Complete Back-to-School Ministry Supplies List

Back-to-school is a great time to restock your children’s ministry because supplies are often at a discount. We recommend purchasing all your “school-type” supplies for the entire year, now. That way you get your supplies at a great price and you have a stockpile for later in the year when supplies get dried out, broken, and consumed. No one likes to do crafts and activities with dried out markers and broken crayons.

Find a volunteer to go through classroom supplies once a month to weed out the ones that no longer work and restock. Wasting precious lesson time sharpening pencils and testing out markers trying to find the ones that still work can be frustrating and futile. You may find this is the perfect volunteer job for retirees, teens, or people who want to help but who are intimidated by teaching.

Low on budget? Or want to save your budget for curriculum, events, or other ministry opportunities? Check out Group’s brand-new gift registry! Save the items you want and ask the congregation to pitch in. You can also create an Amazon, Walmart, or Target wish list/registry for your other supply needs.

To make shopping simple, download our print-friendly shopping list with the supplies below.

Classroom staples (the must-have ministry supplies):

Bibles – we recommend the Hands-On Bible for middle to upper elementary age kids, the Friends With God Story Bible for lower elementary/early readers, and the My First Hands-On Bible for preschoolers
markers
crayons
pencils
colored pencils
glue and/or glue sticks
scissors (make sure to have adult size scissors for your volunteers!)
tape
stapler and staples
construction paper
paper clips
white copy paper
facial tissue
hand sanitizer
disinfectant spray or wipes (kept out of reach of the kiddos!)
paper towels
pencil sharpener
dry-erase markers (or chalk)
chalkboard erasers
sticky notes
pens
first aid supplies

Other somewhat common supplies written into Sunday school lessons:

Glue dots
finger paints
paintbrushes
chenille wires
stickers
colorful craft foam
paper/plastic cups
paper plates
yarn
hot glue guns and refills
playdough
tissue paper
balloons
sidewalk chalk

“Beyond the Lesson” Resources

We’ve all been there. Parents arrive early with kids eager to “do something.” The pastor runs a “bit” long with the sermon. Or you finished the lesson early. Whatever it may be, you find yourself trying to fill time. Without a back-up plan, the kids will either run around and play tag risking getting hurt or they’ll sit in a corner feeling insecure. You need something quick and easy that’s safe and helps everyone feel included. Here’s some of our favorite resources that will keep kids engaged, making friends, having fun, and experiencing God’s truths.