Kidmin resources

KIDMIN ARTICLES:

“4 tips for leading a kid to Christ” – by David Raush, founder of “GO” Curriculum.

“Active Learning vs. Passive Learning: No Contest” – by Dale Hudson, founder of “Relevant Children’s Ministry” and now “Building Children’s Ministry”.

“Aim Lower, Think Smaller!” – by Linda Mei Lin Koh in 2017.

“Apologetics for Children: How can we help our children understand evidence for the Christian faith?” – by Mikel Del Rosario, founder of “Your Apologetics Guy”.

“Atheism Doubles Among Generation Z” – by “Barna Research Group” in 2018.

“Can Kids Have Fun and Learn at the Same Time” – by Dale Hudson, founder of “Building Children’s Ministry”.

“Childhood Ministry Basics” – by LifeWay Kids Ministry.

“Design Your Master Plan: A Step-by-Step Children’s Ministry Blueprint” – by “Discipleland”.

“Do You Have This Book That’s a Game Changer for Children’s Ministry” by Dale Hudson, founder of “Building Children’s Ministry”.

“Don’t Neglect the 4–14 Window of Children’s Ministry” – by Steve S. Chang for the “The Gospel Coalition”.

“Engaging a Heart for mission to children” – by  Linda Mei Lin Koh in 2015.

“Evangelism Is Most Effective Among Kids”by “Barna Research Group” in 2004.

“Five Reasons why the Children’s Minister Staff Position is in the Greatest Demand” – by Thomas S. Rainer: “Growing Healthy Churches Together”.

“Five Steps to Effective Ministry”by Discipleland blog in 2012.

“How a Biblical Worldview Shapes the Way We Teach Our Children” – by Discipleland blog in 2018.

“How Do You Teach Difficult Bible Stories to Little Kids?” – by Megan Hill for “The Gospel Coalition” (TGC).

“How interactive teaching can change your KidMin” – by David Raush, founder of “GO” Curriculum.

“How Sunday Schools Are Raising the Next Generation of Secular Humanists” – by Natasha Crain, author and founder of “Christian Mom Thoughts” blog.

“How to Minister to Solo Parents and Their Kids: Your church can be the hands and feet of Jesus by coming alongside solo parents with support and encouragement” – by Jenny Funderburke Smith for “Ministry Spark”, valuable free content from “David C. Cook”.

“How to Really Minister to Kids Affected by Divorce: Divorce is not something kids ‘get over’, but your ministry can be a place of understanding, security, and safety when kids’ lives are in turmoil” – by Jenny Funderburke Smith for “Ministry Spark”, valuable free content from “David C. Cook”.

“Making the Bible Come Alive” – by Dale Hudson, founder of “Building Children’s Ministry”.

“More” – by Dale Hudson, founder of “Building Children’s Ministry”.

“Most Christian Parents Choose Church Based on Children’s Programs, Barna Finds” – by Michael Foust for “Christian Headlines”.

“Point Parents Toward Biblical Success” – by Dale Hudson, founder of “Building Children’s Ministry”.

“Reaching Kids With the Gospel – You Only Have a Short Window of Time” – by Dale Hudson, founder of “Building Children’s Ministry”.

“Servant leadership…the best way to lead” – by Dale Hudson, founder of “Relevant Children’s Ministry” and now “Building Children’s Ministry”.

“Tips for Teaching Kids From Mr. Rogers” – by Dale Hudson, founder of “Building Children’s Ministry”.

“Top 40 Children’s Ministry Blogs to Follow” – by Dale Hudson, founder of “Building Children’s Ministry”; I would add Dale Hudson’s blog to the top of this list.

“Training Tomorrow’s Leaders Today”– by Dale Hudson, founder of “Building Children’s Ministry”.

“Where Churches Are Failing Kids” – by Dale Hudson of “Building Children’s Ministry”.

“Why I Drove Past 50 Restaurants and Didn’t Stop” – by Dale Hudson of “Building Children’s Ministry”.

“Why Screens Can’t Replace Face-to-Face Children’s Ministry” – by Dale Hudson, founder of “Building Children’s Ministry”.

