M A X 7 W A Y S

7 Ways Leaders Training Guide

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introduction................................................................................................................................. 3

7 ways to welcome children ......................................................................................................... 5

7 ways to explore a Bible story ..................................................................................................... 7

7 ways to reinforce a Bible passage .............................................................................................. 9

7 ways to ask questions.............................................................................................................. 11

7 ways to transition from one activity to the next ...................................................................... 13

7 ways to memorize Scripture .................................................................................................... 15

7 ways to pray with children ...................................................................................................... 17

7 ways to dismiss children .......................................................................................................... 19

Version 7
www.max7.org

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7 ways introduction

Max7 Ways is a training and writing resource for children’s workers everywhere. It includes ideas on
the major parts of a Max7 Bible lesson (BibleMAX). 7 different ideas are given on how to: welcome
children; explore a Bible story; reinforce a Bible passage; ask questions; transition between
activities; memorize Scripture; pray with children; and dismiss the children.

The 7 ideas in each section are numbered but not ordered. The leader/s may pick and choose
activities that will suit the group of children, the leaders and the space and resources available. The
leader would only choose one or two activities from each of the 7 ideas. These activities would be put
together into a BibleMAX lesson plan to make the finished Bible lesson. It provides flexibility to make
the lesson as you need it.

1. Different ways to learn

The Max7 Ways takes into account different learning styles of children. Children have different
strengths in how they learn. For some children they learn best through music and repeated chants
and rhythms. For others it may be through listening to stories and discussing answers or using their
hands and bodies to make something. Others may like to solve puzzles and problems or share their
ideas in a group. (See Multiple Intelligences Guide).

The range of activities listed in the Max7 Ways will allow you to put together a balanced program that
takes into account the needs of all children. So, for example, if you choose an explore a Bible story
activity, which is based on drawing and imagining, you will try to do other types of activities to
memorize Scripture and pray that do not focus on drawing. That way you design a lesson which is
varied and interesting for children and leaders.

2. Use this guide to train leaders

Trainers can go through all the ideas in this guide to help demonstrate the skills needed by a team of
leaders to run a children’s Bible club or group. As your group of leaders gains confidence in using
these skills you will think of new ways to work with children effectively. Please share these ways with
others. We can all help each other.

3. Multiple Intelligence Guide

Intelligence Strengths Teaching

Word • Use of words • Tell or read stories

• Listening • Use journal writing
• Reading & writing • Engage students in discussion
• Speaking • Recitation
• Memorizing • Translate something
• Translation • Simplify a message

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Musical • Music • Learn truths through songs

• Rhythm • Encourage song writing
• Pitch • Use music to set the mood
• Sensitivity to the emotional • Memorize specific words
power of music • Role of music in the Bible

Math and logic • Numbers • Analyse and interpret what is

• Abstract thinking
• Logical reasoning
• Organization
• Problem solving
• Historical Sequencing
studied
• Ask probing, thinking questions
• Involve students in problem
solving
• Build a timeline

Space & Vision • Art • Use pictures, posters, maps &

• Drawing videos
• Imagination • Let students draw their
• Use of metaphors understandings
• Spatial referencing • Plan arts & crafts activities
• Use maps, keys, diagrams and
symbols

Body • Athletics • Act out stories with drama & role-

• Dance play
• Hand skills • Use physical movement, games,
• Acting dance
• Body Language • Have students build models of
what they study
• Facial expressions
• Meet and greet
• Engage an audience

People • Working with others • Use inter-active learning (small

• Negotiation groups, etc)
• Awareness of others’ needs • Do service projects
• Team Building • Include mingling and get-
acquainted time
• Sharing

Self • Understanding self • Make time for quiet reflection

• Introspection • Plan independent study times
• Self-motivation • Debrief learning one-on-one
• Meditation • Prayer

Natural • Open spaces • Activities that connect with nature

• Things of nature
• Interaction of a living and non-
living environment
• Use natural spaces as a
springboard for stories
• Use items from nature as
discussion starters or metaphor
• Significance of parables and their
context

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7 ways to welcome children

1. Preparation for a welcoming room and lesson

There are many ways you can prepare for a lesson. Firstly, it is good to meet with other leaders, pray
for the children and read the Bible story. You can allocate jobs to each leader and think of fun and
interesting activities to do with the children as you prepare for the lesson. You may also prepare the
room for the children depending on the theme you have. An example would be a party theme with
party or festive decorations. If appropriate, contact children during the week to remind them of what
will be happening.

