Categories: For Parents

Is Your Ministry a Vending Machine or a Meal Kit?

When I ask what leaders do to equip parents or to partner with them, most of them say they provide resources. Equipping parents has become synonymous with that; when we say we "equip parents," what we often really mean is "distribute resources." And while there's nothing wrong with that, if our strategy for partnering with parents stays ONLY in the resources lane, we've got an incomplete and ultimately ineffective strategy. The idea of equipping parents only through distributing resources has turned our ministries into vending machines and created a vending machine mindset when it comes to equipping parents. In a vending machine ministry mindset... The children's ministry leader operates like a vending machine by simply providing resources without much interaction.  Parents are expected to come to the church or ministry location...
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3 Lies Parents Believe About At-Home Discipleship (And the Truths You Can Help Them Discover)

I've been eyeball-deep in research about today's parents - specifically Millennial parents - lately, and a common factor among parents is a list of reasons why they can't disciple their kids at home. But in reality, those reasons are often lies, and as children's ministry leaders, we can help parents replace those lies with important truths about their role as primary disciplers of their children. To speak into this discussion, I'm excited to share this week's guest blog post from Christie Thomas, author and one of our DKM Vendors, all about the 3 lies parents believe about at-home discipleship and the truths we can help them discover: If your efforts to equip families with the best family discipleship resources aren’t well received, know this: The answer isn’t to send home more resources to gather crumbs in the minivan, but to take one...
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Family Discipleship 101 Free Sample

You want the families in your church to thrive in their faith, but it seems like your efforts don’t make much of a difference. You pass out take-home sheets, only for them to be stepped on and dirtied on the minivan floor. You plan out and send home fantastic Christmas and Easter kits, only to discover that all your hard work was used for two days and then forgotten in the busyness of the season. The only parents who seem to respond well to your family-equipping efforts are those who are already discipling their kids at home. But you want to reach those who feel like they’re too busy to pray with their kids, too ill-equipped to read the Bible at home, or too new in their faith to know what family discipleship looks like. The answer isn’t to send home more resources to gather crumbs in the minivan, but to...
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5 Things KidMin Leaders Must Do To Effectively Partner with Today’s Parents

If you’ve been serving in children’s ministry for longer than a week, you’ve realized that children’s ministry is not just about the children. It’s about the parents and grown-ups in a child’s life too. That's why we'll be focusing on partnering with parents for the next 4 weeks and diving deep into how to effectively minister to this generation of parents.  To kick off our month-long discussion, we have to identify WHO today's parents are, and surprise: they're Millennials! Millennials may spark a variety of stereotypes in your mind: entitled young adults who eat avocado toast for breakfast and still live with their parents. But in reality, we Millennials are all grown up. The Millennial generation includes anyone born between 1981-1996, which means that in 2024, Millennials now range in age from 28 to 43 years old. (We're getting...
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5 Family Easter Resources

Easter is always an important season in children’s ministry, especially as we help families connect with each other and with Jesus. Browse all of our Easter resources here, but check out our top 5 Family Easter resources below to help families engage and interact with the Easter story in a variety of ways! The Eggs of Easter Family Devotion - This 12-Day Family Devotion Kit leads families toward the true meaning of Easter through a Resurrection Egg kit. Learn more and download here. Preparing for Easter Family Devotion - In this family devotion, you will find ten unique hands-on experiences that walk your kids and families through the Easter story, starting with Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem and ending with the resurrection. Learn more and download here. Easter Story Shapes Kits -...
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Feet Washing Family Activity

Share this simple but impactful Easter family activity and discussion guide with your families! It invites them to dive into the story of the Last Supper, ponder and discuss what it means for us today, and then participate in a feet-washing activity together as a family. Just print and distribute or share digitally! It’s sure to be a special time for your families to serve and love each other this Easter season. Download the Feet Washing Family Activity Here! This activity is one of the ten found in Preparing for Easter Family Devotions. In Preparing for Easter, families will find ten unique hands-on experiences like this one that walk them through the Easter story, starting with Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem and ending with the resurrection. Learn more about the full family resource...
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10 Non-Candy Valentine Gifts for Kids

