Beyond Sunday: Equipping Families for Worship at Home

Last week, we talked about why summer is the prime time for connecting with families, and this week's guest blog post from Dylan Arms, a worship leader based in Greenville, SC, has a great resource + ideas for equipping families specifically in worship at home:  As someone who’s been in ministry for years—and now a new parent myself—I’ve come to recognize something simple but powerful: what happens inside our church walls is only a small part of a child’s spiritual formation. The songs they sing on Sunday can echo throughout the week, especially when we equip parents to carry the experience home. Music has a way of lodging truth deep in the heart. A child may forget a memory verse or a lesson summary, but they’ll remember the lyrics of a worship song they love. That’s why it’s so important that the worship moment doesn’t...

Summer Family Faith Playlist

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""] As ministry leaders, we have a great opportunity to bridge the gap between Sunday and the rest of the week. Sharing music resources with families can plant big seeds in a child’s walk with Jesus and equip them to worship at home. So share this Kids Worship Playlist Printable with the families in your church this summer! It's got a QR code that links to a curated mix of fun, Christ-centered songs that are upbeat, engaging, and full of truth. It’s designed for the car ride, the kitchen, bedtime routines—anywhere life happens. It’s a small tool that helps turn daily moments into lasting spiritual ones. Just print the printable, cut into half sheets, and share! [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=""] Find more ideas for equipping families for worship at home here. Find more at-home family...

Summer Family Prayer Day Challenge

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""]Summer is a prime time to equip families for at-home discipleship, but parents today need SIMPLE ideas they can implement with minimal supplies that take just a few minutes. So share this Family Day Prayer Challenge with your families and encourage them to choose 1 day over the summer to pray like the early church did at 9:00am, noon, and 3:00pm! Share the printable with them and encourage them to try out this holy habit that’s simple and impactful.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Summer Family Prayer Day Challenge Here!" align="center" css="" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F05%2FDKM-Family-Prayer-Day-Challenge-Freebie.pdf|target:_blank"][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="152883" img_size="full"...

Super Dad Coloring Pages for Father’s Day

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""]Use these “super dad” coloring pages as early arriver or small group activities on Father’s Day! Find more Father's Day resources here! [/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="DOWNLOAD HERE!" align="center" css="" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F05%2FDKM-Super-Dad-Coloring-Pages-for-Fathers-Day.pdf|target:_blank"][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="129702" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css="" link="https://deeperkidmin.com/product/fathers-day-superhero-pop-can-chocolate-bar-wrapper/"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text css=""] Want to make dads feel extra special and keep the superhero theme going? These coloring pages come from this Father’s...

20+ Father’s Day Ideas for Your KidMin

Celebrate the dads and men in your church this Father's Day with one or more of these fun 20 ideas! TEACHING/STUDIES Father's Day Holiday History Lesson Super Bible Father Figures Bible Study Guide for Kids CRAFTS/PRINTABLES Father's Day Superhero Soda Can or Chocolate Bar Wrappers Father's Day Handprint Crafts Father's Day Coloring Cards Father's Day Dad Joke Coloring Cards Father's Day Tie Goody Bag Craft Father's Day Printables Father's Day Tie Craft Father's Day Coupons To the Best Pop (Soda or Popcorn) Father's Day Scratch-Off Printables GAMES Does Dad Have Hair on His Chinny Chin Chin?  Double Vision: Father's Day Name That Super Dad Screen Game Father's Day Minute to Win It Games MEDIA I Love My Dad Because... Mini Movie Things Dads Say Mini Movie  Dad Jokes Mini...

What Next? Parent Resource Printable

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""] It’s an exciting moment when a child makes a salvation decision to follow Christ, and it’s our job as ministry leaders to equip and shepherd them as they live out their faith in their everyday lives. That means we have to equip and encourage their parents in the discipleship of their children. But some parents may not know what to do next. Share this simple printable with any family whose child makes a faith decision to give them ideas for how to foster their faith at home. [/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download Here!" align="center" css="" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F03%2FDKM-WHAT-NEXT-Parent-Page-Freebie.pdf|target:_blank"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="149329" img_size="full" alignment="center"...