2. Welcome at the door

It is always important to make children feel welcome as they come into the lesson. You can have
name-tags or stickers waiting with pencils to write new children’s names as they arrive. All children
can write their names around the word ‘WELCOME’ on a big piece of paper near the door. This can
be displayed near the door each week.

Leaders and other children can be at the entry shaking hands with new people. Have a new fun
handshake to teach children each week. As children arrive ask them to join the team to welcome
children until everyone has arrived. Each child arriving can walk down the middle of two lines of
leaders and children who are clapping and cheering.

3. Big group welcome

Have all the children sit on the floor and have two or three leaders at the front. Keep the time short
and well paced. New children can also be welcomed. One leader can introduce another leader and
ask them questions; maybe related to the day’s theme. One leader could tell of an experience they
have had which is related to the Bible story. For example, if the Bible story is about telling the truth
then the leader may tell a story about how they got into trouble by telling lies.

4. Small group welcome

Children are put into groups of between 5 and 10 children with a leader. These same groups are used
each week. It is good to separate boys and girls into gender groups. In this time, the leader can ask
the children about their week and introduce any new children. The Memory Verse from last week can
be revised or a short game or a physical challenge can be played. For example, ask the children:
What tricks can you do with your fingers?; or Can we all stand up together by holding hands?

5. Games
There are many different types of games you can play to help welcome children. Firstly, you can play
games that the children are already familiar with, like cricket or football and have the leaders play
alongside the children.

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You can also teach them a game, which may be related to the theme of the lesson. In this situation
choose a game that includes all the children. Do not play an elimination type of game as the goal of
welcoming is to include not exclude children. An easy ‘get-to-know-you’ game is good to play during
this time. For example: Can you find another person with a name starting with the same letter as
yours?; or Find someone who has the same favourite food as you?

6. Focus on the theme

Introduce the theme of the lesson by doing a demonstration activity or telling a story that will make the
children curious. For example, if you are doing the story of creation one leader can be painting or
sculpting while another leader is interviewing them. In the story of David and Goliath, do a simple
activity where children see how strong they are compared to a leader.

7. Review last week

Ask some of the children to tell the group about how they were successful with the 7Day challenge
from last week. A leader could interview 1 or 2 children. The whole group could review the Memory
Verse from last week.

There are more than 7 ways to welcome children. Use ideas that work best for your group
and share your ways with other leaders through www.max7.org

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7 ways to explore a Bible story

A Bible story has a definite narrative with a beginning, middle and end and usually a main character.

1. Make a model
What you need: clay, natural things (For example: sticks, mud and leaves).
Alternatives: Use cardboard, plasticine, newspaper and matchsticks.

Ask the children to create a piece of art that relates to the Bible story using the resources readily at
hand. For example, in the story of David and Goliath, David could be made out of small sticks and
leaves while Goliath could be made out of bigger sticks and mud. Children could be asked questions
to explore the themes of the Bible lesson while they are working on their models.

2. Interviews
What you need: volunteers to be characters in the story.

In this activity, choose 2 or 3 children to pretend to be the most important characters from the Bible
story (For example: David and Goliath). Sit them in interview seats at the front. Help the other children
think of questions to ask them.

Some questions to David could be: What did you think of the Israelite army when you arrived? What
did you think when you first saw Goliath up close? What were you worried about?

Questions for Goliath could be: What did you think of David when you first saw him? Why did you
hate the Israelites so much?

Then interview the children. Gently guide the children’s answers so that they understand the main
ideas in the story.

3. Draw the main events in the story

What you need: paper and pencils for each child.

Each child is given a piece of paper and a pencil. They can divide the paper into 4 parts. After reading
the Bible story talk about what the most important events in the story are. Write these so all children
can see the list. Ask children to draw each of the events in a separate section of their piece of paper.

Variation: Children may like to draw themselves in the story. Would they be in the crowd or would they
ask Jesus a question? What questions would they ask? Write this in a speech bubble like a comic.
They could turn over the paper and draw how the Bible story would look if it happened in their lives
and where they live.

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4. Still frame drama scene

What you need: 4-7 children per group

Read the children the Bible story and ask them to get into groups of 4-5. Tell children that each group
has 2 minutes to create frozen statues of one or two events in the story so they look like a photograph
(freeze frame or still scene). Each group will have a certain part of the story to create a still frame
drama scene. Each group performs their scene in the order that the story happened.

