Family Easter Event: Walk in the Light

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]I've been getting a lot of questions about the Walk in the Light Family Easter Event, so I decided I'd give you a closer look at how our event went and answer some of the most common questions. A couple years ago, I was tired of hosting ANOTHER egg hunt for Easter. Even though our Glow in the Dark Egg Hunt events were pretty awesome, I was ready for something new. Plus, I got word that our local community was hosting a lantern parade on the same night as our scheduled Easter event. So after some prayer and talking with my Parent Council, we decided if you can't beat 'em, join 'em, and Walk in the Light was created! We invited families to join us for 2 hours on a Saturday morning for worship, a short lesson, and a time of lantern-decorating. We tied the lesson into 1 John 1:5-7 and talked about how we could...

Walk in the Light Game

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Use this on-stage or small group game for any lesson/event with light as a central theme! It's perfect for your Glow in the Dark Easter Egg Hunt, and I used it in my Walk in the Light Easter Event.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download Printable Version Here" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F09%2FDKM-Walk-in-the-Light-Game-Freebie.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text]Supplies: flashlight (not a phone flashlight – one with a defined beam) Play: To play, shine a flashlight on the floor in front of the kids, moving it around at random. Kids must try to step on the light while you move it. If playing as a small group, continue to the next step. If playing as a large group, select 4 children from the group to join you. If you’re on a stage,...

The Great Shout Off Game

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Kids love to make noise. So why not tap into that loudness and use it to help kids learn the memory verse, the main point, or a simple truth about God? Use this week's download to play a fun and easy game with kids that will have them SHOUTING what they're learning![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download Printable Version of the Great Shout Off Game Now!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F09%2FDKM-The-Great-Shout-Off.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text]Use this easy game with any memory verse or main point you want kids to learn! Prep: Before class decide on some different voices or characters that children will have to imitate (see the free download for a list of ideas). Print or write out the voices or characters you decide on onto smaller pieces...

10 Psalms Every Kid Should Know

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The Psalms are often overlooked in children's ministry since they don't provide the typical story-style teaching. But the book of Psalms is still an important book for kids to know about, especially as they learn to deal with their emotions and discover the character of God. Here are 10 Psalms I think every kid should know. What are some of your favorites? Psalm 1 - This one reminds kids what it looks like to walk with God. Psalm 19 - A great passage for reminding kids how God's Word leads to refreshment, enlightenment, and life, and how God is worthy of our praise. Psalm 19:14 is a great one for kids to memorize! Psalm 23 - Isn't this pretty much everyone's favorite Psalm? The shepherd analogy helps kids understand God as their protector, and this Psalm can be a source of comfort when kids are...

Lean In Giveaway Results & Your KidMin Goals

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]In the latest giveaway for this book from KidMin Nation, I asked you to tell me about one of your goals for the year and how you plan to accomplish it. And boy do you have some big goals! I love seeing how you’re thinking big and starting small with your plans for the year ahead.  Congratulations to Kristina in Washington State for winning a free copy of the book! Kristina said her goal for the year was all about volunteer management: I want to learn how to train and empower my volunteer team. I really struggle with this area in the past. Working toward this goal by strategically planning our bi-annual trainings (the purpose, what we will cover, how to appreciate them). What do I teach them? And how/what do I teach them depending on the age they teach. I'd like to find ways each month to do this rather...

Heart Sort Game

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Use this heart sort cut-out game as an extra activity for your Valentine event! [/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Heart Sort Cut-Out Game Now! " align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F09%2FDKM-Heart-Sort-Cut-Out-Game.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text] Objective: Groups compete against each other to sort the hearts by size and color. Prep: Print and cut out one set of Heart Cut-Outs for each team (pages 2-8) or use page 9 to print on different colored paper. Play: Give each team/small group their own set of mixed up heart cut-outs. One at a time, call out the following categories, and the team who sorts their hearts in that order first wins! Sort by color (same colors together) Sort by size (same sizes together) Sort smallest to...

