4 Exciting Kids Ministry Theme Ideas

Nothing shakes up a stale kids ministry like a wacky theme event. Themes allow you to ride the wave of what’s already popular with kids, transforming it into a God-anointed message. For example, one year we had Spongebob Sunday. All the kids wore yellow and we shouted, “I’m ready, I’m ready, I’m ready… to go to church!” (Anyone who watches the show knows what I’m talking about!) Theme nights also make great pre-crusade or follow-up events.
If you haven’t hosted one in an while or want to try one for the first time, give one of these four a shot. You can easily build your own theme around a specific scripture or Bible principle.
Spotted and polka-dotted: Explain what favor is with the story of Laban and Jacob or simply use polka dots as a fun background. Ask everyone, including volunteers to work polka dotted shirts. Paint dots on your face, tape construction paper dots to the walls of your classroom. Silly but exciting!
Everything is backwards: Mix up the traditional schedule by doing everything backwards. Start with games and end with the praise and worship. Have kids walk backwards (carefully)! You can really think outside the box with this theme idea!
Special guest parties: Let children see how varied God’s ministries are. Invite special guests to come speak to your group. Missionaries, Christian clowns, musicians–even anointed business leaders consider it an honor to speak to children. Schedule a few special guests, at least one a quarter to share their story with the class.
Church-wide treasure hunt: Ask kids and parents to work together on a treasure hunt. Tape a few plastic coins under the church pews. Hide special prizes in the fellowship hall. Create a fun map or make clues that leads groups to their treasure. During crusades, I spread the clues out, often in three parts, during the service. At the end of the service, we divide the kids/parents into groups. They must solve the clues to find the treasure. It sounds like a lot of work but it is so much fun. My kids love treasure-seeking!
Often I get theme ideas by cruising the clearance aisle at local department stores. Seasonal items work good to, all year long. Take your ministry to the next level. Build some excitement amongst your group with a series of wacky theme events.