Children’s Ministries Resources

Engage All Generations: A Strategic Toolkit for Creating Intergenerational Faith Communities

Seibel assembles two dozen of the world’s foremost faith formation scholars, writers, and practitioners to create a three-part “manual” for addressing and implementing intergenerational ministries in effective ways: Learning and Growing Together, Praying and Playing Together, Leading and Changing Together.

Our Resources

Part of supporting thriving children’s ministries is offering helpful resources to guide churches along the way. Explore our library to find the resources you need for your church to establish or grow a ministry inclusive of children.

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Book

Badger’s Parting Gifts

Told simply, directly, and honestly, this uplifting story will be of tremendous value to both children and their parents. A gentle classic that can help foster communication, care, and understanding.

Book

Being an Intergenerational Church: Practices to Bring the Generations Back Together

Written by two seasoned national executives in the Church of Scotland, Farrant and Philip combine their thirty-plus years of experience in faith-forming ministries, current research in children’s spirituality, and relational experiences with children in faith communities, all in conversation with the writings of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. This book not only discusses the Why and the How, it also addresses the critical need to examine the faith community’s culture of humility and hospitality in order to be truly welcoming of all ages in the life of the church.

Lessons

Bishop Mariann Budde: A Plea for Mercy and a Call to Action


Lessons

Coping After a Disaster Workbook

This resource is specifically for theologically progressive Christian families. It consists of age-appropriate prayer suggestions, feelings worksheets, scripture, drawing and coloring pages, and age-appropriate prayers. This resource is geared for elementary-age children and is a good conversation-starter to help children talk about their feeling.

Book

Engage All Generations: A Strategic Toolkit for Creating Intergenerational Faith Communities

Seibel assembles two dozen of the world’s foremost faith formation scholars, writers, and practitioners to create a three-part “manual” for addressing and implementing intergenerational ministries in effective ways: Learning and Growing Together, Praying and Playing Together, Leading and Changing Together. From topics covering faith development, at-home ministries, and communication to music, mission, and games, Seibel has brought together practical theology and practical application in this one resource.

Book

Help Me Say Goodbye: Activities for Helping Kids Cope When a Special Person Dies

Help Me Say Goodbye is an activity book for children and their adults with practical tips for talking with children about grief and loss. It is a welcome gift for children, with plenty of space to color, draw, and express themselves. Plan to have copies on hand to give when a special person in the life of a child dies.

Website

Illustrated Ministries

Celebrate the expansive image of God in everyone through open and inclusive language, diverse imagery, and progressive theology. Thoughtful and easy-to-use materials are designed to foster authentic faith engagement with our refreshing designs, creative activities, and intergenerational focus.

Book

Love Makes a Family!

In this exuberant board book, many different families are shown in happy activity, from an early-morning wake-up to a kiss before bed. Whether a child has two moms, two dads, one parent, or one of each, this simple preschool read-aloud demonstrates that what's most important in each family's life is the love the family members share.

Book

Preaching for All Ages: Twelve Ways to Grow Your Skills and Your Confidence

This reflective and practical guide addresses these concerns, and aims to build a sure theological understanding, develop skills and grow confidence.

Lessons

Spark Lectionary

Spark Lectionary is a graded curriculum for congregations that use the Revised Common Lectionary for worship planning. It includes lessons for all ages, from pre-K to adult, and multi-age resources. The curriculum connects worship and faith formation for individuals and families.

Lessons

Spiritual Care Supply Kit

A list of supplies and related suggestions to assemble and bring to a child/family that has been impacted by a disaster. Items recommended are colored pencils or Crayons, a coloring book or coloring pages, a battery-operated tea light, a prayer tag, a note of care, and the like, that total no more than $2.00 in cost. Good for preschool and elementary-age children.

Book

The 10th Good Thing About Barney

My cat Barney died this Friday. I was very sad. My mother said we could have a funeral for him, and I should think of ten good things about Barney so I could tell them.... But the small boy who loved Barney can only think of nine. Later, while talking with his father he discovers the tenth -- and begins to understand.

Book

The Fall of Freddie the Leaf

A beautifully told allegorical story for all ages about a leaf that experiences the life cycle through the seasons of the year. While not specifically Christian, the end of this story reveals hope and new life after death. Features beautiful photographs of leaves and nature.

Book

The Memory Book: A Grief Journal for Children & Families

Used alone or as a group, this special keepsake supports grieving children as they process their emotions by remembering a loved one. With journaling space, pages for photos, and questions to help prompt drawing and reminiscing, each page is designed to allow personalization at your own pace.

Blogs

Traci Smith Treasure Box Tuesday

A weekly resource blog for faith@home and family ministry offered in two versions — free and paid premium. The free version includes 5 or 6 resource links curated by Traci Smith. The premium paid version provides access to to a private Facebook group, discounts at Traci Smith’s Etsy store, special Zoom trainings with Traci, and new resource content each week.

PrayGround

Suggest a Resource

Have a specific resource you think should be included on this page? Not seeing an important topic covered that you would like a resource to address? Fill out the form with your suggestion for a resource; we appreciate your input toward building a more comprehensive library for church leaders!