The Quick Guide to Discipline for Children's Ministry

101 Good Ideas for Bad Behavior

Give this book to every leader on your children's ministry team!

Synopsis: You’ll love this at-your-fingertips handbook for discipline issues that frazzle your nerves and leave you wondering what to do. Look to this guide for effective techniques that eliminate and redirect behavior challenges.

From A - Z you'll find help for: anger, ADHD,bad language, biting, bullying, crying, disrespectful behavior, lying, sarcasm, safety risks, tattling...and more!

Going Live in 3...2...1!

by Tina Houser

Synopsis: Lights, Camera Action...It's Story Time!

If there's one thing Tina Houser knows how to do, it's how to tell GREAT stories...Bible stories that is! Those who have seen Tina in action know how talented she is at capturing an audience - whether children or adults - with innovative techniques that keep listeners on the edge of their seats and cheering for more.

If you are ready to take your Sunday school or children's church lessons from ho-hum to hurray, this book is for you! Tina shares many of her time-tested, kid-pleasing storytelling techniques in this information-packed book. Your kids will be having so much fun they won't even realize they're learning Bible stories by heart!

What's a Bathtub Doing in My Church?

Fifteen Questions Kids Ask About Baptism, Salvation and Snorkels

By Kevin Spear

Synopsis: Explaining baptism is not always easy! Some parts of the whole baptism thing look very strange. What is that strange bathtub doing in the church anyway? Why should someone get baptized? Will people laugh at me if I look like a wet rat when I get out?

This little book helps take the mystery out of the baptism ceremony in a way that kids can understand.

Turbocharged!

100 Simple Secrets to Successful Preschool Ministry

Synopsis: Studies show a child's spiritual formation begins in preschool - it's a critical, formative stage of life! For children's leaders at church, that means we must be equipped and passionate about preschool ministry. This book is the tool to make that happen.

Turbocharged! is all about helping you reach out to preschoolers and their families. It's about making a difference. One child at a time. All of the time.

The strategies, ideas, and philopsophies in this book flow from hands-on preschool ministry experience. We've seen them work for our kids. We know they'll work for yours.

Kids' Travel Guide to the 23rd Psalm

With 13 in-depth Bible lessons for grades K-5, it's perfect for Sunday School or midweek meetings at your church.

Synopsis: Jesus loves and watches over kids! At school. At home. On the soccer field. At the doctor's office. Anywhere! Use Kid's Travel Guide to the 23rd Psalm to share this promise of God's provision and protection - and to lead your children in a discovery of every promise in Psalm 23. When kids feel unsure or lonely or worried or confused, they can take comfort in knowing: "The Lord is my shepherd..."

Comforting Children in Crisis

Know what to say, what not to say, and what you can do

Synopsis: Children face emergencies, too - and shouldn't endure them alone. When children are burdened by life's struggles, what do you say? What if you make things worse?

This go-to guide gives you the confidence to share God's love and comfort with hurting children and their families.

Each topic includes:

Real-life narrative - Learn from someone who has been there

Care & counseling tips - Support children through a wide range of their most common emergencies

What to say & what not to say - Respond in the most helpful way possible

Also includes: Scripture connections, guidelines for referring children to professional resources and caring ways you can stand by children in need.

Preteen Launchables

All the stuff you need to Launch YOUR Preteen Ministry!

Synopsis: Whether you're launching a new preteen ministry or refueling a current program, here's everything you need to...

Understand how God wired your preteens - socially, spiritually, intellectually, physically, and emotionally

Connect with preteens - through great games, slammin' service ideas, wow worship, powerful parent involvement, rockin' retreats, and exciting events!

Plan to succeed with preteens - sure-fire, practical ministry solutions - including igniting the right vision, recruiting the right team, sharing the right message, and so much more!

My Faith - Middle School Survival Series

by Kurt Johnston and Mark Oestreicher

Synopsis: Life can be hard. Especially when you're in middle school. (Believe us, we remember!) It also can be hard to understand what your faith is all about - and keep it strong when you face the trials and temptations that come along with being a teenager.

But not to worry! My Faith will give you all the tips and secrets you need to really grasp your faith and keep hold of it. You'll get the inside scoop on things like God's story, the Bible, faith and doubt, church, and what it means to be a Christian.

