Made to Shine: 8-Week Kids' Ministry Curriculum

Help kids discover that God made each of them to shine brightly for Him in a dark world!

Made to Shine is an eight-week kids' ministry series built on Matthew 5:14, "You are the light of the world." Kids learn what kind of light God wants them to be, that they were made by design, chosen, and made with purpose, that God refines their hearts so His reflection is seen in them, that they were made to show people Jesus, and how the gifts of the Spirit help them shine even brighter. It's full of hands-on illustrations kids will remember, like flashlights in a dark room, matches that burn out fast, and silver in the refiner's fire.

The Lessons

• Week 1: Introduction (Matthew 5:14). Under a starry night sky, kids learn why God wants us to shine and see the ripple effect of light in a dark room.
• Week 2: What Kind of Light Are You? (Philippians 2:14-15). Matchlight, Flashlight, or Jesus-Light? Kids learn how to shine everywhere by learning God's Word, obeying it, and staying connected.
• Week 3: Made By Design (Psalm 139:13-14). God picked out everything about us and then broke the mold, plus the "You Are Awesome!" game.
• Week 4: Chosen (1 Peter 2:9). God chose us first, carefully and with great love, and appointed us to bear fruit that lasts.
• Week 5: Made with Purpose (Ephesians 2:10). Like everyday things made for a job, God made us with great purpose, and every part of the body of Christ matters.
• Week 6: Refined to Shine (2 Corinthians 3:18). Like a refiner of silver, God removes the dross from our hearts so His reflection is seen in us.
• Week 7: Made to Show People Jesus (Matthew 5:16). Kids ask, "When they see me, do they see Jesus?" and take home a Shine Challenge.
• Week 8: Gifts of the Spirit (1 Peter 4:10). Kids learn the difference between the fruit and the gifts of the Spirit and how God uses His gifts to build up His church.

What's Included

• Series Guide with an at-a-glance chart, big ideas, supply lists, and prep tips
• Fully scripted teaching notes for all 8 weeks, with slide and click cues, memory verse, and small group questions (PDF)
• PowerPoint slide deck for each week, with animated title and theme slides
• Parent takehome sheet for each week, with In the Car, Hanging Out, Dinner Discussions, and At Bedtime sections (PDF)
• Kids' note pages and memory verse pages for every week
• Memory verse cards for every week, plus a series memory verse sheet
• Small group activity guide with two hands-on activities per week, plus anytime games and prayer ideas
• Printable games and worksheets: Matchlight, Flashlight, or Jesus-Light? scenario cards, Plug-In Power Chain, What Kind of Light Are You? worksheet, One-of-a-Kind Thumbprints, Fearfully & Wonderfully Made worksheet, and Fruit or Gift? sorting page
• Animated title and memory verse graphics (MP4) for your screens and social media

Good to Know

• This is a digital download. You'll receive one zip file; no physical items will be shipped.
• A few teachings invite you to add your own stories or photos of people your kids know, and the slides include placeholders for those photos.
• Your purchase includes a license for one church, ministry, classroom, or family. See the Terms of Use included in your download.