Categories: Leadership

Have a Cup of Cheer Christmas Volunteer Appreciation Printable

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Thank your volunteers for serving in your ministry and invite them to "have a cup of cheer"  this Christmas season with this free printable![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Christmas Volunteer Appreciation Printable here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2019%2F11%2FDKM-Have-a-Cup-of-Cheer-Christmas-Volunteer-Appreciation-Gift-Printable.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text] Use the version with a pre-printed note at the bottom, or use the blank version to write in your own Christmas message of appreciation. Use page 2 and 3 to put together goodie bags with hot chocolate packs, instant coffee packs, tea bags, candy canes, and more for your team. You could even include a mug with your ministry logo! Use pages 3 and 4 as cards to attach to Starbucks...
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Filed Under Blog, Free Weekly Downloads, Leadership, Volunteers

Child of God

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]My favorite part of any conference is singing worship. I love being in a room with other children's ministry leaders, singing praise to the God we serve and introduce kids to. This time is so sweet because worship is often something that children's ministry leaders don't get to do very often. We're with the kids during Sunday morning worship, and even if it's a family service, we probably have responsibilities to think about. We may lead worship in the kids area, but we rarely have the opportunity to focus completely on the words and object of our worship. At the last conference I attended, the song below was an impactful one during one of our times of worship. We so often point children to God that we sometimes forget we are children of God ourselves. I'm praying you take time today to reflect and remember...
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Worship as a Way of Life

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]When I say "worship," pictures of waving arms, jumping, and Yancy may pop into your head. And while those are very real aspects of worship, if we let kids believe that worship is ONLY singing songs of praise to God, we're missing the mark.  Worship is more than just singing songs; it’s a way of life! It's a whole-life response to God and His greatness. Sometimes that means singing praise songs, but it also means so much more. We can worship God through our actions, our words, and our songs. When we serve, we are worshiping. When talk about God to others, we are worshiping. When we spend time thinking about how awesome God is, we position ourselves into a posture of worship. Worship doesn't just happen on Sunday mornings. It's the moments walking in between when God stirs our hearts with His presence and...
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Filed Under Blog, Book Shelf, For Parents, Leadership

5 Ways to Raise Generous Kids

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Dema Kohen, author of the 9-week series The Great Money Adventure, includes these 5 tips for parents in his curriculum resource. Here are 5 simple ways to raise generous kids... VOLUNTEER. Volunteering teaches your kids that giving to others is an act rather than a concept. TELL STORIES. Explain how the generosity of others has helped you, or how someone's generous spirit has helped your child. Doing so will instill a desire to pay it forward. LEAD BY EXAMPLE. Our kids imitate our actions, so let them see you help their teacher in the classroom, ask your grocery checker how their day is going, collect cans for the food bank, visit senior citizens who may be lonely, etc.  There are so many ways to be generous with your spirit – and your kids will grow up wanting to do the same. BROADEN THEIR VIEW OF...
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Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice Fall Volunteer Appreciation Gift

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Use this printable to wish your volunteers "pumpkin spice and everything nice" this fall! Print, cut, and attach page 2 to a small bag of homemade Pumpkin Spice Chex Mix (recipe below). Or print and cut page 3, then use Glue Dots to attach a Starbucks gift card to the back![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download Printable Gift Tags Here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2019%2F10%2FDKM-Pumpkin-Spice-and-Everything-Nice-Thanks-a-Latte-Volunteer-Appreciation-Gift.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text] Pumpkin Spice Chex Mix Recipe INGREDIENTS: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted 1 cup packed brown sugar 3 tablespoons pumpkin spice 2 tablespoons vanilla extract 1 (12 oz) box cinnamon chex cereal 1 (12 oz) box honey nut chex cereal ...
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Filed Under Blog, Free Weekly Downloads, Leadership, Volunteers