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]With Valentine's Day falling on a Wednesday this year, you may be considering a simple Valentine gift or treat to share with the kids and families in your ministry. But if you've worked with kids long, you know giving a room full of kids a bunch of sugar can lead to complete chaos. So I've been researching, and here are my 10 favorite non-candy Valentine gifts for kids along with some links to the printables when possible! (Trust me, the parents in your ministry will appreciate the non-sugary gift!) Scripture Valentine Cards + Heart Stress Ball (Kids are dealing with a lot these days! Remind them that they are loved and that they can count on God with this simple idea!) "I'm Stuck on You, Valentine" + Sticker Pack (Kids love stickers! Use Generic stickers or Valentine-themed stickers) "I think you are...
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Christmas Scavenger Hunt Printable

Share this fun Christmas Scavenger Hunt Printable with the families in your church to send them on a fun family activity hunting for Christmas lights and decorations all December long! Download the printable here! This activity is one of the many included in our Christmas Karaoke December Family Faith Kit! Christmas Karaoke is a 4-week devotional resource that provides devotions and activities for kids and families, focusing on 4 Christmas hymns: Angels We Have Heard on High, O Little Town of Bethlehem, Joy to the World, and Silent Night. Learn more about Christmas Karaoke...
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Wondering to Bethlehem: Advent Devotional for Kids Review & Giveaway!

If you've been around long, then you know how much I love talking about the imagination and learning. Developing a child's biblical imagination is a key element of their spiritual development, which is why I am STOKED for the newest Advent Devotional for Kids: Wondering to Bethlehem. In Wondering to Bethlehem, author Vanessa Myers invites kids to dive into their wonder and imagination as they journey to Bethlehem! Starting December 1 and going through Christmas Day, kids have a daily short reading, prayer prompt, spot to jot down their wondering notes, and an interactive activity that takes them a little deeper into the story. These extra wonders to unpack give kids snapshots of how the Christmas story connects to other parts of the Bible or historical/contextual facts that help bring the story to life. There's even a bonus devotion for...
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The Power of Little Moments: 10 Ways Parents Can Nurture Faith in Children At Home

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Earlier this spring, we dedicated our youngest in a Sunday morning church service. It was a sweet moment when even our toddler was included in the charge to raise up our daughter in the Christian faith. We stood before the church, the pastor held our baby girl to show her off to the congregation, and he shared words of wisdom, advice, and encouragement. We prayed together, asking God to help us as parents lead her into a life-giving relationship with Him. And I of course took lots of pictures of her in her sweet little dedication dress.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="107370" img_size="full" alignment="center"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="107368" img_size="full"...
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Certificate of Dedication

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]A family dedicating their child to the Lord is a special time of celebration for the church and the family. Many families may want a keepsake of the day. Use this free certificate of dedication to share with your families and help them remember this special time.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Certificate Here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F07%2FDKM-Certificate-of-Dedication-Freebie.pdf|target:_blank"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="102800" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" link="https://deeperkidmin.com/product/parent-child-dedication-milestone-class/"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text]Want to help parents understand the true meaning...
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Fruit Pizza: Fruit of the Spirit Family Activity

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]As you're encouraging families to taste and see God's goodness this summer, share this fun fruit of the Spirit activity with your families to do together this summer![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Fruit Pizza Family Activity Here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F06%2FDeeper-KidMin-Fruit-Pizza-Freebie-updated.pdf"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="13453" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" link="https://deeperkidmin.com/product/church-take-out-box-fruit-of-the-spirit-edition/"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text]Use the second page of this download to share the recipe with your families digitally or as print-outs. And if you really want to...
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Father’s Day Ideas for your Children’s Ministry