Lean In Book Review and Giveaway

[vc_row 0=""][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="8992" img_size="medium" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" link="https://amzn.to/2CSaJ99"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text 0=""] Lean In: Leverage Your Influence for Ministry Impact By KidMin Nation (Editor: Tina Houser) My rating: 5/5 stars - It was amazing!     Read: December 2018[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row 0=""][vc_column 0=""][vc_column_text 0=""]This book is for you if... you are a leader, you want to grow as a leader, you don't feel like a leader but want to My thoughts: Third time's a charm! I'm so excited to have had another chance to be included for publication in a KidMin Nation book. While the first book was all about connecting with parents (see more details here) and the second book was all about connecting...

Corral the Sheep Bible Skills Game

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Use this fun game to help teach Bible skills to kids. Can be used with any set of Books of the Bible cards or check out the Bible Skills Sheep download for printable Books of the Bible Sheep (plus more game ideas!).[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download a Printable Version of the Bible Skills Game Here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F09%2FDKM-Corral-the-Sheep-Bible-Skills-Game-Freebie.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text]Prep: Write a book of the Bible on different index cards or individual sheep shapes. Use a different color index card/sheep shape color per team. Play: Divide your kids into teams. Place all cards/sheep in a pile on stage, in a basket, or in a hula hoop. Have each team send one member at a time to retrieve a card/sheep of their...

Resource Review – The Greatest Story Ever Told: The Bible Album

I love finding new ways to draw kids into the overarching story of the Bible and helping them connect the storyline throughout the Scriptures. Which is why I'm IN LOVE with this new album from High Point Church. There are 66 books of the Bible, and The Greatest Story Ever Told: The Bible helps kids see how all of those books connect through 12 catchy songs. It was created by a children's pastor with a passion for helping kids enjoy the Bible. My favorite song? #6: Rise of the Kingship (Forever Be) - First of all, it's a beautiful melody. But then you get to the lyrics and that's where it got me. Even though it talks about Saul and David and the rise of the Kingship in Israel (hence the title), it emphasizes how these kings point to a future King... "But it's not about David, you see. David pointed to a much greater king... God will put a...

10 Commandments Hopscotch Printable

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Use this 10 Commandments hopscotch printable from the Love God, Love People lesson to give kids a kinesthetic way to learn the 10 Commandments! This activity is actually one of several prayer stations kids can visit after the main lesson. (Psst - read more about Prayer Stations here.)[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Printable Now!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F09%2FDKM-10-Commandments-Hopscotch.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text]Supplies: Colored paper & printer Laminator Packing tape Prep & Play: Choose either the numbers alone or the numbers with the 10 Commandments. Print the chosen pages on colored paper. Laminate the pages for durability. Use packing tape to connect the laminated papers in a hopscotch...

Learn the 10 Commandments with Your Fingers

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Help kids learn (and remember) the 10 Commandments using only their fingers! This quick and easy guide is included in the Love God, Love People lesson and is easy to teach. (Scroll down to the bottom for a full video tutorial!) Combine this tutorial with a fun game like 10 Commandments hopscotch, and you're set! 1 – (hold up 1 index finger) Number 1 is You shall have only one God. 2 – (hold up your index and middle finger, putting one behind the other) Number 2 is you will not make or worship idols, or you shall have no other Gods before me. This means God should be the most important thing in your life! 3 – (hold up your index, middle, and ring fingers, pointing out how they make the letter “w”) The third commandment Is do not take the Lord’s name in vain, and the three can remind us to...

Getting Away to Pray, Plan, and Dream

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]This past weekend, I had the opportunity to attend a "work retreat" with Joy Canupp, a women's Christian leadership coach/speaker and the creator behind Simply Joy. It was AWESOME. The point of the weekend was for creators, writers, business leaders, etc. to come together for a time of productivity and shared learning. We stayed in Joy's vacation home in the mountains of NC, and the 100+-year-old house had so much character and so much space to spread out and work. (The electric heated blanket on my bed and the hot tea selection also made my stay super cozy). Throughout the Thursday-lunch to Saturday-lunch event, there were over 14 hours of individual, uninterrupted work time scheduled, and it was glorious. I was able to pray, plan, dream, and write for the year ahead, jotting down ideas and checking...

