2024

Making PLANS: Advent Devotional for KidMin Leaders

Many of our resources and freebies are geared toward the kids and families in your ministry, but this week is for YOU, kidmin leader. It's an overview and preview of a weekly Advent devotion written specifically with children’s ministry leaders in mind. So block out 20 minutes on your calendar for the first week of Advent, grab your Bible, print this free sample of week 1, and spend time with Jesus this Advent season. Praying for you as you place your hope in Him.  The Advent season is one of eagerness and anticipation. For KidMin Leaders, it’s also a time for planning. Every prayerful plan you develop and implement will guide others toward Jesus. Whether you plan with a team or on your own, there’s a significant amount of preparation to be done this time of year. This interactive Advent devotional was created just for you, the KidMin...
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Making PLANS: Advent Devotional for KidMin Leaders Free Sample

Many of our resources and freebies are geared toward the kids and families in your ministry, but this freebie is for YOU, kidmin leader. Here’s week 1 from a 4-week Advent devotional written specifically with children’s ministry leaders in mind. So block out 20 minutes on your calendar during the first week of Advent, grab your Bible, print the following pages, and spend time with Jesus this Advent season. Praying for you as you place your hope in Him.   Download the Advent Devotional Sample Here   If you enjoyed this Advent devotional, download the full month (4 weeks + Christmas Eve/Day)...
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6 Benefits of Gratitude

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Happy November! This month is all about turkeys, family, and one of my favorite postures to teach kids: gratitude. There are countless verses in the Bible that help us express our gratitude to God, and when we can help kids develop an attitude of gratitude, we set them up for lifelong habits of success in a variety of ways. Here are 6 benefits of gratitude to consider as we head into a month-long focus on thankfulness: Emotional Health: Gratitude makes us more confident, leads to higher self-esteem, and can even improve decision-making. Mental Health: Thankfulness increases mental strength and resilience. It can even help reduce anxiety, a key benefit in a culture where kids and teens are more anxious than ever before. Physical Health: Even though gratitude is an attitude, it can affect our...
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Thankfulness Discussion Cards for Families

Share these thankfulness leaf discussion cards with the families in your ministry to give them an easy way to foster discussion about gratitude this month! Families can use one a day for 8 days or use them all at a special Thanksgiving meal! Just print, cut, and distribute to families, or share the PDF via email! Download the Thankfulness Discussion Cards Here! These Thankfulness Discussion Cards come from our Fall into Thankfulness Family devotions! Each resource includes 7-8 thankfulness cards like the ones in this download. The resources also include a corresponding devotional that can be done as a family activity to reinforce the thankfulness card and provide an opportunity for quality family time and conversation. Learn more about the preschool family devotions here and the elementary family devotions...
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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...
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10 Verses Kids Need to Know For Christmas

Christmas is about the coming of our Savior, and it's our job as children's ministry leaders to remind kids and families of that, give them space to explore and experience the story, and point them back to Scripture every chance we get. So here are 10 verses kids need to know for Christmastime, especially as we enter the season of Advent. Many of them are short enough for kids to memorize, and you can use them in your curriculum, Christmas events, Advent resources, and more! Find all of our Christmas and Advent resources here. Isaiah 9:6 (NIrV) - "A child will be born to us. A son will be given to us. He will rule over us. And he will be called Wonderful Adviser and Mighty God. He will also be called Father Who Lives Forever and Prince Who Brings Peace." (And here's a worship video that will help kids memorize it!) 2 Corinthians 9:15...
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7 Thanksgiving Crafts That Help Develop Gratitude

As you're planning your Sunday or mid-week lessons for the Thanksgiving season, here are 7 fun craft ideas for your kidmin that help kids develop an attitude of gratitude! More than just turkey coloring pages or a creative art project, these Thanksgiving-themed crafts will help kids focus their hearts and minds on being grateful! A Giant Group Poster - I saw this idea from Go Curriculum, and it seems so much fun! You just print a large poster of a coloring page at your local print store, then lay it out on a table and invite kids to color as a group! Find more details and download a free colorable poster from Go here. Gratitude Jars - These are a classic November idea. Give each child a jar or container of some kind, and let them decorate it. Provide a simple label and gratitude prompts like these for kids to cut and place in their jars....
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Thankful Bookmarks Freebie