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Celebrate the dads and men in your church this Father's Day with these fun ideas! TEACHING Father's Day Holiday History Lesson CRAFTS/PRINTABLES Father's Day Coloring Cards Father's Day Dad Joke Coloring Cards Father's Day All In One Pack 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) 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 Father's Day All in One Pack  I Love My Dad Because... Mini Movie Things Dads Say Mini Movie  Dad Jokes Mini Movie Dad You're the Best Version 1 (Title Graphics and matching Social Media Graphics) Dad You're the Best...
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10 Games To Help Kids Memorize Scripture

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Here are 10 games to help kids memorize Scripture! Use these 10 ideas (and learn about 10 more) with these monthly memory verse cards for kids.  Echo-Game: Say the verse and have the kid repeat each phrase as an echo. To keep it interesting, the leader can use funny voices (loud, soft, sad, excited, tired, high-pitched, funny accents). Hang Man: Write the verse with all blank spaces (except fill in a couple words, such as “and” and “the”) and play Hang Man with the kids guessing letters one at a time to try and figure out the verse. Erase a Word: Write the verse on a chalkboard or white board, and say it with the kids over and over, erasing one or two words each time. You’ll get down to no words written out, and the kids will have to say the verse from memory. Mix It Up: Write or print...
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Dive into these Summer Resources!

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Dive into these summer resources to make a splash in your ministry this summer! Explore the brand-new-for-2023 summer resources below, but find ALL the summer events, curriculum, family resources, and more here.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Explore all Summer Resources here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fsummer-resources-2023%2F|target:_blank"][products columns="2" orderby="rand" order="ASC" ids="104365, 104647, 93366, 104582, 104624, 104615, 85144, 85245, 104510, 103635, 103637, 103815, 93849, 102938, 98406, 88074"][vc_btn title="Explore all Summer Resources here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fsummer-resources-2023%2F|target:_blank"][/vc_column][/vc_row]
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Mother’s Day Digital Gift Card Template

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Use this free template to gift the moms in your ministry with a digital gift card to Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, Chick-fil-a, or any restaurant that has an app or e-gift cards that let you simply scan a barcode on your phone to pay! Happy Mother's Day![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download instructions + template links here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F04%2FDKM-Mothers-Day-Digital-Coffee-Gift-Card-Template.pdf|target:_blank"][/vc_column][/vc_row]
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How To Treat the Moms in Your Ministry to a Free Cup of Coffee!

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]What mom doesn't appreciate a little caffeine? This Mother's Day, give the gift of free coffee to the moms in your ministry in a fun and creative way! You may have seen businesses, leaders, and even other churches share a Starbucks gift card on their social media to buy their community a cup of coffee on them (we've even done this at Deeper KidMin a time or two). Here's how they did it and how you can do it for the moms in your ministry this Mother's Day! Download the Starbucks app to your phone and sign into (or create) your free account. (Lol let's be honest you probably already have it downloaded right? KidMin leaders appreciate some caffeine too.) Click on the Gift tab and choose a design for your gift card. The design doesn't matter too much, but we recommend choosing a simple or generic "Thank...
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Bible Story Recipe Activity

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]This creative activity invites kids to create a "recipe" for a Bible story! It works with any story in the Bible and can be used over and over again. Use it as a small group activity at church or share it with your families to complete at home! Using the template provided in the download below, create a recipe using the different parts of the Bible story! For example... the title of the recipe could be the name of the Bible story. The ingredients could be the people and places in the Bible story. The directions could be a version of what happened in the story. Be creative![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the freebie here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F04%2FDKM-BIBLE-STORY-RECIPE-FREEBIE.pdf|target:_blank"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column...
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5 Resources to Help Families Celebrate Holy Week