Roll A Snowman Dice Game

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Use this week's free download to play a fun, wintery dice game with kids![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download Roll a Snowman Now!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F09%2FDKM-Roll-A-Snowman-Printable-Let-It-Snow.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text]Supplies: Roll-A-Snowman Printable, dice, pencils Play: Print off at least one Roll-A-Snowman Printable per child (make sure to select "fit to page" in your printer settings!). Playing in pairs or small groups, children take turns rolling the die and adding the appropriate feature to their snowman (eyes, hat, arms, etc.). If you roll a number you already have, the turn moves on to the next player. The first person to complete their snowman wins![/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image="8821" img_size="full"...

8 Indoor Winter Activities for Kids

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]With the cold weather keeping everyone inside, here are 8 easy indoor, winter-themed activities kids will love! Snowball Toss Supplies: buckets or hula hoops, several pieces of white paper (balled up) Details: Set up the buckets or hula hoops a short distance away from where the children will throw. Children will toss the snowballs (balled up paper) and try to land them in the buckets/hula hoops. Children can compete against each other or against themselves by seeing how far away they can stand and still make it.     Marshmallow Painting Supplies: marshmallows, light blue construction paper, white paint, bowls for paint, baby wipes, crayons/markers Details: Give each child a piece of light blue construction paper and a marshmallow. Show them how to dip the marshmallow in the...

The Empty Cup: Object Lesson on Fasting For Kids

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]As we head into the new year with resolutions and Lent coming up, use this free object lesson to help kids understand that fasting is something people do that helps them give up so God can fill us up.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download printable version of the Empty Cup Object Lesson here! " align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F09%2FDKM-Empty-Cup-Object-Lesson.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text]Set out an empty cup, a bowl, some sand, and a pitcher of water. Each time you talk about something that fills our lives, pour a little sand in the cup. Say: This cup represents us. We fill our lives with things. We might fill our lives with friends or sports. (pour some sand into the cup) We might fill our lives with toys or clothes, music, our...

Top Nine 2018

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]There's a handy little app that consolidates your top 9 Instagram posts from the year into one easy post, so as we head into 2019, I wanted to take a minute and celebrate the moments and posts you enjoyed most! (And you can create your own Top Nine image here.)[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text]May 1 - Shared a review of this book on the blog today. If you have children or serve children, this is a great read! Read the full review here.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="8604" img_size="full" alignment="center"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="8609" img_size="full" alignment="center"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text]January 13 - "Thank you for the fantastic idea...

Happy Birthday Jesus Candle Activity

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Use this printable to give the families in your ministry an interactive prayer activity for Christmas Day![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Happy Birthday Jesus Candle Activity Cards Now" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F09%2FDKM-Happy-Birthday-Jesus-Candle-Printable.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text]Supplies: This printable printed on cardstock Glue Dots Birthday candles (one per printable/family) Prep: Print and cut the printables so you have at least one per family. Use Glue Dots to attach a single birthday candle to each printable in the candle silhouette. Then pass out the printables the Sunday before Christmas or at your Christmas Eve service to give families an interactive way to celebrate Jesus' birthday...

Rock N Roll Christmas Party: A Unique Family Christmas Event

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]My friends over at RISING Church in GA hosted a family-fun Christmas event that was a huge hit with the whole church. They rented out the local skate rink from 6-8 PM on a Sunday evening for a “Rock N Roll” Christmas Party! [/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image="7910" img_size="full" alignment="center"][vc_column_text]They hosted a special night for their entire church family to start off the Christmas season with some good old fashioned fun! With desserts, the concession stand, and extra activities for all ages, families could join them for an evening of laughter and Christmas-themed fellowship. They had an ornament craft that families could make together or as individuals, Christmas Trivia elimination, themed skates, a rock-n-roll Christmas cake for all to enjoy, and there was even a Frozen...

Last Christmas 2018

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Last Christmas, I gave you these printables, but some of you weren't here. This year, to save you some time, I'm bringing them back in cased 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 a sneak peek at what's coming this year![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="7269" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" link="https://deeperkidmin.com/candy-cane-poem-printable/"][vc_custom_heading text="Candy Cane Printable" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:center" use_theme_fonts="yes"...

