2020

Easter Egg Hunt Alternatives for COVID-19 Quarantine

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]As Easter draws near and the COVID-19 pandemic continues, you may be wondering what to do about your Easter Egg Hunt in this time of social distancing and quarantines. Here are a few alternative egg hunt ideas to help you and your families celebrate Easter, and check out all of our COVID-19 ministry resources here. You've Been Egged (Free Printable here!) - We adapted this from an Easter Egg Hunt invite to a family activity! It’s simple, it’s cheap (you only need some colored paper and plastic Easter eggs), and most importantly, it’s so fun! Print & copy this free download, adding in details about your church Easter services (online or in person) in the space provided. Then leave the printable on a family's doorstep, ring the doorbell, and run! Kids hunt for the empty egg in the yard, then "egg"...
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Quarantine Bingo

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]As parents and kids are staying home during the Covid-19 pandemic, share this fun and easy Quarantine Bingo printable with them to help give parents some fun activity ideas! Use the version I created, or use the editable PDF page to create your own with specific ideas related to your church or ministry! It's a fun way to stay connected with your families, especially if you encourage them to post their Quarantine Bingo pictures online with your specific ministry hashtag or by tagging your ministry page.  You could even turn this Bingo game into a challenge or contest and award prizes when we're able to meet together in person again![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download Quarantine Bingo (+ Create Your Own Version) Here! " align="center"...
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A Habit of Joy

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]I've been reading through Bob Goff's Live In Grace, Walk in Love Devotional, and one of the days from last month has really stuck with me. Bob was talking about the power of habits and connected the physical process of building habits with the spiritual process of building habits that help us create a lifestyle of loving others. He said... "When joy is a habit, love is a reflex."  And then he posed the question: How do we make joy a habit in our everyday lives so our reflex is always love for the people around us? Confession: I'm not very good at making joy a habit. I tend to over-analyze and have a critical attitude of everything, from myself to my ministry to other people. So I have to be very intentional about making joy a habit in my life. One way I've done that is by keeping a gratitude journal,...
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Apps for Online Kids Church

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]You may be trying to navigate the new normal of hosting kids church online during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are a few apps to consider, and no matter which one you use, read these 5 tips for engaging kids through video to make it the best possible experience for everyone involved! FACEBOOK LIVE - So far, this seems to be the most popular platform for online children's ministry. Why? Because most parents are already on FaceBook and familiar with how to use it. When you go Live on Facebook, families can interact by leaving comments in real-time. Plus, the video stays on your church's FB page for those families who couldn't watch it live. I love this platform because it encourages parents to watch with their kids, giving them a glimpse into what Sunday mornings in the kids area looks like and encouraging family...
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5 Tips for Engaging Kids Through Video For Online Church

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]As you're hosting kids church online through video during the Coronavirus pandemic, use the tips below to make it the best possible experience for your kids and families (and you)! And check out all of our COVID-19 ministry tips & resources here. Make a plan. Just like you wouldn't walk into a regular Sunday morning without a plan for the day, don't try to do that with a video either! Make sure you and your team know the order and flow of the video, and be sure to set any props off-screen but within reach. You may also want to have links ready to share, like links to a folder on Google Drive of activity worksheets that go with the lesson, links to worship videos, links to a video lesson, and more! (Just make sure your curriculum & worship songs allows sharing the resources in this way). Spend the...
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He is Alive Banner Easter Craft

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Use this free download to invite kids to make their very own banner to remember that Jesus is alive this Easter! It’s a fun and simple craft to add to any Easter lesson![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the He Is Alive Banner Easter Craft Here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F02%2FDKM-HE-IS-ALIVE-BANNER-CRAFT.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text]Supplies: Hole punch Cardstock or paper Coloring utensils & decorating supplies (washi tape, stick-on jewels, stickers, etc.) Scissors Ribbon or string Create: Make copies of the banner provided in the download above. Allow kids to color and decorate their banners. Use a hole punch to punch holes where you see two small circles at the top of the banner. String ribbon through...
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Book Review: The Family Board Meeting