Bookmarks are fun to color and make a great craft! This set of 8 Thanksgiving bookmarks can be colored, glued to cardstock, laminated - so many fun and creative possibilities! Add these bookmarks to small group time, worship activity bags, or send them with kids as a take-home project! Find even more Thanksgiving craft/activity ideas here, and find all of our Thanksgiving resources here! Download the bookmarks...
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Candy Cane Games for Your KidMin

Play these fun candy-cane-themed games in your kidmin this Christmas! They’re perfect for large group or small group time! These games came from our Candy Cane Christmas 4-week series! Download a printable version here! Candy Cane Face Supplies: candy canes (at least 36) To play: Invite 3 kids up on stage, and give them a basket of at least 12-15 candy canes. Kids have 1-2 minutes to hang as many candy canes on their face as possible (in lips, over ears, on nose, etc.). The child with the most candy canes at the end of the game wins! Candy Cane Chaos Supplies: candy canes (1 per person) To play: Give each person a candy cane that they must hook/hang on their finger and put their other hand behind their back. When you say go, everyone has to try and get other people to drop (or grab) their candy canes without dropping...
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5 Ways to Prepare for Christmas in Your KidMin

It may only be October, but Christmas is coming! I don't know about you, but I've already started listening to Christmas music. :) The Christmas season can be one of the most joyful—and hectic—times in children’s ministry. With all the excitement of celebrating Jesus’ birth, it’s easy to get caught up in the chaos. But planning ahead can help you lead your ministry well and ensure the focus stays on the true meaning of Christmas. So here are 5 ways to prepare for Christmas in Your KidMin: Start early. Starting early is key. December will be here before we know it, especially when juggling multiple events, lessons, and volunteer coordination. Begin planning for Christmas as early as October (or even earlier if you’re able!). This will give you time to prepare Jesus-centered lessons (find our favorite Christmas curriculum...
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Celebrating 7 Years of Serving You!

This week, we're celebrating 7 years of serving you, an amazing community of children's ministry leaders. Don't miss out on our special Lucky 7 Birthday Scratch-Off Sale (head to our home page to play) and win a promo code for up to 37% off your next order! We're also sharing our top 7 posts and resources from the last 7 years. These are the ideas and downloads YOU have loved the most! Top 7 Posts From the Last 7 Years: 10 Scriptures for Kids About Light 5 Things KidMin Leaders Must Do to Effectively Partner with Today's Parents 10 Verses to Pray Over Your Kids as They Head Back to School  Worship Activity Bags: Praise Packs Learn the 10 Commandments with Your Fingers Teaching Kids About Pentecost Simple but Meaningful Holy Week Activities for Families Top 7 Subscriber Freebies: Crew Cards (available to...
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Filed Under Blog, Book Shelf, Day-to-Day, For Parents, Leadership, Volunteers

Thirsty for God Object Lesson (Psalm 42:1-2)

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Earlier in the week, I shared a great resource for Old Testament Object Lessons from Future Flying Saucers, so today I thought I’d share one of my favorite object lessons! More than just knowing the Bible, I want kids to WANT to know the Bible. To long for time spent in the Word and to foster a desire to spend time with God. But if this is something we want to develop, we have to teach it! [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_btn title="Download the Printable Version" align="center" link="url:/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/DKM-Thirsty-for-God-Object-Lesson.pdf"][/vc_column][/vc_row] Every kid has been thirsty, and every kid drinks water throughout their week. I like to use water, straws, and Psalm 42:1-2 (NIrV) to teach kids about being thirsty for God’s Word. The best...
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Supporting Kids & Families Through Hurricanes

