The Humongous Book of Children's Messages - Softcover

Group Publishing

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0764426478 ISBN 13: 9780764426476

Publisher: Group Publishing, 2003

Synopsis

Busy pastors often find themselves scrambling to put together their children's sermons . . . The Humongous Book of Children's Messages puts an end to unnecessary stress, offering more than 170 brief messages (5 to 10 minutes!) on everything from major holidays and common children's topics to 75 key Bible stories. Indexed by topic and Scripture reference, this massive collection and trusty companion makes it easy to prepare great sermons in a snap.

Here is what you get with each message:

• List of simple supplies or props.
• Directions for enacting the message or Bible story.
• Thought-provoking questions and short message.
• Closing prayer.
• Tips for working with larger groups.
• Indexed by topic and Scripture reference

About this title

From the Back Cover

Find the Perfect Children's Message-Fast!

It's easy with this humongous collection of 170 all-new, quick-prep children's messages!

You get...

52 Old Testament messages! 32 New Testament messages! 69 Topical messages! 18 Holiday messages!

You'll be ready! From Noah's Ark to Jesus Healing a Blind Man to Groundhog Day-it's all here! And it's all clearly organized by topic and Scripture reference.

Use this book when presenting a children's sermon at church...adding spice to your Sunday school class...leading a devotional camp...standing in front of children at your midweek program-anywhere you want to connect with kids in a fun, fast way!

BONUS! Secrets for presenting maximum-impact children's sermons with minimum preparation!

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Introduction How to Use This Book

Presenting a children's message is always an adventure.

When Matt waves his little hand in the air to get your attention, is it because he's just discovered a Bible truth-or because he has to go to the bathroom? When you ask kids how they serve their parents, will Nancy talk about cleaning her room or picking up beer cans after Dad's card game last Friday night?

Children's messages are always an adventure...and they can always be fun, too.

Here are more than 170 children's messages contributed by people like you-people who stand in front of groups of children and tell them about God. You're getting their best messages, organized so it's easy for you to find just the right message for a children's sermon, a devotion, or to complement a Sunday school lesson.

Handy indexes make it a snap to find the perfect idea-fast. And here are some practical insights about how to deliver these messages in a way that gives you maximum impact... Personalize messages. If there's a story about shoveling snow and you live in Los Angeles, substitute a childhood activity from your own experience. Feel free to adapt these messages as you see fit. Be careful about questions. You want children involved, so asking questions is great-but what will you do when forty-seven hands shoot up and everyone wants to talk?

If possible, have children sit in small groups with adult leaders. That way, when you ask a question, children can tell leaders their answers while you wait. Then you can ask several leaders to share stories that came out of their groups' discussions. That way, more children get to talk, and what's shared publicly has been filtered through an adult.

Affirm all contributors-no matter what. You ask who died on the cross, and Jasmine confidently blurts out, "The Easter Bunny!" (Don't laugh-it's happened.) Be sure to affirm Jasmine for answering even as you get back on track and talk about Jesus.

Position kids so they're focused on you. If you present a children's message in "Big People's Church" by calling kids up to the front of the room, seat children so they're focused on you and aren't distracted by the audience in the pews.

And a word about Big People: If they're parents of children, they'll be praying their kids don't do or say anything embarrassing.

If the adults aren't parents, they'll be equally attentive but for a different reason: They're praying the children do find a way to do or say something embarrassing. Those adults can't wait for some wide-eyed, innocent preschooler to hand you a hot potato.

Use props visible from the back pew. If you use a prop in a message, make sure everyone can see it-including adults who may be watching from a distance. Children want to see what you're holding, so find a way to make it visible.

Have fun. You're sharing truths from God's Word. You're getting to hang out with people who love playing. It's a great combination! Enjoy your time with kids! Allergy Alert You'll see this icon throughout the book wherever food is used. Be aware that some children have food allergies that can be dangerous. Know your children, and consult with parents about allergies their children may have. Also be sure to carefully read food labels, as hidden ingredients may cause allergy-related problems.

Edition details

• Publisher: Group Publishing
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0764426478
• ISBN 13: 9780764426476
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 261