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Category: Ministry Resources

Covers resources that Children’s Ministry and Next Gen Ministry leaders can use in their programs

International Children’s Bible {Review & Giveaway}

Kathie Phillips

Bibles are one of those staple items for ministry to children.  (If it’s not, it should be!)  Choosing an age-appropriate Bible for children is sometimes a bit of a challenge because there are so many great options out there.  Here’s one I’d like to share with you that children will love.

International Children's Bible

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

The International Children’s Bible, the first Bible translation created specifically for children, has been updated and newly typeset in a large readable layout.  The Bible text is set in large type, with bold in-text subject heads that help kids easily find the passages they are looking for.  Also included are boldface words that correspond with a dictionary and concordance entry to explain word definitions.

A great new feature in this updated setting is a key verse index with more than 300 verses that are highlighted throughout the Bible for kids to read and learn.  The beautifully illustrated Bible story insert pages are in a style that children love and will delight their imaginations as they read and “see” popular Bible stories.

International Children's Bible

WHAT I LIKE

The Bible is easy-to-read and easy for younger readers to read on their own.  The size of the Bible is perfect for smaller hands to hold and navigate.  The colors used in the illustrations are brilliant and the drawings are not too young to turn off older elementary-aged children.

WHAT I’D LIKE TO SEE

I would have loved to have seen a brief synopsis for each book, such as the author and an overview.  Giving children this background information could help them see the big picture of God’s story.  I also would love to have seen the highlighted verses in a bold color instead of the dull gray; this would help the verses stand out a bit more.  Lastly, I would have loved if the illustrations were in close proximity to the story it related to as well as a scripture reference provided under the illustration’s title.  I could see how this might cause some confusion for children.

All in all, I think the Bible is a great resource for children to develop a love for God’s Word.

To find out more, take a look at this YouTube video or visit their website.

Enter to win a copy of the International Children’s Bible.
I am giving away one copy of the International Children’s Bible to one of my readers.
Simply email me at kidminspiration@gmail.com and tell me your favorite Bible story!
The deadline to enter is 11:59 pm on Friday, May 20th.
The winner will be announced on our Facebook Page on Monday, May 23rd.

Jesus Today: Devotions for Kids {Review & Giveaway}

Kathie Phillips

Finding the right devotional can be difficult.  Oftentimes, friends make recommendations but usually for me, the devotional I choose meets me right where I am during a particular season in my life.  Can you relate?

For many years, I used the Jesus Calling as my daily devotional.  I loved it for many reasons but one was the tone in which it was written.  Sometimes, the words seemed to be the very thing that my soul needed to hear.  It drew me in and created in me a desire to just sit in the presence of the Lord.

As a parent and ministry leader, I am always on the lookout for the same type of resource for kids.  I believe that part of my role is to put good resources into the hands of parents to help them disciple their children at home.  I was so excited to see that Sarah Young, author of the Jesus Calling, had written a new devotional for kids.

 

Jesus Today: Devotions for Kids {Review & Giveaway}

 

 

 