Variation: The other children can guess which part of the story the still frame drama scene is about.
Leaders can ask children questions related to their character in the still scene.

5. Story telling
A leader with skills in story telling can tell the Bible story instead of reading it from the Bible. Be
careful to have the leader hold the Bible and remind children that this true story is from the Bible and
that children can read it later.

Variations:

• Puppets - simple puppets can be made out of socks or boxes. A team of leaders can tell the story
using a simple script. A table on its side can make a good theatre.
• Sound story - as the leader tells the story the children can make sound effects at the appropriate
times in the story. For example: rushing wind, thunder, cries for help and animal noises.
• Use props - hold up different objects as the leader tells the story which will help connect the main
ideas. For example: loaves and fishes could be objects for the Feeding of the 5000 story.

6. Act it out
What you need: children to volunteer to be characters from the story.

Ask for some children to role play the characters in the Bible story. For example, if you are doing the
story of ‘Daniel in the Lions Den’ you will need children to play the roles of Daniel, The King, the
officials who accused Daniel, an angel and some lions. As the leader reads or retells the Bible story,
children act out their parts while the rest of the group watches. Leaders may also act out parts.

7. Write a Song
Organize children into small groups of 4-5. Ask them to write a song or a chant which tells the Bible
story and explains it. At the end of 10 minutes have the children perform the song for the others. Be
careful that it is not a contest but simply a time to show others what they have learned.

Variation: A leader could prepare a chorus for everyone to sing together. Teach this to the whole
group first. Each group could write a verse about a different part of the story and have 10 minutes to
work it out. At the end the song is brought together in a whole group with each verse being sung by
one of the small groups. Everyone joins in singing the chorus after each verse.

There are more than 7 ways to explore a Bible story. Use ideas that work best for your
group and share your ways with other leaders through www.max7.org

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7 ways to reinforce a Bible passage

A Bible passage teaches ideas or concepts. It is direct teaching like Matthew 5 or Galatians 5:22-
23. Because of this, we need to handle the content differently to a Bible narrative to ensure that the
children understand the content. These activities are used alongside the reading or hearing of the
Bible passage.

Role play drama

As a large group, talk about the main things we have learned from the Bible passage. Brainstorm
situations this message could apply to in the children’s life. Write these and summarize them so
everyone can see the ideas. Divide the children into groups. Each group must choose a situation
where this teaching would be useful. Then they make a short drama set in their modern world which
demonstrates the teaching. After about 5 minutes have each group perform to the other children.
Discuss ideas as needed.

Variations: Each group can create 2 endings for their role play; one is negative and one is the positive
Godly outcome. Each group could be given a prop to include in their drama. The situations could be
mimed and the other children could then guess what the situation is. The leader could have different
situations to give to children on small cards. Examples of situations could be being bullied at school,
or being tempted to steal from a shop.

Make a poster
What you need: paper and pencils, markers or chalk.

In this activity children will be given time to make a poster which will be displayed at the end of the
lesson. They need to think of a creative way to present the message so it can be clearly
communicated to others. Use pictures, symbols and words.

Variations: Work in pairs or small groups to create a poster. Bring other craft materials to make the
posters attractive. Children could also cut out words and pictures from magazines or newspapers to
make a collage. Think about some creative places the posters can be displayed.

Teach someone else what you have learned

What you need: 2 different but related Bible passages

The children are divided into 2 large groups. Each group goes to a different area to read and discuss
the Bible passage with a leader. Give each child an object to help explain the lesson. For example if
the lesson is about giving, the Bible passages could be ‘The Widow’s Offering’ (Luke 21:1-4), and
‘Giving to the Needy’ (Matthew 6:14). The objects could be coins and bread for the poor and hungry.

After 5-10 minutes the children come back together and sit facing a person from the other large
group. Each child has 2 minutes to explain what they have learned and how it can be applied in their
life using the object.

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Time capsule
What you need: paper and pencils

Children are given paper and pencils. They are asked to write a letter to themselves explaining what
they have learned and why they should remember this in a year’s time. Picture and cartoons may also
be drawn. When they have all finished, children address their letters to themselves and put these in a
box to be opened in 12 months. You could have fun wrapping the box (to weather proof it) and
burying it together.

