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...

Sweet Verses Printable

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Kids eat (and love) candy. So why not use candy to help them learn about God? Pack some sweet goody bags for the kids in your ministry this fall, then attach this easy printable to relate the treats with the Bible! Give them out at your Fall Event, as part of your fall fest take-home kit, or as part of the Not So Spooky Lesson![/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Supplies: Fun size M&M’s Fun size Starbursts Fun size Laffy Taffy Fun size Almond Joy Blow Pops Fun Size Milky Way Ziploc bag or fall-themed goody bag This printable! [/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image="6054" img_size="full" alignment="center"][vc_column_text]Put one piece of each candy in the bag. Print the pages double-sided and cut the sheet into quarters so each quarter sheet has the sweet verses on one side and...

Preschool Playdate: Brown Bag Fall Hunt

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]A Preschool Playdate is a great way to provide a fun event for the little ones while also helping moms connect with each other too. As the fall season rolls around, use this week's free download as a way to host an easy Preschool Playdate.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Brown Bag Fall Hunt Printable" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fproduct%2Fpreschool-playdate-brown-bag-fall-hunt%2F||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text]Here's how it works... Print out copies of both pages. Pick a time and a park to meet at, then add those details to the first page copies. Hand out these "invites" to your preschool families. Even if they can't make it, now they have a fun activity to do with their preschooler at home! For those who can make it, attach the second page to brown bags,...

Lunch at School Printable

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Visiting kids for lunch at school is something I wish I had done more of as a children's pastor. So when I saw a friend (and former college suitemate - miss you!) post about this on her Facebook page, I knew I had to share it! Thanks Jill for the awesome idea! Earlier in the week we talked about helping local schools win, and one way was to follow their protocols. So when visiting the children in your ministry for lunch at school, use this week's printable to help make it easier on your families and your local schools.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Start Meeting Kids For Lunch at School!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fproduct%2Flunch-at-school-printable%2F||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text]Here's how it works... 1. Print out one copy for every child in your ministry. 2....

Back to School Blessings Printable

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]As we prepare for the school year, I'm reminded of the importance of using Scripture in our prayers, writing our prayers down, and speaking prayers out loud over our families and loved ones. So as the school year begins, share this printable with the families in your ministry and encourage parents to use these scriptures to speak blessings over their children on their first days and weeks of school. Families can print them out and post the prayers around their house or car, and they're small enough to fit into a purse or wallet.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Back to School Blessings" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fproduct%2Fback-to-school-blessings%2F||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text] For the school year: Luke 2:52 - God, help [child's name] grow in wisdom...

Beat the Summer Boredom Bucket List

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]By July, parents are often ready for school to start again, just so their kids have something to do. Well fear not! Use this template for a July Bucket List to Beat the Boredom and help families finish off the summer with a bang![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Customize the List For Your Community" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F06%2FDKM-Beat-the-Summer-Boredom-July-Bucket-List.docx||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text]This bucket list works for my home town, but you can customize it for your own area, highlighting cheap or free activities already going on in your community. Pick a few of these free events, then encourage families to attend and meet you there. This gives you a month off from planning and organizing events but lets you still enjoy special...

Mother’s Day Hershey Wrap Printable

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Give the moms in your ministry what they really want this Mother's Day: chocolate! What You Need: 1.55 oz Hershey's Chocolate Bars, one per child (the size you'd find in the checkout aisle at your local grocery store) white paper DKM Mother's Day Hershey's Wrap Printable  tape or glue sticks scissors kids What to Do: Print enough wraps so each child has one. Print both colors to give kids a choice or print just one color for everyone. Invite children to customize their Hershey's Wrap by writing or drawing what they love most about their mom in the space provided. Or use the colorable versions (last 2 pages) and let the kids' creativity really run wild! Help kids cut their wrap, then tape or glue the wrap around a 1.55 oz Hershey's Chocolate bar. Enjoy the smiles as moms...

Raising Passionate Jesus Followers (Lit Lowdown)

[vc_row 0=""][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="4697" img_size="medium" onclick="custom_link" link="https://amzn.to/2G4UEQF"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text 0=""] Raising Passionate Jesus Followers: The Power of Intentional Parenting By Phil & Diane Comer My rating: 4/5 stars - I really liked it     Read: April 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 want to raise passionate Jesus followers, you lead children, youth, or families in developing their faith, you want both theoretical and practical advice for raising children in the Christian faith My Thoughts: I do not yet have children, so my responses and thoughts to this book can only be hypothetical at this point, but serving as a children’s pastor includes...

