Categories: Blog

Volunteer Training Icebreaker Activity

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Use this activity to open up your volunteer training, help your team get to know each other, and encourage them to start thinking about the importance of their volunteer roles. It's also a great lead-in to sharing about your ministry's vision and goals![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Click Here to Download a Printable version of the activity! " align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F01%2FDKM-Volunteer-Training-Icebreaker-Activity.pdf|target:_blank"][vc_column_text] Supplies: index cards, pens, Instructions: Pass out an index card and a pen to everyone. If you have a large group, you can split them into groups of 5-10. Tell them to number their cards and write their answers to the following questions, but they shouldn’t write their name on their...
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Filed Under Blog, Free Weekly Downloads, Leadership, Volunteers

Mid-Year Volunteer Training

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]As we continue on into a new semester, have you checked in with your volunteers lately? I know you may be thinking, "Lol what volunteers?" but no matter how big or small your team is, now is a great time to check in with them to share updates, cast vision for the year, and equip them in their serving roles. One January, I had the opportunity to speak at a local church's mid-year children's ministry volunteer training, and the leader, Caroline, did such a great job, I wanted to share about the event! If you're looking to host a mid-year volunteer training, keep some of these ideas in mind. (And find even more volunteer ideas and resources here!) Show Appreciation - As soon as volunteers walked through the doors, they were greeted with a spread of some yummy snacks and a small volunteer gift. Showing...
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Filed Under Blog, Leadership, Volunteers

What are you celebrating?

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]So often we jump into our goal-setting for the year ahead that we don't take the time to celebrate and remember what God has done in the year before. But celebration is a key part of discipleship, growth, and our relationship with God. In Celebration of Discipline, Richard Foster describes celebration, or a spirit of joy, as a spiritual discipline that produces energy, momentum, and strength within an individual and a body of believers. It is the foundation for all other disciplines, as without celebration, practicing the other disciplines becomes dull and legalistic. Celebration brings freedom from “taking ourselves too seriously” (p. 196), alleviates sadness, and gives us a fresh perspective on life. Ultimately, celebration provides the basis for successful spiritual growth and acts as a springboard for...
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Filed Under Blog, Leadership

VIP Meeting Planning Guide

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]What if you invested several hours per month/semester in a meeting with yourself that would end up giving you more focus and less stress overall? Use this week's free download to give it a try! Download the full planning guide and questions here! A VIP Meeting is a once-a-month meeting with yourself that gives you space to be still, dream, plan, and brainstorm. It's a vital check-in for your goals and helps you stay on track with the most important things in your life and your ministry. (This is just one of the many tools and resources I learned about as part of a Leadership Circle with Joy Canupp, and it's been so valuable!) So go ahead and schedule your first VIP meeting, and let me know how it goes! Here's a quick overview of what happens at your VIP meeting, and download the full planning...
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Filed Under Blog, Free Weekly Downloads, Leadership

The 1 Thing That Will Help You Stick With Your Goals

Welcome to the new year! January and the start of a new calendar year is always a time for reflection, dreaming, goal-setting, and looking ahead to what God has in store. Unfortunately, two-thirds of people will abandon their goals and resolutions by the end of the month. But that doesn't have to be you! If there's 1 thing that will help you stick to your goals, it's this: accountability. But not just accountability from your boss, spouse, or even a friend. What if you could have intentional accountability with a group of like-minded leaders in a setting that fostered encouragement, laughter, growth, and deep relationships?  Enter: Leadership Circles with Joy Canupp. I've been part of a Leadership Circle with Joy in the past, and it's not only a space for encouragement but also for practical steps that help me move forward in whatever goals...
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Filed Under Blog, Leadership

Brand New Bible Games! (And a giveaway!)

I don't know about you, but we love board games at our house! I'm always on the lookout for fun and new games, and when I heard about Bible Games Central's latest games, the biblical themes and focus were a major bonus! Here are 3 new games from Bible Games Central we are loving: Bible Match It Link It - This game is like the Bible version of Spot It, which has been my niece's favorite game to play since she was little. Bible Match It Link It is a fast-paced game played with 57 unique octagonal tiles. Each tile has eight images, one on each edge of the octagon. On any 2 Bible Match It Link It tiles, there is always 1 (and only 1) matching image. I can't wait to try out this Bible version with her this holiday season! I can already imagine the conversations it will spark as we explore the 4 different ways to play and read through the accompanying...
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Filed Under Blog, For Parents, Leadership