Faith and Fun Summer Bucket List for Families

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""]Share this printable with the families in your ministry to help them make their own personalized summer bucket list with a focus on faith AND fun! Or use the printable as an activity during your ministry time - for early-arrivers, as a small group discussion tool, or as a summer kick-off activity![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="DOWNLOAD HERE! " align="center" css="" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F05%2FDKM-Faith-and-Fun-Summer-Bucket-List.pdf|target:_blank"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="152970" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css="" link="https://deeperkidmin.com/product/prayer-pails-summer-family-resource/"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text css=""]This...

Children’s Ministry Mother’s Day Ideas for the 5 Love Languages

Moms are pretty special, and they deserve to be celebrated. But each mom is unique and feels celebrated in a different way. Use some of these ideas and resources to celebrate the moms in your ministry in the way(s) they feel loved the most. Offer a combination of the different ideas to hit all 5 love languages! (And find all of our ready-to-use Mother's Day resources here!) Quality time: Pass to a local family museum or fun family outing - Even as something simple as an ice cream coupon so the family can go on an ice cream date with mom! Mother/Son Prayer Journal by Christie Thomas - I don't have sons, but I bought a copy of this family devotional. Wow, what a resource! What better way to spend quality time together than by studying God's word as a family? It would make the perfect gift for the boy moms in your ministry! Bible Moms...

Hugs & Kisses Mother’s Day Tag Printable

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Print and cut these freebie printable tags, then attach them to a small bag of Hershey's Hugs & Kisses chocolates for a simple and sweet Mother's Day gift for the moms in your ministry.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Mother's Day Printable Here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F09%2FDKM-Mothers-Day-Hugs-Kisses-Printable.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image="12377" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" link="https://deeperkidmin.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/DKM-Mothers-Day-Hugs-Kisses-Printable.pdf"][/vc_column][/vc_row]

3 Correction Strategies That Work (Excerpt From Boundless Hope For Every Child by Kim Botto)

When I talk with children's ministry leaders about a top struggle in their ministry, one of the common answers is engaging kids and redirecting disruptive behavior. More and more leaders are struggling with the classroom management side of leading and teaching kids, and part of that is because kids learn differently now than they have in the past and because we're seeing a rise in neurodivergent kids. Whenever a leader mentions this sort of challenge, I always point them to Kim Botto's new book: Boundless Hope for Every Child. This book is a must-read for anyone passionate about making every child feel seen, understood, and welcomed. With practical and personal insights, this book strikes the perfect balance between heartwarming encouragement and actionable strategies. It's helpful without feeling overwhelming, offering real-world solutions for...

Easter Story Snack Mix Recipe

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""]This fun Easter Story Snack Mix is a great activity to send home with families on Easter Sunday or at a special Easter event! You could even make up some Easter snack mix as goody bags or treats for volunteers. Whether you invite families to make the mix on their own or make it for them, share this printable with them to help them connect their snack to the Easter story![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the recipe here!" align="center" css="" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F02%2FDKM-Easter-Story-Snack-Mix.pdf|target:_blank"][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="120687" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=""...

Jesus Washes Away Sin Activity for Kids

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""]Use this simple but dramatic activity to help families talk about sin and forgiveness this Easter![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Jesus Washes Away Sin Activity Here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F02%2FDKM-Jesus-Washes-Away-Sin-Activity-Freebie.pdf|target:_blank"][vc_column_text]Kids scribble on a folded paper towel heart, then set the heart in water. First, the colors look like they seep through, but they are eventually washed away! It's a great reminder that Jesus washes away our sin.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="49713" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank"...

The Best Way to Reach Families this Easter

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""]Several years ago at the Bible Creative Conference, one of the speakers, Dale Hudson of Building Children's Ministry, talked about one of the best ways to reach the families at our church: give them opportunities for shared, memorable experiences that point to a greater purpose. So this Easter, how can we give our families a chance to create a shared, memorable experience that points to a greater purpose? These ideas might help! Help them throw a family Easter party - Everyone loves celebrations! Even if you host an Easter event, you can provide ideas and supplies for your families to celebrate Easter at home too! Just like an in-person event, think through a special theme, games, family devotion, snacks, and fun for your families! This is a great opportunity to help your families host their own...