“Why the Next Generation Doesn’t Know Christianity is True” – by Dale Hudson, founder of “Building Children’s Ministry”.

BOOK FAIR & BOOK RESOURCES:

“MudHenMama Books” “affirming biblical conviction with quality children’s books and other resources for homeschool groups, Christian schools, & families. These books will affirm your convictions to your children and teach them incredible, interesting, and fun stories they will remember.” Are you looking for a wholesome alternative to Scholastic books for PK-5th grade? Look no further!”; offers on-line book fairs, books by grade level, other merchandise, life posts, recipes, & more; founded by Michelle, mom of nine; “For people who want to be affirmed in their biblical convictions and establish those convictions with their children.”.

KIDMIN BOOKS – books listed are ones I have read and would recommend:

Equipping / vision books:


Ministry resource books:

“The Big Book of Bible …” – by “Standard Publishing” (now with “David C. Cook” ); different books with skits, crafts, coloring pages (sample image for early childhood), activity pages, elementary games/fun facts/puzzles, etc.

“Sea Kids” book series (image of “I’m Not Afraid”) – “Sea Kids help kids to build a relationship with Jesus and others. Join the Sea Kids in fun adventures about respect, sharing and teamwork”; by author & Bible professor, Lee Ann Mancini, founder of “GLM Publishing”. also have Facebook page, DVD, and “Sea Kids TV.

Teaching books:


KIDMIN CAMPS (those I am familiar with & would recommend):

Please give credit to Andy at “Christian Camp Pro” for compiling a comprehensive free list of U.S. camps, retreat centers, and resources.  Search on his site for camps and scroll down on page for camps listed by state (ie., here’s the list for California).

“Angeles Crest Christian Camp” in mountains between Palmdale & La Canada; great staff; offers 3rd – 6th grade winter camp, summer camp, & summer weekend camp; also offers Science & Outdoor Education; also offers junior high & high school camps.

“Forest Home” in southern California offers winter camp for 3rd-6th grade and summer camp for 3rd-4th and 5th-6th grades; also offers junior high, high school & family camps.

“Hartland Christian Camp” in Central California; offers winter & summer camps for 4th-6th grade; also offers junior high, high school, & family camps; snack shop has awesome shakes!

“Hume Lake Christian Camp” in Central California; offers summer camp for 3rd-6th grade; also offers junior high, high school, & family camps; offers other camps in different locations.

“Jenness Park” in Northern California; offers summer camp for 4th – 6th grade; also offers junior high, high school, & family camps.

“Life Camp” at Lopez Lake on Central Coast of California; offers summer discipleship camp for 3rd – 8th grade; also offers high school summer camp.

“Thousand Pines” on Big Bear Mountain in Southern California; offers winter & summer camps for 4th – 6th grade; also offers junior high, high school, & family camps.

KIDMIN CURRICULUM:

“Answers for Kids” – 5 minute trailer explains curriculum from “Answers in Genesis” (AIG); goes through the Bible chronologically in 3 years for all ages; print format.

“Answers for Kids Bible Curriculum” (can also be used as a Bible study at home or church) – by Ken Ham and Stacey McKeever of “Answers in Genesis” (AIG); combined 3 popular teachings (Beginnings, Seven C’s of History, and Questions) into an all-in-one 30-lesson course designed to strengthen kids’ biblical foundation with an apologetic focus; student handout sets.

“Better Bible Teachers”“Mega-list of 64 Sunday Sunday School Curriculum providers and what you can expect for each one of them”.

“Calvary Curriculum” – membership access for activity sheets, lesson outlines, and coloring sheets for whole Bible; also offers training, etc.

“D6”: “A Family Aligned Curriculum for Every Generation based on the principles of Deuteronomy 6:5-9 – love God, love His Word, and teach your children to do the same”.

”David C. Cook” – now offers multiple formats and names, including “Standard Publishing”,“Gospel Light”“Tru”, etc.; print format (Tru is downloadable format).

“Discipleland”different teaching formats available (large group/small group, classroom, etc.); print format.