5 Ways To Make Your Christmas Eve Service Memorable

Christmas Eve services can sometimes feel like the Super Bowl of ministry life. But how can we make them memorable while also staying true to our budgets, church traditions, and the real reason for the season? Here are 5 ways to make your Christmas Eve Service Memorable for families:  Keep kids in mind. Many families choose to worship together on Christmas Eve, so whether your Christmas Eve service is promoted as a family service or not, keep kids in mind. That means consider shortening the service (honestly, Christmas Eve services don't need to be longer than about an hour anyway), invite kids into the storytelling action, and incorporate elements in your service that allow for intergenerational engagement. Using something like our Interactive Nativity Kits, Instant Christmas Pageant, or Noisy Christmas resources, you can invite the...
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Amazing Volunteer Christmas Appreciation Printable Freebie

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Tell your volunteers how AMAZING they are this Christmas with this simple printable! Just print, cut, and use Glue Dots to add an Amazon Gift Card.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Christmas Volunteer Appreciation Printable Here!" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F11%2FDKM-Amazing-Volunteer-Gift-Card-Freebie-Printable.pdf|target:_blank"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="69294" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" link="https://deeperkidmin.com/product/amazing-volunteer-christmas-appreciation-printables/"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text]Want even more options including different sayings and a folding card option? Check out our full Amazing Volunteer Christmas...
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Filed Under Blog, Free Weekly Downloads, Leadership

Christmas Family Checklist

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Give the families in your ministry an easy way to enjoy the holidays together, make memories, and celebrate Christ.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Christmas Family Checklist Here! " align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2019%2F11%2FDKM-Christmas-Family-Checklist-Freebie-for-Christmas-2020.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text]Print the checklist page on cardstock and distribute to the families in your ministry. How many of the Christmas activities can they complete before Christmas Day? Option: Invite families to complete as many activities they can, then return the checklist to you for a special prize![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="17342" img_size="full" alignment="center"...
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Filed Under Blog, For Parents, Free Weekly Downloads

Last Christmas 2021

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Last Christmas, we shared these ideas & freebies, but some of you weren't here. This year, to save you some time, I'm bringing them back in case you missed them. Ok, so maybe those aren't the lyrics, but it's true! (And you already have my heart anyway, kidmin leader.) Here are our top resources from Last Christmas (and Last Last Christmas and  Last Last Last Christmas and Last Last Last Last Christmas too!)[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="44994" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" link="https://deeperkidmin.com/christmas-nativity-jigsaw-printable/"][vc_custom_heading text="Christmas Nativity Jigsaw Printable" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:center" use_theme_fonts="yes"...
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Filed Under Blog, For Parents, Leadership

Advent Coloring Pages

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]These coloring pages are perfect for the Advent season! With a coloring page and scripture for each weekly theme of Advent + Christmas Day, it's the perfect add-on resource to use in your ministry this Advent season. Just print, share, and use as time-fillers, early arrivers, as part of Advent Praise Packs, or more![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Advent Coloring Pages Here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F11%2FDKM-Advent-Coloring-Pages-Freebie.pdf|target:_blank"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="64066" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" link="https://deeperkidmin.com/product/family-advent-devotions/"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text]These...
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Filed Under Blog, Free Weekly Downloads

Twas the Season of Advent Devotional Giveaway!

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]As someone whose only experience with Advent growing up was putting another velcro plushie ornament on our cloth Advent tree wall hanging, I've been trying to learn more and be more intentional with the season of Advent as an adult. And now that I have a daughter of my own, I want to share what I'm learning with her! That's why I'm super excited about author Glenys Nellist's new book: Twas the Season of Advent: Devotions and Stories for the Christmas season. And what's even more exciting is Glenys and ZonderKids have agreed to host a giveaway for our Deeper KidMin followers this week! Twas the Season of Advent shares stories from the Old and New Testaments that highlight the promise of Jesus' birth. Beginning December 1, there are 25 total readings leading up to Christmas Day on December 25. Each reading...
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Filed Under Blog, Book Shelf, For Parents, Leadership

Christmas Catalog 2021

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]It's time to Deck the Halls and have a cup of cheer! We hope these Christmas ideas/resources help make your season merry and bright! Want a more visual rundown of our best Christmas resources for 2021? Check out our DKM 2021 Christmas Catalog![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the DKM 2021 Christmas Catalog here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F11%2FDKM-Christmas-Catalog-2021.pdf|target:_blank"][vc_toggle title="Brand New for 2021"]Sing to the Lord 4-Week Christmas Series - The Sing to the Lord series is aimed at children ages 5-11 years to help them learn what it means to worship, give to and praise the Lord this Christmas. This teaching series includes lots of different elements to help make your lesson Biblical, fun, interactive, relational,...
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Gratitude Alphabet Freebie

