You can create a magical moment by bringing a stick figure to life.
This is ideal for when you do a talk about:
Easter As a visual demonstration of the resurrection of Jesus and being alive in Christ! "But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ." (Ephesians 2:5)
Watch the two video's below to discover how you use this great object lesson!
Fun crafts idea
Of course you can also use it as a fun crafts idea, as shown in the video below!
How does it work?
As you can see in the videa all you need is a whiteboard marker and a flat, shiny surface. Use a whiteboard marker to draw a stick figure on a flat, shiny surface and drop a little water on it. Then you'll see the drawing slowly lift off the surface and become one with the watery bubble.
This is because the ink in a whiteboard marker, unlike a permanent marker, includes an oily silicone substance. Because oil sits on top of water so does this ink, which will also move as the puddle moves. By gently blowing on the puddle the stick figure will swish and dance around according to which way you blow on it.
The final product may look like an intricate optical illusion, but the stick figure comes to life thanks to only a whiteboard marker, some water and a shiny surface.
Themes:
The resurrection of Christ, being made alive in Christ
As someone who is involved in children's ministry you're always looking for creative ideas and input, and perhaps also a place where you can ask for a specific idea to go with a certain Bible story or theme.
To help you in this we have set up the Facebook group 'Creative Kids Ministry'. It is a vibrant online community of children's workers and ministers who can share ideas together.
To facilitate this we will offer you lots of totally free creative ideas for your kids ministry, Sunday school and children’s work. Every week you’ll find here at least three excellent creative Biblical ideas such as object lessons, cool science experiments, gospel magic ideas, YouTube video’s, etc.
And of course you are more than welcome to post your own ideas!
You can use this idea in a: Children's Sunday School, children's ministry, kids ministry, children's work, Messy church, school assemblies, RE lessons, small churches , youth work, youth group. teenagers
A demonstration on how God's love and forgiveness flowed through the cross into our lives.
With this easy-to-do object lesson you can demonstrate to the children, young people and adults in your church how God's love and forgiveness flowed through Jesus death on the cross into our lives!
We at Creative Kidswork are real fans of TheDadLab Youtube Channel. Here is another of his great, short video's on easy-to-do science experiments.
I love this simple, but powerful object lesson about Easter. It is just a short video, but once you’ve seen it, you can use it to teach kids and adults on the meaning of Easter. It is a wonderful demonstration of how the Father showed His love for us in the cross of His Son. You can use this easy to do object lesson to illustrate how Gods love and forgiveness flowed through the cross into our lives! A great way to explain the Gospel with just the use of a piece of cotton string and two glasses. You have to watch this...
What do you need?
- Two glasses - Water (with added food coloring) - Absorbent cotton string (needs to be thicker than thread).
What do you do?
- Cut a 2 foot long segment of cotton string - Soak the string in clear water until it is soaked through - Fill up one cup to about half way with the colored water - Put one end of the string into the cup with water and hold the other end above the empty cup - Hold the cup with water in it, using your finger to keep the string in place at the rim of the glass. - Pour the water slowly along the string. - Be aware that some water will spill, so you may have to clean up afterwards.
Do you want to learn how you can use four pieces of cardboard to tell the story of Jesus healing the paralysed man?
All you need is four pieces of thin cardboard (thinner than foam board but thicker than posterboard), a few paper fasteners andyou're off!
Watch this video, go and practice and discover: I can do this!
OAC evangelist and specialist children's worker Dawn Getley demonstrates in the video below how you can tell this wonderful Bible story in Mark 2: 1- 12 in a new way.
A complete programme for your Sunday school
This idea is part of a complete Sunday school / kids ministry programme about the story of the man lowered through the roof.
You can use this idea in a: Sunday School lesson, Sunday school class, children's ministry, children's moment in church, Messy church, school assembly, preaching illustration, kids time
Just as the candle has to die, Jesus had to die to lift us up to the Father
Jesus is the Light of the world. He is the burning candle. We may flock to him as the water flocks to the candle. In his death on the cross He pulls us up to the Father and brings us home.
With this easy-to-do object lesson you can demonstrate to the children, young people and adults in your church the meaning of Easter and explain the gospel.
We at Creative Kidswork are real fans of TheDadLab Youtube Channel. Here is another of his great, short video's on easy-to-do science experiments.