2 Christmas Volunteer Appreciation Ideas

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Earlier in the week, we talked about 3 tips for appreciating your volunteers this Christmas. Spread some Christmas cheer to your volunteers with these simple, easy, and affordable gifts! Download the printable below for two different gift tag options. Then print, sign your name, cut, and attach to the gifts! Both designs are available as Christmas-themed or general appreciation, so use one this Christmas and save the other one for the spring![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Christmas Volunteer Appreciation Printables Now!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F09%2FDKM-Christmas-Volunteer-Appreciation-2018.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_single_image image="7172" img_size="full" alignment="center"][vc_column_text]Idea #1:...

Beloved: 365 Devotions for Young Women (Lit Lowdown)

[vc_row 0=""][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="7254" img_size="medium" onclick="custom_link" link="https://amzn.to/2ShLiI4"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text 0=""] Beloved: 365 Devotions For Young Women By Lindsay Franklin My rating: 4/5 stars - I really liked it     Reviewed: November 2018[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row 0=""][vc_column 0=""][vc_column_text 0=""]This book is for you if... you are a woman of God, you are (or know) a woman in her teens and twenties, you are looking for a devotional about what God says about women in the Bible My Thoughts:  I love that this devotional speaks to women specifically, highlighting the way God wired us uniquely. “Your identity as a woman matters to God, beloved daughter, so let’s see what He has to say about it.” It’s geared...

Advent in a Box: A Small Box with a Big Impact

I just found out about a brand new resource from Family Ministry Tools that helps kids and families not only understand what Advent is but also spend time preparing for the coming of Jesus together. Advent in a Box is a small box with a big impact. You download the printables from Family Ministry Tools, order the necessary supplies, pack your boxes, then distribute them to the families in your ministry to use at home all December long. Each download includes start-up instructions, printable labels for the boxes, and all of the printables you need to include. To make life easier, they’ve even included an Amazon shopping list for you with all of the necessary items for each box. With Advent in a Box, the planning and thinking are done for you; you just have to do the organizing. Here’s what I like about this resource: It’s...

Snowflake Scavenger Hunt

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Use this winter scavenger hunt to help remind kids that God made each snowflake special and unique - just like them![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Snowflake Scavenger Hunt Now!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F09%2FDKM-Snowflake-Scavenger-Hunt-Final.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text]Prep: Print one Snowflake Scavenger Hunt List per child. Print one copy of each snowflake. Cut out the snowflakes and hide/tape them around the room. Play: Give each child a pen/pencil and a clipboard with the Snowflake Scavenger Hunt List. Invite them to look for the snowflakes hidden around the room. When they find a snowflake, they should cross it off their list and leave it behind for a friend. Remind kids that each snowflake is...

The Best Gift You Can Give the Parents In Your Ministry

[vc_row 0=""][vc_column 0=""][vc_column_text 0=""]This holiday season, give the parents in your ministry the best gift ever: a night out without the kids. Host a Parents’ Night Out (PNO) where you have youth or empty nesters watch the children while their parents enjoy 4 hours of children-free time. You basically throw one big party for the kids, use youth as your volunteers, and the parents have a night out for dinner and a movie, Christmas shopping, or just relaxing at home with no kids! I don't normally like hosting events in December (it was a month my families blacked out on my calendar planning checklist), but they LOVED having a PNO in December. It gave them a well-deserved break or the chance to get some Christmas shopping/wrapping done.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image="7059" img_size="full"][vc_column_text 0=""]Because of the...

Thankfulness Log

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Help your kids express their thanks to God through written word by giving them this Thankfulness Log Printable! Print one Thankfulness Log per child, and encourage kids to use it throughout the week to write down the things, people, places, food, etc. they are thankful for. Use it as part of your Thanksgiving lesson or as a take-home activity this fall.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download Thankfulness Log Printable" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F09%2FDKM-Thankfulness-Log-SHTP-Freebie.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_single_image image="6938" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" link="https://deeperkidmin.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/DKM-Thankfulness-Log-SHTP-Freebie.pdf"][vc_single_image image="6933"...

Select Wishlist