JC Q's

One Hundred Fifty Jesus-Centered Questions

Group Publishing

Synopsis: Jesus is by far the most fascinating person who ever walked the earth, but you wouldn't know it by the kinds of questions we typically ask about Him. A surprising question about Jesus can keep you talking and exploring for a long time; a bad question about Jesus can confirm what many already believe - He's just a boring "nice guy" - Mr. Rogers with a beard. Well, here are 150 questions about Jesus that will spark great discussions about who He really is - we know because we've asked them. Use them anytime, anywhere, with anyone.

On the Spot No-Prep Games for Children's Ministry

Great for home, too!

Synopsis: We're serious when we say "On the Spot" As in...

The parents are late. The sermon went long. The lesson went short. You need a game - now!

You get the picture.

On the Spot is your solution for those days when you haven't had a moment to plan ahead (and all the days when you do).

Give one to every children's volunteer to keep in their backpack or golve box.

Over 25 games!

On the Spot No-Prep Devotions for Children's Ministry

Great for home, too!

Synopsis: We're serious when we say "On the Spot" As in...

You finished a lesson early - and have a few minutes to fill. (Make every moment count with the devotions inside!)

Or let's say all the kids are ready for class, but you aren't.

You get the picture.

On the Spot is your solution for those days when you haven't had a moment to plan ahead (and all the days when you do).

Over 20 instant devotions. Each devotion is 15 minutes or less.

The Humongous Book of Children's Messages

By Group Publishing

Synopsis: You'll be ready! From Noah's Ark to Jesus Healing a Blind Man to Groundhog Day - it's all here! And it's all clearly oragnized by topic and Scripture reference.

Use this book when presenting a children's sermon at church...adding spice to your Sunday school class...leading a devotional camp...standing in front of children at your midweek program - anywhere you want to connect with kids in a fun, fast way!

You-Can-Do-It Family Ministry Events

Building faith and community in the families of your church.

By Susan Martins Miller

Synopsis: You-Can-Do-It Family Ministry Events offers specific plans for church-organized events that minister to the family.

• Clear step-by-step instructions remove the uncertainty of "Is this really going to work?"
• Patterns and reproducibles ease preparation and help the artistically challenged to go beyond their own limits as they plan activities.
• Age-level tips make sure that participants across the ages can contribute in meaningful ways.
• Biblically-rich content ensures that families have the opportunity to take critical faith-building steps.

The Humongous Book of Games for Children's Ministry

Group Publishing

220 new games for children's ministry!

Synopsis: Always have a great big fun game at your fingertips for any area of children's ministry, daycare or after-school programming! From creative children's workers comes this tried-and-true colossal collection!

Sharing God's Love in Children's Church A Year's Worth of Programs for Children Ages 3-7

By Lisa Flinn and Barbara Younger

Synopsis: Sharing God's Love in Children's Church is a book filled with active, hands-on programs, designed for children ages three to seven. Each program features a simple Christian message, a Bible verse, a story, a prayer, a snack, and several creative activities such as crafts, games, and musical activities. The programs are structured to last from thirty - to forty-five minutes. An additonal activity is included in each program to extend Children's Church to a full hour. Supplies and set-up are kept to a minimum, and the books's easy-to-use format makes it just right for today's busy teacher.

Large-as-Life Bible Adventures

13 Amazing "You-Are-There" Bible Experiences
BONUS: Skits & Drama CD

Synopsis: High-Impact. Low prep. Turn your Bible lessons into surprising bible adventures. Kids hear Bible stories… but what happens when they live them? The stories become reality as kids discover every thrilling twist and turn for themselves! With Large – as- Life Bible Adventures your kids will be astonished – and hooked – as they:

• enter the belly of a fish with Jonah
• battle alongside Gideon & his 300 soldiers
• sail with Noah on the ark
• and jump into other dramatic Bible stories!

Crazy & Creative Bible
Stories for Preteens

By Steven James

Synopsis: Looking for creative ways to reach preteens with God’s Word?
Looking for new methods to involve preteens in Bible stories they think they already know?
Well then this book is for you!
Thirty of the most famous Bible stories are organized by story themes to help you teach spiritual truth in fresh, funny, and creative ways.
Interactive and improvisational storytelling and drama ideas help you teach Bible stories, review important truths from Scripture, and involve preteens in fun, exciting, and engaging ways!