How can you compare God's guidance with a cornflake?
To find out, you’ll have to watch this surprising TheDadLab video below. It is another one of his great, short videos on easy to do science experiments.
Just as the cornflake is pulled along by the magnet held above it. so we may know that God wants to guide us. He wants to lead us. In Psalm 23 David writes: "The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right pathsfor his name’s sake." (Psalm 23: 1 -3)
But does this work? Is it as easy as the pulling or pushing of a cornflake with a magnet?
In the Bible we read about lots of people who hear his voice, know his will, are guided by angels. How does this work in our lives today?
Some questions to reflect on with the children:
How do you think God's guidance works? How does God guide us? Can you give an example? How many people in the Bible do we know that were guided by God?
This is a great object lesson to reflect with the children on the theme of God's guidance in our lives.
It is fun and easy to do with the children. They can take turns to try and move a cornflake over the water.
Theme:
God's guidance, hearing His voice, knowing His will, choosing your own path
What on earth could be the link between cornflakes, a magnet and the star of Bethlehem?
To find out, you’ll have to watch this surprising TheDadLab video below. It is another one of his great, short videos on easy to do science experiments.
Just as the cornflake is pulled along by the magnet held above it, so the (three) wise men experience the pull of the star. It leads them towards Bethlehem, where they will worship Jesus and present their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
"They went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed." Matthew 2: 9 - 10
This is a great object lesson to illustrate the Christmas story of the wise men following the star of Bethlehem.
It is fun and easy to do with the children. They can take it in turns to try moving a cornflake over the water.
Theme:
The Magi, the (three wise men, the (three) kings, the star of Bethlehem, God's direction
Needed:
- a strong magnet - fortified cornflakes (check the label to see how much iron each serving contains—the more the better!) - a bowl of water
A 'growing' gel ball as a symbol of all the things we can grow in as a Chrisian
As children’s workers, youth workers and pastors it is our aim to help the kids and people that we serve grow in all the good things that God has for them.
It is our prayer and desire that they grow in: - God’s Word - God’s love - maturity in Christ through the church - Christ and being Christ-like - The power of the Holy Spirit
This amazing but easy-to-do object lesson will help you teach on these areas of Christian growth.
The promise of rivers of living water flowing out of our innermost being
Jesus teaches his followers in John 7:38 that if we believe in Him rivers of living water will flow out of our innermost being. This life-giving water will flow through our faith into the lives of others, such as our friends, our family, other fellow Christians and of course the non-Christians in our lives.
With this easy-to-do object lesson you can demonstrate to the children, young people and adults in your church the meaning of John 7:38.
We at Creative Kidswork are real fans of TheDadLab Youtube Channel. Here is another of his great, short video's on easy-to-do science experiments.
Five teaching points that you can use with this object lesson:
We are the string In this object lesson we are the string! Jesus pours his life-giving water into our lives so that we may share it with others.
The string as a symbol of the prophets This object lesson also reminded us of the role of the prophets. The prophet is like the string. God’s words flow through him or her into the lives of the people of Israel.
Jesus is also the string as he is dependent upon the Father Jesus said that he cannot do anything without the Father – “Jesus gave them this answer: "Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.” John 5:19.
Beautiful picture of the Holy Spirit This object lesson is also a beautiful picture of the Holy Spirit flowing through our lives into the lives of others.
Being a blessing Last but not least you can use this lesson to teach on what it means to bless others, to proclaim a blessing in church and to be a blessing to others.
What do you need?
- Two glasses - Water (with added food coloring) - Absorbent cotton string (needs to be thicker than thread).
What do you do?
- Cut a 2 foot long segment of string - Soak the string in clear water until it is soaked through - Fill up one cup to about half way with the colored water - Put one end of the string into the cup with water and hold the other end above the empty cup - Hold the cup with water in it, using your finger to keep the string in place at the rim of the glass. - Pour the water slowly along the string. - Be aware that some water will spill, so you may have to clean up afterwards.
Jesus described His followers in Matthew 5: 13-16 as the salt of the earth. In His time salt was used for preserving food and enhancing flavor. This means that He calls us to be both the“preservatives” and the “flavor enhancers” in this world. But maybe there is third meaning to being the salt of the earth. With this easy to do object lesson you can demonstrate to the children, youth or adults in your church that being salt can also mean that we carry each other’s burdens in Jesus’ name.