Top Free Downloads from Year 2

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Deeper KidMin turns 2 years old this week, and we're celebrating with a day of free downloads, highlighting the top 10 freebies from year 2 (plus a 20% off sale in the DKM Marketplace). Just click on each picture below to access the post with the free download, and join our subscriber's list here to make sure you don't miss one of our weekly free downloads in year 3![/vc_column_text][vc_text_separator title="#1 - 10 Commandments Hopscotch Printable" color="custom" border_width="3" accent_color="#3ac1e1"][vc_single_image image="8877" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" link="https://deeperkidmin.com/10-commandments-hopscotch-printable/"][vc_text_separator title="#2 - The Empty Cup: Object Lesson on Fasting for Kids" color="custom" border_width="3"...
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Host a “VIP” Volunteer Meeting

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Kelli, a kidmin leader in Texas, shared on Facebook about her "VIP" volunteer meeting and how she used several free downloads from Deeper KidMin to do it! She let me pick her brain on what the morning looked like, and agreed to let me share her thoughts so others could replicate this simple but effective time of connecting with your volunteers. "VIP" stands for vision, information, and prayer, and she met with her volunteer team 15 minutes before they needed to be in their classrooms for Sunday morning. She plans to hold these VIP meetings on the first Sunday of each month and uses the time as a way to, you guessed it, cast vision, share information, and pray for the kids in the ministry. This time not only allows her volunteer team to connect with each other, but it provides an opportunity for them to share...
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Halloween Alternative: Glow Night Outreach Event

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Why Glow Night? Halloween is a holiday that has often been controversial for the church. Despite its origins and some of the unchristian activities connected with the day, it is a great opportunity to reach out into our communities! And rather than asking families to come to you for a Fall Fest or Trunk or Treat, what if you went to them? On Halloween night - regardless of the size of the town you live in - families, especially those with young children, are out and about. Some of them will be knocking on the doors of members of your church family. It is a great time to be intentional to show God’s love to these families and glow with His light. What is Glow Night? The main idea behind Glow Night is to have your church family outside its walls, loving your community intentionally on Halloween. This can...
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Filed Under Blog, For Parents, Leadership

If KidMin Volunteers Were Candy

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]October means candy infiltrates the thoughts, minds, and dreams of kids as Halloween draws near. As candy fills the shelves and kids' stomachs, I started thinking... what if our volunteers were candy bars? Snickers - The volunteer who is sweet but firm (and a little bit nutty). Nerds - The volunteer who has their very own laminator at home and comes fully prepared (even with extra activities) every Sunday. Three Musketeers - This adventurous volunteer is up for anything! This is the one you contact when you need someone to drink a strange concoction or perform a random feat of courage on stage. Tootsie Pops (how many licks?) - Quiet and reserved at first, this patient volunteer sticks around for the long-haul. Skittles - This volunteer can do everything, and their skills span the rainbow. You can...
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Fall Outreach Idea: Reverse Trick or Treating

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Every kid is familiar with trick-or-treating. You dress up, walk to a neighbor's house, ring the doorbell, say "Trick or Treat!" and you get free candy! But what if you could REVERSE this fall activity and utilize it as a community outreach and family service project?  Lynne Howard, one of our amazing vendors (check out all of Lynne's resources here), had the brilliant idea to host a Reverse Trick or Treating event with her families. In this Fall outreach event, instead of going door-to-door asking for candy, families from her church went door-to-door to hand out candy and collect donations for a local charity! It helped her church people get outside the church walls together to have fun AND served their community at the same time. You could host a similar event as a Halloween-alternative that can be done...
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Filed Under Blog, For Parents, Leadership

Fall Resources for your KidMin

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Next week (September 23) marks the first official day of fall, so we're getting in the autumnal spirit by sharing some of our favorite fall resources! Check 'em out![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image="6019" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" link="https://deeperkidmin.com/product/not-so-spooky-a-fall-fest-lesson-on-fear/"][vc_column_text]Not So Spooky - A Fall Fest Style Lesson on Fear: Whether you host a fall festival or a trunk-or-treat carnival, Not So Spooky is the perfect lesson for you! It teaches on Isaiah 41:10 (NIrV) and reminds kids that we don’t have to be afraid because God is with us. It uses either a carnival, fall-fest style schedule or a normal large group/small group style schedule. This single lesson...
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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