About Jesus Today: Devotions for Kids
Jesus is the Friend who is always with you.  Jesus Today: Devotions for Kids will pour this powerful truth into your children’s hearts as they learn that He knows everything about them and loves them more than they can imagine.  Each devotion is based on Scripture and is written as though Jesus is speaking directly to you, assuring that He is in control, that He is good, and that an amazing future awaits all who put their hope in Him.  Adapted from the ECPA 2013 Christian Book of the Year-winner Jesus Today, this devotional has the same themes as the adult version, as well as written-out scriptures.  It is a great choice for families to read and discuss during devotional time together.
Hardcover: 368 pages
Age Range: 6-10 years 
About Sarah Young: 
Sarah Young’s devotional writings are personal reflections from her daily quiet time of Bible reading, praying and writing in prayer journals.  With sales of more than 14 million books worldwide, Jesus Calling has appeared on all major bestseller lists.  Sarah’s writings include Jesus Calling, Jesus Today, Jesus Lives, Dear Jesus, Jesus Calling for Little Ones, Jesus Calling Bible Storybook, Jesus Calling: 365 Devotions for Kids, and Peace in His Presence — each encouraging readers in their journey toward intimacy with Christ.  Sarah and her husband were missionaries in Japan and Australia for many years.  They currently live in the United States.
My Thoughts
The book contains 150 devotions that elementary-aged children can read alone or with a grown up.  The devotions are just a few short paragraphs long but they pack a powerful punch.  The language is kid-friendly and simple, making it easy for young children to process.  Because they’re written as if Jesus were speaking, the devotions can capture the heart of both children who have already asked Jesus to be their Savior and children who might not be 100% sure what they believe.
Each devotion is followed up by 2 or 3 bible verses that relate to that day’s theme.  The book also has various quotes sprinkled throughout that break up the content a bit.
I also absolutely loved the Scripture Index in the back of the book.  Each verse mentioned in the book is listed in order and lists the page numbers where that verse is discussed.  Also, I loved the texture of the pages.  They were glossy and smooth, which will make it more durable for little hands.
If you have an elementary-aged child in your life or home, this is a resource you’ll want to take a look at.
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SOCIAL • CORNER
Enter to win a copy of Jesus Today: Devotions for Kids
I am giving away one copy of Jesus Today: Devotions for Kids to one of my readers.
Simply email me at kidminspiration@gmail.com and tell me who you’d love to share this resource with.
The deadline to enter is 11:59 pm on Monday, February 8th.
The winner will be announced on our Facebook Page on Tuesday, February 9th.

A Resource Box for Families to Teach God’s Word at Home {Review}

Kathie Phillips

I have noticed a recent trend in ministry resource boxes lately.  There are a few out there but today I wanted to share my thoughts on SproutBox.

 

SproutBox

 

SproutBox Description (according to their print material):

Launched in September 2015, SproutBox is a monthly box subscription designed to create unforgettable family-based Bible experiences with AR technology, interactive curriculum, and easy-to-follow parent guides to facilitate faith-shaping conversation with your kids (ages 4-10).

Its mission is to help parents and kids engage God’s Word in new creative ways.

My Sample Box

I reviewed the “Creation” theme box, which came with:

  • step-by-step instructions
  • a baseball card-size character card
  • a 20-piece creation puzzle (marked with a number “1”)
  • an 11-page storybook (marked with a number “2”)
  • a 7-piece Parents Guide (marked with a number “3”)
  • a make-your-own flowerpot craft (marked with a number “4”)

Using the resources in the box required four easy steps:

Step One (Captivate)

Before using the box, I needed to download the free SproutBox App.  Then I put the creation puzzle together.  Next, I opened the SproutBox app, pressing the camera icon and pointing my phone (you could also use your tablet) at the puzzle.  What happened next was very cool – the Bible story came to life!  Omari, our storyteller, popped up on the screen and told the creation story.  The story itself was not too short and not too long, making it work for younger AND older children.  Not only did Omari tell the story, but he asked me to be part of it by swiping the screen to see more beautiful images.  The images were high-quality – they were colorful and clear.  Well done!

Step Two (Explore)

The storybook, called “The Master Plan”, brilliantly told the creation story on a child’s level through the use of simple (but not babyish) language and eye-catching illustrations.  The book featured Omari and introduced me to his two friends, Gideon and Danya.  Their conversation exchange was simply delightful.

Step Three (Guide)

This step was by far my favorite step.  Why?  Because it equips parents to continue the conversation beyond the Bible story so that children can apply what they’ve read to their everyday lives.  I love that SproutBox provides a resource to make that happen!

The parent guide offers fun activities, Bible readings, discussion questions, and a prayer for parents to use.  Not only that but the guide provided a “Did You Know Facts” section.  I thought this was brilliant because many parents today didn’t grow up in a Christian household and may not be familiar with the Bible stories they are teaching their children.  Outstanding, SproutBox!

Step Four (Experience)

I LOVE hands-on projects for children, especially ones that encourage children to use their imaginations and be creative!  The experience provided for the creation box included 3 small cardboard flowerpots, 3 soil pods, seeds, paints, paintbrushes, instructions, and blank note cards.  What a great way for the children to create a tangible reminder of the awesomeness and beauty of God’s creation!

My Thoughts

Overall, I think this idea is a great way to equip busy parents to share God’s Word at home with their children.  Having everything in one box removes barriers that could keep parents from feeling ill-equipped on what to do and what resources to use.