“Explore the Bible: Kids” goes through the Bible in 3 years, using context for better understanding; Jesus is revealed throughout lessons; print or downloadable formats.

“Group Publishing” kids’ ministry curriculum; scroll down page to see different ones offered.

“High Voltage Kids” “elementary curriculum that is fun, is biblical, and it works”; by pastor, author, & conference speaker, Brian Dollar, founder of “High Voltage Kids’ Ministry”.

“Kid Want Answers”trailer for “Shipwrecked”, one of their series of 3-7 week downloadable curriculum for kids; authors also created “David” video game.

“Kids 4 Truth Clubs“Systematic theology for kids that teaches Bible doctrine. Apologetics for kids!”; membership access; Equip U, a free resource library of children’s ministry resources.

“Mad About Jesus Laboratories” offers exciting, fascinating, and memorable scientifically based object lessons to teach biblical truths to children”. 

“My Awesome Adventure” – by “Discipleland” in partnership with Karl Bastian, founder of “Kidology”; offers Disciple Guides for ages 9-12 and 6-9 and Leader Guides; bundle also available; fun discipleship Bible study for church or home.

“Show Me Jesus” – by “Great Commission Publications”; can also be used as “stand-alone” small group material, ie. preteen “Bible Survey”, “God’s Promises”, or “Pilgrim’s Progress”.

“Sunday School Zone” – free online activities and curriculum.

“The Gospel Project” – goes through the Bible chronologically in 3 years; Jesus is revealed throughout lessons; print or downloadable formats.

“What’s for Dinner?” campaign kit: “a simple, fun, and powerful tool that will encourage and equip the families in your church to gather around the dinner table more often and connect with each other on a deep and meaningful level” – by Dema Kohen, founder of “We Are Kidmin”.

“What’s in the Bible with Buck Denver”trailer for 1-year curriculum overview of the whole Bible, book by book; by creator of Veggie Tales, Phil Vischer; available through “Jelly Telly”; families can also get DVDs from “Jelly Telly”; the book of Job taught as poetry, but the rest is solid doctrine and kids respond well to it.

KIDMIN EVENTS:

“FamBlitz LIVE” “a 1 hour and 20 minute crowd participation show that we bring to your venue. With the theme of inspiring families to think like a team, parents and kids participate on stage and from their seats in a variety of games and challenges. A Biblical message is woven in throughout games and crowd challenges with no dedicated preaching time”.

“Kidz Blitz LIVE” – “targets the elementary age kids while engaging people of all ages. With a message woven into the action, kids learn while playing. Conducting 100+ events per year from coast to coast, Kidz Blitz the most sought-after, events for churches in America”.

KIDMIN GAMES:

“Bible Games Central”“We believe that Games, when designed and executed purposefully, are an excellent tool for teaching Biblical truths”; offers free games for kids, youth, & adults; search by topic or by Bible passage; each game comes with Bible learning points, recommended scripture passages, & discussion questions.

“Bible Memory Game” “each Bible Memory Game set contains 2 decks of bridge sized cards with 2 different colored backs: blue and red. Each deck has 66 cards that are beautifully illustrated to reflect the contents of each of the 66 books of the Bible. The color bar at the bottom of each card indicates which section of the Bible it belongs to”; from “Bible Games Central”.

“Bible Bingo”“simple and fun game that also helps players become more familiar with the Bible. The Bingo cards you find in this game are specially designed to correspond to how the Bible is organized. They are divided into distinct, colored sections which match the sections of the Bible”; from “Bible Games Central”.

“Parable Parade”“players must collect complete sets of Parable Cards. You can draw as many cards as you like, but be careful. Draw an Oopsie! Card and you will pay the price! Will you be bold and fearless? Or will you be conservative and cautious?Collect the Cards. Complete the Story. Capture the Point. Watch the video to learn how to play; from “Bible Games Central”.

KIDMIN HOLIDAY RESOURCES: (in process)

Christmas:

“Christmas Bingo and Memory Card Game” – by “Bible Games Central”; “This 2-in-1 Christmas Bingo & Memory Card Game featuring colorful festive illustrations and packaged with 400 ready-to-play plastic Bingo chips is exactly what you need!“; for 2 to 24 players.