As Florida and the southeast prepare for another hurricane to hit land in the next day or two, you may be wondering how you can best support the kids and families in your ministry as parents navigate talking with their kids about the hurricane(s) or experiencing them first-hand. Stephanie Cline, a children's minister in the Orlando, FL area, showed me the message she shared with her kids and families to support and encourage them as they prepare for the hurricane to hit. I thought it was full of great wisdom and reminders, even for those of us who may not be directly in the hurricane's path: Good afternoon, families! We are praying for you as you prepare today and tomorrow for Hurricane Milton. I know these times can seem scary and unsure. My flesh wants to focus on the temporary and unknown but I am reminded of Philippians 4:8,...
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Fall Family Fun

Share this list of fun fall family activities with the families in your ministry to do at home, or incorporate them as part of your in-person fall event! A lot of these ideas, printables, and more are included in our Not So Spooky Night at Home Fall Fest Take-Home Kit for families, and you can learn more about this resource here. Family Costume Contest – Everyone put on a costume! Find a costume you have already or create one using things you find around the house. Take a family picture in your costumes and post on social media, asking people to vote on which costume they think is the best! Don’t forget to tag our church in the picture too! Monster Mash Freeze Dance – With a grown-up’s help, look up the song “Monster Mash” on YouTube or your favorite music streaming service. Listen to the song and play Monster Mash Freeze Dance!...
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Faith-Based Fall Coloring Pages

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Share these fun fall coloring pages with your kids and families as part of your fall event, fall family fun ideas, or as part of a fall take-home kit![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Faith-based Fall Coloring Pages Here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F09%2FDKM-Fall-Coloring-Pages-Treat-Street-To-Go.pdf|target:_blank"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="39441" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" link="https://deeperkidmin.com/product/treat-street-to-go/"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text]These faith-based fall coloring pages come from our Treat Street To-Go download, a Christian Halloween alternative for families, written by Vanessa Myers....
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Go Bible Review & Giveaway!

As children's ministry leaders, we work hard to equip families to grow deeper in their faith at home, and that includes helping them dive into Scripture throughout the week! Part of that means helping kids and parents discover a Bible that works for the ages, stages, and preferences of their kids. That's why I'm excited to share about a brand new kids' Bible from Tyndale Publishing, the Go Bible: A Life-Changing Bible for Kids! The Go Bible is bursting with fun and engaging content to help kids explore God’s Word! Paired with the accurate, easy-to-read NLT translation, this kids’ Bible plants seeds of faith and share the life-changing love of God with kids through over 600 features centered on the theme of transformation. My favorite things about it: The Translation: NLT is written at about a 6th-grade reading level, so it...
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10 Bible Games for Kids Ministry

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Earlier in the week we shared our top 10 screen-based games for kids. Today, we're sharing 10 non-screen-based games! Play these social-distanced games with the kids in your ministry to encourage laughter and help kids engage with the Bible story![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download a Printable Version of the Games Here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F05%2FDKM-Bible-Games-for-Kids-Ministry.pdf|target:_blank"][vc_column_text]BUST A RHYME - Ideal for more than five players, so this game is perfect for small groups to play together, or you can play as one large group! Invite all participants to stand in a circle 6 feet apart. Next, choose a leader to say a word from the Bible story (you can provide the words for them, or let kids come up with their own),...
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5 Steps to Organizing Your Time, Tasks, and Leadership in Ministry

When I say “organized,” what comes to mind? A supply closet with clearly labeled bins stacked neatly in alphabetical order? A color-coded calendar that tells you exactly what to do and when? A clean desk with not even a paperclip out of place? Each leader’s level of organization will vary, but being organized is a fundamental element of solid leadership and a thriving ministry.  Whether administration is one of your spiritual gifts or your biggest challenge, organization is vital for growth, and it goes beyond your supply closet to encompass your time and tasks too. We see Biblical examples of organization and planning in creation, Noah and the ark, the tribes of Israel, Moses, Joshua, Acts and the early church, Paul, Jesus’ ministry, and even in the character of God Himself. So obviously, organization and planning are important to God....
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3 Must-Have Children’s Ministry Characteristics

