Children’s ministry can be full of routines, and while routines are good (and kids thrive on consistency), doing the same thing week after week can lead to burnout for leaders and boredom for kids. That’s why it’s so important to shake things up every now and then!
Trying something new in your KidMin not only keeps things fresh and engaging for the kids but also reignites your own creativity and passion. A small change can make a big difference in your ministry’s energy and effectiveness. If you’re looking for ways to add a little spark to your KidMin this year, here are 8 ways to shake things up!
- Change your schedule. If your ministry time always follows the same order (welcome, worship, teaching, small groups), try mixing it up. Maybe start with small groups instead of ending with them. Or move worship to the middle. Changing the flow can help kids engage in a fresh way and keep things exciting! Shake up your worship time by adding something new, like motions to songs, worship stations, or a time for kids to share prayer requests before worship.
- Mix up your small group format – If you typically group kids by age, try mixing it up with family groups, boys vs. girls, or pairing older kids with younger ones. Maybe you even switch from small groups to a station rotation format. These changes can foster new connections and fresh discussions. Just remember to communicate with your volunteers!
- If you usually teach, invite someone else to teach. Handing over the microphone to someone else can bring a fresh perspective. Invite a volunteer, parent, or even a special guest from your church staff to teach one week a month. Kids benefit from hearing different voices, and you get a chance to step back and observe. Plus, you give someone on your team an opportunity to use the gifts God has given them!
- Host special themed Sundays – Plan a special theme for one Sunday (like Pajama Day, Superhero Sunday, or Crazy Hair Day) – these can be random or around a certain holiday. We always did a PJ Sunday the first Sunday of the new year, and our kids love the Valentine-themed Prayer Stations lesson we do each year. Or introduce a new unit with a special themed Sunday that highlights the series theme and main ideas while changing up your typical morning! We’ve hosted Smarty Pants Sunday to introduce a series on wisdom, Sundae Sunday for a fun summer treat, a lesson focused on our ministry rules, a special back-to-school lesson, Not So Spooky Sunday to kick off the fall, and more!
- Rearrange your room or mix up the seating. Sometimes, a simple shift in the physical environment can change the way kids interact. Rearrange your chairs, try sitting on the floor, or create new small group spaces. Even moving the stage to a different corner can make the room feel brand-new.
- Change the decor in your environment. Adding a fresh coat of paint, new posters, or even simple seasonal decorations can make your ministry space feel exciting and fun. Ask your team or some creative volunteers to help transform your room into an engaging space kids will love walking into each week.
- Incorporate technology in new ways. After writing a whole book about digital discipleship in children’s ministry, you know this had to make it on the list. Try out a new video series, use an interactive Bible app, or incorporate fun tech tools like QR codes for scavenger hunts or virtual Bible games. Today’s kids love tech, and this can be a fun way to engage them!
- Take things outside. If the weather allows, consider hosting a lesson or activity outside. Outdoor spaces are naturally engaging, and kids love the change of scenery. Whether it’s a game, worship time, or even the whole service, being outside creates memorable experiences. We like to do this in the summertime!
Trying something new doesn’t have to be overwhelming, expensive, or even permanent. Try something new for one Sunday, a specific season, or for one series. Start small, re-evaluate, and build from there. Remember, your ultimate goal is to create an environment where kids can connect with God in meaningful ways—and sometimes that means shaking things up! Let’s keep ministry exciting, engaging, and full of life—just like the God we serve.
Which of these ideas are you going to try first? Or do you have another way you’ve kept things fresh in your KidMin?
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