With visitors due any minute, I asked my husband to give the floor a quick sweep.  He grabbed an outdoor broom from the shed, and I said, ‘That’s an outdoor broom, not an indoor one.’  He assured me that it didn’t matter when a skink fell out of the broom head onto the floor in front of us. He spent the next minute or so chasing the lizard, capturing it, and releasing it outside.  Using the right tool for the job matters! 

In Children’s Ministry, we often find ourselves juggling craft supplies, memory verses, visual aids, and spiritual truths—all before morning tea. But just like a carpenter wouldn’t use a spoon to drive a nail, we too must choose the right tools to build faith in young hearts.

Why Tools Matter in Ministry

Children are wired for wonder. They learn through play, story, repetition, and hands-on experience. The tools we use—whether a puppet, a parable, or a printable—can either unlock their understanding or leave them scratching their heads.

Jesus Himself was a master craftsman of teaching. He used everyday objects—a mustard seed, a coin, a sheep—to reveal eternal truths. He knew His audience and chose His tools accordingly. Shouldn’t we?

What Are the “Right Tools”?

Here are a few ministry-tested tools that help transform abstract truths into tangible takeaways:

• Object Lessons: A flashlight to teach about being the light of the world. A jigsaw puzzle to show how God’s plan fits together. These metaphors stick.
• Crafts with Purpose: Not just busywork—crafts that reinforce the lesson. Think “Armour of God” paper dolls or “Fruit of the Spirit” mobiles.
• Skits and Role Play: Kids love stepping into a story. Acting out the Good Samaritan or the Prodigal Son helps them feel the message.
• Printable Resources: Colouring pages, activity sheets, and puppet templates give kids something to take home—to share with family and to take to heart.
• Songs and Movement: Scripture set to music is unforgettable. Add motions, and you’ve got a memory verse dance party!

Matching Tools to Truths

Not every tool fits every lesson. A deep concept like forgiveness might need a story-driven skit, while a simple truth like “God made me” could shine through a craft. Ask yourself:

• What’s the core message?
• How do my kids learn best?
• What will help them remember this truth next week—or next year?

A Toolbox That Grows With You

The best part? Your toolbox isn’t fixed. It grows with your creativity, your team, and your kids. Collaborate. Experiment. Pray over your plans. And don’t be afraid to swap out a tool that’s not working.

Remember, it’s not about having the fanciest supplies—it’s about using what you have with intention and love. When we use the right tools, we’re not just teaching—we’re building. We’re constructing a foundation of faith, brick by brick, story by story, truth by truth. And that’s a job worth doing well.

Speaking of tools, if you’re looking for a lesson on Nehemiah, download this lesson for free: https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Plain-Oh-No.pdf

Introduce your children to Clay Trencher, an expert in excavators, to teach the story about the time Moab Rebelled Against Israel: https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dig.pdf