Talking with Kids about Jesus’ Death

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Easter often brings up a tricky subject in the kidmin world: death.  How do you explain Jesus’ death to preschoolers? Or to your sensitive elementary kids? And what about kids who have recently experienced a death? Should we just gloss over that part of the Easter story to spare their feelings? One Easter, one of the 2nd graders asked me a question that reminded me the importance of talking to kids about Jesus’ death. Her mother had passed away suddenly a few months before Easter, and after the lesson, she quietly walked up and asked, “Ms. Brittany, how old was Jesus when he died?” I responded and said “We believe he was around 33 years old.” She said, “Hmm, so he was younger than my mom when she died. I bet Jesus’ family missed him too.” (Give me a minute to stop weeping over...

Baptism Guide for Parents

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Sometimes parents wonder whether their child is ready for baptism or not. Share this guide with them to help parents talk with their children about baptism and discern if their child is ready to take this important step of faith.   Not sure YOU know how to talk with kids about baptism? Read tips for you as the leader here.[/vc_column_text][vc_cta h2="Want to teach a full lesson on baptism?" h4="Use this Easter season to do just that! " txt_align="center" color="sky" add_button="bottom" btn_title="Show me the baptism-focused Easter unit! " btn_color="sky" btn_align="center" btn_link="url:http%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fproduct%2Fsqueaky-clean-4-week-easter-unit%2F||target:%20_blank|"]The 4-week Squeaky Clean Easter unit closes with a special lesson on baptism, teaching kids what it is, why it's...

Parents’ Night Out – Valentine’s Edition

[vc_row 0=""][vc_column 0=""][vc_column_text 0=""]Give parents a break! This Valentine’s Day, give the parents in your ministry 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, running errands, or just relaxing at home with no kids![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Click Here For Details on Planning and Promoting Your PNO" color="sky" align="center" link="url:http%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fproduct%2Fparents-night-out-pno-valentine-edition%2F||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text 0=""][vc_row][vc_column width="1/1"][vc_column_text]We always offer the event for free, but we encourage...

3 Sites For Parents to Review Movie Content for Their Children

All parents have concerns about the content of what their children are watching, but no one has time to preview every movie or tv show their child wants to see. Whether your kids are watching on the big screen or a handheld screen, use these sites to find in-depth reviews of any movie's content without having to watch it yourself first. The Dove Foundation - I like this one because it breaks down the movie concerns into different categories: violence, language, sexual content, etc. and even tells you specifically what the instances are.    Plugged In - This site from Focus on the Family is similar to the Dove Foundation, but it is not as easy to read through. One bonus is that it tends to give more details on the spiritual aspects of the movies rather than just a warning of the possible questionable content and offers reviews...

Making New Year’s Resolutions You (and your kids) Can Actually Keep

The new year means new goals, and every January brings packed-out gyms, drops in candy sales, and extra reminders on our phones not to procrastinate. No matter the category, there is always room for improvement in our lives as individuals, but have you ever tried making new year's resolutions as a family? Children can learn a lot about self-discipline and the value of setting goals, and having family resolutions will help you all be "like-minded" throughout the year. Try making New Year's Resolutions a family activity this year. Sit down for a meal together sometime in January and reflect on the past year. Ask questions like "What are you proud of this year?" "What have you accomplished this year?" "What is something that didn't work well this past year?" "What are some things you want to continue doing, and what are some things you'd like to...

Think Big, Start Small, Keep Moving

The best piece of advice I've ever heard for making and reaching goals (in life or in ministry) was from some random speaker at a Catalyst conference. He said: Think big, start small, keep moving. Think Big: As you set goals for yourself and your ministry, think big. If nothing was holding you back (not even a lack of budget or volunteers), what would you want to see happen this year? We serve a God who specializes in doing the impossible, so dream big! Maybe your dreams are so big that you'll need more than just this year to complete some of your goals. That's OK! What 3 or 5-year goals do you have for your ministry? Start small:  Now that you've got your grand plans, look for the specific, next steps that will help you accomplish each goal. You can't jump from point A to point D without going through steps B and C first. And if you were...