“Christmas Minute To Win It Games” – by “Bible Games Central”; “great for any Christmas party for both kids and adults. Using commonly available festive essentials, these low-prep indoor games are not only fun to play but also entertaining to watch!”

“Christmas Resource Pack” – from “Children’s Ministry Deals”; temporary free downloads include “Candy Cane Christmas 4-Week Curriculum, Nativity Coloring Page, 10 Christmas Minute To Win It Games, Christmas Tree Coloring Page, Christmas Object Lessons, Candy Cane Coloring Page, Christmas Bingo, Christmas Seek & Find, & more!”

“Little Drummer Boy” DVD – by “Yancy”; can hear preview of songs here.

“The Story of Christmas Minute To Win It Games” – by “Bible Games Central”; “This special collection of low-prep Minute To Win It games helps you share the true story of Christmas in a fun and memorable way. Each of the six games here is linked to a part of the Biblical Christmas story. This allows you to tell the story of Christmas as you introduce each game.”

Easter:

“Are You Ready for Easter? Here’s Help” – by Dale Hudson, founder of “Relevant Children’s Ministry” and now “Building Children’s Ministry”.

C.S.I. Jerusalem 4-wk Easter curriculum kit – by “River’s Edge Curriculum”; “through fun, hands-on forensics science activities, explore the events surrounding Jesus’ death and resurrection. Investigate the lives of those who knew him well and their reactions to the events”; also available through “Kidology”.

“Easterrific Faith Adventures” “colorful, action-packed resource – to provide parents with fun, easy-to-do activities that create meaningful connections with each other and memorable encounters with Jesus”; by Dema Kohen, founder of “We Are Kidmin”.

“Exploring Easter: A Journey from Palm Sunday to Easter”“Teach Kids About The TRUE Meaning of Easter this Year While You Make Memories that Will Last a Lifetime!”; by “Teach Sunday School”; 3-weeks of all you need with lessons & activities.

“God Gave Us Easter” (part of “God Gave Us” series) – by Lisa Tawn Bergren.

“One Rehearsal Easter Pageants: Teach Kids About the TRUE Meaning of Easter (Without Giving Them Nightmares!)” – by “Teach Sunday School”.

“Resurrection Eggs” – by “Family Life”; “12-piece Easter Egg set with booklet and religious figurines inside – tells the full story of Easter”.

“Why Easter?” board book for preschoolers – by Hannah C. Hall; based on “What’s in the Bible?” characters, Clive and Ian; from “Minno”.

“Are You Ready for Easter? Here’s Help” – by Dale Hudson, founder of “Relevant Children’s Ministry” and now “Building Children’s Ministry”.

Harvest:

“Is There Anything Better than Candy?” – pack of punch-out pumpkin tracts with the gospel; from “Let the Little Children Come”.

St. Patrick’s Day:

“St. Patrick’s Day Commemorates a Christian Missionary” – article and resources for teaching the true story of St. Patrick; by Eric Buehrer, founder & president of “Gateways to Better Education”.

Thanksgiving:

Valentine’s Day:

KIDMIN MAGAZINES:

“Kidzmatter Magazine” – (previously known as “K” Magazine); published by pastor, author, speaker, & Kidmin advocate, Ryan Frank & his wife, Beth.

KIDMIN NETWORK GROUPS:


CM Connect”offers Facebook page (“Children’s Ministry Connect” above), conferences, journal, etc. for Kidmin leaders.

“Don’t Quit Ministry Support” private Facebook group; also see book, “Don’t Quit: The Best Things in Ministry Come Over Time”.

“I Love Kidmin” Facebook group for children’s ministry leaders.

“International Network of Children’s Ministry”“serving leaders who champion the discipleship of kids and families”; articles, training, conferences, certification, etc.

“Kidmin Nation” Facebook page membership for Kidmin leaders through Kidmin Nation 365 yearlong conference; offers Kidmin Mega Con annual training conference and Online Kidmin Mega-Con; same leaders offer “Kidmin Academy”, a 1 year certificated training program for Kidmin leaders.