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Help kids develop an attitude of gratitude this November! Using this simple printable, kids write down one thing they're thankful for that starts with each letter of the alphabet. Encouraging kids to be aware of what they're thankful for can help develop an attitude of gratitude and lead to a spirit of generosity.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Gratitude Alphabet Freebie here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F10%2FDKM-Gratitude-Alphabet-Freebie.pdf|target:_blank"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="45367" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" link="https://deeperkidmin.com/product/thanksgiving-activity-bundle/"][/vc_column][vc_column...
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Filed Under Blog, Free Weekly Downloads

From Gratitude to Generosity

November in the U.S. means Thanksgiving will soon be upon us. It will be a month focused on gratitude and thankfulness, and we've even shared 4 ways to help kids develop an attitude of gratitude in the past. But if our focus ends at gratitude, we do our kids and families a disservice. Thanksgiving is not just about gratitude; it's about how our gratitude leads to generosity. Take a look at the name itself. Sure, Thanksgiving is all about "giving thanks," but I think we can also identify the themes of gratitude (thanks-) and generosity (-giving) in the title. Gratitude and generosity coexist as two sides of the same coin, and we can't cultivate one without the other. Gratitude stems from a place of contentment and causes an abundance mindset in life. If life is abundance and not scarcity, then I can afford to be generous with others....
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Filed Under Blog, For Parents, Leadership

Creating Rhythms of Rest

Experiencing peace requires that we slow down enough to notice the presence of the Lord. But as ministry leaders, we’re too often running around doing things for Jesus that we forget to spend time with Jesus (guilty!). In a breakout session I taught at MegaCon 2021 last week, we acknowledged the importance of creating rhythms of rest in our lives and ministries, then explored different types of rest that can help prevent ministry burnout. It was a practical time of planning and implementing a strategy for avoiding burnout through intentional Sabbath.  One of the biggest takeaways? Rest doesn’t always mean physical rest (though it can), so we discussed a variety of options for what rest may look like and talked about how resting isn’t always passive. We also dove into what a rhythm of rest may look like daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly....
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I Wonder – New Illustrated Bible Giveaway!

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]I'm a big fan of Christian author, Glenys Nellist (one of my daughter's favorite books is Good News! God Made Me), so when I heard she was releasing a brand new, illustrated children's Bible, I was PUMPED! And what's even better is Glenys and ZonderKids have agreed to host a giveaway for our Deeper KidMin followers this week! I Wonder: Exploring God's Grand Story takes 16 stories from the Old Testament and 14 stories from the New Testament, sharing them in a storytelling narrative alongside beautiful illustrations. But most children's Bibles do that, right? So what makes I Wonder any different? With each story, Glenys has included 3 "I wonder..." questions that encourage kids to explore God's character, think intentionally about the story, and imagine how they fit into God's big story themselves. For...
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Filed Under Blog, Book Shelf, For Parents, Leadership

Pumpkin PlayDoh Recipe

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Share this recipe and link with the families in your ministry to invite them to make pumpkin playdoh this fall! Then as kids play, encourage them to say things they are thankful for or spend time praying to God.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download a Printable Version of the Recipe here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F09%2FDKM-Pumpkin-Playdoh-Recipe-Freebie.pdf|target:_blank"][vc_column_text] Supplies Needed: 1 ½ cups flour ¾ cup salt 1 ½ tsp cream of tartar 1 Tbsp pumpkin pie spice 1 ½ cups water 1 Tbsp oil Red food coloring - 5 drops Yellow food coloring - 5 drops Instructions: This recipe can be found here on the Natural Beach Living website. On this website, you can find the instructions for exactly how to make...
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Filed Under Blog, For Parents, Free Weekly Downloads

