About DWELL

DWELL children's ministry and Sunday school curriculum actively engages kids in God’s story using interactive games, reflective wondering, dramatic storytelling, and a whole lot of fun. Colorful story symbols create visual timelines; songs with kid appeal help memory verses stick; and wonderfully illustrated take-home pieces provide support to families. Through it all, DWELL invites kids to find their place in God’s story, living into and out of it for the rest of their lives.

In DWELL, kids do more than hear a story. They experience it. And each level of DWELL has a name that reflects that experience:
DWELL is a one-year cycle for preschool, two-year for K-5 (elementary), and three-year for 6-8 (middle school).
  • Each year is divided into 6 units
  • Sessions per unit: 6
  • Total sessions per year: 36
  • Each year builds on the previous year.
  • Christmas and Easter sessions are incorporated. No summer units.
  • Materials are undated and offer flexibility.
For more information download a DWELL information chart.

10 Reasons to Choose DWELL

  1. ​DWELL nurtures lifelong faith
    DWELL shows kids that they belong in God’s family as they hear God’s Story, listen for God’s call, and learn to use their gifts.

  2. DWELL is biblical and Reformed
    DWELL focuses on God’s Story and God’s actions, not on human virtues or easy moral lessons. Learn more here.

  3. DWELL tells God’s Big Story
    Each DWELL level covers the entire arc of God’s Story: creation, fall, redemption, and restoration. Explore DWELL's scope and sequence here.

  4. DWELL helps kids find their unique place in God’s Story
    Every DWELL session guides kids to live into and live out of God’s Story.
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  5. DWELL fits how kids learn
    DWELL sessions are tailored to fit the many different ways kids learn. Learn more about  multiple intelligences and DWELL here.

  6. DWELL supports leaders
    DWELL provides everything your leaders need to effectively share God’s Story with kids. Check out our leader resources here.

  7. ​DWELL supports families
    DWELL connects church and home through colorful, fun take-homes and through our new DWELL at Home family resources.

  8. DWELL respects diversity
    God’s family is diverse! DWELL content and illustrations reflect that wonderful diversity.

  9. DWELL materials are engaging, interactive, and fun
    Explore the various components of the DWELL curriculum here.
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  10. DWELL is available in a format that fits your church!
    Choose from digital or print options. Our digital subscription option offers dynamic new ways to support leaders and families! Learn more here.

Take a tour
Session Overview
Each DWELL session offers kids the opportunity to wonder and interact with God’s story.
Leader Resources
DWELL leader resources are built to simplify your planning process for each week.
Family Support
DWELL includes resources at every grade level which encourage and equip families to nurture faith at home.
God’s Big Story Cards
DWELL offers a unique resource that families can use to take a closer look at part of God’s story.
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“We are using the first year of DWELL and really like it a lot. I also find the Dwelling e-newsletters to be very informative and useful!” ​—Donnie, Children’s Worship Coordinator & Teacher

DWELL Theology

​​Biblical
First and foremost, Dwell is biblical. Scripture is the foundation of every Dwell session. Dwell is not based on human morals or virtues, but on God’s actions in God’s Big Story. 

Reformed
Dwell is rooted in a Reformed perspective. This perspective interprets the Bible first of all as the story of God. It approaches each story as part of the overarching story of God’s redemption and restoration of our fallen world through Jesus Christ. Each session focuses on what God has done and is doing today as God’s people help to bring in God’s kingdom.

While intentionally not denomination-specific, Dwell affirms the three ecumenical Christian creeds: Apostles’ Creed, Nicene Creed, and Athanasian Creed. While Dwell does not specifically reference any of the doctrinal standards of the Reformed and Presbyterian churches, it is fully consistent with all of them.

A simple, clear presentation of the doctrinal stance of Dwell can be found in Q&A: A Summary of Biblical Teachings, a simplified Q&A-style summary of Reformed/Presbyterian doctrine that forms the basis for the doctrinal teaching offered in the Dive level of Dwell.

Dwell is published by Faith Alive Christian Resources, a nonprofit publishing ministry of the Christian Reformed Church in North America and the Reformed Church in America.