Creating an effective children’s curriculum for small churches involves several key considerations. A good curriculum should be theologically rich, engaging, adaptable, and supportive of both children and their families. This blog post will explore what makes a good kids church curriculum, compare leading programs, and describe different teaching formats in children’s ministry.
Key Elements of a Good Kids Church Curriculum
- Theological Depth: A strong curriculum should be rooted in sound theology, helping children understand core Christian doctrines and biblical narratives. It should foster a deep, growing knowledge of God and His Word[2].
- Gospel-Centered: The curriculum should consistently point children to the gospel, emphasizing the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ as central to the Christian faith[2].
- Engaging and Interactive: Kids learn best when they are actively engaged. A good curriculum includes hands-on activities, storytelling, and interactive lessons that capture children’s imaginations and foster a love for God’s Word[4].
- Age-Appropriate: The curriculum should be tailored to the developmental stages of the children it serves, with different materials and approaches for preschoolers, elementary-aged kids, and preteens[3].
- Parent-Engaging: Effective curriculums involve parents in the spiritual education of their children, providing resources and activities that families can do together at home[2].
- Flexible and Customizable: Small churches often have unique needs and constraints. A good curriculum should be adaptable, allowing for customization to fit the specific context and culture of the church[3].
Comparison of Leading Programs
Kids Sunday School
- Cost: Free
- Strengths: Offers a comprehensive, free curriculum with detailed lesson plans covering the Old and New Testaments, holidays, and spiritual life. Includes printable activities and take-home pages[1].
- Ideal For: New ministries with very small budgets.
Think Orange
- Cost: Starting at $510 per year
- Strengths: Emphasizes the partnership between church and home. Offers tailored plans for different age groups and includes a trial period[1].
- Ideal For: Churches looking for a structured, family-integrated approach.
Hillsong Kids
- Cost: Free resources available
- Strengths: Provides worship songs, animated Bible stories, and family church videos for free. Great for supplementing custom lesson plans[1].
- Ideal For: Churches that want to create their own curriculum but need additional resources.
Life.Church Open Network
- Cost: Free
- Strengths: Offers a wide range of free resources and curriculum materials. Suitable for churches of all sizes and budgets[1].
- Ideal For: Churches seeking a versatile and cost-effective solution.
The Gospel Project
- Cost: Varies; free trials available
- Strengths: Covers the entire Bible chronologically with print and digital materials. Suitable for all age groups, from preschool to adults[4].
- Ideal For: Churches looking for a comprehensive, chronological Bible study.
Different Teaching Formats in Children’s Ministry
- Children’s Church: This format involves a dedicated service for children that runs concurrently with the main adult service. It typically includes worship, Bible teaching, and activities designed to engage children at their level[5].
- Small-Group Settings: Also known as learning centers, this format involves smaller groups of children rotating through various stations or activities. This allows for more personalized attention and can cater to different learning styles[5].
- Sunday School Classes: Traditional Sunday school classes are age-specific and focus on teaching biblical stories and principles through structured lessons. This format often includes a combination of teaching, discussion, and activities.
- Family-Integrated Ministry: This approach involves children participating in the main worship service with their families, with additional resources provided for parents to continue the teaching at home. This format emphasizes the role of parents as primary spiritual educators.
Conclusion
Choosing the right curriculum for a small church involves balancing theological depth, engagement, and adaptability. Programs like Kids Sunday School and Life.Church Open Network offer robust, free resources, while Think Orange and The Gospel Project provide structured, comprehensive plans that integrate home and church learning. By considering the unique needs of your church and the specific characteristics of each curriculum, you can find the perfect fit to nurture the spiritual growth of the children in your ministry.