DIY Trunk-or-Treat Trophies

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Do you host an annual Trunk-or-Treat at your church? Here's a fun and easy way to make trophies for the winners! (And if you're looking to shake things up and try a new event, here are 5 unique fall family events!)[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download printable instructions here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F08%2FDIY-Trunk-or-Treat-Trophies-DKM.pdf|target:_blank"][vc_column_text]Supplies needed: Wooden Plaques Gold, Silver, and Bronze Spray Paint Paint Pen or Scrapbook Letter stickers/ ModPodge Large Hot Wheels Cars (approximately 5 inches in length) Super Glue E6000 Glue Instructions: Super glue the wheels of your hot wheels cars to the car itself so they do not roll. Super glue the doors of the hot wheels car shut. ...
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Filed Under Blog, Free Weekly Downloads, Leadership

5 Unique Fall Family Events

Fall is a great season to reconnect with families! Whether you're connecting with families in-person, digitally, or at a distance, here are some of our favorite and most creative fall family events: Reverse Trick or Treating - Every kid is familiar with trick-or-treating. You dress up, walk to a neighbor’s house, ring the doorbell, say “Trick or Treat!” and you get free candy! But what if you could REVERSE this fall activity and utilize it as a community outreach and family service project? In this Fall outreach event, instead of going door-to-door asking for candy, families go door-to-door to hand out candy and collect donations for a local charity! Read more about how this works here and download a full guide to host your own Reverse Trick or Treating Event here. Glow Night - Whether your church recognizes Halloween or not, your...
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Fall Family Bucket List Freebie

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]How many of these fall activities can your families complete this fall season? Share the following page with the families in your ministry by handing it out at your Fall Fest, on a Sunday morning, or as part of a fall gift! Encourage families to complete as many of the tasks as they can, sharing pictures on social media and tagging your ministry or using a specific hashtag. Watch and enjoy as families spend intentional time with each other and in God's Word this fall![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Fall Family Bucket List Here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F08%2FDKM-Fall-Family-Bucket-List-Freebie.pdf|target:_blank"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="63667" img_size="full" alignment="center"...
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Jump into Fall: Fall Resources for your KidMin

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Are you ready to jump into the fall season in your ministry? Here are our favorite resources for making the fall season unbe-leaf-able for the families you serve![/vc_column_text][vc_toggle title="New for 2021"]Click on each image below to learn more about that resource. [/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title="Fall Events"]Click on each image below to learn more about that resource. [/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title="Family Resources for Fall"]Click on each image below to learn more about that resource. [/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title="Fall Fun"]Click on each image below to learn more about that resource. [/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title="Thanksgiving Resources (For Those Really Planning Ahead!)"]Click on each image below to...
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4 Things Disney Prioritizes that KidMin Leaders Should Too

My family and I recently spent a week at the beach and decided to make a 1-day trip to Disney World while we were there. So we packed up all the snacks and diapers and spent a day at Magic Kingdom with our 1.5-year-old. It was a blast! While we were riding Dumbo, waving to Winnie the Pooh, and eating Dole whip, I noticed a few of Disney's priorities that are good reminders for children's ministry leaders too:  Prioritize kids. This one seems obvious, but it's a good reminder. Disney World prioritizes kids, especially in kid-specific areas of the parks and around kid-specific rides. There are designated stroller parking zones throughout the park to make it easy for families to leave their belongings in a safe place while riding. These stroller parking zones take up space and may be inconvenient to maintain, but they enhance the guest experience...
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September Holidays For Fun Social Media Posts

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Use this list to make fun and engaging posts for your children's ministry social media accounts in September! Remember, you want your social media to be more than just a bulletin board. Ask questions relating to some of the holidays: For National Wildlife Day, ask your families what wild animal they would be! Encourage them to tag a friend: For Grandparents' Day, encourage them to tag the grandparents in their lives in an encouraging post![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download a printable version of the September Holidays Here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F08%2FDKM-September-Holidays-List-Freebie.pdf|target:_blank"][vc_column_text] September 2021 Holidays: 4 - National Wildlife Day 6 - National Read a Book Day 6 - Labor Day 11 -...
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The Biggest Social Media Mistake KidMin Leaders Make

There's one mistake I often see ministry leaders make when it comes to their ministry social media accounts: They use social media as a digital bulletin board. If your social media accounts are just posts of reminders or upcoming events, you are missing out on a great opportunity to connect with your people. Instead of using your social media as an announcement monologue, change your posting approach to foster conversation and engagement instead. Use the 80/20 rule - let 80% of what you post be about your people, not you, so about things that serve, inspire, engage, encourage, or equip your parents and families, rather than asking them to attend something or go somewhere. Then 20% of your posts can be service times, event invites, and other reminders. One way to help with this ratio is to remember 6 social media content buckets: ...
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