As a children’s ministry leader, you are likely all too familiar with the challenge of limited resources and tight budgets. Whether you’re a volunteer or a staff member, finding high-quality teaching materials can often feel like a daunting task. But here's the good news: you are not alone, and there are plenty of ways to creatively work within your budget, without sacrificing your amazing teaching!
I’ve been there—standing in front of a whiteboard with “zero” budget, wondering how I could possibly make an impact with so little. But over the years, I’ve discovered that God often uses our lack to reveal His abundance. Let me encourage you, you don't need to have a huge budget to lead a gospel centered children’s ministry. With a little creativity and reliance on God, you can make a lasting difference in the lives of kids.
1. Tap into Free Online Resources
The internet is overflowing with free, high-quality resources for children’s ministry. Here are some excellent options that can help you get started:
- The FREE Resources on this Site - Did you know that there are more than 20 free lessons here on Big Truths for Young Hearts? Plus, there are 12 FREE printable resources for special events, giveaways and more all designed to serve you as you serve the children and families in your church.
- Ministry-To-Children (ministry-to-children.com) - This website is a treasure trove of free Bible lessons, crafts, games, and activity sheets. The materials are simple to implement and provide biblical teaching that aligns with a reformed perspective, perfect for helping you teach kids about God’s Word. Those of you who know me know I had to start here, as that's where many of you met me first time. And here's a little secret, some of the best selling curriculum series available here with slick printables and additional resources are available there without al the bells and whistles.
- The Bible App for Kids (youversion.com/the-bible-app-for-kids) - This app is a fantastic tool for engaging children with Bible stories in a way that is interactive and visually appealing. It’s completely free, and it’s an excellent way to integrate technology into your ministry in a meaningful way.
- Pinterest - Believe it or not, Pinterest is an incredible resource for finding free printables, craft ideas, and Bible activities. Searching for “free Bible lesson printables” or “children’s church crafts” will give you a variety of ideas to choose from. Or, if you know what you want to teach on, you can find ideas you can use as a springboard to get your creative juices flowing.
- YouTube - There are many churches and ministries that upload free Bible lessons and teaching videos to YouTube. A simple search for “free children’s Bible lesson” will reveal an abundance of resources. One of my favorites in teaching 3 year olds is "Stories of the Bible" from Saddleback Kids.
- Learn to Use Ai - I know, it's scary what can be done with AI these days, but this is the world that God has chosen to have us minister in. Not that ago, I remember the fear of learning to use my first cell phone as I took a group of kids to camp, and now they're always with us. Technology is a tool that can serve us in your ministry and that includes asking Ai to help you think of ideas to supplement a Bible lesson you're working on.
2. Create Your Own Materials
Sometimes the best lessons come from creating something yourself. You don’t need fancy programs or expensive materials to create memorable lessons.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Bible Stories with Visual Aids - Use a whiteboard, dry-erase markers, or simple posters to draw pictures that illustrate the Bible stories you’re teaching. Kids love visuals, and these can be as simple as stick figures or simple sketches that capture the essence of the story.
- Use What You Have - Look around your church. Do you have any leftover craft supplies? Paper towel rolls, old magazines, and fabric scraps can be transformed into amazing visual aids or craft projects for the children. Have a group of kids make a “Bible story mural” using these materials!
- DIY Bible Verse Cards - You can easily create memory verse cards by printing verses on card stock, decorating them with simple drawings or stickers, and encouraging kids to memorize them. These are especially helpful in reinforcing the lesson and helping children learn Scripture.
3. Leverage Volunteer Help
One of the most valuable resources you have in children’s ministry is the people around you, be it volunteers in children's ministry, others in the congregation, or even the community as a whole. God has surrounded you with a community of willing hearts, and many of them have hidden talents that can be used to benefit your ministry. Here are some ideas:
- Ask for Donations - Put out a request to the congregation for supplies like craft materials, old children’s books, or other teaching resources. You might be surprised at how generous people are when they know their items will be used for God’s work.
- Recruit Volunteers with Special Skills - Is there a retired teacher in your church who loves to write? Perhaps an artist who can help design materials? Or a parent who works in a field that might benefit your ministry? Don't hesitate to ask people to share their talents, and make sure to express your gratitude.
- Team Teaching - If you have a group of volunteers, consider dividing the lesson preparation tasks. One person could write the lesson plan, another could gather craft supplies, and a third could focus on games. When you share the load, everyone can contribute and feel part of the ministry.
4. Find Free Community or Church Partnerships
You don’t have to do everything on your own. Consider reaching out to other local churches or community organizations to collaborate and share resources. Maybe there’s another church nearby with extra materials or a larger budget who would be willing to share, or you could participate in joint community events to pool resources for the children’s ministry.
Be Encouraged - You're Not Alone
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by a lack of resources, I want to offer you this encouragement: God uses what we have, even when it feels like it’s not enough. Look at the feeding of the five thousand (John 6:5-13). A small boy offered his lunch—five loaves and two fish. It seemed like such a small thing, but Jesus took it and multiplied it to feed a crowd of thousands. The miracle wasn’t in the quantity; it was in the Lord’s power to multiply what was given.
Don’t let your limited budget or resources discourage you. God has called you to this work, and He will provide for the ministry in His time and in His way. What matters most is your heart to serve Him and the children He has entrusted to your care. He doesn’t need lavish resources to do mighty things—He simply needs you to be faithful with what you have.
Remember that in 2 Corinthians 12:9, Paul says, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’” You may feel weak, but God’s strength is made perfect in those moments. Your ministry may be small, but it has an eternal impact as you trust in His provision.
Conclusion
I know the struggle of teaching with limited resources, but I also know the joy of watching God work in the midst of those struggles. When we lean on Him and use the resources He provides—no matter how little it may seem—He does extraordinary things. So, be encouraged. Keep trusting in His provision, and keep serving with all your heart. The children you teach are precious to God, and He will bless your faithfulness in ways you may not even fully see now.
If you're ever in need of more ideas or encouragement, remember: You are not alone, God is with you every step of the way!