RELEVANT CHILDREN'S MINISTRY

Slime was first introduced as a toy by Mattel in 1976. It was a green, slimy goo that was packaged in a small plastic trash can.  

It was popularized by Nickelodeon in their TV show "You Can't Do That on Television" in 1979. 

This Nickelodeon show featured slime as a gag, notably in a skit where characters get "slimed."

The slime's popularity soared in the 1990s, especially with its prominent use in game shows like Double Dare and Figure It Out. 

The Kids' Choice Awards further cemented the slime's place in Nickelodeon culture, with the iconic sliming ceremonies. It also became a part of the Nickelodeon Studios experience, with a geyser that spewed the goo.  

p.s. My son, when he was 9 years old, got "slimed" at Universal Studios as part of their slime experience.  We still have the certificate they gave him. 

Fast Forward to today...2025 at the time of this writing. Slime is still very popular and relevant with kids. 

A clear example of this is the 2025 Kids' Choice Awards that will be on television in the next few months. Slime will be a big part of this award show that attracts kids and families.

Here are a few examples of how Nickelodeon is going all out to make slime a crucial part of their awards show this year. 

This year the Kids' Choice Award show will feature 5,000 gallons of the signature green goo. The primary feature of this year’s set will be a centralized pool, which is animated by bubbling fountains of slime.  Slime will be triggered from over 25 unique pieces around the room.

Slime will be referenced everywhere, and the goal is to transform the Barker Hanger into this fantasy, slime warehouse. There will be over 80 industrial slime storage containers. 

There will also be a huge inflatable chandelier, which will be used as a mega slimer.  They will be sliming the room, the stage and the kids.

All this says one thing...slime is still a relevant item in the world of kids. It's as popular as ever. 

If you need to amp up the relevance of your children's ministry, then it's time to amp up your use of slime.

There are still many ways that you can use slime in your children's ministry.  

Ohhhh...and it's not that hard to make.  Just google "slime recipes" and you'll see lots of easy options to make it. 

So, the obvious answer is yes.  Kids still love slime and you should bring it back to your children's ministry if you've stopped using it.

Slime can be used in a lesson.  Want to capture kids' attention in a large group lesson?  Use slime.  It can be used as an object lesson or illustration of a Biblical truth. 

Slime can be used as a craft.  Kids love to make their own slime.  Think about how you could tie this into your class time.  

Slime can be used for a take home activity.  You can send a slime recipe home with kids.  Have them make it with their parents and use it as a discussion starter about a Biblical topic or extension of the lesson.  Better yet, have them create a slime making video and post it on your children's ministry's YouTube channel.  They could then invite their unchurched friends to watch it and generate interest in your children's ministry.

Slime can be used for review games at church.  It might be the person who answers a question gets to be slimed.  It might be a kid who answers the question gets to slime a staff member or volunteer.  Just provide a way to protect the person's clothes such as a trash bag, rain coat or an extra change of clothes.

Slime can be used at a family event.  Kids and families love it!  It can bring a lot of energy and excitement in a large group setting.

Slime can be used as a reward for meeting a goal.  Want to see the kids reach an attendance goal?  Want to encourage them to bring their friends to church?  Want to see them reach a giving goal for missions?  Tell them they can slime you or another person if they hit their goal.

Yes, slime is still relevant with today's kids.  Keep making it slime time at church and you'll connect with them.  

Slime was popular among kids and it was a big deal to get to be part of a show where people got "slimed."

My youngest son was ecstatic when he was picked from the audience to be the person who would be slimed. 

After the show, they gave him a certificate that said he had officially been "slimed" at Universal Studios.  He still has that certificate to this day.

Slime has been loved by kids now for decades.  In the late 1980's and early 90's, slime was a key part of Nickelodeon shows like Double Dare, Legends of the Hidden Temple and Figure It Out.

So what makes getting slimed so appealing to kids then and today.  Here are a few reasons. 

The anticipation of someone getting slimed.  There was always the possibility someone's hair and clothes could be ruined.  

The element of surprise is a key situation that kids love.  Think of ways you can bring the element of surprise into your classes and services.   

Talking. Kids love to talk with each other about what is happening on the show.  While watching, they interact with their friends.  

I know many people think talking is the enemy.  Hence you have a lot of children's ministries that constantly use the "ssssssshhhhhh" sound to tell kids to be quiet.  Problem is - kids learn more when they are allowed to talk about it. Build lots of time into your lesson for the kids to talk with each other and their leader about the lesson subject.

Color makes a difference.  Obviously making the slime in a bright green color was the starting point. And the stage sets for slime game shows were full of bright, kid-friendly colors. Brighter colors naturally draw kids in and make it a fun environment.  And don't forget some neon colors with some black light hitting it.

What colors are in your children's ministry environments?  Beige?  Grey?  Brown?  Burgundy?  It's time to bring in some slime green, bright yellow, purple, light blue and other kid-friendly colors. 

Slime time.  Take a few cues from these shows and elements and watch kids begin loving your kidmin space and programming.

p.s. bonus 

Recipe for Nickelodeon slime:

• 2 cups of oatmeal
• 3 cups of applesauce
• 4 cups of vanilla pudding
• 3-4 drops of green food coloring