But you can also use this experiment to illustrate:
- the Bible story of the four friends carrying the paralyzed men and lowering him down to Jesus through a hole in the roof. (Luke 5: 17-39) - the Bible story of the apostle Paul escaping Damascus in a basket. (Acts 9:23-31) - the Bible story of Rahab who helps the two spies escape from Jericho. (Joshua 2) - the Bbile story of the floating axe head. (2 Kings 6: 1-7)
We at Creative Kidswork are real fans of TheDadLab Youtube Channel. Here is another of his great, short video's on easy to do science experiments.
There are some of the themes that you connect with this easy object lesson:
- Carrying each other's burdens
The apostle Paul writes in Galatians 6: 2 “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ.” You take an egg and ask the children to name some of the burdens that we can carry for another. This will a good exercise in itself. It will help the kids to think about what it means to carry each other’s burdens. Write some of these burdens that the children name on the egg.
Drop the egg in a glass of water. It will float. Then teach about Jesus calling us the salt of the earth. Explain the different meanings of what this entails. Then add the salt to the water, stir gently and the egg will start to float. By being the salt of the world we can carry each other’s burdens.
- Jesus Heals a Man Let Down through the Roof of a House
In Luke 5: 17-39 we read about some men carrying a friend who is paralyzed. You’ll need a big jug of water, salt, an egg and a large glass of water to tell this story. The egg is the paralyzed man. You fill a large glass wit a third of water. Let the children add salt to it, so that the egg starts to float. This is an illustration of the friends carrying the paralyzed men. But how do they get him down to where Jesus is? Once there are on the roof they’ll have to lower their friend gently down.
Ask the children if they have any idea how we can lower the egg gently to the bottom of the glass. The answer is very simple. You’ll add more water to the glass of salty water. The water dilutes and the egg starts to gently float to the bottom.
- Saul / Paul Escaping from Damascus in a Basket
In Acts 9:23-31 the apostle Paul has to escape out of Damascus. The only way to do this is through a hole in the wall. "After many days had gone by, there was a conspiracy among the Jews to kill him, but Saul learned of their plan. Day and night they kept close watch on the city gates in order to kill him. But his followers took him by night and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the wall." That must have been quite an exciting adventure. In the dark in a basket being lowered down from a high wall.
Write the name Saul / Paul on an egg. Place this egg in a large glass for 3/4 filled with salty water. The egg floats. Paul is high on the wall. How can we help him to go safely down the wall? We don't have a basket, but we do have more water. Add more water to the glass and let the egg sink. Afterwards explain how the experiment works and let the children experiment with their own eggs, water and salt.
- Rahab Helps Two Spies to Escape out ot Jericho
Tell the story of Rahab helping the two Israelites spies escape to escape from Jericho by lowering them down by a rope through the window, for the house she lived in was part of the city wall. (Joshua 2) Use the same set-up as in the story of Paul escaping from Damascus.
- Elisha and the Floating Ax Head
Tell the story of the prophet Elisha who went with the other prophet's to live near the Jordan River. "As one of them was cutting down a tree, the ax head fell into the water. He cried out, “Oh no, master! It was borrowed!” The man of God asked, “Where did it fall?” When he showed Elisha the place, Elisha cut off a piece of wood. He threw it into the water at that place and made the ax head float. Elisha said, “Pick it up.” The disciple reached for it and picked it up." (2 Kings 6: 1-7) What would you do when something precious would fall in the water and the water is too dark or deep to see where it fell? Would you panick? One of the prophets with Elisha did panick, because the axe wasn't his property. He had only borrowed it. The amazing thing is that God even carries about these things that seem important to us, but unimportant to other people. Elisha threw a piece of wood in the water and this mad the ax head float.
Show the children a large glass full of black water. You have made the water black by adding inkt or black food coloring. On the bottom of the glass lies an egg, but you cannot it. The water is too black. On the egg you've written 'Axe Head'. You tell the children that you have also lost an Axe Head in this glass of water. But we don't have a piece of wood to make it float. We do have lots of salt and a spoon. Let the children add lots of salt to the water and start to stir gently. After a while you'll see the egg appear. Carefully pick the egg out of the black water and show the words on the egg 'Axe Head'. Afterwards explain how the experiment works and let the children experiment with their own eggs, clean fresh water and salt.
