How should we reach the kids?
Children's Ministry: Tools
There are thousands of possible components, tools, formats, and methods for churches to choose from as they plan ministry for and with children. This page includes a few that I've found particularly helpful.
Get the word out. Teach all these things. And don’t let anyone put you down because you’re young. Teach believers with your life: by word, by demeanor, by love, by faith, by integrity. Stay at your post reading Scripture, giving counsel, teaching. And that special gift of ministry you were given when the leaders of the church laid hands on you and prayed—keep that dusted off and in use.
1 Timothy 4:12 MSG
Sermon Notes
In Harwood’s book, Infants and Children in the Church : Five Views on Theology and Ministry, one major area of agreement between theologians from a variety of perspectives was that children learn about who God is and what it means to be a Christian by participating in worship services and church traditions with their families and as part of the congregation. This has been my personal experience as well so I recommend that parents bring their kids to church and worship alongside them.
This Sermon Notes tool can help kids to engage in the service as they participate, listen and learn.
Topical Lessons
& Lesson Components
These lessons were written and designed with Generation Alpha in mind. They are designed to be engaging, thoughtfully paced, provide a variety of activities, engage the senses, inspire kids to dig deep, and encourage student conversation, interaction and curiosity.
Because there are so many, we gave them their own page.
Midweek Adventures
This year, the kids at our church are enjoying a new format for Wednesday evening discipleship activities. This plan for Elementary School age kids is designed with the attributes of Generation Alpha in mind.
Children will participate in a variety of activities designed to help them grow in their faith. With adult support, they choose a topic that they will explore in depth. Children can explore alone, with one friend, or in a group.
There are three primary steps for children to follow, but they may not be followed in order and children may return to some steps repeatedly.
Many of our favorite Midweek Adventures supplies are linked on the PLAY page.
Many of our favorite books for Midweek Adventures are linked on our BOOK page as well.
Printable Projects for Preschool
Sometimes when time or resources are limited, it can help to have a quick printable project to use. I'm not a fan of coloring sheets, because they are often used to "keep kids busy" rather than with purpose, but I have also noticed it can help to have a grab-and-go project ready for certain lessons. Some of the projects below require supplies and others can be printed and used without additional items. These projects can pair with a Bible story read aloud for a quick and easy lesson for little ones.
