Categories: Leadership

Preschool Playdate Planning Checklist

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Use this Preschool Playdate Planning Checklist to plan for your Preschool Playdate without missing a step![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download Printable Planning Checklist Here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2019%2F08%2FDKM-Preschool-Playdate-Planning-Checklist-Freebie.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text]1-2 months before: Decide on your Preschool Playdate activity + calendar date. Contact any venues (if necessary) to schedule your group. Create a sign-up form* (if applicable). Share a “save the date” post, email, website event, etc. with the families in your ministry and link to the sign-up form (or provide hard-copies of the sign-up form in person). *One thing to remember about families with preschoolers is that life (and plans)...
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6 Low-Prep Preschool Playdates

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Preschool playdates are the perfect way to help preschool families connect with each other and make memories all at the same time! But life (and plans) with a preschooler can often change quickly and at the last-minute. So you don't want to spend a lot of time planning and preparing for an event that ends up with low attendance because Jordan's nap went long or because Ben had an accident while potty-training. Here are 6 low-prep Preschool Playdate Ideas that help preschool families connect and grow without using too much of your prep time (and here's a free printable to help you plan!). Visit a Local Theatre - Your local theatre probably has a children's series (especially in the summer) with plays, interactive shows, and more for littles, so check to see what a theatre near you offers for live performances...
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Filed Under Blog, For Parents, Leadership

Nursery Care Checklist Printable

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Since we've shared the news with family + made the announcement official, I've got baby on the brain! This week, I'm sharing the Nursery Care Checklist Printable we used to gather important information for the little ones in our nursery and to help parents feel at ease leaving their baby in our care. [/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Nursery Care Checklist Here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2019%2F08%2FDKM-Nursery-Care-Checklist-Printable.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text] For your regulars: Print a copy for each child in your nursery and complete the top section. (Tip: Using a sharpie means the writing can be seen easier from a distance!) Then laminate each one, inviting parents to use expo or white board markers to add instructions each...
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Filed Under Blog, For Parents, Free Weekly Downloads, Leadership

Back to School Resources

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]It's back to school season! Parents are buying school supplies, kids are meeting teachers, and kidmin leaders are on the hunt for ways to celebrate this monumental time of year in every child's life. So we compiled some of our best back-to-school resources just for YOU, kidmin leader! Enjoy![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image="5244" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" link="https://deeperkidmin.com/product/back-to-school-blessings/"][vc_column_text]Back to School Blessings Prayer Cards: 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...
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Victory in Jesus Book Review

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]I'm already a fan of Anne Marie Gosnell and her books on object lessons for kids (check out the OT object lessons book here) so when I heard she wrote an object lesson book all about the life of Jesus, I couldn't wait to check it out! Victory in Jesus did not disappoint. The 21 interactive object lessons are written for kids ages 5-12, and they're designed to last 20-30 minutes. That may seem like a long time for one object lesson, but several of the lessons also include background information (so you can teach the story in context), geography information (so kids know where the story happens), and a life application (so kids know why it's relevant). I love these additional resources with each object lesson to help round out the lesson and give kids a deeper understanding of the big picture of Jesus'...
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Filed Under Blog, Book Shelf, Leadership

Back to School Teacher Treat Bag Activity

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Use this back-to-school activity to invite kids to write a note to their new teacher + make a little goody bag for them! It’s a great way to encourage kids to pray for their teachers and do something special for the first day of school.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Back To School Teacher Treat Bag Printable Here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F09%2FDKM-Back-To-School-Teacher-Treat-Bags.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text]Supplies: Pages 2-3 of this printable, pens, goody bag items, stapler, ziplock bags Details: In this activity, kids will write a note to their new teacher (using page 2) and tell them they are looking forward to the new year. They can also put together a goody bag with items like ink pens, highlighters, post...
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Time to Reflect

Summer is a busy time. Between VBS, vacation, summer camps, volunteer training, and preparing for the year ahead, there's a lot to think about as a kidmin leader. But if you're intentional, the summer can also be a great season to reflect on the past year and dream about the year ahead. It's a time to note milestones and record celebrations from the year so you can reflect on God's faithfulness now and next year when you look back on what you wrote. I use this One-Line-A-Day Memory Journal as a gratitude journal, and each night before bed, I write down at least 3 things I was thankful for that day. I'm now in year 2 of this habit, and while going to bed each night focused on what I'm thankful for has been a great perspective-change, my favorite part is looking back at what I was thankful for last year and seeing how God has been working in my...
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Top Volunteer Resources