The Best of Children's Ministry Magazine Devotions

110 Eye-Popping, Jaw-Dropping Children's Messages

Synopsis: Get ready to connect. That's because each devotion - more than a hundred of them - came from people like you: people in the thick of children's ministry.

These best-ever children's messages have been tried...tweaked...and tried again. You'll use them without risk - and without worrying that your kids' attention will drift elsewhere.

Kids’ Travel Guide to
the Armor of God

Synopsis: The world is a scary place, but God is greater than it all! Here's help for guiding your children (ages K-5th grade) to a stronger relationship with God. Lead them to have a faith so bold they'll be able to stand firm in the midst of terrifying or unclear situations. Kids will explore how to be strong in the decisions they make, and in relationships with others. Kids' Travel Guide to the Armor of God is perfect for helping children learn about spiritual issues in a non-threatening – and empowering – way.

30 New Testament
QuickSkits for Kids

by Steven James

Synopsis: These QuickSkits are a fun and exciting way to get kids involved in telling a Bible story. Kids will learn about life, death, and the life of Jesus; the miracles, signs, and wonders of Jesus; and the acts and adventures of the apostles.

The Fabulous Reinvention
of Sunday School

by Aaron Reynolds

Synopsis: The Fabulous Reinvention of Sunday School is an indispensable guidebook to transformational teaching in children's ministries of every size and setting. Designed with whimsical quirkiness and written with humor and passion, this book will transform the way you – and your kids – experience the life-changing potential of Sunday school.

Sharable Parables

by Steven James

Ages: 3 – 12

Synopsis: Full of hundreds of creative ideas and techniques for telling Jesus' parables more effectively. Included in each chapter is background information to cut down on research time, "Grace Connections" to help you focus on the gospel, ready-to-use interactive ideas for retelling Jesus' stories, memory sparks to help you personalize the parable, suggestions for adapting the story for different age groups, creative costume and prop ideas, easy-to-use skits and scripts, application and discussion questions, and much more!

The Creative Storytelling Guide
for Children's Ministry

by Steven James

Synopsis: Whether you're new to storytelling, or you've been telling stories for years, this book will help you tell God's story more creatively and effectively than you ever imagined you could! You'll learn to improve your teaching through more effective storytelling, prepare and tell Bible stories in less time, master a step-by-step process for developing your own way of retelling stories, and adapt your lessons and curriculum to connect with the students in your class.

Cut & Tell Bible Stories

Group

Age: 3-9

Synopsis: Cut-and-Tell Bible Stories help you actively tell Bible stories to children ages 3 to 9. As you tell the story, you cut more and more of your paper as shown in the book. As the story unfolds, so does your paper to reveal a surprise cutout that helps children remember the story.

A to Z Object Talks – OT

A to Z Object Talks – NT

By Susan Lingo

Age: 1st – 6th grade

Synopsis: Packed with memorable messages that will delight and excite your kids about God's Word. Kids will learn life-changing Bible truths along with tons of cool Bible trivia as they make unique crafts and edible wonders to help lock in the learning! Here are 26 clever messages that turn ordinary show-n-tell object talks into exciting discover-n-do delights! Perfect for Sunday school, VBS, children's church, or anytime you want to offer your kids a change of pace!

Edible Object Talks – That Teach About Values/ That Teach About Jesus

By Susan Lingo

Age: 1st – 6th grade

Synopsis: A delicious collection of 25 life-changing messages that are as attention-grabbing and Bible-based as they are fun to make-n-eat! These are solid Bible messages with clever concoctions kids whip up then nibble down. Through a change of taste kids will learn how to apply Bible truths to everyday life! With Edible Object Talks your kids will devour and digest God's Word, whip up a batch of cooperation, communication and team-building fun, and get cookin' with Bible truths. Perfect for Sunday school, VBS, children's church and munch more!

It Only Takes A Spark

By Kim Marxhausen

Concordia Publishing House

Ages: 6-10

Synopsis: Interactive, visual lessons that include faith concepts illustrated through scientific experiments. Devotions are written in sections for different age groups and include Bible verses with Bible application.

