Explore It
Children's Discipleship Material - for Small Groups
For ages 7-12
Explore It is designed for children’s ministry leaders working with groups of children but could easily be adapted for use in the home as a family via video calling platforms.
Each session includes content for a 30-40 minute group meeting under the headings Start It, Sing It, Tell It, Action It, Pray It. There are also Explore It (For Me) and Explore It (Together) additional resources to send home to families, to explore the theme further.
Explore It Introduction
Read the Introduction
Find out how to use the resources, including how each session is structured.
Explore It content is now aimed at groups that are meeting in person. Please adapt if you are using for online groups.
Session 1 – Identity (Daniel 1:1-21 Daniel taken to Babylon)
Session 2 – Influence (Daniel 2 Nebuchadnezzar’s dream)
Session 3 – Worship (Daniel 2:17-23)
Children
Explore It - July 2022 session 3 - Worship Handout
Worship handout for Action It section
Session 4 – Security (Daniel 6 Daniel and the lions)
Children
Explore It - July 2022 session 4 - Prayer Handout
Prayer handout for Pray It section
Session 5 – Prayer (Daniel 9 Daniel’s prayer)
Children
Explore It - July 2022 session 5 - Prayer Stations
Prayer stations for Action It section
Session 1 – Jesus and justice (Luke 4:16-21; Matthew 25:31-45)
Session 2 – Speak up (Proverbs 31:8-9; Isaiah 58:6-8; Micah 6:8)
Session 3 – Brave Esther (Esther)
Session 4 – Global change (Matthew 25:34-35; Leviticus 19:33-34)
This month our first session is for May 8.
Session 1 – It’s very good! (Genesis 1:3; Psalm 19:1-3 God’s works and word)
Children
Explore It - May 2022 session 1 - Care for Creation Presentation
Creation PowerPoint Presentation
Children
Explore It - May 2022 session 1 - Care for Creation Images
Creation images
Session 2 – Calling all creation champions! (Genesis 2:15; Genesis 1:26-27)
Session 3 – Small actions can make a big difference (Genesis 2:15; 1 Timothy 4:12)
Session 4 – Climate change (Matthew 25:35-40)
This month we have our Easter session plus four sessions exploring the monthly theme; so our fifth April session is actually for May 1!
Session 1 - Spiritual food (Matthew 4:4; 1 Peter 2:1-2)
Session 2 - Spiritual Exercise (1 Timothy 4:7-8; 1 John 2:24-25)
Session 3 - Easter (John 4:9-19 Love comes from God)
Session 4 - Spiritual fruit (Ephesians 2:10; Matthew 7:18; John 15:16 People know you by your actions)
Session 5 - Trusting our coach (Hebrews 12:1-2a Follow Jesus’ example)
Session 1 – Heart to change the world - Self-Denial Appeal (Matthew 25:35-40)
Children
Explore It - Mar 2022 session 1 - Self-Denial Video Questions
Questions for the Self-Denial video
Session 2 – Love in action (1) (Matthew 25:35-40)
Session 3 – Love in action (2) (Mark 6:30-44; James 2:17 More than 5,000 people fed)
Session 4 – Love in action (3) - Mother's Day (2 Timothy 1:5 Sharing love like Lois and Eunice)
Session 1 - What is the Good News? (Mark 1:15)
Session 2 – The Good News shared with Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10 Zacchaeus)
Session 3 – Good News shared with Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-52 Jesus heals a blind man)
Session 4 – Good news shared with children (Mark 10:13-16 Jesus accepts children)
Session 1 - Love God, love others (Matthew 22:34-40 The most important command)
Session 2 – Holy listening (Acts 9:1-15 Saul is converted)
Session 3 – Holy learning (Philippians 1:3-6 Paul’s prayer)
Session 4 – Holy living (Matthew 22:36-40 The most important command)
Session 1 – Hope (Isaiah 9:2-7 A new day is coming)
Children
Explore It - Christmas 2021 session 1 - Bible Verses
For the Bible promises jar/envelope activity
Children
Explore It - Christmas 2021 session 1 - Bible References
For the Bible promises jar/envelope activity
Session 2 – Faith (Luke 1:26-38 The Virgin Mary)
Session 3 – Peace (Luke 2:8-20 Some shepherds hear about Jesus)
Session 4 - Joy (Luke 2:15-20; Matthew 2:1-2, 9-11 Wise men come to visit Jesus)
Session 1 – Trusting God in tricky times (Genesis 37; 39:1-6 Joseph is sold)
Session 2 – Overcoming temptation (Genesis 39:6b-23 Joseph is put into prison)
Session 3 – The power of forgiveness (Genesis 45:1-28 Joseph reveals who he is)
Children
Explore It - Oct 2021 session 1 - Leaders Guide
A CALL TO GLOBAL JUSTICE
Isaiah 58:6-8; Micah 6:8
Children
Explore It - Oct 2021 session 2 - Leaders Guide
CLEAN WATER AND GENDER JUSTICE
John 4:4-42
Jesus and a Samaritan Woman
Children
Explore It - Oct 2021 session 3 - Leaders Guide
FOOD SECURITY AND INCOME GENERATION
Acts 2:42-47; 4:32
The believers share
Children
Explore It - Oct 2021 session 4 - Leaders Guide
ANTI-TRAFFICKING AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE
1 John 3:1
We are God’s children
For the next few months, For Me and Together are part of the Leader’s Guide.
