Category: Children’s Ministry

Super Easy Scripture Slides and Images

January 12, 2016

I recently stumbled upon a fast and free way to make Scripture slides for Children’s Ministry (or any other ministry, for that matter) with an array of free and attractive backgrounds. And it may already be in your phone/device. It’s built into one of the popular apps out there – the free YouVersion app of the…
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Guess the Mystery Location

January 10, 2016

I passed this little community on the way home from one of my shows recently. You are very familiar with the name. Perhaps some clues in the pictures will tip you off. Where am I?
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The Power of Collaboration

January 9, 2016

We visited the Auguste Rodin special exhibit at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts yesterday. We learned something interesting that caught my attention: at lot of Rodin’s work as a sculptor was done collaboratively by “the school” of Rodin. In other words, while Rodin was the creative genius behind the design of his works, there…
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Bring Me Game Ideas

January 8, 2016

The ‘Bring Me’ game is a group activity ideal for engaging children. The leader requests random items, and the first person or group to bring the item gets a point. The game uses technology as it allows for internet-based scavenger hunt challenges. The leader needs to adapt the items according to the group’s characteristics. The…
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The “How to Juggle” Trilogy

January 5, 2016

Today, I posted a short video on how to juggle five balls. That completes the “trilogy” of instructional videos on three, four, and five ball juggling. Here are all three (in order of three, four, and five). Let me know what you think!
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Teaching Kids About Money

January 4, 2016

Thanks to Dave Ramsey and other financial teachers, we were inspired to use clear labeled jars to show our daughter how much money she has and how to categorize it. I know that she will grow up in an even more digital world than we did, which means money will become more and more “invisible”…
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My Predictions for 2016

January 3, 2016

The US Presidential Election will dominate the news cycle and thus the culture and conversations of Americans. The media will exploit the opportunity for every dollar they can get out of it and we will be terribly exhausted from it all. The global economy will be strong and on an upward trend overall. Russia will…
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The Wreaths of Williamsburg

January 1, 2016

One of the benefits of being a traveling performer is the opportunity to see a lot of neat places. I often arrive extra early to my events because I like to scope out the area and have plenty of time for set up and “Murphy’s Law.” I had a gig last night at a restaurant…
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Top Blog Posts of 2015

December 31, 2015

Hello readers! Like many other sites, I’d like to offer you the top ten posts of the year from right here at jessejoyner.com Thank you to all of you who take time to read my blog. I’m not a professional writer. I hope to provide blog content that is helpful to people who work with…
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Juggling and the Meaning of “Immanuel”

December 29, 2015

Having fun at the Christmas Eve service at Commonwealth Chapel a few nights ago. This is a video of Jacob and I knocking the candy cane out of Pastor Rob’s mouth while passing around him! The teaching focus was on the fact that Jesus entered the world as a gift to community (Immanuel means, ‘God…
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Merry Christmas from Jesse Joyner Juggling!

December 27, 2015

My buddy Jacob Clarke and I got to share some juggling at the Christmas Eve service at Commonwealth Chapel in Richmond, VA a few nights ago. Here is a video of us practicing at my house before the service. May you and your family have a wonderful Christmas season as we celebrate the birth of…
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Virtual Reality and Faith

December 1, 2015

Now this is very intriguing, definitely worth some more reflection. But I’ll just put it out there: When the Paris terror attacks occurred a few weeks ago, someone took a screenshot of an online role playing game. Where were the players? In the virtual cathedral paying their respects to the victims of a tragedy that…
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What Kind of Fruit Did Adam and Eve Eat?

November 29, 2015

Ask a group of kids (or adults for that matter) what kind of fruit was growing on the tree of the knowledge of good and evil in the Garden of Eden and most people will quickly say “the apple.” The problem with that answer is that the Bible does not say what kind of fruit…
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Five Ways to Redeem Halloween

October 27, 2015

As a Christian who grew up in the church and in a Christian family, I have seen many various ways that Christians respond to the cultural phenomenon that has become Halloween. Like many things in life, there are extreme ways to celebrate (or not celebrate) something. Some Christians avoid Halloween and anything having to do…
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It’s How You Finish – Peter Sagan Wins 2015 UCI Gold

September 29, 2015

This past Sunday, I witnessed an incredible feat that proved the old mantra, “it’s not how you start, it’s how you finish.” My hometown of Richmond, Virginia, just hosted the UCI World Championships. The “UCI Worlds” are the annual global competition of the best road cyclists in the world. These are the cyclists who race…
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Expect the Unexpected

July 30, 2015

I tried a new trick at Highland Lakes Camp near Austin, TX this week. I did an illustration where I tried to explain how we are weak by ourselves but when Christ is in us, we are strong (because it is no longer us, but Christ who lives in us – Galatians 2:20). I finished…
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Library Shows This Week in Richmond, VA

