25 Meaningful Ways to Affirm Kids & Youth

This time of year, activities in Christian schools, Sunday schools, CCD classes, choirs, Awana, and Bible clubs begin winding to a close. In a few weeks, the children and youth you have worked with for multiple weeks, months, or perhaps even years will move on—to a different class, school, or community. Perhaps one of the [...]

Sharing the Salvation Story – A free devotion for your children’s ministry

Editor’s note: Are you looking for a way to help the kids in your VBS, Sunday school class, or Bible club share the love of Jesus? Then check out this activity! The devotion below is adapted slightly from the free downloadable Ministry Message that accompanies it.    Getting Started This devotion suggests that you read several [...]

Discover the Hidden Message — An activity and free devotion for your children’s ministry

Editor’s note: Are you looking for a way to deepen and personalize Jesus’ love for the kids in your VBS, Sunday school class, or Bible club? Then check out this new activity from CTA’s Teachable Moments series. The devotion below is adapted slightly from the free downloadable Ministry Message that accompanies the Discover Jesus! hidden message [...]

A Hand-y Way to Pray — A free devotion for your children’s ministry

Editor’s note: Are you looking for a way to expand the prayer horizon for the kids in your VBS, Sunday school class, or Bible club? Then check out the prayer cards CTA has developed. Referring to the fingers on one hand, these cards remind children to pray and suggest what to pray about. This devotion is [...]

Saying Thank You

Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17 As we serve our Savior, our hearts fill with gratitude for his countless blessings. He blesses us in our joys, in our sorrows, through our struggles, and in our [...]

Countdown to Easter Message 6: King — A free devotion for your children’s ministry

Editor’s Note: This is the last in a series of six devotions intended to help children prepare for Easter. It’s slightly adapted from CTA’s new theme for spring, Jesus Lives! Let’s Celebrate!   Getting Ready Familiarize yourself with the devotion. Place a bookmark in your Bible at John 11:25. Place all of the magnet pieces [...]

Did You Hear Me?

I am looking down at my phone as a child talks to me. I feel I am doing a fine job of checking the latest headlines as I listen. Suddenly I feel a little hand lifting my chin. The child says, “Did you hear me?” I have to be honest with myself. I heard what [...]

Countdown to Easter Message 5: Care — A free devotion for your children’s ministry

Editor’s Note: This is the fifth in a series of six devotions intended to help children prepare for Easter. It’s slightly adapted from CTA’s new theme for spring, Jesus Lives! Let’s Celebrate!   Getting Ready Familiarize yourself with today’s devotion. Place a bookmark in your Bible at John 14:27. Place the blue magnet piece of [...]

Called to Serve Together — Called to Serve, Part 4

If it’s so exciting for a believer to be called to serve (See Called to Serve, Parts 1- 3), why are most churches so short of volunteers? Let’s start by checking our attitudes. We who serve in churches, staff and volunteers alike, are busy people who care about ministry. We believe every member should volunteer, [...]

Countdown to Easter Message 4: You — A free devotion for your children’s ministry

Editor’s Note: This is the fourth in a series of six devotions intended to help children prepare for Easter. It’s slightly adapted from CTA’s new theme for spring, Jesus Lives! Let’s Celebrate! Getting Ready Familiarize yourself with today’s devotion. Place a bookmark in your Bible at 2 Corinthians 5:15. Place today’s green magnet piece of [...]