If you’ve got little ones at home—or in your ministry—you’ve probably heard about Bluey. This adorable Aussie show has taken over the kid world in the best way. With her spunky energy and never-ending imagination, Bluey the blue heeler pup, along with her little sister, Bingo, has quickly become a family favorite. And here’s the thing: this isn’t just a show for kids. There’s something about Bluey that pulls us adults in too, and it turns out there’s a lot we can take from it for kid’s ministry.

So let’s dive in! Here are a few gems from Bluey that could totally reshape the way we connect with kids in our ministry.

Play Isn’t Just for Fun—It’s How Kids Learn

One of the best parts of Bluey is seeing Bluey and Bingo dive into imaginary worlds, learning cooperation, handling disappointment, and exploring new roles. For kids, play isn’t just a way to burn off energy—it’s how they process life.

In ministry, it’s easy to focus on teaching and forget how powerful play can be. But when we make space for play, kids connect more deeply with what we’re sharing. Acting out Bible stories, using games, and letting kids create their own fun brings faith to life, making God’s love and kindness feel real to them. Play isn’t just a break; it’s how kids experience and remember their faith.

Letting Kids Take the Lead Sometimes
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One of the sweetest things about Bluey is how Bluey’s parents, Bandit and Chilli, let their girls take the lead. They don’t just tell Bluey and Bingo what to do; they jump into the games and go along with whatever wild scenario the girls create. Bluey’s parents let them be the bosses of their own little adventures, and you can see how much it builds the kids’ confidence. They get to be in charge, make decisions, and learn as they go.

There’s something really powerful here for us in kid’s ministry, too. When we give kids a little ownership—whether it’s letting them pick a worship song, help plan a game, or even share something during a lesson—they start to feel like they’re part of what’s happening, not just spectators. They know they matter and have something to bring. When they feel invested, it’s incredible to watch their confidence and excitement grow.

Everyday Moments Are Golden Opportunities

One of the reasons Bluey feels so real is that it’s not about big, dramatic situations—it’s just everyday family life. The characters go through simple, relatable situations: sharing toys, learning to be patient, or apologizing after an argument. Those everyday moments end up being powerful teaching opportunities without feeling preachy or forced.

In ministry, it’s easy to think that the big lesson times are where all the teaching happens. But, some of the best moments come when we’re just talking or helping a kid through something that feels small but meaningful. Maybe a child is frustrated because they didn’t get a turn, or someone’s feeling left out, or they just have a random question. Those little moments are gifts—they let us talk about values like kindness, respect, and forgiveness in a way that’s connected to real life. Those everyday lessons often stick with kids long after they’ve forgotten the more formal teaching moments.

Modeling Patience and Grace

Bandit and Chilli embody patient, understanding parenting. They’re not perfect, but they’re always willing to help their kids work through things, even when it’s messy. Instead of just correcting them, they take the time to explain, encourage, and gently guide Bluey and Bingo through tough situations.

As kid’s ministry leaders, it’s easy to feel like we need to “correct” behaviors quickly, but kids respond so much better when we take a patient approach, using those moments as chances to show God’s grace and love. When we slow down and help kids understand, we’re showing them they’re valued, even when they mess up. That kind of patience builds trust, and it lets kids feel safe enough to learn and grow.

Making Every Kid Feel Like They Belong
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The thing that gets me every time with Bluey is how much belonging is woven into the show. Bluey and Bingo are surrounded by people who care about them, from family to friends to neighbors. It’s a little community where they feel loved, safe, and free to be themselves. Isn’t that what we want for our ministries too?

Making kids feel like they belong is one of the best things we can do. When we remember their names, ask about their week, and show we care about what’s going on in their lives, they feel seen and valued. A sense of belonging opens the door for them to connect with each other, with us, and ultimately with God.

Sometimes, Simple is Best

Episodes of Bluey are short and sweet, and the messages are simple but meaningful. Instead of getting bogged down in complicated plots, the show focuses on clear, relatable stories. It’s easy for kids to understand and connect with what’s going on, and that’s one of the reasons it resonates so well.

In kid’s ministry, we don’t always need to make things elaborate to keep kids engaged. Sometimes, the simple messages are the ones that stick the longest. Telling a story, sharing an activity, or doing something interactive that kids can really connect with—it doesn’t have to be complicated to be meaningful. Sometimes, simple, relatable messages are exactly what kids need to help them understand who God is and how much He loves them.

So there you have it—a few simple but powerful lessons from a little blue puppy and her family. Bluey reminds us that ministry doesn’t have to be complicated to be meaningful. Play, belonging, patience, and joy are all things that can make a huge difference in a child’s experience of faith. Next time you’re with your kids, think about bringing a little more Bluey energy into your ministry. You might just be surprised at the impact those small, simple moments can have.

Sarah Petrokovich is the Children's Ministry Director at River Church in Alton, IL. Married to an amazing man, Joe, they are the proud parents to two wonderful adult children, Halee and Daniel. Sarah has been dedicated to serving in Kids Ministry since her teenage years. Her passion for nurturing children's spiritual growth and creating engaging, faith-filled experiences has been a cornerstone of her ministry work. She also invests in developing other kids' ministry leaders, pouring into them with guidance and support to strengthen their ability to positively impact young lives.