My granddaughter loves dramatic play.  Although it’s unstructured, I can be certain of three things when I am invited to collaborate. 

1. We are princesses in disguise because a bad guy is trying to steal our kingdom.
2. There will be a ball.
3. I need sword-fighting lessons.

It’s the sword-fighting lessons that attract real-life risk for me as the training intensifies, even though the swords are made of thin plastic.  It begins politely with a bow, but once ‘On guard!’ has been shouted, I have to keep my wits about me. I’ve gotten especially protective of my knuckles and have to pace myself when it comes to the fancy footwork.  When I begin to tire and suggest that’s enough sword fighting for the day, I’m told it is all for my good! 

I try to read my Bible and follow a Bible study every day, usually first thing in the morning.  There are days when I don’t feel like it, but I push through because it’s for my good!  Time training with my ‘sword of the Spirit’ always leaves me feeling better, not out of a sense of box ticking, but because of the sweetness of the Word and how it sustains me. 

How sweet are Your words to my taste,

Sweeter than honey to my mouth!

Through Your precepts I get understanding:

Therefore I hate every false way.

Psalm 119:103&104

Being ‘On guard’ with my Bible is pleasant and gives me discernment.  Truly, the only fancy footwork involved is if I try to get around spending time in the Bible!    

Using the Bible in Children’s Ministry

In the whirlwind of glitter glue, snack crumbs, and giggles, it’s easy to lose sight of the deeper purpose behind children’s ministry. But beneath the crafts and colouring sheets lies a sacred calling: to plant seeds of truth in young hearts. And for that, we need to be on guard—not against the chaos, but against drifting from our foundation. That foundation is the Word of God.

The Bible: Not Just a Tool, But the Treasure

Children’s ministry isn’t just about teaching morals or keeping kids entertained. It’s about introducing them to the living God through His Word. The Bible isn’t a prop—it’s the heartbeat of every lesson, every story, and every prayer.  When we treat Scripture as central, we’re not just teaching kids about God—we’re helping them encounter Him.

Guarding the Message: Staying True to Scripture

It’s tempting to water down Bible stories to make them more “kid-friendly.” But children are capable of grasping deep truths when they’re presented with clarity and care. Instead of skipping the hard parts, we can guide them through with gentle honesty and age-appropriate explanations.

Use real Scripture: Don’t just paraphrase—read from the Bible itself. Let kids hear the rhythm of God’s Word.

Context matters: Help them understand where the story fits in the bigger picture of God’s plan.

Ask heart questions: “What does this show us about God?” “How can we live this out?”

Practical Ways to Keep the Bible Central

Here are a few ways to make Scripture the anchor of your ministry:

Memory verses with meaning: Choose verses that connect to the lesson and encourage kids to reflect, not just recite.

Bible journaling: Even young children can draw or write what they learn from a passage.

Storytelling with Scripture: Don’t just tell the story—read it aloud, then bring it to life with drama, visuals, or role-play.

Prayer rooted in the Word: Teach kids to pray Scripture—thanking God for His promises, asking for His help to obey.

On Guard, But Not Alone

Being ‘on guard’ doesn’t mean being rigid or fearful—it means being intentional. It means guarding the hearts of the children entrusted to us by guarding the truth we share with them. And we don’t do it alone. The Holy Spirit is our guide, and the Bible is our sword.

So next time you prep a lesson or wrangle a group of energetic little ones, remember: you’re not just teaching stories. You’re shaping souls. And the Word of God is your greatest ally.

Download Free Lessons!

From my lesson:  Sword of the Spirit!

‘You may think swords are old-fashioned. Guns, missiles and guided rockets are used in modern warfare. But there is a supernatural sword. It can’t misfire. It can’t be blown out of the sky. It can’t go off course. It is the sword of the Spirit, and it is a weapon every Christian must wield!’

Sword of the Spirit!  Children learn about the sword of the Spirit, how to use it, and who their true enemy is.  Sword training with bubbles!  Sword Drills with Bibles, a visit from farmer Rob, who thinks Memory Verse time is about a different kind of fencing, and a template of a sword to decorate. 

Download the lesson here: https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Sword-of-the-Spirit.pdf

Our Miraculous Bible!  How Did We Get It?  With suggestions for songs that teach the 66 Books of the Bible, a history of how our Bible came to be, a Bible character scavenger hunt to find the Memory Verse and a Bible bookmark template.

Download the lesson here: https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Our-Miraculous-Bible2.pdf

Bible Sandwiches!  Feed Your Inner Self.  This lesson explores the concepts of the inner self and the outer self.  Children need to feed on the Word of God to keep their inner selves strong and healthy.   The Bible examples of the Temptation of Jesus and Jeremiah eating the scroll explain the importance of the Word.  Enjoy the Memory Verse Bible snack relay and a fridge magnet craft!

Download the lesson here: https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Bible-Sandwiches-Feed-Your-Inner-Self.pdf

God’s Word is a Lamp!  God’s Word shines a light so children know the next step to take.  From a Minefield obstacle course to making a paper lantern, this lesson is wonderful at instructing children to use the Bible as a guide during dark times. 

Download the lesson here:  https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Gods-Word-is-a-Lamp.pdf