Kidologist's Zone

On my palm pilot I keep a simple file I use for self-evaluation. It is posted here because it is requested often after I mention it in workshops.

this is a children's ministry promotional peice from my church that is requested whenever I mention it at conferences. You are welcome to adapt the idea for your own church.

This PowerPoint compares Baseball to Christianity. Was made as an introduction to a unit we are doing on spiritual disciples with a baseball theme. The lessons will be added to the Kids Church Zone.

Some advice on planning an all-nighter!

Take care of the "Big Rocks" in your life, and then worry about everything else. If you can't, then you simply are doing more than God is asking you to, and you need to take a hard look at your life and ministry. It may require some heart-searching prayer about what God is asking you to do.

When you stress over your ministry, you have taken the ministry away from God and have made it your responsibility to solve its problems.

Overall, a fun film to watch. Packed with fanciful inventions, multiple cultures, and traditional good guys and bad guys. If you are seeking a modern update on the Jules Verne book, you'll be disappointed. This isn't a "don't see" film, however I'd hesitate to recommend it to families in my church.

OK, for wasting time, try to click on the balloon that is hanging from your mouse. :)

What lessons did the Kidologist learn early on in ministry besides not playing games with marshmallows in a room with red carpet?

Most great leaders I meet had a tough time when they were kids because, while they had gifts, they hadn't figured out yet how to use them, and the misuse, or simply bad timing, got them in trouble...... they have potential!

A 'who's on first' style puppet show. Copyrighted, but you are welcome to use in local church ministry.

Pastor Karl was privileged to get to see a pre-release screening of Mel Gibson's new movie The Passion of the Christ on Jan. 20th, and responds here to its impact on him, and answers questions about it's appropriateness for children.

The Bible says that everyone needs to be saved - only most people do not realize it. They think they are "fine," just like the man reading the book- he needs to look down and realize it isn't just a windy day. People need to see the things in this world that show that there is more to it, and that they are indeed in need of being saved.

Great boy/girl competition as kids try to decode a message by yelling out the letter based on numbers!

Children race, one at a time, to a large cup full of Kool-Aid at the other end of the playing area and drink until the whistle blows. You will need:Kool-Aid, clear cups, a straw for each child, and a whistle.

People who do not know God are spiritually BLIND! There are a lot of "voices" yelling out instructions to us in this world, and it is hard to find the happiness and purpose for which we are looking. What we need is to have Jesus guiding us - but we need to be close to Him to hear His instructions!

Playing with Bubbles has never been so much fun! You will need lots of bubbles and other equipment as detailed in instructions for each game.

A new twist to musical chairs only so MUCH BETTER!

This works well for boy/girl competition as teams of 2 try to get the most clothespins. Beware! Running circles around each other takes on new meaning with this game!

The object of the game is to stack twenty empty soda cans on top of each other. They can be working on several stacks. However, the other team is allowed to throw marshmallows at the other team in an attempt to knock down their cans.

Each team of three gets a blanket and 2 children speed to the finish line pulling the blanket while the 3rd team member tries to stay on the blanket!

The hardest part of this game is collecting the Big Mac containers. Just ask for a few every time you eat at McDonald's and you'll have a bunch in no time! Better yet, if you know an employee, maybe they can ask the manager to donate a bunch to the church!

You will need a backless Bench per 5-7 kids, optional squirt guns/head gear for this relay race that gets the kids to "centipede" across the room.

Here is a fun game that will help children learn and review which books are in which testament.

You will need a variety of Christmas ornaments - at least 20 DIFFERENT TYPES to help children learn that God never forgets Hebrews 6:10.

This is a 90's version of the classic "Heads Up 7 Up." (If don't know that game, don't worry about it.) You will need Five (or more) 3 1/2" computer disks.

This is a GREAT object lesson-type game that teaches Hebrews 12:2 "Fixing our eyes on Jesus" and not be distracted by the things of this world that try to get our mind off of God.

In short: You race to stack and unstack the cups according to a set pattern that is demonstrated ahead of time. Once you get the basic idea, you can make all kinds of variations. You will need Plastic Cups that stack well, and fit inside each other loosely

How to use your puppet to enhance your lesson.

Some "Star Trek" puppet go through an anomoly and get to witness Creation!

This is a sample of a year-end interview form to use with teachers at the end of the year.

This is a very fun game that all will enjoy! The set-up depends on the size of your group, but the object should be easy to figure out!

A fun twist on Hide and Go Seek! In this version, the LEADER hides with a box of cookies and the kids go looking for him/her.

This is a pretty simple review game show. (You can also just use Bible trivia questions.)You will need Spinning Wheel -wood or poster board.

This is a great game that teaches the importance of reading the Bible carefully and following it's instructions instead of just trying to 'wing it' spiritually.

Here is an activity that will give you a way to use up those boxes of old books or magazines in the attic or garage!

Here is a game can be used to teach what sections of the Bible different books belong to

Here is another game to teach or review the books of the Bible.

You've heard of 60 Minutes, well this game takes less than 66 seconds! You need a stop watch, or at least a watch with a second hand.

This is "Win, Lose or Draw" without the paper or pens! Instead, have a supply of rope licorice on hand!

The Team Bible Drill is similar to the basic Bible drill, except that it involves every child and more kids are rewarded.

Each kid who answered review questions takes a turn sitting on the stool with a straight face while the leaders try to make him/her laugh.

You can use this game as an introduction to how we are all different - but that God loves us all the same, or other similar applications

Each child will need paper to make an airplane and a steady hand to get their airplane through the hula hoop or in the target (which could be a basket or trash can.)

Similar to musical chairs - call it musical hats if you want! The child who is 'hatless' is removed, and the game begins again, but with one less hat.

Doctor and Patient take on new meaning in this partner game. You will need Long surgical tubes, Kool-Aid and cups. (maybe paper towels too!)

Give the first person on each team a roll of toilet paper - it's great if it is still wrapped in paper

Use the elements of this relay race to review the days of creation. Select two contestants who will compete using blindfolds, cups of water, whiteboard or chalk board, posterboard and markers, sleeping bag or blanket.

You will need lots and lots of balls, or wads of paper, 7 children, as you teach about serving others.

This variation of charades was used during our Sport Unit that we were doing. You will need slips of paper with sports names written on them.