Please note: In Session Four we will be looking at practical actions we can take to care for creation and address climate change. The Great Big Green Week, organised by The Climate Coalition (of which The Salvation Army is a member organisation) is taking place from 18-26 September 2021.
You may want to get involved in a local event or organise your own. If so, you may want to introduce this idea to the group in an early session so you can plan something in plenty of time.
Children
Explore It - Sept 2021 session 1 - Leaders Guide
STEWARDSHIP - WHAT IT IS AND WHY IT MATTERS
Genesis 1:31; 2:15
Children
Explore It - Sept 2021 session 2 - Leaders Guide
THE SALVATION ARMY - IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE AND PROJECTS
Matthew 25:35-40
Children
Explore It - Sept 2021 session 3 - Leaders Guide
HOPE FOR THE FUTURE
Colossians 1:15-20
The importance of Christ
Children
Explore It - Sept 2021 session 4 - Leaders Guide
SHOWING LOVE TO THE WORLD
James 2:14-17
Faith and Good Works
Session 1 – They follow him because they know his voice (John 10 (selected verses) The good shepherd and his sheep)
Session 2 – I saw the Lord (John 20:1-18 Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene)
Session 3 – I have chosen Saul for an important work (Acts 9:1-19 Saul is converted)
Session 4 – We sat down and talked to them (Acts 16:6-15 Lydia becomes a Christian in Philippi)
Session 1 – I will be with you (Exodus 3 Moses and the burning bush)
Session 2 – A gentle whisper (1 Kings 19 The Lord appears to Elijah)
Session 3 – For just such a time as this (Esther 4 Mordecai persuades Esther to help)
Session 4 – I called to the Lord (Jonah 1 Jonah flees from the Lord)
Session 1 – Who's 'got your back’? (Acts 9:19b-31; Acts 11:19-30 Paul and Barnabas)
Session 2 – Friends together (Acts 15:40; 16:16–40 Paul and Silas)
Session 3 – Thanking Fathers (Acts 16:1-5; Philippians 2:19–24; 2 Timothy 1:1-7 Paul encourages Timothy)
Session 4 – Influencers (1 Timothy 4:11–16 Paul’s advice to Timothy)
For session five, you may wish to invite your corps leaders along to share together about what is important in your corps/church.
Session 1 – Doing what God wants (Matthew 6:25-34 Don’t worry)
Session 2 – God is working in the waiting (Acts 1:1-14 Jesus ascends to Heaven)
Session 3 – Be willing (Luke 22:39-46 Jesus prays alone)
Session 4 – Pentecost (Acts 2:1–17 Guided by the Holy Spirit)
Session 5 - Trust in Christ (Acts 2:42-47 The believers share)
This month we have five sessions, the first session being an optional Good Friday session.
Session 1 – Good Friday (Mark 15:33-41 The death of Jesus)
Session 2 – Easter Sunday (Matthew 28:1-10 Jesus has risen)
Session 3 – Eyes wide open (Luke 24:13-35 The road to Emmaus)
Session 4 - Lots of questions (John 20:24-29 Jesus appears to Thomas)
Session 5 – A new opportunity (John 21:15-19 Jesus reinstates Peter)
This month we are recommending that each child has access to a Bible.
Session 1 – God has a plan - an action story (Luke 5:17-26 Jesus forgives and heals a paralysed man)
Session 2 – Mother's Day - a love story
Session 3 – Living for Jesus - a mystery story (Matthew 10:1-16 Jesus sends out the Twelve)
Session 4 - Palm Sunday - an inspirational story (Matthew 21:1-11 Jesus comes to Jerusalem as King)
Session 1 - Healthy me (Luke 2:21-40 Jesus presented in the Temple)
Session 2 - Healthy soul (Luke 4:1-13 Jesus in the wilderness)
Session 3 - Healthy mind (Luke 4:38-44 Jesus heals many)
Session 4 - Healthy response (Luke 5:12-16 Jesus heals a man with leprosy)
Session 1 – God's invitation (Luke 15:1-7 The lost sheep)
Session 2 – God's choice (Luke 15:11-32 The prodigal son)
Children
Explore It - Jan 2021 session 2 - Good or Bad Choices
Good or Bad Choices
Session 3 – God's gift (Luke 22:14-20 The Lord’s supper)
Session 4 – God's grace (Luke 19:1-10 Zacchaeus)
This resource gives children an opportunity to interact and grow in a different way, and to still have some fun together!