A powerful object lesson about God calling people and the fact that nothing can separate us for His amazing love
We love this simple, but powerful object lesson. At first glance it would seem impossible that the egg always falls into the water but once you have watched the video, suddenly the impossible becomes a reality. Now you can use it to teach kids and adults on God calling people and that nothing can separate us from His love.
We at Creative Kidswork are real fans of TheDadLab Youtube Channel. Here is another of his great, short video's on easy to do science experiments.
Themes
Watching this object lesson reminded us of God's call on people's lives. In the Bible we see time and time again that when God calls someone that person ends up in the right place. But also about the beautiful Biblical truth that nothing can separate us from God's love.
You can use this object lesson to teach on:
God's calling on people's lives:
- David, who was called as a little shepherd boy to become king - Jona, who went the wrong way, but ended up in the right place - Abram, who was called to go to a new and unknown country - Moses, who obeyed his calling and brought the Israelites to the promised land - Esther, who was called to save her people in a time of great distress - Ruth, who follewed an inner call and became part of Jesus genealogy - Saul who was called to become the first king of Israel - Jeremiah, who was called to be a prophet at a young age - Saul, who was called to become the apostle Paul - The disciples, who were called to become followers of Jesus
All these people ( and lots more) followed God's call on their lives and ended up in the right place, just like the egg always falls into the water. Amazing, isn't it?
Nothing can seperate us from God's love
Another theme that came to mind was Paul's writing in Romans 8: 31 - 39 that nothing can separate us from God’s love. How better to illustrate this beautiful Biblical truth than with an egg falling into the water!
You can use this object lesson to teach on a range of Biblical subjects
We love this simple, but powerful object lesson. At first glance it would seem impossible to step through an index card, but once you have watched the video and learned its secret, suddenly the impossible becomes a reality.
You can create a magical moment by bringing a stick figure to life.
This is ideal for when you do a talk about:
Easter As a visual demonstration of the resurrection of Jesus!
Creation Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being. (Genesis 2: 7)
The raising of Lazarus Rrecounted in the Gospel of John (John 11:1-44), a miracle of Jesus in which Jesus brings Lazarus of Bethany back to life four days after his burial.
The raising of the son of the widow of Nain Recorded in the Gospel of Luke. Jesus arrived at the village of Nain during the burial ceremony of the son of a widow, and raised the young man from the dead. (Luke 7:11–17)
Being alive in Christ But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ (Ephesians 2:5)
Watch the two video's below to discover how you use this great object lesson!
Fun crafts idea
Of course you can also use it as a fun crafts idea, as shown in the video below!
How does it work?
As you can see in the videa all you need is a whiteboard marker and a flat, shiny surface. Use a whiteboard marker to draw a stick figure on a flat, shiny surface and drop a little water on it. Then you'll see the drawing slowly lift off the surface and become one with the watery bubble.
This is because the ink in a whiteboard marker, unlike a permanent marker, includes an oily silicone substance. Because oil sits on top of water so does this ink, which will also move as the puddle moves. By gently blowing on the puddle the stick figure will swish and dance around according to which way you blow on it.
The final product may look like an intricate optical illusion, but the stick figure comes to life thanks to only a whiteboard marker, some water and a shiny surface.
Themes:
The resurrection of Christ, raising of Lazarus, the resurrecrtion of Lazarus, the raising of the widow's son, creation of mankind, being made alive in Christ
You can use this idea in a: Children's Sunday School, children's ministry, kids ministry, children's work, Messy church, school assemblies, RE lessons, small churches , youth work, youth group. teenagers
Take your audience around the world with this self working National Flag card trick.
This is a brilliant object lesson / gospel illusion. Ideal for school assemblies - with the opportunity to share facts about different countries - teachers love that!
Perfect for services - the chosen flag leads you seamlessly into dozens of different stories from the Bible.
And best of all the deck does all the work for you - leaving you to focus on your presentation and message.
You show the children a long wooden stick, jointed at three points. This seemingly simple prop is used to tell many different stories, as the stick is formed into a wide range of clear, recognisable shapes. The pace picks up, as your switch effortlessly from shape to shape – telling entertaining stories, with memorable Gospel messages!