Make a parable
Children work in small groups to write a parable which illustrates the message of the Bible passage.
Jesus made up many stories to illustrate what he was teaching. The story can be told by one or two
children, acted out as a drama, or told as a puppet play.

Variations:

• Use objects – each group is given an object which they must use in their drama. The objects
can be fun and creative.
• Puppets - simple puppets can be made out of socks or boxes. A table on its side can make a
good theatre.
• Drama – a short play can be made. Mime and narration can also be used.
• Sound story - as the story is told, children can make sound effects at the appropriate times in
the story. For example: rushing wind, thunder, cries for help and animal noises.
Whole body learning
• Statues or Body sculptures — children work in pairs; one as the clay and the other as the
sculptor. The leader suggests emotions and positions the statue needs to be in. For example,
Peter getting out of the boat to walk on water to Jesus, or the feelings expressed in Psalm 139.
• Mime — children use whole bodies to express or symbolise a Bible passage (try Isaiah 40:11-15).
Real life story
Find a real life story about someone who lives the message of the Bible teaching. There are many
well-known people from every culture whose stories are worth telling. For example; Archbishop
Desmond Tutu, Mother Teresa or Eric Liddell. Remember to tell the story in an exciting way. Keep it
less than 5 minutes long. The internet is a good way to research people.

Variation: Tell the story as if you are that person and even dress like them. You may also have
another leader interview you.

There are more than 7 ways to reinforce a Bible passage. Use ideas that work best for
your group and share your ways with other leaders through www.max7.org

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7 ways to ask questions

It is important for leaders to teach the Bible as well as giving children an opportunity to read it for
themselves. The goal of a good children’s discipleship program is to help children to meet and follow
Jesus. Reading and understanding the Bible daily is an important part of following Jesus.

Children should know that the whole Bible is God’s Word to them. This means that each story
connects in some way to the bigger picture of the Bible. Taking a story out of context can cause
problems.

The most important way to understand the Bible is to realize that the main character is Jesus and that
everything in the Old Testament and the New Testament points to him. The overall story of the entire
Bible is how God has brought about salvation, first with the Israelites and now with all people, through
the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. While we can learn important morals and values from the
Bible, God has given us His Word so that we can have an ongoing and personal relationship with
Him. He made and sustains the whole universe.

The leader needs to read the Bible, research the context of the Bible story and ask questions. The
following questions allow us to explore the ideas in the Bible story from different points of view. Rather
than just telling children what they need to learn from the Bible story, children and leaders are
encouraged to discover important truths for themselves. When a child discovers something for
themselves, the truth will be more deeply understood. When planning a discussion to explore a Bible
story, choose just one question from each of these 7 categories to apply to the Bible story. However,
not all questions can be applied to every story.

1. Facts and context

What happened in the story?

• What happened before and after this story/passage? How does this story/passage fit in with
that?
• Ask who, what, where, when did these events happen?
• List the events in the order they happened.
• Have a wall map to show where it happened.

2. Positive
What good thing happened in the story?

• Who did it happen to? Why?

• What was the best part of the story for you?
• What excites (enthuses, interests) you about this passage?
• Would you like to have been there? Why?

3. Negative
What bad things happened in the story?

• Who did it happen to? Why?

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• What bad things did a person or people do?

• What event made you uncomfortable? Why?
• Would you like to trade places with this person? Why? Why not?
• Sometimes bad things happen to people. Why does God allow this?

4. Feelings
How do you think the major character felt at certain times in the story?

• How would you have felt if you were this character?

• Was what happened fair and just?
• What song/music expresses how this passage makes you feel?
• Put your body in a position that shows how the character from the story felt.

5. Learning
What do you think the Bible character learned in the story?

• How did they change their view of God?

• How did they change their life to be more like Jesus?
• If you were this person what could you have done differently?

6. Application
What might we be able to learn from this story?

• How can we apply this to our lives today?

• How will this change how I love and treat God?
• How will this change how I treat others?

7. God’s perspective
What can we learn about God from this story?

• Why has this story been recorded?

• How does this story fit into God’s big story of Jesus and salvation in the Bible?
• How has our view of God got bigger?
• What might God be teaching us about Himself and His Kingdom?
• What does God think about this issue?
When leading a discussion with children ask follow-on questions. These are questions that occur to
you as you listen to the children talk and answer questions. This will help the discussion flow and feel
more natural. Try not to ask questions where the answer can be ‘yes’ or ‘no’. Instead ask open-
ended questions that have many answers. The questions don’t have to be asked in the order above.
Just try and cover each category to allow deeper thinking.

