To-Worship FAQs

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]As you return to in-person worship services, your families probably have a lot of questions about what that means for their kids. Use this list of frequently-asked-questions about returning to worship to help communicate the changes with your families. Post these FAQs on your church website, as social media posts (download a set of editable pre-made Canva templates here), and/or in email communications with your families.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the FAQs list here! " align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F06%2FDeeper-KidMin-Return-to-Worship-FAQs-Freebie.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="34461" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank"...
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Be a Traffic Light Ministry

One of the churches in my area, 12Stone Church, proposed a simple but profound analogy for talking about COVID-19 with its members and community. In the notes from their May 2020 message, they explain: A Traffic Light Green Light - Go Yellow Light - Proceed with caution Red Light - Stop There are 3 different groups of people and how they view COVID-19. Green Light - Don't wear mask or use hand sanitizer. Believes we should not shut down everything. Let people decide their own risk. Green will immediately return to church with no worries. Yellow Light - Believes there is a reason to be cautious and will abide by the rules set - will wear a mask and will obey social distancing. Yellow will return to church but not immediately. Red Light - Those who are afraid to leave their homes because the risk is not worth it. Red...
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Encouragement Challenge for Kids

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]With all that's going on in the world these days, we could use a bit of encouragement (and if you need some yourself, be encouraged here). Summer is a great time to help kids practice the discipline of encouragement![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Encouragement Challenge Here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F06%2FDKM-Encouragement-Challenge-Grow-Like-Jesus-Freebie.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text]Print or email copies of the pages in the freebie, share with your families, and challenge kids to encourage others and "fill up their hearts" this summer.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text] This freebie is an excerpt from the Grow Like Jesus Summer Growth Plan, a self-guided growth program that...
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