Categories: Blog

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...
written by
Filed Under Blog, Free Weekly Downloads

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...
written by
Filed Under Blog, For Parents, Leadership

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...
written by
Filed Under Blog, Free Weekly Downloads

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...
written by
Filed Under Blog, Leadership

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...
written by
Filed Under Blog, Free Weekly Downloads

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...
written by
Filed Under Blog, Leadership, Volunteers

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...
written by
Filed Under Blog, For Parents, Free Weekly Downloads

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"...
written by
Filed Under Blog, For Parents, Leadership

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...
written by
Filed Under Blog, For Parents, Free Weekly Downloads

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...
written by
Filed Under Blog, Leadership

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...
written by
Filed Under Blog, Free Weekly Downloads

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...
written by
Filed Under Blog, Free Weekly Downloads

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!) ...
written by
Filed Under Blog, Leadership, Volunteers

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...
written by
Filed Under Blog, Free Weekly Downloads, Volunteers

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...
written by
Filed Under Blog, Leadership

2020 Word of the Year Printable

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Do you choose a word of the year for yourself or your ministry? A common theme in the way you want to see God work, or a reminder for yourself? Keep your word of the year front and center with this week's download! Print the download below, then write in your word for 2020. Hang the printable somewhere in your office or home where you'll see it every day. If you have a word of the year for your ministry, you could even make copies of your word for your entire volunteer team to join you in prayer around that word![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download Word of the Year Printable Here! " align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2019%2F12%2FDKM-2020-Word-of-the-Year.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text]After some prayer and consideration, my word for both my personal...
written by
Filed Under Blog, Leadership, Volunteers

KidMin Reading List for the New Year

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]I'm an avid reader, and reading is one of my favorite ways to learn about ministry and leadership! Now that I've completed my seminary degree (woop woop!) I've got even more time to read books of my own choosing, so here are the kidmin/leadership books (in no particular order) I'm hoping to read in 2020, with one book for each month! What's on your reading list for this year?[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="21689" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" link="https://amzn.to/2Pxp2ra"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text] Sustainable Children's Ministry: From Last-Minute Scrambling to Long-Term Solutions - Burnout is such a problem in ministry, and especially in children's ministry. I'm hoping this...
written by
Filed Under Blog, Book Shelf, Leadership

Twinkle, Twinkle Christmas Lights: Printable Christmas Song for Families

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Put a Christmas twist on a classic children’s song and sing the lyrics below to the tune of “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.” This is the perfect, last-minute addition to your Christmas festivities, or use the printable below to send it home with families on Christmas Eve to sing together under the lights of the Christmas tree and talk about the birth of the light of the world.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download Shareable Version Here! " align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2019%2F12%2FDeeper-KidMin-Twinkle-Twinkle-Christmas-Lights-Light-of-Christmas-Freebie.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text] Twinkle, twinkle, Christmas lights, How I love when you shine bright! In the sky or on the tree, Every color I can see. Twinkle, twinkle Christmas lights, How...
written by
Filed Under Blog, For Parents, Free Weekly Downloads

Giveaway: Breakfast with Jesus 100 Devotions for Kids

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]'Tis the season of giving, so we're having another giveaway! Breakfast with Jesus: 100 Devotions for Kids About the Life of Jesus is a brand new, just-released kids devotional from Vanessa Myers that encourages kids to start their day with Jesus. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and now breakfast can provide physical AND spiritual nourishment with this devotional! Each devotion comes from one of the four Gospels, and they encourage kids to put themselves in the disciples' shoes, ready to learn from Jesus' teachings. The devotions are short enough to complete over breakfast, and practical enough to keep kids (and parents) engaged and thinking about them throughout the day.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image="21496" img_size="full" alignment="center"][vc_column_text]Each day’s reading...
written by
Filed Under Blog, Book Shelf, For Parents

