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:
“My church includes children who attend Christian school, children who attend public school, and children who are learning about God for the very first time. I like using DWELL in Sunday school because it connects with all of them.” —Mary S., DWELL Marvel teacher
“I want my kids to develop a deep faith and love for God and others. I am excited that my church takes seriously the opportunity to nurture and equip our kids, and to do so with a Reformed perspective.” —James V., DWELL Play teacher

Opening imaginations to the whole story.

​With DWELL, God’s story will stir kids’ hearts with excitement and anticipation. ​DWELL is designed to challenge children to use their imaginations to wonder how people in God’s story must have felt and experienced things, allowing them to step into the story. This promotes both long-term retention and deeper understanding.

DWELL leaves space for open-ended wondering questions, allowing the Holy Spirit to work as kids discover truth through exploration at every grade level. They become immersed in God’s story instead of merely learning facts, morals, and principles. They’ll learn to find their place in God’s ongoing mission of renewal and redemption.

Developing skills for an ongoing journey of faith.

​How do I understand the Bible? What does it mean for me...today...right now? DWELL approaches the whole Bible in a way that ignites the imagination and engages kids on a deeper level, breaking through their busy minds and producing moments of awe. Kids can learn that God’s story is still going on today and that they can be a part of that story in meaningful ways.

Imagine a generation of kids that have stepped into God’s story and are actively participating in His work of redemption and restoration. Through DWELL, kids will learn how to approach each day as a chance to live out God’s big story of hope and love. These skills of wondering and then living out of God’s story will carry them through the rest of their lives.

Simple for you and exciting for them.

​​DWELL leaders don’t have to gather a ton of supplies. The story itself drives each session, and the excitement comes from the kids themselves as they actively engage with the story each week.

“I wonder how Abraham felt when God told him to go to a new land?” “I wonder if you’ve ever felt that way?” These kinds of questions represent the approach used throughout DWELL. The result is an experience that is more substantial, more interactive, more memorable...and ultimately more transformative for each child.
“We are loving DWELL! Our teachers find it easier to teach. And they liked the elementary material so much that we got DWELL for preschool too.” —Pam H., DWELL coordinator

​“The teachers and kids love DWELL! The kids are very engaged and remember what they have learned. The take-homes are fun!” —Rachel Z., DWELL coordinator​

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.
“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

Structure & Sessions

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.

Philosophy

​​The doctrinal stance of DWELL flows from its Reformed/Presbyterian interpretation of Scripture. While intentionally not denomination-specific, it 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. Learn more.