Resource Review: Pray Like This – A Guided Prayer Journal For Kids

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]I'm always looking for new resources teaching kids about prayer, so I was pumped to stumble across a brand-new guided prayer journal for kids: Pray Like This. Pray Like This walks kids through a daily time of prayer that includes a portion of the Lord's Prayer, Scripture, a short explanation, a prayer prompt, and space to journal/write/draw in response to the day's idea. In the intro, it encourages kids to make this journal their own, giving them the freedom to doodle, underline, draw, or color in the book to their heart's content.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image="13982" img_size="large" alignment="center"][vc_column_text]Throughout the journal, kids have the chance to break down the Lord's prayer, learn what each piece of the prayer really means, and pray about ways they can apply the prayer in their...

3 Memory Verse Games for Kids

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Use these 3 games with any memory verse to help the kids in your ministry hide God's Word in their hearts while building relationships, working on teamwork, and having fun! Find even more memory verse games (12 in all) here![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download printable version of all 3 games here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F09%2FDKM-3-Memory-Verse-Games-For-Kids.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text]#1 - Pins & Pans: Students must clip clothespins around a pie pan in the correct order of the memory verse! Before class, write the scripture reference in the middle of your aluminum pie pans. Then write words from the verse on clothespins - one word per clothespin. Repeat this with a different color marker on the other pie pan. Separate and...

Family Summer Bucket List Printable

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Print and share this week's download with the families in your ministry to give them ideas for how to connect with God, their community, and each other this summer![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Family Summer Bucket List here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F09%2FDKM-Summer-Family-Challenge-Bucket-List-Freebie.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_single_image image="13476" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" link="https://deeperkidmin.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/DKM-Summer-Family-Challenge-Bucket-List-Freebie.pdf"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text] All of the activities in this Summer Bucket List come from the Summer Family Challenge, so if you really want to equip...

5 Ways to Stay Connected with Families This Summer

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]With church attendance spotty throughout the year anyway, summertime usually brings an even bigger drop in church attendance as families enjoy vacations, family trips, and lazy mornings after late nights. Here are 5 ways you can stay connected with the families in your ministry throughout these busy, sunny months (and 4 resources to help you do it!). Online - Use your church's website and ministry social media accounts to post highlights about what you're learning each Sunday. These posts can include family discussion questions, the Bible story, or even just engagement posts that ask families what they're up to. The beauty of technology is that you can stay connected with your families digitally even if you can't stay connected with them physically. And if you really want to connect with your families...

“Freaking May!”

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]I loved this insight from Dema Kohen, one of our DKM Marketplace Vendors and just had to share. Here's some of his wisdom on serving our families well in the month of May (and how to help them). It's the first day of May, and... many families in our churches are freaking out. But don't take my word for it. Take a look at this post that popped up in my Facebook feed earlier today. (This is from one of the moms who attends our church.)[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image="12632" img_size="full" alignment="center"][vc_column_text]Take a good look at this calendar, because I dare to say it represents reality for 95% of the families in your congregation. If you are thinking of pulling off a big event this month... don't do it! At least don't do it until you ask the families in your church if they...

Rubber Popper Easter Family Activity

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Use this object lesson as part of your Easter teaching time, or print several copies of the second page to give out poppers to each child and send them home with a fun family Easter activity![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download Printable Version Here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2019%2F03%2FDKM-Rubber-Popper-Easter-Family-Activity.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text] Turn the popper inside out and set it down. Wait for it to POP up! Jesus was buried, but He didn't stay down. He rose UP from the grave, and He lives today! What a reason to celebrate! [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text] 1) Grab your popper and a Bible. 2) Turn the popper inside out and set it down. Wait for it to POP up! 3) Read...

Spices & Smells: Hands-on Easter Activity for Kids

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Invite kids into the experience of the Easter story through the sense of smell! Use this activity as a way to introduce your Easter lesson and to invite kids to use their imaginations to experience the Easter story.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download a Printable Version of the Activity" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F09%2FDKM-Spices-and-Smells.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text]Supplies: Variety of spices (ex. Cinnamon, cloves, aloe vera gel, olive oil, cardamom, dry mustard, etc.), Small dishes Details: Have a variety of scents and smells available to each small group. These don't necessarily have to be stereotypical 'biblical' scents - simple spices available at a grocery store (cinnamon, cloves, aloe vera gel, olive oil, cardamom, dry...