While ministry looks different in every context and every church, there are still a few key characteristics that all children's ministries should strive to achieve. I'm excited to share this article from Courtney Weaver at the Wonder Ink team as she dives into 3 of the most important aspects your kidmin should prioritize: Many churches face a similar challenge: engaging and spiritually nurturing the congregation’s youngest members. In a world full of distractions and competing influences, our children’s ministry programs must provide a constant source of encouragement and discipleship to help kids grow in their faith.  How can we be sure our ministries meet this need? There are a few key characteristics our programs should prioritize, including: Biblically Sound Curriculum Safe and Welcoming Environment Strong Volunteer and...
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“Little Pumpkins” Fall Volunteer Appreciation Tag

Print these fall-themed appreciation tags on cardstock and cut out with scissors, or print on business card paper (like Avery 28371) and print and tear apart on perforations. Then attach the tags to a fall gift like tiny pumpkins, fall-themed candles, and pumpkin-flavor or shaped cookies/treats! Share them with your volunteers on Sunday mornings or at your fall event. Download here! Want even more volunteer appreciation tags to use this season and year-round? Check out this Fall Volunteer Appreciation Tag BUNDLE with 10 tags + gift ideas for each one! Download the bundle...
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Filed Under Blog, Free Weekly Downloads, Volunteers

Pumpkin Twister Freebie

Print and laminate these pages to play pumpkin twister at your fall event! Download here! This is one of the games included in our Pumpkins and PJs PNO event - a fall-themed event where kids wear their favorite PJs and enjoy an evening of pumpkins and FUN! Learn more about this fun fall event...
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10 Unique Fall Family Events

Are you looking for a unique fall family event to host in your ministry this autumn, but don't want to host another Trunk or Treat or Fall Fest? Check out one of these unique ideas the families in your ministry will love! Escape Room or Mystery Event - Set up a fall escape room or host an adventure challenge/mystery night! We love this mini fall escape room as an add-on element, or you can invite families into the Mystery of the Misplaced Jewel where they'll work together to solve the mystery of Penelope Peabody’s misplaced jewel while also discovering an important Biblical truth: God has a plan. PNO - Host a Parents' Night Out to give the parents in your ministry a break! We've got a fall-themed Pumpkins and PJs PNO, and lots more to choose from, including Nerf Wars and Mad Science! Service Project - Invite families to serve together...
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Pumpkin Pose Game

Play this fun and simple fall game to help kids remember that God loves them no matter what they might be feeling! Supplies: Pumpkin Pose Printable (printed and spread out on the floor) Music (and a way to play it, even if just a volunteer’s phone) To Play: Lay out the different pumpkin faces on the floor and point them out to the kids. When the music plays, kids must walk around the room. When the music stops, kids have to run to a pumpkin on the floor, put 1 foot on the pumpkin, and “pose” or make a face like the face on the pumpkin. Play again as time allows, reminding kids that God loves them no matter what they are feeling. Option: Remove 1 pumpkin each round until there is only the happy pumpkin left. Download the game here! This game is one of the games included in our Pumpkin Patch Preschool Series, a...
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Don’t Ask For Volunteers, Invite Them

"I have more volunteers than I know what to do with." - Said no kidmin leader ever. Volunteers can be hard to come by, and it requires constant and consistent recruitment to add to your team. As you navigate what it looks like to build a team for your ministry, consider a subtle but intentional shift in the language you use: Rather than asking for volunteers to serve in your ministry, invite them into the story of what God is doing in your ministry. Think about the difference between an ask vs an invitation. An ask implies they're doing you a favor, while an invitation is something they want to be part of. An ask can be ambiguous with no definitive boundaries while an invitation provides clear details and descriptions. An ask communicates that you just need help - anybody's help, while an invitation shows a clear, specific place for that...
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Volunteer Job Description Template

An effective job description should give your volunteer all the expectations of the position and allow them to decide if they can do it or not. This free job description template will help you create a top-notch volunteer description for any and every member of your team. Download the Volunteer Job Description Template Here! Want some of the work done for you? Check out our full Volunteer Job Description Template resource, which includes an editable version of this template, sample job descriptions for 12+ roles on your volunteer team, and explicit instructions and vision for creating rock-solid volunteer job descriptions. Download the full resource...
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