R is for Risen: Easter Book for Preschoolers!

We love books at our house and in our ministry, especially in the nursery and preschool classrooms! And while we've shared about some of our favorite faith-focused Easter books in the past, this week, we're sharing about (and giving away) a brand new Easter book the littles in your ministry will love! I’m always on the lookout for engaging, theologically rich resources that make learning about Jesus fun for kids—and R is for Risen is exactly that! This beautifully illustrated alphabet book walks children through key themes and events of the Easter story using simple yet meaningful rhymes that reinforce biblical truth. Each letter introduces an event or element from the Easter story, making it a perfect tool for families, Sunday school classes, and even preschool ministries. But rather than just randomly talking about faith themes, this book...

Pretzel Playdough Prayer Activity for Lent

Share this fun and simple hands-on prayer activity with your families this Lent season! It shares a brief explanation of Lent, how pretzels are connected, and gives a fun playdough prayer activity families can do together. Or use it as a small group activity or worship response time in your ministry setting. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE PRETZEL PLAYDOUGH PRAYER ACTIVITY FOR LENT! This activity is one of the bonus activities included in our Pretzel Prayers Lent Family Prayer Resource! Pretzel Prayers is a family resource that thematically uses pretzels to encourage daily habits of prayer and Scripture reading while teaching about the historical connection of pretzels and Lent. Learn more about this resource...

10 Bible Verses About Love That Kids Should Know

The Bible has a lot to say about love, which tells us love is pretty important to God (it is a big part of His character after all). As we enter a season that focuses a lot on love, let's help the kids and families in our ministry know about the love found in Scripture and in our Heavenly Father. Here are 10 Bible verses about love that kids should know: 1 John 4:7 - "Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God." (NIV) Psalm 136:26 - "Give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures forever." (ESV) 1 Corinthians 13:4,8 - "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud... Love never fails." (NIV) (Psst - here's a Valentine lesson to help you teach this verse to kids through prayer stations!) Romans 12:10 -...

Bible Verse Valentine Scavenger Hunt

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Share this fun and easy Valentine game with your kids and families to help them discover what the Bible says about God's love![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Bible Verse Valentine Scavenger Hunt Here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F01%2FDKM-Bible-Verse-Valentine-Scavenger-Hunt.pdf|target:_blank"][vc_column_text] Supplies Needed: Bible Verse Scavenger Hunt list, Bible, writing utensil In this game, kids will search the Bible for the verses provided that contain the word "love" then write or draw that verse in the box. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="48323" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank"...

Top 10 Christmas Worship Songs for Your KidMin

Your kids will love singing along to these Christmas worship songs that help remind them about why we celebrate Christmas! Seeds Kids Worship - "Joy (Luke 2:8-14)" - This one literally has kids singing the story of Jesus' birth! Listen here. Doorpost Songs - "Go Tell It On the Mountain" - Here's a bubbly, upbeat version of the classic Christmas carol. Go tell everyone: Jesus Christ is born! (My preschooler has been singing this one non-stop!) Listen here. Yancy - "Christmas Time" - Slow things down and remind kids of the true meaning of Christmas: love, peace, joy and most of all Jesus. Listen here. Amber Sky Records - "Christmas This Year" - This is a favorite in our house and in our ministry! Listen here. Doorpost Songs - "Unto Us" - The familiar words of Isaiah 9, “Unto us a child is born,” come to life in a brand new way in this...

8 Christmas & Winter Hands-On Devotions for Families

Our 8 Summer Toy Family Devotions was such a hit, I am THRILLED to share these Christmas and Winter options! Kelly, a kidmin leader in Springfield, IL, created these to share with the families in her ministry as part of her parent resource shelves. Below you will find devotions built around easy-to-find items. Some of these are Christmasy - others are just wintery that could be available all season long.  You can choose to use all or only some - each is independent. You can reword or change up any of the devotions included here - make them your own! The document is unformatted; I use them plain like this, but you are welcome to format them and pretty them up however works for you! You’re also welcome to use these at church and make as many copies as needed for your church families. If you want to provide both the devotions and the items to your...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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....