Engaging Pre-Service Activities for Kids’ Ministry

Creating a Fun & Engaging Pre-Service Experience for Kids’ Ministry Looking for creative pre-service activities to engage kids before church starts? From prayer & praise tables to board games, building blocks, and scripture memory challenges, these ideas help children feel welcome, burn off energy, and prepare their hearts for worship. Plus, if your budget allows, consider family-friendly activities like mini golf, air hockey, or basketball hoops to encourage parent-child connection before the service. If you can’t afford it yet—start dreaming and trusting God! Check out these fun, faith-filled ideas to transform your kids’ ministry experience. Read more now!

As children’s ministry leaders, we know that the moments before service are just as important as the service itself. Kids arrive with different emotions—some are excited and ready to engage, while others might be nervous or unsure. Having structured pre-service activities helps create a warm, welcoming environment where kids feel comfortable, connected, and ready to focus on God’s Word.

Here are some practical and engaging pre-service activities that will not only keep kids occupied but also help them build friendships, practice teamwork, and prepare their hearts for worship.

Creative & Reflective Activities

1. Prayer & Praise Table

Set up a small table with colorful paper, markers, and stickers where kids can write or draw their praises and prayer requests. Encourage them to thank God for something in their lives or write down a prayer request. You can incorporate their prayers into your group prayer time or post praises on a “Thank You, God” wall.

2. Mailbox for Letters to God

Create a mailbox where kids can drop off their “letters to God.” These can be prayers, thank-you notes, or drawings that express their feelings to God. This activity helps kids develop a personal connection with God and reassures them that He listens to their prayers.

Active & Social Activities

3. Four Square

Outdoor or indoor movement-based games like Four Square are great for getting kids engaged while promoting teamwork and friendly competition. Simply tape or chalk a Four Square court on the ground and let kids take turns playing. It’s an easy, fun way to help kids burn energy before settling into the lesson.

4. Giant Checkers with a Rug

A giant checkers board (either on a rug or taped to the floor) offers a great mix of fun and strategy. Kids can play one-on-one or in teams, learning patience, critical thinking, and friendly competition.

5. Family-Friendly Sports & Games (If You Can Afford It – Dream & Trust God!)

If your budget allows, consider adding family-friendly games that encourage parent-child bonding before service. These create a space for parents to connect with their kids in a fun and meaningful way:

    •    Air Hockey Table – Quick, exciting, and perfect for a few minutes of play.

    •    Mini Putt-Putt Mat – Set up a small putting green where parents and kids can take turns.

    •    Mini Table Tennis – A compact ping pong table fosters fun interaction and hand-eye coordination.

    •    Basketball Hoop – A small hoop (indoor or outdoor) lets kids and parents shoot hoops together.

If you can’t afford these right now, start dreaming, praying, and trusting God to provide! Even if you begin with simple ball games or bean bag tosses, the goal is to create healthy family interactions before worship.

Quiet & Thematic Activities

6. Building Blocks

Provide LEGO, wooden blocks, or magnetic tiles and challenge kids to build something related to the Bible story for the day. Hands-on activities like this reinforce the lesson in a creative way and help kids work together.

7. Worship Music Drawings

Set up a station with paper, crayons, and markers while playing worship music in the background. Encourage kids to draw something that comes to mind as they listen—whether it’s a Bible scene, a cross, or something that reminds them of God’s love. This allows kids to express their faith in a creative and personal way.

8. Modeling Clay

Give kids some modeling clay and challenge them to sculpt something related to the lesson—like the Ten Commandments tablets, a sheep from the parable of the lost sheep, or a boat from Jesus calming the storm. This hands-on activity makes Bible stories more tangible and memorable.

9. Coloring Contest

Print out Bible-themed coloring pages and turn it into a fun contest! Kids can work on their pictures before service, and leaders can pick a “winner” each week or simply display everyone’s artwork to celebrate their creativity.

Scripture Engagement & Memory Challenges

10. Scripture Memory & Sword Drills

Encourage kids to memorize scripture with fun challenges! Organize sword drills by giving kids Bibles and calling out a verse reference—whoever finds it first gets a small reward or points. You can also use flashcards or verse scramble games to make scripture memory exciting and interactive.

Board Games & Their Positive Effects

Board games are a fantastic way to help kids build social skills, patience, and teamwork. Here are some great options:

11. Jenga

Jenga is great for teaching patience, balance, and problem-solving. You can also write short discussion questions on each block related to faith, kindness, or the Bible to make it more meaningful.

12. UNO

This classic card game helps kids practice patience, strategy, and good sportsmanship. It also encourages relationship-building as kids cheer for each other and learn to handle both wins and losses gracefully.

13. Pictionary (Bible Edition)

Use a dry-erase board and let kids draw Bible-related words or stories while their teammates guess. This game helps with teamwork and reinforces Bible knowledge in a fun way.

14. “Who or What Am I?” (Bible Edition)

Write the names of Bible characters or objects on sticky notes and place them on kids’ foreheads. They have to ask yes-or-no questions to figure out who or what they are. This game encourages critical thinking and reinforces Bible lessons in a playful way.

Why Pre-Service Activities Matter

Structured pre-service activities:

✅ Help kids transition into worship mode

✅ Reduce nervousness and help new kids feel welcome

✅ Promote friendships and teamwork

✅ Encourage creative and active learning

✅ Set a positive tone for the lesson

✅ Build bridges between parents and kids through fun interactions

By incorporating some of these activities into your children’s ministry, you’ll create an environment where kids are excited to come to church, engage with others, and grow in their faith.

What are your favorite pre-service activities? Share in the comments below!