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We're throwing it back this week to some of our top volunteer resources, posts, and freebies. Browse the list below and download everything you need to prepare your volunteer team for the school year ahead.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="5005" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" link="https://deeperkidmin.com/hostingallstarvolunteertraining/"][vc_column_text]Volunteer Training is a vital part of your ministry, but it can be difficult to pull off with excellence. It’s hard to get all of your volunteers in the same room at the same time, and even if you do that, how do you make a somewhat tedious conversation more exciting and informative for your entire team?[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Read 8 Tips for...
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Filed Under Blog, Leadership, Volunteers

Superhero Name Game Printable

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Earlier in the week, we talked about creating a culture of fun with your volunteer team, and one easy way to do that is with simple games like this week's free download. Help your volunteers find their secret superhero identity! Use this printable as a fun team-building/ice breaker activity at your Calling All Superheroes Volunteer Training, with the kids in your ministry, or just as a fun exercise for your volunteers! We invited our volunteers to share their Superhero name, their kryptonite (favorite snack or candy), and even used these names throughout the year![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download Superhero Name Game Here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F09%2FDKM-Superhero-Name-Game-Printable.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_single_image image="14138"...
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Filed Under Blog, Free Weekly Downloads, Leadership, Volunteers

Create a Culture of Fun with Your Volunteer Team

When people have fun serving in your ministry, they'll want to serve more often (Can I get a hallelujah?). So how do you create a culture of fun where volunteers WANT to stay plugged in and serving with your ministry? Give Gifts. Everyone loves getting presents, so whether you do one big gift each year or smaller gifts each semester, find a way to give unique and thoughtful gifts to your volunteers, even if it's just a handwritten note! Need some ideas? Here's a list of 24 appreciation gifts our followers have given (Tip: handwritten notes were the most popular and most appreciated, so you don't have to spend money!). Have team t-shirts. Nothing says "we're a team" like matching t-shirts. Whether you give out the t-shirts as gifts or you ask your volunteers to purchase a ministry t-shirt, offering this simple and fun option helps give your...
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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...
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Filed Under Blog, Book Shelf, For Parents, Leadership

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...
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Filed Under Blog, For Parents, Free Weekly Downloads, Leadership

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...
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The Best VBS Resources

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]If you're like me, it's crunch time. There are 13 days and counting until our VBS week, so VBS is just about all I can think about these days. That's why I'm PUMPED to share some of the best VBS resources from Jen Kline over at (aptly-named) The Best VBS. Here are some of my favorite posts or resources from Jen's site:[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image="12997" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" link="https://www.thebestvbs.com/45-incredible-vbs-ideas/"][vc_column_text]1. 45 Ideas for VBS Directors - I mean who doesn't want a fully-curated list of 45 ideas for VBS? This list covers everything from decorating tips (like what kind of tape to use to make things stick without ripping up the wall) to thoughtful volunteer appreciation gifts (free food!) to organizing...
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24 Volunteer Appreciation Ideas

Last week, we did a giveaway for the latest KidMin Nation book all about volunteers. To be entered to win, you had to answer the question: "What was your favorite volunteer appreciation gift you ever gave?" I LOVED hearing all of your creative ideas (and I've taken notes to use some of them in the future). Here's what all of you shared, and congrats to Kim and Jessica for winning a free copy of the book! (Didn't win but still want a copy of Rock Stars: Inspiring a Team of Unstoppable Volunteers? Order your own copy here.)   One year I led VBS and asked all the workers what their all-time favorite snack was. At the end of the week, they came to the office and were gifted with it. One person wrote that they liked pickles, and they were completed shocked that I took the effort to find a single dill pickle! In retrospect, I think it all...
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Filed Under Blog, Leadership, Volunteers

Rock Stars Book Review and Giveaway

[vc_row 0=""][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="12049" img_size="medium" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" link="https://amzn.to/2CSaJ99"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text 0=""] Rock Stars: Inspiring a Team of Unstoppable Volunteers By KidMin Nation (Editor: Tina Houser) My rating: 5/5 stars - It was amazing!     Read: April 2019[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row 0=""][vc_column 0=""][vc_column_text 0=""]This book is for you if... you lead volunteers, you want to encourage and equip your volunteers My thoughts: This book came at the perfect time! We just finished up Admin April 2019, focusing on all things volunteers, so I loved reading this book that gave me new ideas and perspectives on volunteers too. This isn't the first time I've been honored to have a chapter published...
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Filed Under Blog, Book Shelf, Free Weekly Downloads, Leadership, Volunteers

“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...
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Filed Under Blog, For Parents, Leadership

Super Volunteer Appreciation Gift Card Printable

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]If we want our volunteers to stick around, we have to celebrate them! Remind your volunteers how SUPER they are with this free volunteer appreciation gift card printable! (Gift card not included in download.)[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download Super Volunteer Appreciation Printable Here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F09%2FDKM-Super-Volunteer-Appreciation-Gift-Card-Printable-Final.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text]All you need is this printable, gift card(s) of your price and choice (my volunteers love Starbucks and Chick-fil-a), and some glue dots! Just print and cut the download, add your gift cards using glue dots or double-sided tape, then hand out to your volunteers as a way of saying...
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Celebrating (& Retaining) Volunteers