Easter Songs About Salvation for Kids

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Last year, I shared my Top 5 Easter Worship Songs for Kids, and this year, I'm sharing my top Easter songs for kids that really focus on the topic of salvation through Jesus. While most worship songs include this topic, I like these songs for the way they communicate our salvation through Jesus' death and resurrection for kids. Several of them can be downloaded from Worship House Kids.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]I Stand Amazed (How Marvelous) by Yancy - I love it when Yancy takes an old hymn and re-works it into a song ofr kids! This song invites kids to thing about how marvelous it is that Jesus took our sins and sorrows. It's a little slower, but it's a great way to invite kids into a reverent time of worship and response.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text] [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]This is Amazing...

Dinner Discussions Printable

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We all know the dinner table is an important place for families to connect, build relationships, and grow together spiritually, so use these dinner discussion questions to help families connect with each other at the dinner table.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Dinner Discussions Printable here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F09%2FDKM-Dinner-Discussions-Printable.pdf|||"][vc_column_text]Print and pass out a copy of the download pages for each child, encouraging them to use the questions at home during family dinner. Tip: Use the third page (each topic is worth 10 points) to make it a competition and see who can earn the most points throughout the week! Just remember not to talk with your mouth full....

The Power of the Family Dinner

Since we talked about fasting last week, it's only natural to talk about dinner time this week, right? :) One of our DKM Vendors wrote a compelling argument for encouraging families in our ministries to spend time together around the dinner table, so rather than trying to reinvent the dinner table discussion wheel, I'll just let Dema Kohen do the talking this week... Family dinners are SPECIAL times. I would even say, they are SACRED times. In a world where media over-saturation and activity-overload are disconnecting us from ourselves, others, nature, and God, family dinner is the glue that can hold the family together.  I'm convinced that one of the most important things a church can do for the families is to encourage them to gather around the dinner table more often and teach them how to do it. I don't have time to cover the...

Give Up, Fill Up Fasting Activity for Kids

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Earlier in the week, we talked about important elements of teaching fasting to kids, so here's an activity to help kids learn that fasting is a way for us to give up something so God can fill us up.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Give Up Fill Up Fasting Activity for Kids!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F09%2FDKM-Give-Up-Fill-Up-Fasting-Activity-for-Kids.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text]Supplies: 2 paper/plastic solo cups per child 1 copy of the Give Up/Fill Up slips per child Scissors Markers (to label the cups) Here’s how it works: Give each kid two plastic cups; one labeled “GIVE UP” and one labeled “FILL UP” and a set of “Give Up, Fill Up” strips. Give them scissors and have them cut their strips...

Should Kids Fast?

Fasting is the spiritual discipline of abstaining from food or drink for spiritual purposes. It allows us to remove distraction, focus on God's blessings or callings, and develop the discipline of training our minds and our bodies. (I highly recommend Richard Foster's book Celebration of Discipline for an in-depth study and application of fasting and other spiritual disciplines.) Jesus (Luke 4), Daniel (Daniel 10), and Esther (Esther 4) are all Biblical examples of fasting, so we know it can be an important part of our faith journey. But what about kids? Should kids fast?  While I don't recommend kids fasting from meals, there are safe ways kids can develop the discipline of fasting. Fasting is all about sacrifice, about giving something up so that something else can take its place as a priority or consuming thought in our lives. It's a...

Kids Prayer Journal Printable

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Give kids the experience of prayer journaling using this free prayer journal printable! This activity can easily fit into any lesson or small group time, although it was created for the Journey Through Jonah 8-week series.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Prayer Printable Now!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F09%2FDKM-Kids-Prayer-Journal-Printable.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text]Supplies: prayer journal printable, writing utensils, (optional: soft worship music in the background) Details: Explain to kids that one of the ways we can pray to God is through using a journal. Give each kid a prayer journal printable. Play quiet worship music in the background and have kids fill out their first prayer journal sheet. Older kids can write in...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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