July 5, 2015

Here’s the schedule for my library shows this week in the Richmond, VA area (they’re actually in some of the surrounding counties around Richmond). These are all part of the Pamunkey Regional Library System. Click on the picture on the right for the library system’s website. Monday – Mechanicsville Branch (11am) and Atlee Branch…
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5 Fun and Easy Summer Camp Games

July 2, 2015

Millions of kids across the country are participating in some sort of summer camp experience this summer. Camp is such a meaningful time for kids because of the memories they make, the friends they meet, and the fun they have. Since I travel to many camps each summer, I get to see a lot of…
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Behind the Back Whip Catch with the Chinese Yo Yo

July 2, 2015

The kids and the shepards enjoyed having Jesse as our camp pastor again this year!! Posted by Sara Hangtagool on Friday, June 12, 2015
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Welcome the Little Children

June 30, 2015

Join me in New Albany, MS today and tomorrow for a fun early elementary day camp. Jesus welcomed the little children. Let’s do the same and tell them of the greatness of God and His love! The camp is from 3pm to 7pm today and tomorrow at Hillcrest Baptist Church in New Albany, MS. Click…
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We Were Made for God

June 18, 2015

Sorry, we weren’t made for ourselves. God made us so that we can glorify Him (Isaiah 60:21). Got to share a little Westminster Catechism with over a thousand preteens this morning. That stuff was written for kids originally.
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Powhatan Fair

June 2, 2015

Want to know more about the Powhatan Fair in Virginia? Read all about it here: www.powhatanfair.org
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What I Really Love To Do

May 31, 2015

It may look like I love to juggle – which I do. But there is something about my job in life that I love even more – teaching kids about God and the Bible. Every summer, I have the privilege of speaking at camps and churches across the country as the “camp pastor” or the Vacation…
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Father Abraham for Today’s Kids

May 1, 2015

I was just sent this simple yet well produced lyric video of the old kid’s worship song Father Abraham. Kids today love lots of movement, color, and energy. That’s what you get in this video. They put a unique twist on the lyrics about moving your limbs without losing complete resemblance to the original, which…
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KidMin Nation Podcast – Worship Response Stations

April 29, 2015

I had the priviledge of being interviewed by my friend Keith Coast for his podcast about Kid’s Ministry (called KidMin Nation with Keith Coast). Here’s the link to the episode, enjoy! http://api.siteamp.com/podcast?key=0$n5Qp7DnXajc
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A Great Mother-Daughter Event Idea

March 25, 2015

We’ve all heard of the father-daughter dances, the mother-son camping trips, and the father-son fishing outings. But what about events for the moms and daughters? I was invited to perform at one this past Sunday and I’d like to share the idea with you. It comes from my friend Alan Phillips over at Richmond Community…
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The Power of Mister Rogers’ Shoes

March 19, 2015

I am a child of the 80’s, which means I grew up watching Sesame Street and Mister Rogers. Now I have a four year-old daughter and she is now requesting to watch Mister Rogers episodes ever since I showed one to her on YouTube. She watches Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, which is the modern day iteration…
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How to Find a Good Upward Sports™ Entertainer

March 2, 2015

If you are an Upward Sports™ league director, then you have probably run into the tough decision of finding a good speaker or entertainer for your closing ceremony. There are many very effective, talented, and Gospel-focused speakers out there. But there are also some entertainers floating around that are just not the right fit for…
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Object Lessons and Props are Biblical

February 28, 2015

I use a lot of props, tricks, and audience participation to teach kids about the Bible. Sometimes I wonder if I am just getting a kick out of doing fun things and somehow blurring the real message that needs to be taught. That fear can potentially lead me to want to ditch props altogether with…
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Where Do Kids Belong in Church?

February 25, 2015

I am fascinated by the variety of ways that churches integrate or segregate age groups for worship gatherings (the former is also known as “inter-generational worship”). Is there a right way or a wrong way to format this as a church? Do some churches have a better handle on how children and adults worship together…
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Quality Juggling Props

February 3, 2015

Just want to give a shout out to one of my favorite juggling supply companies: Higgins Brothers. I have worked with them for several years and they are great folks who will help you out with quality products at good prices. Check them out and have a great day!
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Fire and Ice Festival in Somerset, PA

January 19, 2015

Somerset, PA hosts an annual winter festival that features ice sculptures, fire pits, food trucks, family entertainment, a craft fair, and scores of historic main street shops open for business. This was my second year coming to entertain at the First Christian Church. This year I brought my family and we had a wonderful time.…
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WinterBlast 2015 at Camp Orchard Hill!

January 14, 2015

I can’t wait for WinterBlast coming up in a few weeks. There are still a few spots for the Elementary weekend (grades 2-6) on Jan 30-Feb 1.
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Vacuum Balance

January 14, 2015

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Who Wants to Be a Volunteer?

