Ministry Resources Archives - Page 4 of 5

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

01/11/201608/16/2026 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

11/27/201508/16/2026 Kathie Phillips 2 Comments

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!

Freebie Friday Giveaway: “The Gospel Truth About Children’s Ministry”

08/28/201508/16/2026 Kathie Phillips 10 Comments

Freebie Friday Giveaway

I’m feeling generous today and want to bless a fellow kidmin leader with a great resource for your library. Here’s what we’re giving away today:

From the publisher:

In this informative new book you can place yourself in a room surrounded by 1,000 decision makers in U.S. children’s ministry for an honest look at kidmin today.

You’ll hear different perspectives to spark new ideas, along with familiar stories that will have you nodding in agreement, happy that you’re not alone. Learn what’s working, what needs to change and how to carry out Jesus’ mission of cherishing children and making disciples.

How to enter to win:

This is a resource that you’ll definitely want to grab and I want it to be yours – for free! Enter to win an autographed copy by doing one – OR ALL – of the following:

Subscribing to this blog (go the right-hand column and scroll down)
Leaving a comment below about trends you’re seeing in kidmin today
Tweeting about this giveaway – Enter to win an autographed copy of “The Gospel Truth About Children’s Ministry” [Tweet this]
‘Liking’ us on Facebook.

Giveaway entries accepted until 11:59 pm on August 31, 2015. Open to those with a U.S. mailing address only.

Great Resources for Lent

02/17/201508/16/2026 Kathie Phillips 2 Comments

This Wednesday, February 18th, is the first day of Lent, the 40-day period before Easter, is the time when we mark the time when Jesus is sent into the wilderness. While there, He prayed and prepared for what was ahead of Him. Likewise, the season of Lent can be presented to children as a time to pause, pray and prepare for what lies ahead of us. Each year, we provide our church families with a family friendly devotional to encourage faith conversations at home during this time.

If you are looking for materials for your family or for yourself, here are a few I’d recommend.

FAMILY RESOURCES

A Sense of the Resurrection

Blogger Amanda White, who wrote the popular Advent devotional Truth in the Tinsel, has written a resource for Lent. A Sense of the Resurrection contains 12 fun, hands-on, easy, meaningful activities to help your kids come face to face with the Easter story.

Family Lenten Practices Calendar

This free downloadable calendar written by blogger Traci Smith shares either a prayer, service or fasting activity each day. The activities can be adapted for children of all ages. In addition, she offers an adult calendar for purchase.

Holy Week Devotional

According to the What’s In the Bible? website, this devotional contains an 8-day family Bible reading and devotional plan designed to guide your family into a deeper understanding of the days of Holy Week and prepare your hearts to celebrate on Resurrection Sunday!

Each day includes 1-2 short Bible readings and a conversation-starting discussion guide, as well as a coloring page that illustrates the day’s Bible story. The Holy Week Devotional Download Pack will engage your kids in discussion, prayer and creative expression in the week leading up to Easter.