“The Ministry Network Group” – private Facebook network group for Kidmin leaders; also helps leaders find other local leaders to connect with or help leaders create a local network group. 

KIDMIN RESOURCES MISC:

“All Free Kids Crafts” – secular site with all things crafts; includes tutorial videos for kids, costumes, and much more.

“Sunday Cool” – super soft custom t-shirts using “no-feel water based ink”; fast turnaround – great for ministries and VBS.

KIDMIN RESOURCES – MEMBERSHIP ACCESS (some free):

“Danielle’s Place”– free and membership access for lessons, crafts, games, & activities; great for younger kids.

“Kid Nation” – membership site for Kidmin leaders; curriculum, graphics, forms, room transformations, skits, countdowns, discounts on resources, & more.

“Kidology” – membership site founded by “Kidologist”, Karl Bastian; non-profit organization providing “help, ideas, training, and resources that enable them [Kidmin leaders] to most effectively reach and teach kids”.

“Kids’ Sunday School Place” – free and membership access for lessons, crafts, games, skits, & activities.

“Pinterest” – membership access; secular site, but offers multitude of Christian ideas, crafts, and other resources.

KIDMIN VIDEOS:

“Incredible Creatures that Defy Evolution I, II, & III” – DVDs by Dr. Jobe Martin, with “Exploration Films”; animal videos showing unique design of each one; I highly recommend these for ministry and families.

“Sea Kids” DVD trailer“Sea Kids help kids to build a relationship with Jesus and others. Join the Sea Kids in three fun adventures about respect, sharing and teamwork”; also have Facebook page, Sea Kids TV, and book series by author & Bible professor, Lee Ann Mancini from “GLM Publishing”; can find on “Rightnow Media” and “Pureflix”.

“THEO” series trailer for 1st 3 of DVD series (now 5) – “through fun and engaging storytelling, Theo teaches children God’s word and how they ought to live in light of it”; takes children (and adults) through a careful study of systematic theology with humor & engaging animation; 30 minute titles include “God’s Love”, “God’s Grace”, “God’s Heart”, “God’s Truth”, & “God’s Desire”; series was “the dream of a cartoonist [Michael Joens], called to teach the Word has come true”; can be purchased as a set from “theopresents.com”.

KIDMIN WEBSITES:

“Bible Pathway Adventures”“mission is to help parents and educators around the world disciple their children in a fun and engaging way. How do we do this? With our free printable activities and Activity Books – all designed to help educators just like you teach children a Biblical faith.”; can view their online Catalog here.“; offers free lessons, quizzes, crosswords, word searches, activity books, classroom packs (purchases help fund missions), flash cards, coloring pages, videos, & even a Hebrew Corner; artwork is high-quality.

“Building Children’s Ministry”: “building leaders, ministries, teams”– by Dale Hudson; “to help churches build thriving, growing children and family ministries” with excellent articles, resources, speaking, and training; “Dale’s heart is to serve leaders in the local church and help them build a great ministry for God’s glory”.

”Childrens Ministry” – articles on ministry and leadership; teaching tips, crafts, games, activities, outreach ideas for all age groups.

“Child’s Heart Ministries” blog – by author, speaker, and children’s ministry leader, Esther Moreno.

“Christian Book Distributors” (CBD): Everything Christian For Less”; also offers comparison of various VBS products with samples of music, etc.

“Christian Tools of Affirmation” (CTA) – great resource for volunteer appreciation, kids’ holiday gifts, & more.

“D6: a family ministry movement connecting church and home” – offers resources with “D6 for the Church” and “D6 for the Home” as well as a conference, curriculum, podcasts, videos, “Splink” family conversation starters, “Elements Kids’ Worship” curriculum, “Access” small group Bible studies, and “D6 Plus”, a membership site with additional resources & training.

“Deeper Kidmin” – online resource with “innovative thoughts and practical resources for KidMin leaders to use in their ministries and for parents to use at home”; founded by Brittany, former children’s ministry leader; offers the “DKM Marketplace with free resources, leadership admin & volunteer resources, events, curriculum, her blog, free weekly downloads, & more.