The Best of Children's Ministry Magazine Crafts

110 Totally Awesome Crafts for all Ages

Synopsis: This book highlights some of the most creative and fun- to- make crafts featured in Children's Ministry Magazine for the past 15 years! Easy to follow directions and supply list for each craft.

Christmas Extras

Faith-Filled Ideas for Celebrating Christmas

Synopsis: Now it's easy to prepare a Christmas season that's bursting with lots of praise, devotions, Bible stories, snacks, crafts, and experiences… that jingle with joy for Jesus' birth! Each brief activity is rooted in faith and wrapped in fun, revealing more and more about God's powerful love and grace for all of us.

Easter Extras

Faith-Filled Ideas for Easter Week

Synopsis: Now it's easy to plan an Easter Week that's bursting with lots of praise, devotions, games, Bible stories, snacks, crafts, and experiences that help kids explore Jesus' great sacrifice on the cross – and joyful resurrection! Each brief activity is rooted in faith and wrapped in fun, revealing more and more about God's powerful love and grace for all of us.

The Encyclopedia of Bible
Crafts for Children

Synopsis: You'll love this collection of nearly 200 creative, fun and easy Bible crafts! Kids love crafts! And teachers love crafts that connect kids with Bible truths! This huge, handy volume has just the craft you want for what you're teaching!
In this book you'll get:

• A Fresh collection of nearly 200 kid-approved crafts! Just the right craft for your next Sunday school, mid-week or children's church lesson!
• Crafts for every book of the Bible and crafts to illustrate all major Bible stories!
• Easy-to-do crafts! Crafts are easy to assemble and require few supplies!

Alphabet Adventures the Bible from A-Z

by Karen Miller

Synopsis: Take an adventurous journey through the ABC's! This great resource  associates Bible stories with letters to create a wonderful lesson reinforcement for children.The ideas in this book are categorized into songs, movement activities, snacks, and take-home crafts- something for everyone.

5th and 6th grade Smart Pages

by Wes Haystead and Tom Prinz

Synopsis: Smart Pages is a treasure-chest of reproducible, down-to-earth ministry ideas – certain to boost your effectiveness in ways you've never imagined. It includes: topics ranging from building community in the classroom to leading a young person to Christ, 24 articles written by an experienced counselor and school psychologist to help parents cope with this age group, games for Bible memory, Bible story review, life application and just for fun and clip art to illustrate newsletters, flyers, handouts and more!

Creating Rooms of Wonder

By Carol Seefeldt

Synopsis: What children see around them affects what and how they learn. Displaying children's artwork with thoughtfulness and care benefits children, teachers, and families. Ceilings, floors, table-tops, windows, doors- it's all useful space to display the beautiful works of children, enhance the learning process, and communicate to parents what their children are experiencing in school. Learn how to create rooms of wonder using the basics: color, line, texture, composition, focal points, and rhythm.

Making Toys for School-Age Children

By Linda G. Miller and Mary Jo Gibbs

Gryphon House

Synopsis: Gives ideas on how to make unique, exciting toys and props that help children learn, while using inexpensive, around the house items. Crafts are divided into age appropriate categories that can tie in with any curriculum.

Collect-n-Make Crafts for Kids

By Susan Lingo

Age: 1st – 6th grade

Synopsis: Craft projects with a purpose! Each is based on a Bible theme and Scripture verse. The Making it Memorable section of every craft idea gets kids thinking and learning about God and His truths. Short prep time and everyday items help to create 50 cool craft projects. Ideal for Sunday school, VBS, mid-week programs, children's church or anytime you want to offer kids awesome craft projects with a purpose.

Big Book of Bible Crafts, The

Gospel Light

Age: 3-12 yrs.

Synopsis: What a fun way for kids to reinforce Bible learning - with imaginative and fun crafts! Every one of these creative crafts relates to a Bible story, character or principle. There's added educational value because every craft comes with Bible Bits - age-appropriate questions and discussion starters about God's Word.

Ideas that Work

Leading Kids to Own Their Faith

Synopsis: Here are the Six Big Ideas you must hardwire into your preteen ministry! Attract and keep kids with…

• The Big Fun Idea-keeping even serious stuff engaging and surprising,
• The Big Service Idea-because preteens want to make a difference,
• The Big Discipleship Idea-encouraging preteens to become Christ followers,
• The Big Worship Idea-connecting preteens with God,
• The Big Parent Idea-involving parents of preteens, and
• The Big Retreats and Events Idea- making significant spaces where preteens can encounter God, bond with each other-and have a blast!