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]In January, I shared my KidMin Reading List for 2020, and I wanted to tell you about the first book I read: The Family Board Meeting.  My friend Joy Canupp sent me this book when we announced our pregnancy back in August 2019, and as my husband and I are now a month in to life as new parents, this book has already given me so much to think about, pray about, and implement as our family grows. And with kids across the country at home this week from Covid-19 school closings, the book's emphasis on quality family time is relevant for everyone.  It's a nice, quick little read (not even 100 pages), but it's full of encouragement and ideas for being intentional at home, even in the midst of the busy-ness. As a ministry leader, I know you know the challenge of balancing family and ministry, and this book had...
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How To Prepare for the Coronavirus at Your Church

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The coronavirus pandemic will have medical and economical effects, but it doesn't have to affect the spiritual growth of the families we serve. While we don't quite yet know the full extent of this virus's impact, we do know we have to be prepared. My pastor related the pandemic to a weatherman's warning of an upcoming hurricane. It may be as bad as they predict; it may not. Either way, we have to be prepared. Use the ideas and resources below to prepare for the effects of this virus and equip families during this uncertain time, and check out all of our COVID-19 tips, resources, and ideas here.  If your church will continue to meet:  Make a plan. You may not be closing this weekend, but chances are you might in the future, and you should still adjust practices based on the current circumstances. This...
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Great Commission Object Lesson for Kids

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Use this object lesson when teaching kids about the Great Commission or print several copies of the other pages in the download to give out to each child with a globe stress ball and send them home with a fun family activity, especially at Easter![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Printable for Families and Kids Here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F02%2FDKM-Great-Commission-Object-Lesson.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text]Find a globe to use in a teaching setting or order a globe stress ball to give to each child. Read Matthew 28:16-20. Discuss: What did Jesus tell the disciples to do? What did Jesus promise them? Who can you tell about Jesus? Say: The globe represents all the people in the world who Jesus commanded us to...
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5 Family Easter Resources 2020

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Easter is always an important season in children's ministry, especially as we help families connect with each other and with Jesus. Browse all of our Easter resources here, but check out our top 5 Family Easter resources below to help families engage and interact with the Easter story in a variety of ways![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_empty_space height="25px"][vc_single_image image="24219" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" link="https://deeperkidmin.com/product/40-days-of-remembering-jesus-a-lent-resource-for-families/"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text]40 Days of Remembering Jesus - I know Lent started 2 weeks ago, but it's never too late for a family to start being intentional about remembering Jesus...
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Glow Art Prayer Mural

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Invite kids to contribute to a special Glow Art Prayer Mural for Easter or anytime you’re learning about how Jesus is the Light! This idea works perfect as a Create station or as part of your Glow in the Dark Easter Egg Hunt![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download Printable Instructions for the Glow Art Mural Here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F02%2FDKM-Glow-Art-Prayer-Mural.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text]Supplies: markers, neon poster boards, large blank wall space, blacklight(s), way to hang the poster boards (masking tape worked for us) Prep: Cover a large wall space in neon (pink, green, yellow, etc.) poster boards. Write “Glow Art” at the top and leave markers for kids to use. Aim the black lights toward the neon...
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10 Scriptures For Kids About Light

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Use these Scriptures in your lesson about Jesus as the Light of the World, for your Glow in the Dark Egg Hunt, your Walk in the Light Easter Event, or for any lesson teaching kids about light! They're short enough for kids to memorize, and they coordinate with any light or glowing theme. (Note: All verses in NIrV) John 12:36a - “While you have the light, believe in it. Then you can become children of light.” 1 John 1:5b - “God is light. There is no darkness in him at all.” John 9:5 - “Jesus said, ‘While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.’” John 12:46 - “Jesus said, ‘I have come into the world to be its light. So no one who believes in me will stay in darkness.’” John 8:12 - “Jesus spoke to the people again. He said, “I am the light of the world. Anyone...
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Peter and the Rooster Game for Holy Week

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Use this simple and fun game during Holy Week when talking about how Peter denied Jesus 3 times![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download Printable Instructions Here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F02%2FDKM-Peter-and-the-Rooster-Holy-Week-Game.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text]Supplies: Bucket (1 per team) Peeps Chicks (not the bunnies) Plastic spoons Tape, rope, or pool noodle for kids to stand behind Play: Use your Bible or the script below to teach about how Peter denied Jesus 3 times. Say: After Jesus and His disciples had their Passover supper together, they headed out to the Mount of Olives. Jesus told His disciples that their group would be scattered. When Peter told Jesus that he would never deny Him or leave Him, Jesus...
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3 Things a Permanent Church Can Learn From a Mobile Church