“Equip U” is a free resource library of children’s ministry resources from“Kids 4 Truth Clubs.

“Hendrickson Rose Publishing” – now Hendrickson Rose Publishing; laminated pamphlets, maps, charts, & posters on numerous topics.

“Kidzmatter” publishing company for church leaders with magazine, articles, books, training, & more – by Ryan and Beth Frank, who “have launched some really amazing programs together” like Kidmin Academy, Kidmin Nation, Kidmin Nation Mega-Con, Online Kidmin Mega-Con, and the Sam Chand Leadership Institute.

“Lead Volunteers” – “Changing Volunteer Pains into Ministry Gains”; the most comprehensive resource to
recruit, train, and retain volunteers”; membership access to a variety of training modules and resources; also offers on-site consulting workshop; founded by Josh Denhart of “Kidmin Science”.

“Let the Little Children Come” – “aims to provide effective child evangelism tools and resources. It is our hope that these tools and resources will help you in conveying the powerful gospel message to children”; offers evangelism resources to share the gospel with kids, tips, & instructions and gospel tracts; there’s a pack of punch-out pumpkin tracts with the gospel (“Is There Anything Better than candy?”); also offers a sampler pack of child evangelism tools; this site founder’s comment: “these tools would also be helpful in helping older children practice sharing their faith”.

“L.I.T. Ministries” – 3-minute explanation of vision

L.I.T. Ministries” “mission is to empower the next generation”; purpose is to recognize the uniqueness of every child, reach them with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and disciple, equip, and release them for ministry in the church and the world; “Leaders in Training” (L.I.T.) for preteens and “Nehemiah Kids” for 1st – 4th graders; offers mission trip for preteens, online leader training & leader conference, free resources, & more; part of the “4 to 14 window” movement.

Mad About Jesus Laboratories” offers exciting, fascinating, and memorable scientifically based object lessons to teach biblical truths to children”. 

“Ministry Spark” – website with Kidmin articles and free resources; a ministry of “David C. Cook”.

“Ministry to Children” – “practical help for telling children about Jesus”; offers articles, lessons, crafts, activities, teaching tips, leadership, outreach, and more; email subscription offered; founder & editor is Tony Krummer, former pastor of children’s ministry.

“New Growth Press” (NGP) – “publishes gospel-centered, Bible-based materials that provide churches, families, and individuals with resources for personal and spiritual growth and change”; offers books, small group studies, kids’ curriculum, books for teens/young adults, a blog, & more.

“Oriental Trading” – secular inexpensive resource site with Christian prizes, craft kits & supplies, decorations, and more.

“Relevant Children’s Ministry” – “Fresh Ideas, Insight and Content for Children’s & Family Ministry Leaders” – by Dale Hudson: articles, resources, training, coaching & more; main site is: “Building Children’s Ministry” – “building leaders, ministries, teams”.

Sea Kids TV“Sea Kids help kids to build a relationship with Jesus and others. Join the Sea Kids in three fun adventures about respect, sharing and teamwork”; also have Facebook page, DVD, and book series by author & Bible professor, Lee Ann Mancini, founder of “GLM Publishing”.

“Sunday School Zone” – free online activities and curriculum.

“Superchurch” kidmin resource site by former kidmin pastor, coach, and author, Mark Harper.

“Sustainable Children’s Ministry” – based on the book (listed ) by founders, Mark DeVries and Annette Safstrom; offers coaching and events & resources.

“Teach 4 the Heart” – site to provide “ideas and inspiration you need to overcome your teaching challenges & make a lasting difference in your students’ hearts and lives”. 

“Wacky World Studios” “We have everything you are looking for to create your dream environment! No matter the space or the budget, Wacky World is your one stop shop for sculptures, wall coverings, interactive play features, animations and so much more!”.

“We are Kidmin” resource website by Kidmin Pastor, Dema Kohen; offers Facebook pages for various series (Kingdompreneur Academy”, “Eat This Book Challenge”, etc.)