Children in particular respond well to visual aids, and the Story Stick allows you to bring any story to life – using either the x3 included routines OR making up your own stories and shapes!
OAC evangelist and specialist children's worker Dawn Getley demonstrates in the video below how you can explain the gospel and tell Bible stories while using the Holy Bilbe Coloring Book, that you can buy here.
Dawn has been visiting school in Plymouth (UK) for more than 25 years. In all those years hundreds of thousands of children have seen her and heard the gospel through her ventriloquism and storytelling.
You can download the script and watch the video below...
You can use this idea in a: Sunday School lesson, Sunday school class, children's ministry, children's moment in church, Messy church, school assembly, preaching illustration, kids time
Are you looking for a new short Christian ventriloquist act?
OAC evangelist and specialist children's worker Dawn Getley demonstrates in the video below a Christian ventriloquist act with her famous puppet Aqua. Dawn has been visiting school in Plymouth (UK) for more than 25 years. In all those years hundreds of thousands of children have seen her and heard the gospel through her ventriloquism and storytelling.
This ventriloquist act is about it means to be a Christian. It is a fun act with a good message.
You can download the script and watch the video below...
You can use this idea in a: Sunday School lesson, Sunday school class, children's ministry, children's moment in church, Messy church, school assembly, preaching illustration, kids time
Are you looking for a new short Christian ventriloquist act about God's love?
OAC evangelist and specialist children's worker Dawn Getley demonstrates in the video below a Christian ventriloquist act with her famous puppet Aqua. Dawn has been visiting school in Plymouth (UK) for more than 25 years. In all those years hundreds of thousands of children have seen her and heard the gospel through her ventriloquism and storytelling.
This ventriloquist act is about the talents that God has gives us and His amazing love for us
You can download the script and watch the video below...
You can use this idea in a: Sunday School lesson, Sunday school class, children's ministry, children's moment in church, Messy church, school assembly, preaching illustration, kids time
Such an easy-to-do object lesson on following Jesus
The great thing about this object lesson is that you only need a ping pong ball and a moveable tap to do this.
Just as the ping pong ball will always follow the streaming water, we can always follow Jesus, who is our Living Water.
This object lesson is ideal to use to talk with children, young people and adults about:
Following Jesus
Hearing His voice
Being lead by God
Being obedient to His will
Which forces drive the ping pong ball to always follow the water? Which forces drive us to follow Jesus?
How does the water lead the ping pong ball? How does God lead us?
We at Creative Kidswork are real fans of TheDadLab Youtube Channel. Below you'll find another of his great, short video's on easy-to-do science experiments.
A wonderful visual (and especially colourful) way to tell children the gospel
OAC evangelist and specialist children's worker Dawn Getley demonstrates in the video below how you can explain the gospel using a beautiful story, silk scarves and a change bag
Dawn has been visiting school in Plymouth (UK) for more than 25 years. In all those years hundreds of thousands of children have seen her and heard the gospel through her ventriloquism and storytelling.
You can download the script and watch the video below...
You can use this idea in a: Sunday School lesson, Sunday school class, children's ministry, children's moment in church, Messy church, school assembly, preaching illustration, kids time
Are you looking for a new short Christian ventriloquist act?
OAC evangelist and specialist children's worker Dawn Getley demonstrates in the video below a Christian ventriloquist act with her famous puppet Horace. Dawn has been visiting school in Plymouth (UK) for more than 25 years. In all those years hundreds of thousands of children have seen her and heard the gospel through her ventriloquism and storytelling.
This ventriloquist act is about us looking at outward appearances, but God looks at our heart.
You can download the script and watch the video below...
You can use this idea in a: Sunday School lesson, Sunday school class, children's ministry, children's moment in church, Messy church, school assembly, preaching illustration, kids time
Have you ever told a Bible story with a storyboard?
OAC evangelist and specialist children's worker Dawn Getley demonstrates in the video below how you can tell the story of the Daniel in the lion's den while using a storyboard. These storyboards are produced by Gary Stirling. They are very cleverly designed, so you can tell one story with just eight pictures. This one also has a clear gospel presentation in it.
You can buy the script, the pictures and the instructions for 6 pounds at GarysBibleStories.
You can download Dawn's script and watch the video below...