At $24.99/month, the box could be financially out-of-reach for some families, so I’d recommend that SproutBox include more at-home activities in the Parent Guide.  Doing this would stretch the discussions out longer over the course of the month, thus making it more appealing for some parents to pay that amount of money.  It would also be great to see some sort of family service project included in the Parent Guide.

Find out more about SproutBox by visiting them on:

Website: http://sproutboxkids.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sproutboxkids

Twitter: @SproutBoxKids

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/sproutboxkids/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/sproutboxkids

Keep the conversation going!  Have you used SproutBox Kids or another resource box to help your families or families in your ministry have spiritual conversation at home?  

Disclaimer:  I was provided a free sample to review and offered my honest opinion without compensation.

Money-Saving KidMin Black Friday Bargains

Kathie Phillips 2 Comments

Black Friday bargains

 

Every kidmin leader I know wants to (and often needs to) stretch their ministry dollars.  I’ve scoured the internet for awesome Black Friday deals that will help you do just that.  Here’s what I found:

WORSHIP RESOURCES

WorshipHouse Kids is a go-to for kidmin leaders looking for affordable, high-quality worship media resources.  If you’re looking for worship videos, motion backgrounds, or seasonal countdowns for short videos to complement your lessons, this is the place to shop.  Black Friday specials include $2.98 motion backgrounds and $4.98 kids’ videos.

Yancy is well-known in kidmin circles for the great worship music she provides for children.  Her website is filled with great deals on devotionals, CDs, videos, even apparel.

PRETEENS/YOUTH MINISTRY

I love using youth ministry games with our preteens!  Download Youth Ministry (DYM) is one of the places I’ve found them.  DYM is offering a coupon for 40% off anything in their store.  Just use coupon code thanks.

iShine is offering a Tween Central Resource kit (filled with music, books, bibles, videos, t-shirts, and trinkets) for just $48 (it’s normally priced at $149.99).

CURRICULUM/BIBLES/BOOKS

Standard Publishing is offering 25% off online orders today – curriculum, bibles, books and more!  Use promo code 1DAY15.

What’s in the Bible? is offering up 30% off orders over $30.  Stock up on curriculum, church bundles and DVD gift sets.  *Note: This is an affiliate link.

Children’s Ministry Deals is where I’ve found free seasonal Minute-to-Win-It games and printables, along with curriculum bundles.  Today, they’re offering bundle deals on curriculum.  (You can grab free downloads, too!)

LifeWay is offering sales on kids’ books, DVDs, and Veggie Tales toys.  Shop online or in the store.

Group Publishing is offering a clearance sale on all sorts of goodies.  You don’t want to pass this up!

VBS

Regular Baptist Press is offering deals on VBS kits and nursery curriculum plus get free shipping on pre-paid orders of $125 or more.  Use promo code SALE15.

ALL-IN-ONE BUNDLES

Kidzmatter Pro is offering over $10,000 worth of kidmin resources for only $99/yr!  You’ll receive conference videos, games, curriculum, videos, countdowns, worship music, and more.

CRAFT SUPPLIES (AND MORE!)

If you’re in kidmin, I’m sure you’re very familiar with Oriental Trading!  Today, they’re offering free shipping plus $10 off orders of $59 or more.  Use promo code CE155080.

Lakeshore Learning (a teacher’s paradise) has great bargains in-store and online.

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

If you’re looking for coaching that can help you lead your ministry better, Ryan Frank’s Inner Circle is the program for you.  You’ll receive personal coaching, access to online material and participation with other others in an online community.  Launching in January 2016, this opportunity will be offered for $249/yr.  However, if you grab it today, you’ll only pay $99/yr!  Check it out.

I have never attended the Children’s Pastors’ Conference (CPC) but I have friends who have and they love it!  Save up to 50% off your 2016 registration fee today!

Jim Wideman has provided resources for kidmin leaders for over 30 years.  He is offering an additional 10% off his books through the end of November.  He is also offering 10% off his personal coaching sessions (more info about that here).  Use coupon code GET10.

What did I miss?  What great bargains did YOU find?  Share them in the comments below!

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