The differences between an adult Sunday school class and one for kids are quite striking. A class for toddlers and preschoolers is rarely organized around the logic of a Bible passage, or even a lesson outline. Instead, lessons are structured by the classroom schedule and environment—by a basic routine and activity centers that are designed for play, music, the Bible story, and other games or crafts. How do we prepare children’s lessons that are Christ-centered, biblically faithful, engaging for kids, and oriented towards the distinct ways that kids learn? This workshop will help you learn how to do just that.
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Teaching Sunday school is more than just keeping kids entertained. How can children’s ministry leaders move from a Bible passage to a lesson filled with stories, songs, crafts, and activities without leaving Scripture’s truth behind? Jared discusses a framework that can help you connect classroom activities to the bigger story of the gospel.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
- Why effective children’s ministry begins with the truth of God’s Word, not just crafts or games.
- How to use the Hook, Book, Look, and Took framework to structure your lesson.
- Practical ways to teach biblical stories through music, movement, and crafts.
- How the story of Solomon and the Queen of Sheba points children to Jesus.
- How to help parents continue conversations about Scripture with their children after church.
About Jared:
Jared Kennedy serves as an editor for The Gospel Coalition. He is also co-founder of Gospel-Centered Family and the author of books for children and families like Faith-Builder Catechism (New Growth Press, 2023), Keeping Your Children’s Ministry on Mission (Crossway, 2022), and The Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible (New Growth, 2017). He, his wife Megan, and their three daughters live in Louisville, Kentucky, where they attend Sojourn Church Midtown.
Related Rooted Resources:
Equipping the Saints: Serving Your Volunteers In Children’s Ministry
How To Teach the Bible So Children Can Learn – Rooted Ministry
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