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Mobile churches are churches that have no permanent building but meet in a local venue like a school or community center. Having served on staff in mobile ministry for five years at a church that met at a local high school, I understand the struggle, frustration, and downright difficult task of mobile ministry. But there are aspects of mobile ministry that even churches with a brick-and-mortar building can learn and should adopt. 1) How to leverage resources – As a mobile church, the supplies you use on Sunday are often limited to what you can haul in and out each week. That means you have to get creative in how you store, prepare, and even use resources, and there’s no room for fluff! Renting a space rather than owning a building can also allow churches to leverage their financial resources for their...
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Ride the Donkey Relay: Palm Sunday Game for Kids

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Need a simple game to break the ice with kids? Play this relay race game on Palm Sunday during large group or small group time to see who can ride their “donkey” (a pool noodle) to Jerusalem and back the fastest![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download Printable Version + Jerusalem Game Sign Here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F01%2FFINAL-DKM-RIDE-THE-DONKEY-RELAY-PALM-SUNDAY-GAME-FOR-KIDS.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text]Supplies: 4 small cones, 1 pool noodle per team, Jerusalem sign printable included in this download. Prep: Set out cones to designate a starting line and turning point. Near the turning point cones, post the Jerusalem sign printable included in this download. Detailed Instructions: Ask: Does anyone remember what city...
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7 Ways to Break the Ice With Kids

Connecting with kids on Sunday mornings must be a priority in order to make Sunday mornings successful. Breaking the ice with the kids and forming personal relationships encourages them to be excited about coming to church and creates a better environment for them to learn more about God. While you may feel comfortable walking up to a brand-new kid, your volunteers might need some help in how to break the ice and build relationships with the kids in their small group. Here are 7 helpful hints to share with your team on breaking the ice with kids... Make an effort to see eye to eye with the kids! When the kids arrive in the morning, get down to their level to listen to them.  Give plenty of high fives because (appropriate) physical touch can go a long way. Engage in conservation with the kids and listen to what they have to say. That...
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Glowing Tonic Water Object Lesson for Easter: Jesus is the Light of the World Object Lesson

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Use this glowing tonic water object lesson at Easter (or any time of year) to help teach kids that Jesus is the light of the world, and when we follow Him, we can be lights too![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download printable version of the object lesson here! " align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F01%2FDKM-Glowing-Easter-Water-Object-Lesson-Jesus-is-the-Light-of-the-World.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text]Supplies: Bible Tonic water in a clear glass/cup Blacklight Say: One of my favorite verses is John 8:12, and in it, Jesus says, “I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in darkness. They will have that light. They will have life.” (NIRV) Did you hear that? It said Jesus is the light of the world! And that...
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Glow in the Dark Egg Hunt FAQs

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]So you're thinking about hosting a Glow in the Dark Easter Egg Hunt, but you're not really sure what that really entails? Here's a closer look at how our Jesus is Light Glow in the Dark Egg Hunt event went + answers to some of the questions you've been asking about hosting your own glow in the dark egg hunt! We offered the event for free, but we did ask families to register ahead of time so we could know how many to expect. With the way we did our egg hunts using specific letters and numbers, we needed a general head count. We of course made extras for those who showed up the day-of, but it really helped to at least have an idea of our total numbers. As families arrived, they received details about all of our available stations![/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image="22387" img_size="full"...
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Special Message Egg Carton Baskets

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]If you're using a lettered hunt at your Easter Egg Hunt this year, you may want to also provide each child with a special message egg carton basket like this one to help them find the correct letters! Learn more about hosting a lettered egg hunt here, and follow the instructions below to make the accompanying egg carton baskets.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download Printable Version Here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F01%2FSpecial-Message-Egg-Carton-Baskets-Freebie-4.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="22354" img_size="full" alignment="center"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text]1) Collect empty egg cartons (1 per child), remove the lids, and attach pipe cleaners to the...
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4 Ways to Change Up Your Easter Egg Hunt

