Do you list a leaf-blower as one of your children's ministry top tools? I think it's worth considering.
Last Sunday, I opened the car door, dragged out my assorted collection of ministry resources and supplies needed for our program, and headed for the kidmin area. Silently, I wondered what it would be like to attend church without all the prep, planning and paraphernalia.
"So... doing some gardening in kids' church, this morning, eh?" laughed someone from our church family, who had noticed the leaf-blower tucked under one arm.
"What? Don't you use one in Big Church? You're missing out!" I retorted.
Last Sunday, I opened the car door, dragged out my assorted collection of ministry resources and supplies needed for our program, and headed for the kidmin area. Silently, I wondered what it would be like to attend church without all the prep, planning and paraphernalia.
"So... doing some gardening in kids' church, this morning, eh?" laughed someone from our church family, who had noticed the leaf-blower tucked under one arm.
"What? Don't you use one in Big Church? You're missing out!" I retorted.
Honestly, if you want to add a heap of interest and excitement to your kidmin program, include a leaf-blower. I first discovered this useful teaching device, while presenting a Group vbs program (I think it was Group's Pandamania). It's helpful to note that, although you can use the leaf-blower 'as is', the potential is increased if you add a couple of plastic pipe segments readily found at your local hardware store.
See below... Use packaging tape to join up the segments.
See below... Use packaging tape to join up the segments.
Tip #1 Introduce your Bible point/verse for the day. (You'll need a soft toy small enough to fit the diameter of the pipe.)
Write out your Bible point on a stick-it note or label and attach to the toy. Tell the kids to try and catch the toy to discover the Bible point. Switch on the leaf-blower. Aim over the kids' heads, drop the toy through the T-section and it should shoot out over your group of kids. There should be an excited scrabble to retrieve the toy and read the Bible point.
Tip #2 Bible point. You'll need 10-12 pingpong/table tennis balls. Write the Bible point on a handful of balls but leave some blank. Shoot them through the leaf-blower as above. Award points for any collected balls but extra points for those found with the Bible point/verse printed.
Tip #3 Add an element of difficulty and develop some teamwork. Give a tablecloth to a group of kids to hold out and try to catch the balls from the leaf-blower.
Tip #4 Gospel message. Wrap a white sheet around one of your volunteers. Ask kids for words about things that they have done that are wrong.. eg telling lies, disobeying, stealing,.... Write these words on the sheet with invisible ink. Talk about how Jesus can wash away our sins. Use the leaf-blower to dry the ink while you speak until all the black words disappear leaving the sheet clean and white.
What other uses have you found for a leaf-blower in your ministry?
Write out your Bible point on a stick-it note or label and attach to the toy. Tell the kids to try and catch the toy to discover the Bible point. Switch on the leaf-blower. Aim over the kids' heads, drop the toy through the T-section and it should shoot out over your group of kids. There should be an excited scrabble to retrieve the toy and read the Bible point.
Tip #2 Bible point. You'll need 10-12 pingpong/table tennis balls. Write the Bible point on a handful of balls but leave some blank. Shoot them through the leaf-blower as above. Award points for any collected balls but extra points for those found with the Bible point/verse printed.
Tip #3 Add an element of difficulty and develop some teamwork. Give a tablecloth to a group of kids to hold out and try to catch the balls from the leaf-blower.
Tip #4 Gospel message. Wrap a white sheet around one of your volunteers. Ask kids for words about things that they have done that are wrong.. eg telling lies, disobeying, stealing,.... Write these words on the sheet with invisible ink. Talk about how Jesus can wash away our sins. Use the leaf-blower to dry the ink while you speak until all the black words disappear leaving the sheet clean and white.
What other uses have you found for a leaf-blower in your ministry?
Please note: The use of this tool should be reserved for leaders and volunteers only- no kids! I can only imagine the uses, and rearranged facial features, kids could create if given the chance.
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