You can use this idea in a: Sunday School lesson, Sunday school class, Sunday school curriculum, children's ministry, children's moment in church, Messy church, school assembly, RE lesson, youth work, youth group, preaching illustration, creative preaching
Have you ever told a Bible story with a storyboard?
OAC evangelist and specialist children's worker Dawn Getley demonstrates in the video below how you can tell the story of the Noah and the ark while using a storyboard. These storyboards are produced by Gary Stirling. They are very cleverly designed, so you can tell one story with just eight pictures. This one also has a clear gospel presentation in it.
You can buy the script, the pictures and the instructions for 6 pounds at GarysBibleStories.
You can download Dawn's script and watch the video below...
You can use this idea in a: Sunday School lesson, Sunday school class, Sunday school curriculum, children's ministry, children's moment in church, Messy church, school assembly, RE lesson, youth work, youth group, preaching illustration, creative preaching
What happens if you take a bottle of wine, a bottle of strawberry sauce and a bottle of marinade sauce?
You suddenly have a powerful object lesson that you can use to teach children, teenagers and adults about the importance of reading, studying and applying God's Word into our lives.
Scripture reference: 2 Timothy 3:16-17, 2 Timothy 3:14-17, Joshua 1:8, Psalm 119:11, Psalm 119:105, Proverbs 3:1-2, 2 Timothy 2:15, 1 Peter 3:15, Deuteronomy 11:18-23, Psalm 119:18, Psalm 119:9, Romans 12:2, Acts 17:11, Ephesians 6:11-17, Acts 8:30, James 1:22, Hebrews 4:12, 2 Timothy 3:1-17, John 8:32, Proverbs 2:1-5, 1 John 2:27, John 13:17, John 1:1, Luke 4:4, Hosea 4:6, John 6:63, John 5:39-40, 1 Peter 2:1-2, Proverbs 2:1-22
You can use this idea in a: Sunday School lesson, Sunday school class, Sunday school curriculum, children's ministry, children's moment in church, Messy church, school assembly, RE lesson, youth work, youth group, preaching illustration, creative preaching
Wonderful Bible stories you can tell with a Magic Drawing Board
Do you know the Magic Drawing Board by Axtell? It is a great tool to tell Bible stories like for example the healing of Bartimaeus. In the video below OAC evangelist and specialist children's worker Dawn Getley demonstrates how you can tell the story of Jesus multiplying the loaves and the fish using the Magic Drawing Board
We hope to have the script of this story in the coming weeks.
You can download the script and watch the video below...
Scripture reference: Matthew 14:13-21, Mark 6:31-44, Luke 9:12-17, John 6:1-14
You can use this idea in a: Sunday School lesson, Sunday school class, Sunday school curriculum, children's ministry, children's moment in church, Messy church, school assembly, RE lesson, youth work, youth group, preaching illustration, creative preaching
This is a brilliant illusion that will help you proclaim the gospel everywhere
In my younger days I worked as a street preacher. I wish I had the Dean’s box magic trick when I preached in the open air. It is a superb tool to proclaim the gospel. I bought mine very cheaply through Alibaba Express. The only problem was that it didn’t come with any explanation as to how the trick works. If you choose yours through Alibaba Express you can send me an email and I will send you a video in which I explain how the trick works. It looks great and it is very easy to do!
Ask two people to come forward as volunteers. Give them each a coloured rope to inspect. The yellow rope symbolises God The red rope symbolises mankind The red wooden box symbolises coming home with God.
The good news is: people can return to God!
But how is this possible?
To explain this you need an energy stick from idea 198. You ask your two volunteers to take hold of the silver ending on the energy stick with one hand. Ask if you are allowed to touch their noses and when you do the energy stick will come alive. This will give a laugh. Especially when they are allowed to touch your nose with their other hand. You explain how the energy stick works with a small current of electricity that we cannot see or feel, but flows through us. It connects us. This is the same with Jesus. You cannot see or feel him, but he connects us with God.
Put the ropes back in the box, tie them on the top to the energy stick, pull the ropes and they are back together again. Amazing!
Make sure your two volunteers get a big round of applause before they leave.
You can use this idea in a:
street evangelism, church service, open air evangelism
Watch the demonstration video
You can see me doing a full demonstration of this story and magic trick in the video below.