After the discussion time, summarize what you have learned. Say it as simply as possible so
everyone can understand and remember. Use the text in the IMPORTANT box to remind you of
the main point of the lesson.

There are more than 7 ways to ask questions. Use ideas that work best for your group
and share your ways with other leaders through www.max7.org

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transition from one activity

7 ways to
to the next

1. Make Action Words

Leader needs to know and teach children the various action words.

How to use action words: A leader will call out a word for which there is an action. All children then
respond by doing the action and waiting for the leader’s next instruction. The action word can be used
with a theme to create fun or to stop and redirect children.

An example: Blowfish [fugu, pufferfish or globefish]: children puff their cheeks out and hold their
breath. This action word is used to quieten children down. Far-out: children will run to the edge of the
room in every direction. This will energize children after they have been sitting still. Freeze: children
stop where they are instantly. Melt: children begin to sink slowly to the floor and lie still. Be creative
with other leaders and think of some more.

2. Find a leader
One leader calls out a description of the hidden leader. Children then must move to the leader in
preparation for the next activity. For example, find the female leader with the long dress and holding a
soccer ball. An activity with a soccer ball will follow in the lesson.

Leaders need to be aware and know what they will do when the children find them. The next activity
needs to be organized and ready to run.

3. Games
How to use a game as a transition: Choose games that give instruction either verbal, written or by any
other means so that children end up at the new activity.

For example, Simon Says is a good game to use in this situation. A leader calls out an action and
children respond but only when the leader first calls out ‘Simon says’, for example; ‘Simon says hands
on shoulders’.. If the leader does not call ‘Simon says’ children should not respond.

Clumps is a game that allows children to be put in to groups for the next activity. The leader calls a
number, say 6, and all the children need to get into a group with 6 children. New numbers can be
called to allow children to keep moving into new groups. The final number called should be the
number of children required in teams for the next activity.

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4. Call and response

Explain to children that they repeat whatever the leader says.

The leader calls out a set of words that can either rhyme or be a Memory Verse or a chant set to a
rhythm. The leader calls out one sentence at a time and the children call it back.

For example, I don’t know but I’ve been told, (children repeat) Jesus loves the young and old, (repeat)
now that we’ve had time for games, (repeat) let’s all go outside to pray (repeat).

5. Singing and actions

Know the song and work out actions that go with it.

Then teach the children the song with actions. Do it with enthusiasm and lots of movement. Every
time the children hear the leader singing, the children should join in. For example: ‘one, two, three,
four, everybody on the floor, five, six, seven, eight, don’t be late.’

To do this without a song, the leader can call out an action and where the children need to go. The
children move doing that action to that place. For example, ‘swim like an Olympian to the door.’ Or
‘move like a crab to the front.’

6. 20 questions
The children all sit in the one place. The leader thinks of an object which is related to the theme of the
lesson but does not tell the children. The group of children can ask up to 20 questions which the
leader can answer only ‘yes’ or ‘no’, to work out what object the leader is imagining.

7. Finding objects
The leader needs to have objects in position before the lesson begins. The leader also needs to know
what object is needed for each activity.

The leader needs to hide or position objects strategically around the activity space and ask children to
go to search for them. A treasure hunt with a code can also be fun.

For example: place Bibles where small groups will meet and ask the children to search for them.

There are more than 7 ways to transition from one activity to the next. Use ideas that
work best for your group and share your ways with other leaders through
www.max7.org

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7 ways to memorize Scripture

1. Build up word by word

Teach the Memory Verse one word or phrase at a time. The leader says a word or phrase and the
children say it back. The leader says 2 words or phrases and then the children echo it back. This
continues until the whole verse is learned. Remember to learn the Bible reference too.

Variation: The leader can say the Memory Verse softly or loudly, quickly or slowly. This will make it
more interesting. The verse can be written on a blackboard. Some words can be erased to see if
children can still remember it. This can be combined with actions if appropriate.

2. Puppets
What you need: characters (can be leaders). Equipment to make puppets: socks,
needle and thread, buttons (the face can be drawn if you have no buttons).

Puppets teach the Memory Verse to the children in a fun and easy way. For example, one puppet
could be the foolish puppet that doesn’t know the Bible verse. The children could teach the puppet the
verse that they have been learning. There could also be a smart puppet, to help the children teach the
foolish puppet. Working with puppets requires some practice by the leaders.