Four sessions exploring joy at Christmas. You may wish to start these sessions in November.
Session 1 - How can I be joy-filled this Christmas? (Luke 1:26-38 An angel appears to Mary)
Session 2 - How can I share joy with my family this Christmas? (Matthew 1:18-25 Joseph accepts Jesus as his son)
Session 3 – How can I share joy with my community this Christmas? (Luke 2:8-20 The shepherds and the angels
Session 4 - The joy of giving (Matthew 2:1-12 The Wise Men visit Jesus)
Children
Explore It - Christmas 2020 session 4 - Wise Men Maze
Discover the meaning behind the Wise Men's gifts
For November we have three more sessions – continuing the theme of Justice and Remembrance Day.
For the first session we have provided Explore It (Together) only. However there are lots of ideas given by The Salvation Army’s International Development team for exploring these themes further.
Session 1 – Justice: International Development (1 John 3:16-18)
Session 2 – Remembrance (John 15:13; Matthew 5:9)
Session 3 – The rights of the child (1 Samuel 3 The Lord calls Samuel)
For session three you may wish to use our resource, True Story. To order free copies email youthchildren@salvationarmy.org.uk. There are two versions available: for ages 7-12 and for 13-18 year olds. Let us know your name, corps and postal address, plus how many copies of each version you would like. Ordering early is advised to ensure they arrive in time.
Session 1 – What is injustice? (Isaiah 61:1-2; Proverbs 31:8-9 Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves)
Session 2 – International day of the girl - 11 October (Genesis 1:26-28; Galatians 3:28 God created us in his own image)
Session 3 - True Story
Session 4 – Justice: My local community (James 2:14-17 Faith and deeds)
Session 1 - Embracing change (Genesis 12:1-9 God calls Abram)
Children
Growing Out Of Lockdown
Tips and activities to support you going back to school.
Session 2 - Waiting for change (Genesis 15:1-6; 21:1-6 God’s agreement with Abraham)
Session 3 - Putting God first (Luke 10:38-42 Jesus visits Martha and Mary)
Session 4 - Praying for change (Exodus 3:7-12 God tells Moses to rescue the Israelites)
This month there are five sessions exploring the theme of serve. The material has been adapted from ‘Children of God Serve’ which was initially intended to have been used in this year’s summer camps.
Children
Explore It - August 2020 - Introduction
An introduction to August Explore It material for leaders
Children
Children of God Serve
Children of God Serve summer outreach guide for leaders.
Session 1 - Growing as a child of God (Luke 2:41-52 Jesus in the Temple)
Session 2 - God has a job for little ol' me! (1 Samuel 16 The anointing of David)
Session 3 - I can make a difference (2 Kings 5:1-19 The little servant girl)
Session 4 - I can tell others about Jesus (2 Timothy 1:5 -14 Timothy)
Session 5 - I’ve got what it takes to serve! (Matthew 18:1-6; 19:13-15)
Session 1 - A love for me (John 3:1-21, Jesus teaches Nicodemus)
Session 2 - A love for you (John 15:5-17 The vine and the branches)
Session 3 - A love for all (Luke 10:25-37 The Good Samaritan)
Please email us if you would like a copy of the Leader's Guide for session four. resources@salvationarmy.org.uk
Session 4 - A love for us (Mark 4:35-41 Jesus calms the storm)
Session 1 - A living faith (Hebrews 11:1; Mark 10:17-31 A rich young man's question)
Session 2 - A courageous faith (Matthew 14:22-36 Jesus walks on water)
Session 3 - A mighty faith (Matthew 17:14-21 Jesus heals a sick boy)d boy.
Session 4 - An active faith (Matthew 25:31-46 The King will judge all people)
Acts 2:1-13 The coming of the Holy Spirit
Children
Pentecost Pick-n-Mix
A number of ideas you can choose from as part of your children's ministry for Pentecost.
Session 1 - A strong hope (Luke 5:1-11 Jesus' first followers)
Session 2 - An encouraging hope (Matthew 10 Jesus sends out his apostles)
Session 3 - A patient hope (John 14:1-13 Jesus comforts his followers)
Session 4 - A joyful hope (Luke 24:36-53 Jesus appears to his followers)
Other useful links
Youth and Children's Zoom Guides
Handy guides to help you run Zoom small groups online.
Children's work
Resources
Games for Children and Youth
A wide range of online and socially distanced games to use with children's and youth groups during the pandemic.
Children's work
| Youth work
Resources
Cell Outlines
Compelling Bible resources for ages 12-25. The current material is specially adapted for engaging with your group online.
Youth work
| Small groups
Resources