January 7, 2015

When you ask that question to a group of adults, the crickets start chirping and everyone in the audience tries especially hard not to make eye contact with the person asking the question. Ask that same question to a group of children and just about every hand shoots up immediately. That’s one reason why I…
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Bob Bramson – The Great Hoop Juggler

December 16, 2014

I love juggling rings. So it is inspiring to watch one of the greatest large ring (hoops) jugglers of all time. His name is Bob Bramson. Check him out in this video from 1993. It starts off a little slow, but he gets going as the video continues. I love the five hoop juggle down…
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A Psalm for Thanksgiving

November 27, 2014

Psalm 100 (ESV) Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with…
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The Power of Juggling

November 17, 2014

In my most recent newsletter (which you can access here), I told the story of how I had done a show for a high school where just days before I came one student stabbed another in the middle of class. A parent sent me a message after my show thanking me for bringing a little…
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Another Bootleg Video

October 29, 2014

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“What’s in the Bible?” Curriculum Review

October 15, 2014

I am somewhat of a bibliophile (one who loves books). And more particularly, I love to learn about and study the book of all books – the Bible. I guess that would be a more accurate use of the term “Biblio”-phile. So it is with excitement and anticipation that I share with you a new…
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The Power of a Family Camp

October 6, 2014

I recently spoke at a Family Camp at Camp Dixie in North Carolina. The idea is simple: create a camp experience that involves the whole family. Most camps offer programs for age-specific groups, particularly children’s and youth camps. But Family Camp is where all the members of the family come to camp together and enjoy…
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Bright Ideas You Can Use This Sunday

September 26, 2014

I’m happy to announce a new book to which I contributed. It is a collection of practical creative ministry ideas that you can use in your Sunday School, Children’s Church, camp, youth group, or other ministry setting with kids. The book categorizes the ideas so that you can find a quick and easy idea whether…
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A Bible Study Format for Adults

September 12, 2014

I am immersed in the world of Children’s Ministry, but sometimes I am reminded that there are adults in the world. A few weeks ago, I was asked to lead some breakout workshops for adults at a family camp. I will admit that I was a little nervous because I am more “at home” in…
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Presenting the Gospel to Children by Matt Rucker

September 12, 2014

This presentation of the Gospel comes from a friend of mine named Matt Rucker. Everything below is from him. I cut out a few of the diagrams (and their instructions) because they did not translate between his format and my format. But the core content is all here….. Gospel Message for Children *Before you present,…
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Prayer Counseling in Children’s Ministry

August 28, 2014

In a previous post, I explained the idea of worship response stations and their use in ministry to children. I am going to unpack each station in a series of posts, starting with the prayer station. The Bible teaches us to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17), so I believe prayer is essential to Children’s…
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How to Memorize Scripture

August 12, 2014

I personally learn how to memorize things better when I associate the thing I want to memorize with something else that is unique and/or familiar to me. For example, if someone tells me their name is John (a very common name), I might quickly imagine that person dressed up as John the Baptist baptizing Jesus…
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Worship Response Stations

August 7, 2014

I recently returned from Pine Creek Camp in Gore, VA. I was the camp pastor for two weeks with several hundred preteen kids and their chaperones from Assembly of God churches around Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, D.C., and West Virginia. I speak at many camps each summer, but this one stuck out because of the format…
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Back to School Party

July 29, 2014

Looking forward to the Back to School Party in Bakersfield this weekend. Then the Kids Explosion event is on Sunday and Monday nights! Check out this video: http://vimeo.com/100754506
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Juggling for Palestinian Children

July 20, 2014

It was the middle of October, 2000. I was studying abroad for the semester. One morning, a local pastor picked me up at my school in Jerusalem and started the short five-mile journey towards the West Bank, one of the two Palestinian Territories. He had heard that I was a juggler and wanted to have…
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Whatever is Excellent or Praiseworthy

June 21, 2014

Paul finishes out his list of “virtues of the mind” with “if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about these things….” (Phil 4:8). Excellence is something we as Christians often put to the side. We figure that we are children of God, so anything we produce is going to be just fine without the same…
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Whatever is Pure

June 5, 2014

When Paul tells us to think about pure things (Phil 4:8), I believe he is talking about keep our thoughts free from clutter, dirt, garbage, and sin. Purity is about cleanliness. When we take a shower, we are cleaning off the dirt and starting fresh with a pure body. So also our thoughts become darkened…
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Why Children Matter – Even in the Summer!

May 30, 2014

I got a phone call this morning from an old friend who currently volunteers with the 3rd and 4th graders at his church. He said that kids often get forgotten in church, especially in the summer time. And I don’t mean getting lost from their parents (though even Jesus did that once!). I mean that…
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Whatever is Noble

May 30, 2014

The second type of virtuous thought Paul tells us to have in Philippians 4:8 is that which is “noble” or “honorable.” This is the Greek word semnos, which is used only four times in the Greek New Testament, all by Paul. Here are the four uses (copied from the teknia.com website in the Greek Dictionary…
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