3. Put to music or a rhythm

What you need: paper and pen, musical instruments (if desired/available)

When creating a song for the Memory Verse, you can use body percussion, (clapping and slapping
thighs) and singers. You can also use a tune familiar to the children, for example, a theme song from
TV or a folk tune, so they all know it. It can be created in teams, small groups or by the whole group
together.

4. Hunting for the Memory Verse

What you need: some things you could use like, balloons, flour, mud or anything
else fun to put hands in.

The aim of this activity is to get the kids moving and curious. Words of the Memory Verse will have to
be found and then rearranged to make the verse. It can involve searching for balloons and popping
them to find part of the Bible verse on a piece of paper inside or looking through mud or flour for the
verse written on pieces of paper. You could go outside and search or have a treasure hunt inside.
Also, you could use a simple code and ask children to work out the code and unscramble the Memory
Verse. They can do these activities by themselves or in teams/groups.

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5. Call and response

What you need: leader with a loud voice

Call and response involves the leader saying the Memory Verse in small sections and the children
copying it. For example, if the Memory Verse is John 3:16, it would go like this:

Leader: Who loves the world? Children: God

Leader: What did he do? Children: Gave his only Son
Leader: Who’s his Son? Children: JESUS
Leader: If you believe in Jesus… Children: You will not die but have eternal life.
Leader: What is the Bible Verse/Reference? Children: John 3:16

6. Actions
What you need: imagination

Think of body actions to go with the Memory Verse. For example, if the Scripture is 1 Peter 5:8 ‘Be
self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion’, you could ask the
children to be sentries on guard, then crawl on hands and knees and act like a lion. Try to have an
action for each phrase in the verse. This activity will work with some verses but not all.

Variations: Children can be grouped and given time to make up actions for a Memory Verse and then
show everyone else after 3 minutes.

7. Give children the Memory Verse

What you need: something for each child to take home to remind them of the
Memory Verse. For example, craft items (such as bracelets), string and pieces of
paper; anything that will help them to remember it.

Each child is given an item to help them remember the Memory Verse during the week. The item
should be given to the children at the end so that they pay attention to the whole message rather than
fiddling with the item. For example: write the verse on a rock or a card and give it to them. They could
also make the item in a craft activity such as braiding different coloured string together to represent
different parts of the Bible story.

There are more than 7 ways to memorize scripture. Use ideas that work best for your
group and share your ways with other leaders through www.max7.org

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7 ways to pray with children

1. Teach about prayer at all times

Teach these things about prayer incidentally through every lesson.

• We can talk to God at any time and tell him anything

• There are no right ways to pray. We don’t have to wait for a special time when our prayers will
be heard by God. God can hear all our prayers, all the time, any way we say them.
• The Lord’s Prayer shows us to praise, thank, confess and ask.
Anytime in a lesson is a good time to stop and pray with children, either individually or in groups. For
accountability with protecting children, make sure that the leader and children can be seen by others
at all times.

2. Small group prayer

Up to 10 children can sit in a circle with a leader. The advantage of small group prayer is that children
don’t feel pressure like they may in a larger group.

An example of a small group prayer is popcorn prayer [rabbit, springbok or kangaroo prayer],
where people pop in and pray whenever they wish with very short prayers.

Alternatively, they can pray while sitting or standing in a circle while they all hold hands. They
squeeze the hand of the person next to them when they are finished saying their prayer.

3. Pair Share prayer

Divide the children into pairs. The children share something that has happened in their week that they
want to pray for. Their partner can then pray for that need. The leader can also give out topics that the
children can pray for in a quiet place with their partner.

4. Whole group prayer

When praying with a big group of children use a call and response prayer. This is where the leader
prays and the children repeat what he/she says. Leaders could also write up a chart that says what
they have prayed for and any answers to prayers they have seen.

Variation: Sing a prayer together.

5. Individual prayer
This type of prayer is better used with older children as they need to concentrate. The children may
feel comfortable praying on their own or with a leader. This type of prayer can be very hard for young
Christians who are just beginning to explore their faith. This can be great to do outside where children
can pray alone but be seen by the leaders.