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Are you looking for ways to add some variety to your regular annual Easter Egg Hunt? Use these 4 ideas to change up your egg hunts and provide a whole new hunt experience! Glow in the Dark Egg Hunt - Stuff your eggs with glow sticks or finger lights, then wait for the sun to go down, and hunt for glowing eggs in the dark! This is a popular and really fun way to add variety to your egg hunt. The first year we hosted a Glow in the Dark Egg Hunt, one family had to miss it, and the kids were so disappointed they asked mom to re-create it for them at home! (Psst - if you want to host a Glow in the Dark Egg Hunt, we've done the planning for you! See the details here. Colored Egg Hunt - This hunt works great if you have multiple ages hunting at the same time. In this type of egg hunt, certain ages can pick up...
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Heart Paper Airplane Craft

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Use this heart paper airplane craft to take your February/Valentine Lesson to new heights! It’s a craft the boys in your ministry will actually WANT to make.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download Heart Paper Airplane Craft Here! " align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2019%2F12%2FDKM-Heart-Paper-Airplane-Craft.pdf|||"][vc_column_text]Supplies: Heart Paper Airplane Folding Instructions, Heart Paper Airplane Pattern (printed on colored or white paper) Prep: Print several copies of the Heart Paper Airplane Folding Instructions on white paper. Print several copies (at least 1 per child) of the Heart Paper Airplane Pattern. Print the pattern on colored paper or on white paper and invite kids to decorate their heart paper airplane. They’ll need to cut it out and...
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Heart Glasses Craft for Valentine’s Day

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Use this heart glasses craft to remind kids to look for God’s love this February & Valentine’s Day![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download Printable Heart Glasses Craft Here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F01%2FDKM-Heart-Glasses-Craft-for-Valentines-Day-Final.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text]Supplies: Heart Glasses Printable (printed on heavy cardstock), glue, pipe cleaners, hole punch, decorating materials (washi tape, stickers, markers, glitter glue, stick-on jewels, etc.) Details: Kids will cut out their glasses (or you pre-cut the glasses for them). Use the hole punch to punch a hole on either side of the glasses for the pipe cleaners. After they cut out their glasses, let kids decorate them using the materials you provide. To add...
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Staying Motivated in Ministry

Let's face it. Children's ministry is challenging! There will be plenty of times when we will want to hit snooze on the alarm clock and call in sick or when we feel like we just can't handle it anymore. But the gospel will be the one thing to bring us back to where we need to be. The gospel is what will get us out of bed in the morning and into church so we can share the gospel with kids and lead our volunteers with integrity. LifeWay shared a post about leadership lessons from Paul, and they offered ideas for staying motivated in ministry and leadership and how the gospel kept Paul motivated through chaos like imprisonment, shipwreck, and more. Practice these things this month so the joy of the gospel can be your motivation to serve well and persevere. Spend time in the Word. (To be motivated by the gospel, you have to know the gospel!) ...
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Valentine Card Designs for Crew Cards

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]This Valentine's Day, help your volunteers and your team connect with kids through these 3 valentine Crew Card designs plus bonus "see you around more" design you can use to let kids know you miss them! (Not sure what I'm talking about? Learn more about Crew Cards here.) Update the look of your Crew Card postcards for Valentine's Day using one (or all) of the designs below. The download includes both a PDF file with 4 cards to a page (so you can print them yourself) and a .png file of each design so you can order postcards online from a place like VistaPrint.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="I want the designs!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2019%2F12%2FDKM-Valentine-Crew-Cards-January-2020.zip||target:%20_blank|"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column...
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Never Plan in Pen

I like having a plan just as much (if not more) than the average leader, but if you serve in ministry (especially children's ministry), then you know that being flexible and able to adapt to a constantly-changing situation is vital. Sometimes the plans have to change. So as you're planning your calendar year (use this Calendar Planning Checklist to help balance the year!), always plan in pencil so you can be adaptable and flexible when plans have to change. Here are some situations in KidMin when I've had to be flexible (some amusing, some not so much)... When the previously sunny skies unexpectedly turn into rain, meaning you won't be heading to the park for your Fall Scavenger Hunt Preschool Playdate. When no one signs up or shows up for an event you've scheduled. (No shame - this really happened.) When you show up at the fire...
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