Any children’s worker can tell the parable of the Prodigal Son using the Gospel magic trick of the Dean’s Box
For this you can use the Dean’s box magic trick. I bought mine very cheaply through Alibaba Express. The only problem was that it didn’t come with any explanation as to how the trick works. If you choose yours through Alibaba Express you can send me an email and I will send you a video in which I explain how the trick works. It looks great and it is very easy to do!
Ask two children to come forward as volunteers. Give them each a coloured rope to inspect. The yellow rope symbolises the father The red rope symbolises the son The red wooden box symbolises the house of the father.
The father reconciles himself with his son and they are united! The ropes are stuck together.
But how is this possible?
To explain this you need an energy stick from idea 198. You ask your two volunteers to take hold of the silver ending on the energy stick with one hand. Ask if you are allowed to touch their noses and when you do the energy stick will come alive. This will give a laugh. Especially when they are allowed to touch your nose with their other hand. You explain how the energy stick works with a small current of electricity that we cannot see or feel, but flows through us. It connects us. This is the same with Jesus. You cannot see or feel him, but he connects us with God.
Put the ropes back in the box, tie them on the top to the energy stick, pull the ropes and they are back together again. Amazing!
Make sure your two volunteers get a big round of applause before they leave the stage.
Watch the demonstration video
You can see me doing a full demonstration of this story and magic trick in the video below.
Scripture reference: Luke 15:11-32
You can use this idea in a: Sunday School lesson, Sunday school class, Sunday school curriculum, children's ministry, children's moment in church, Messy church, school assembly, RE lesson, youth work, youth group, preaching illustration, creative preaching, kids time
Multiple changes, magical moments and a memorable message!
You show a large picture of a golden city and asks the children or congregation to guess what it could be. It’s the kingdom of heaven, but we may often feel like we’re not good enough to get into heaven. This is because of sin in our heart…and as he says this, the card flips open and change into a black heart.
But despite having bad thoughts, saying and doing bad things, we have can be forgiven because Jesus died on the cross for us. At this point, the card is flipped open and transforms into a white cross on a red background.
Jesus died for us, so that our hearts could be made clean. The card now turns into a white heart on a green background.
With a clean slate, we grow in our relationship with God and ultimately can enter the kingdom of heaven. And finally the card changes back to the image of heaven (and you’re now reset to perform it the next time too!)
A fun activity that will help you to start thinking about Advent.
You can use this idea to create a creative prayer moment with the children.
Scripture reference:
Luke 1:41-42 (NIV)
41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!
What do you need?
- bottles of bubble blower (or you can create your own!) - liquid food colouring - paper hearts and pens
A fun activity that will help you to start thinking about Advent.
When you read the story of Mary meeting her aunt Elizabeth,you see that a chain reaction is taking place. The baby in Elizabeth’s tummy leaps with joy. Elizabeth rejoices and proclaims that Mary is blessed. Mary participates and starts singing about God’s goodness.
Watch the video below to re-create a great idea that you can do with the kids around this Bible story of Mary meeting Elizabeth.
Be surprised to discover Jesus' real first miracle!
OAC evangelist and specialist children's worker Dawn Getley demonstrates in the video below how you can tell the Bible story of the wedding at Cana while using the Surprising Dots magic trick. This is a fun, and relatively easy trick to do. You don't have to be a magician to use this trick and tell this powerful story. You can buy the trick online here or here.
Scripture reference
John 2: 1-11
You can download the script and watch the video below...
You can use this idea in a: Sunday School lesson, Sunday school class, Sunday school curriculum, children's ministry, children's moment in church, Messy church, school assembly, RE lesson, youth work, youth group, preaching illustration, creative preaching
How can we communicate the Gospel to children and adults in such a way that it will help them understand?
OAC evangelist and specialist children's worker Dawn Getley demonstrates in the video below how you can explain the Gospel using the Magic Arrow Board.
In the video underneath we will teach you how you can do this trick within ten minutes and create something that the children and adults won't forget soon.
Only for members...
In the video below we will teach you how you can do this trick yourself. Trust us, it really is very easy!
You will also download the script underneath here.