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6. Hands-on prayer
This type of prayer is great for children of all ages. For example, children can draw a picture of what
they want to pray for on their own piece of paper. Or they may write their own prayer. This could be
combined with a small group prayer, where children sit in a circle on the floor with a big piece of paper
in the middle. They can then write their prayers on the paper, 2 or 3 children at a time.

Children can also put some actions to their prayers. If children are confessing sin they could find a
rock and hold it. As they pray they can let go of the rock to symbolize that they are letting go of sin.
They could hold a beautiful leaf when thanking God for what He has made.

7. All-in prayer
This type of prayer is good for children who are shy or don’t like praying in public. All children and the
leader/s talk to God at the same time so no one is heard on their own. God is still able to hear them
all. This can be a good way to teach a story about God hearing everybody and the different ways He
speaks to His people.

There are more than 7 ways to pray. Use ideas that work best for your group and
share your ways with other leaders through www.max7.org

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7 ways to dismiss children

Always allow enough time for this crucial part of the time together. It is important to reinforce the main
point of the lesson. Children need to leave in a positive, energized, yet calm frame of mind.

1. Leader challenge
This is a good time to challenge the children to change a small thing in their lives to reflect Jesus
more. They could be challenged to pray for a friend or tell a friend or family member about Jesus.

The whole group could be given a challenge to bring something useful for the lesson next time. For
example, if there is a party theme, they could bring something to help decorate the space, wear, or
share to eat.

2. Chant
What you need: leader with a strong voice.

Repeat the Memory Verse or a chant that has been used in the lesson. This will help children to
remember the main idea of the lesson in just a few words. Do the chant in a fun way; slowly, quickly,
softly then louder. Allow some of the older children help you lead it. Use actions if possible.

3. Interview
What you need: a willing child.

Invite a child to the front to be interviewed. It would be wise to ask the child beforehand. Ask the child:
What are you looking forward to in the week ahead? What have you learned today? What are you
challenged to change in your life?

Variation: a leader can be interviewed as well as a child or a child could interview a leader. The
questions could be prepared beforehand by the leaders.

4. Take home an object

What you need: imagination.

Children always like taking things home with them that will remind them of the lesson. Try and give
them something that symbolizes the main theme of the lesson. For example, after a lesson on sin
they may take home a rock on which they have written some of the hard things in their life that they
need to give to God. If the theme is about the Fruit of the Spirit the children might be given a piece of
fruit to share with their family. Use your imagination and creativity. Remember not to give anything
that could be dangerous.

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5. One-on-one encouragement
Leaders can be available after the lesson to sit and pray with children individually or in small groups.
Always remember to be in a place where the leader and child can be seen.

A leader may need to walk a few children home safely. This is a good opportunity to talk to and listen
to children.

Some children might like to stay around and play sports or games. This is an excellent opportunity to
develop friendships with the children.

6. Sing a song
Another great way to dismiss children is to sing a song with them. You may sing the same song each
week. You might like to make up a Goodbye, Blessing or Benediction song to sing regularly with
children. Remember to have fun with the children so they will want to come back next week.

7. Quiz questions
It is fun to end the lesson with a quiz that has questions including the main points from the lesson. For
example, if the lesson was about Joseph, you could ask questions like: What kind of coat did Joseph
have? How many brothers did Joseph have? What did Joseph need to learn?

As children say the right answer to a quiz question they get a small reward, like a piece of fruit or a
hand shake from a leader or the child sitting next to them.

There are more than 7 ways to dismiss children. Use ideas that work best for your
group and share your ways with other leaders through www.max7.org

FOR TRANSLATORS

When you translate this document above would you also:

1. Translate the file name.

2. Translate the resource description (you can send this back in an email or as a separate
attachment): Max7 Ways is a training and writing resource for children’s workers everywhere. It
includes ideas on the major parts of a Max7 Bible lesson (BibleMAX). 7 different ideas are given on
how to: welcome children; explore a Bible story; reinforce a Bible passage; ask questions; transition
between activities; memorize Scripture; pray with children and dismiss the children at the end of the
lesson. The 7 ideas in each section are numbered but not ordered hierarchically. The leader/s may
pick and choose activities that will suit the group of children, the leaders and the space and resources
available. The leader would only choose one or two activities from each of the 7 ideas. These
activities would be put together into a BibleMAX lesson plan to make the finished Bible lesson. It
provides flexibility to make the lesson as you need it.

3. Translate the (search) Tags: BibleMAX, Curriculum, 7, 7 ways, 7ways, ways

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