101 Simple Service Projects
Kids Can Do

By Susan L. Lingo

Synopsis: Kids will discover why God wants us to serve, what blessings come from serving, and how serving others is the best way to serve God! From mini fund-raisers and simple service projects, to holiday helps and everyday acts of kindness, kids will discover that serving is as fun as it is life changing.

The Best of Children's Ministry Magazine Games

110 Out-of-This-World Games Kids Love

Synopsis: This is the ultimate game book! Included are the most popular games featured in Children's Ministry Magazine over the last 15 years. Each game has simple to follow directions. Also included is a scripture reference for each game.

The Kid's Guide to Service Projects

by Barbara A. Lewis

Synopsis: Over 500 service ideas for young people who want to make a difference.Topics include, friendship, health, holidays, homeless people, hunger, safety, literacy, people with special needs, seniors, and more.

Parties and Special Events

From Pioneer Clubs

Age: 4th – 6th grade

Synopsis: Jam packed full of ideas for every party or holiday event imaginable. Christmas, birthdays, picture parties, award ceremonies and even service projects. This handy resource can guide you through any celebration guaranteeing your party will be a hit! With basic materials outlined for every event and multiple ideas for games you will never need another resource to enhance your party headquarters!!

Big Book of Service Projects

From Gospel Light

Age: 3rd – 6th grade

Synopsis: Packed with ideas that will encourage kids to begin a lifetime of Christian service. Many of the projects can be completed right in class! Plus, the projects have been designed with options, so you can adapt them for children of other ages! You'll help students encourage each other to do what God's Word teaches, discover the joy of giving to others, accept responsibility to complete a task, learn to work together, and recognize that God's Word leads His people to action!! 93 ways your kids can put God's love into action! Reproducible pages.

200+ Activities for Children's Ministry

By Susan L. Lingo

Standard Publishing

Age: Elementary

Synopsis: 200+ Activities for Children's Ministry is the definitive teacher handbook of help - the one idea book you'll reach for time and again for every classroom concern. From devotions and worship ideas to crafts, snacks, and help for substitute teachers.

Collect-n-Play Games for Kids

By Susan Lingo

Age: 1st – 6th grade

Synopsis: Games with a goal! Each indoor activity, outdoor relay, lively race, or quiet classroom game is based on a Bible theme and Scripture verse. The Pep Talk section of every game gets kids thinking and learning about God and His truths. Short prep time and easy to find items make for over 60 super games. Ideal for Sunday school, VBS, mid-week programs, children's church or anytime you want to offer kids great games with a goal.

Fearless Pharaoh FooFoo and
Other Dramas for Children

by Larry Vogel

Synopsis: A school year's worth (34 dramas) of simple reproducible dramas for use by children in a day school chapel, Sunday school, or other children's worship or lesson opening session. Each drama is based on a Bible story, but as the title drama suggests, students will have fun while learning and teaching one another the stories. Some of the dramas incorporate songs sung to familiar tunes, such as "Let's Go Fly a Kite" or "Little Bunny Foo Foo."

Create a Christian Christmas Tree

Joyce Guller Belt

Synopsis: Have you been looking for a way to put more meaning into your family's Christmas celebrations? Let Create A Christian Christmas Tree show you how to make symbols from the Bible that effectively proclaim your faith. Just gather some common household items and follow the easy instructions to shape beautiful ornaments that tell the story of God's love - from the Old and the New Testaments!

Holiday Dramas for Kids

For Kids Only, Inc.

Age: Elementary

Synopsis: Dramas depicting stories of Jesus: birth, life, ministry, death, and resurrection. Written by nationally known playwright and FKO presenter, Kathleen Chapman

The Humongous Book of Bible Skits
for Children’s Ministry

*Bonus CD: Includes a CD full of sound effects, background sounds, and mood music that help bring each story to life!

Synopsis: Fun skits from 52 favorite Bible stories. "Connect kids with the Bible as they act out skits in fun ways they won't forget! This easy-to-use format makes set-up a breeze – simply copy the script and hand it out to each actor. There's a part for everyone in each skit, so every child is involved."