Easter is a big celebration each year, for families in both our church and our community. But we often get so focused on Easter Sunday that we miss the opportunity to invite families into the full Easter story and the days leading up to Easter - Holy Week. Whether your church hosts Holy Week services or not, check out these 5 resources to help families celebrate Holy Week: Sunday to Sunday Family Devotion - This brand new resource includes a printable Holy Week devotion for families that invites them to ponder, pray, and play the events of Jesus’ last week on Earth. These devotions are simple enough for busy families to complete but deep enough to help families connect with our Savior in a meaningful way. We used real pictures (not cartoons or graphics) because we want kids to know these events actually happened. They were real. And so is...
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Fasting Tracker Freebie for Lent

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Fasting is a spiritual discipline that even kids can participate in, and with this fasting tracker printable, you can help kids track their progress through the Lent season of fasting. Each week, kids are encouraged to give up (fast from) something. Each night of that week, they color in the corresponding box to show they completed the fast for the day. Kids have the option to change what they fast from each week, or fast from the same thing throughout the entire season.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Lent Fasting Tracker Freebie Here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F01%2FDKM-Fasting-Tracker-Freebie.pdf|target:_blank"][vc_column_text] Find other resources for helping kids understand and practice the spiritual discipline of fasting...
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30 Must-Know Bible Verses for Young Kids

Kids, even young kids, can memorize Scripture to help them learn God's word and apply it to real-life situations. If you're looking for a place to start, here's a list of 30 Bible verses (NIV) perfect for young kids... "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness," - 2 Timothy 3:16 "Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”" - Mark 10:27 "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." - 1 Peter 5:7 "But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”" - 1 Samuel 16:7 "Be still before the Lord and...
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Valentine Resources Your KidMin Will LOVE

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Valentine's Day is a great opportunity to not only teach kids about God's love but to create space for kids to experience God's love too! These Valentine Resources can help...[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Shop All Valentine Resources Here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fproduct-category%2Fseasonal%2Fseasonalvalentinesday%2F|target:_blank"][vc_separator color="custom" border_width="5" accent_color="#3ac1e1"][vc_custom_heading text="Help Kids & Families Experience God's Love Through Prayer..." font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%233ac1e1" use_theme_fonts="yes" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fproduct%2Flove-one-another-valentine-prayer-stations-lesson%2F|target:_blank"][vc_column_text] God’s Conversation Hearts is a Scripture-based prayer prompt...
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6 Ways to Make Scripture Memory Fun

Scripture memory can be a daunting goal to accomplish, even as adults, but the importance of hiding God’s Word in our hearts is undeniably valuable. Check out some of the ideas below for making memorizing Scripture fun (and therefore easier) for you and your kids. We’ve used several in our ministry context, and they are easy to apply at home or in your ministry too! 1) Make it a game! There are SO MANY ways to make memorizing scripture a game, and the more fun your kids are having, the more they’ll want to memorize! Check out some of our favorite scripture memory games here. 2) Sing it Out! – Make up your own song, chant, cheer, or rap using the words in the verse. You could also check out several resources that are readily available for you and your family. JumpStart3 and Seeds Family Worship both provide relevant worship music...
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Scripture Snowball Fight Game

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]This is a fun winter game to help kids memorize scripture! Use it in your ministry setting, or share it as an idea for your families to play at home![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download a printable version here! " align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F12%2FDKM-Freebie-scripture-snowball-fight-game.pdf|target:_blank"][vc_column_text] Supplies: white paper writing utensil music (optional) How to Play: After picking your verse to memorize, write one word from the verse on separate sheets of white paper. Then, wad the paper up to become "snowballs." When you say go, begin having a snowball fight with the paper wads (you can play music while you are doing this, too). When the music stops, everyone begins opening up the snowballs. Then kids must...
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Christmas Connect 4 Printable Game

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Play this printable, Christmas version of Connect 4 to add a little fun to your Christmas celebrations! Print off and share with your families as part of a fun Christmas Eve activity to do at home, or print off several copies and use them in your ministry throughout December![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the printable game here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F10%2FDKM-Freebie-Christmas-Connect-4-Printable-Game.pdf|target:_blank"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="92634" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" link="https://deeperkidmin.com/product/christmas-countdown-chain/"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text]This printable game is one of the...
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