Christmas Carols 4 Corners: Large Group Christmas Game for Kids

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]I don’t know about you, but the kids in my ministry love playing 4 corners! Now you can play a Christmas version of 4 Corners with this large-group game that gets kids moving and singing in the Christmas spirit![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download a printable version of the game here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2019%2F11%2FChristmas-Carols-4-Corners-Large-Group-Game.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text]Prep: In each corner of the room, tape up a piece of paper, one color per corner: blue, red, green, and white (or yellow). Supplies: Christmas songs you can start/stop easily (on a CD player or through your sound system), a sheet of blue paper, a sheet of red paper, a sheet of green paper, and sheet of white (or yellow) paper, tape Play: Play...
written by
Filed Under Blog, Free Weekly Downloads, Leadership

Last Christmas 2019

[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 too!)[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="7171" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" link="https://deeperkidmin.com/2-christmas-volunteer-appreciation-ideas/"][vc_custom_heading text="2 Christmas Volunteer Appreciation Ideas" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:center" use_theme_fonts="yes"...
written by
Filed Under Blog, Free Weekly Downloads, Leadership, Volunteers

Tinsel Talk: Christmas Family Conversation Cards

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Provide a copy of these 16 Tinsel Talk question cards for every family in your ministry to stir up intentional Christmas discussions. Or use in your ministry as part of a small group activity![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download Tinsel Talk Cards here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F11%2FDKM-Tinsel-Talk-Christmas-Family-Convo-Cards-UPDATED.pdf|target:_blank"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="19348" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" link="https://deeperkidmin.com/product/sense-of-christmas-family-devotions-tinsel-talk-cards/"][vc_single_image image="19346" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank"...
written by
Filed Under Blog, For Parents, Free Weekly Downloads

Christmas Resource Review & Giveaway: Confusing Christmas Activity Book for Kids!

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]This week, I'm teaming up with the authors over at Kid-tivity Books to offer our followers a giveaway! Kid-tivity Books provides beautifully designed resources to help kids and families engage with Biblical truths, and this week, we're giving away a free copy of their most popular Christmas resource, Confusing Christmas, to one lucky winner! It's the perfect gift for families at Christmas! Order a single physical copy here, or download the digital version to print unlimited copies for your families here![/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image="20978" img_size="full" alignment="center"][vc_column_text]I got my hands on a digital copy of Confusing Christmas, and this 30-page activity book teaches kids the Christmas story through interactive activities, a unique family story, and coloring pages! In this book...
written by
Filed Under Blog, Book Shelf, For Parents, Leadership

Have a Cup of Cheer Christmas Volunteer Appreciation Printable

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""]Thank your volunteers for serving in your ministry and invite them to "have a cup of cheer"  this Christmas season with this free printable![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Christmas Volunteer Appreciation Printable here!" align="center" css="" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F11%2FDKM-Have-a-Cup-of-Cheer-Freebie-Updated-2025.pdf|target:_blank"][vc_column_text] Use the version with a pre-printed note at the bottom, or use the blank version to write in your own Christmas message of appreciation. Use page 2 and 3 to put together goodie bags with hot chocolate packs, instant coffee packs, tea bags, candy canes, and more for your team. You could even include a mug with your ministry logo! Use pages 3 and 4 as cards to attach to Starbucks gift cards. Print...
written by
Filed Under Blog, Free Weekly Downloads, Leadership, Volunteers

Child of God

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]My favorite part of any conference is singing worship. I love being in a room with other children's ministry leaders, singing praise to the God we serve and introduce kids to. This time is so sweet because worship is often something that children's ministry leaders don't get to do very often. We're with the kids during Sunday morning worship, and even if it's a family service, we probably have responsibilities to think about. We may lead worship in the kids area, but we rarely have the opportunity to focus completely on the words and object of our worship. At the last conference I attended, the song below was an impactful one during one of our times of worship. We so often point children to God that we sometimes forget we are children of God ourselves. I'm praying you take time today to reflect and remember...
written by
Filed Under Blog, Leadership
Copyright © 2017-2024 Deeper KidMin | chriscorbett.design | Privacy Policy | Terms of Services

Select Wishlist