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]If we want our volunteers to stick around, we have to celebrate them! Here are some easy ways to celebrate (and therefore retain) the volunteers in your children's ministry. Say thanks. As often as possible, thank the volunteers on your team verbally or in writing. Send out weekly “thank-you” emails to all who served that Sunday, and try to write at least one handwritten note a week to a volunteer on your team. We even created superhero-themed postcards you can use to remind your volunteers how awesome they are! Download them here. Think of specific reasons you are thankful for the volunteer, and thank them for who they are, not just the job they fill (i.e. “thank you for using your creativity to help our preschoolers understand more about the story of Jonah today” instead of just “thank you for...
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Top Ten Volunteer Expectations Printable

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Your volunteers are the superheroes of your ministry, but that doesn’t mean they can read your mind! Use this free printable to communicate your expectations of volunteers and remind them what you need from them. Go into the details of each expectation at your annual training, then use this printable to remind volunteers throughout the year, post in your Volunteer Facebook Group, or hang up in your classrooms.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download Top Ten Expectations Printable Here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F09%2FDKM-Top-Ten-Hero-Expectations-Printable.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="11077" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank"...
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Filed Under Blog, Free Weekly Downloads, Leadership, Volunteers

4 Types of Volunteer Training

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Just like pie comes in a variety of forms, so does effective volunteer training. Each method described below uses the ingredients of prepare, inspire, and equip to reach volunteers in a variety of levels, formats, and times. Pumpkin Pie - Annual Training Much like we typically eat pumpkin pie once a year at Thanksgiving, your annual training is the special once-a-year training for your entire volunteer team. For rookie and veteran volunteers alike, this training happens every year, typically at the start of the school year, and it is the chance to prepare, inspire, and equip your team for the year ahead. It should include an overview of the ministry, an explanation of curriculum and teaching resources, explanation of policies, procedures, and expectations, child protection policies, discipline guidelines,...
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Filed Under Blog, Leadership, Volunteers

Volunteer Covenant

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Part of effective training is teaching your volunteers about your expectations for them. But sometimes it's hard to communicate your expectations with your volunteers. Here's what Julia, one of our Vendors (and the creator of this week's freebie), shared about her experience when she implemented a Volunteer Covenant as part of the application and training process: When I started in my kidmin role nearly 5 years ago, I was struggling with how to keep volunteers accountable and communicate expectations. While many of them were members and had filled out volunteer applications, what I needed from them weekly - both in our children’s ministry and in their lives outside of it - wasn’t being clearly communicated! So, I crafted this volunteer covenant. Each of our volunteers signs this covenant before serving in...
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PIE Them in the Face: Effective Volunteer Training

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Effective volunteer training will PIE your volunteers in the face. And I’m not talking about a whipped cream pie (although that could be fun). Effective volunteer training will prepare them, inspire them, and equip them to serve to the best of their ability based on their God-given talents and gifts. No matter what type of training you’re doing, you can incorporate these three ingredients to make your training more effective. Prepare Them Your volunteer training should prepare your volunteers to lead. That means sharing the nuts and bolts of the ministry, the safety policies, the expectations of a good volunteer, etc. What do volunteers need to know to serve and lead well? This element of training can be long and tedious, but I make it bite-sized and easier to digest by making a “top 10" list of the...
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Children’s Ministry Volunteer Application

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]A volunteer application is an important part of the volunteer screening process in children's ministry. It not only helps you collect important information, but it also helps you see a volunteer's heart for serving and passion for kids.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_btn title="Download Volunteer Application Now" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F09%2FVolunteer-Application-Background-Check.doc||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text]Using a volunteer application helps ensure your volunteers want to serve with your ministry, are capable of serving with your ministry, and are safe to serve with your ministry. This week's free download is a volunteer application created from a variety of options and inspired by Smart Church Management....
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Filed Under Blog, Free Weekly Downloads, Leadership, Volunteers

Volunteer Screening Process

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] As part of the volunteer recruitment process, it's important to take the necessary precautions to screen new volunteers and make sure they're the right (and safest) fit for your ministry. Here's the screening process I used in my ministry to help make sure our volunteers understand the importance and expectations of their role. Volunteers who serve with our kids should... Attend for 6+ Months. Serving is an important step in being part of the body of Christ. Before a volunteer steps into their role, you want to make sure that they are getting spiritually fed, getting connected, and – most importantly – desiring to serve at your church as a part of the commitment to making this church family theirs. *Requirement for lead volunteer positions only: Become a Member - Becoming a member means that they protect...
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