You can use this idea in a: Sunday School lesson, Sunday school class, Sunday school curriculum, children's ministry, children's moment in church, Messy church, school assembly, RE lesson, youth work, youth group, preaching illustration, creative preaching
Watch the video and learn how you can tell the story of Zacchaeus in the tree
We have asked OAC evangelist and specialist children's worker Dawn Getley to make a demonstration video on how you can learn to work with a sketchboard. Here on the site you can find lots of sketchboard stories. But how do you paint a hll, a road, a giant tree and s crowd of people?
If you want to have more information on how to work with a sketchboard, see this link.
You can use this idea in a: Sunday School lesson, Sunday school class, Sunday school curriculum, children's ministry, children's moment in church, Messy church, school assembly, RE lesson, youth work, youth group, preaching illustration, creative preaching
Watch the video and learn how you can tell different Bible stories with a sketchboard
We have asked OAC evangelist and specialist children's worker Dawn Getley to make a demonstration video on how you can learn to work with a sketchboard. Here on the site you can find lots of sketchboard stories. But how do you paint a city or a night sky?
If you want to have more information on how to work with a sketchboard, see this link.
This demonstration video helps you to tell Bible stories in:
Sunday School lesson, Sunday school class, Sunday school curriculum, children's ministry, children's moment in church, Messy church, school assembly, RE lesson, youth work, youth group, preaching illustration, creative preaching
Watch the video and learn how you can tell the different stories on and around the lake of Galilee
We have asked OAC evangelist and specialist children's worker Dawn Getley to make a demonstration video on how you can learn to work with a sketchboard. Here on the site you can find lots of sketchboard stories. But how do you paint a seascape? With these skills you can tell the Bible story of Jesus calling his disciples, Jesus walking on the water, Jesus calming the storm, Jesus restoring Peter and many more...
If you want to have more information on how to work with a sketchboard, see this link.
This demonstration video helps you to tell Bible stories in:
Sunday School lesson, Sunday school class, Sunday school curriculum, children's ministry, children's moment in church, Messy church, school assembly, RE lesson, youth work, youth group, preaching illustration, creative preaching
Watch the video and learn how you can paint a general landscape with a house in it
We have asked OAC evangelist and specialist children's worker Dawn Getley to make a demonstration video on how you can learn to work with a sketchboard. Here on the site you can find lots of sketchboard stories. But how do you paint a general landscape?
If you want to have more information on how to work with a sketchboard, see this link.
This demonstration video helps you to tell Bible stories in:
Sunday School lesson, Sunday school class, Sunday school curriculum, children's ministry, children's moment in church, Messy church, school assembly, RE lesson, youth work, youth group, preaching illustration, creative preaching
Watch the video and learn how you can paint a border on a sketchboard
We have asked OAC evangelist and specialist children's worker Dawn Getley to make a demonstration video on how you can learn to work with a sketchboard. Here on the site you can find lots of sketchboard stories. But how do you paint on such a big board?
If you want to have more information on how to work with a sketchboard, see this link.
This demonstration video helps you to tell Bible stories in:
Sunday School lesson, Sunday school class, Sunday school curriculum, children's ministry, children's moment in church, Messy church, school assembly, RE lesson, youth work, youth group, preaching illustration, creative preaching
Watch the video and learn how you can paint partial lettering on a sketchboard while telling a Bible story
We have asked OAC evangelist and specialist children's worker Dawn Getley to make a demonstration video on how you can learn to work with a sketchboard. Here on the site you can find lots of sketchboard stories. But how do you paint these special letters?
If you want to have more information on how to work with a sketchboard, see this link.
This demonstration video helps you to tell Bible stories in:
Sunday School lesson, Sunday school class, Sunday school curriculum, children's ministry, children's moment in church, Messy church, school assembly, RE lesson, youth work, youth group, preaching illustration, creative preaching
Watch the video and learn how you can paint ladder letters on a sketchboard while telling a Bible story
We have asked OAC evangelist and specialist children's worker Dawn Getley to make a demonstration video on how you can learn to work with a sketchboard. Here on the site you can find lots of sketchboard stories. But how do you paint these special letters?
If you want to have more information on how to work with a sketchboard, see this link.
This demonstration video helps you to tell Bible stories in:
Sunday School lesson, Sunday school class, Sunday school curriculum, children's ministry, children's moment in church, Messy church, school assembly, RE lesson, youth work, youth group, preaching illustration, creative preaching
