FAQ

How did Max7 begin?

Max7 was created by a team, all followers of Jesus, who were willing to work together across denominations, borders, languages, and organisations.

The idea began in 2006 in response to a big need. At the time it was estimated that 80% of all the churches in the world lacked training or resources around children and family ministry. The question was asked across a partnership of Bible-focused churches, leaders, organizations and movements – what can be done? The Max7 strategy was born – making resources across the world, make them free, make them easily accessible and share what we have for the sake of the Kingdom.

Since then, Max7 has been built and supported by thousands of resource donors, teachers, translators, web designers, pastors, artists, patrons, prayer teams, animators and supporting volunteers.

Max7 has especially been served by several global movements including the Global Children’s Forum, sports movement, 4/14 and others.

Max7 is meant to bless – anonymously - like the unnamed boy in John’s story where Jesus feeds 5,000. Doing things anonymously helps keep Jesus, the Bible and God’s Kingdom as the focus.

What do you believe?

Over the years, Max7 has been guided by the Lausanne Covenant as its statement of faith and Biblical values.

Is Max7 making a difference?

Yes absolutely! Millions of resources have been directly downloaded from Max7 and tens of millions of Max7 resources have been freely shared in print, and on portable drives or discs of many kinds.

Tell us about how Max7 has helped you.

Can I download Max7 resources without an account?

Yes. Anyone can download and use Max7 resources and pass them on to others to use.

Do I need to check permission to use Max7 Resources?

Max7.org gives permission for people to freely download Max7 resources and provide them without charge:

in church
in children’s church or any club or programme
for school
for sport, camping or club
for special community events
to train and equip leaders
in any media, streamed, pre-recorded programming, booklets, pamphlets, TV, Broadcast, cable, satellite, podcast, books, activity sheets or camp programs.

By downloading, you agree to Max7’s Terms of Service. Please make sure you understand your freedoms and responsibilities by reading the Terms of Service.

If you require written permission for your ministry, please contact us about your needs.

Can I upload and share resources on Max7 without an account?

No, you will need to create an account with an active email address to upload resources. This is so that we can contact you about the moderation/approval process.

Can I use Max7 resources at my church, school, club, home, online?

Yes. As long as you do not charge others for using Max7 resources, you can use them anywhere to serve your ministry.

Max7.org gives permission for people to freely download resources and use them without charge:

in church
in children’s church or any club or programme
for school
for sport, camping or club
for special community events
to train and equip leaders
in any media, streamed, pre-recorded programming, booklets, pamphlets, TV, Broadcast, cable, satellite, podcast, books, activity sheets or camp programs.

By downloading, you agree to Max7’s Terms of Service. Please make sure you understand your freedoms and responsibilities by reading the Terms of Service.

Can I make my own library of resources?

Yes, you can. You will need to have a Max7 account, and you can create a library from here..

I can’t find what I’m looking for. Can you help me?

Yes! Have you tried:

searching for the Bible reference? E.g., John 6 or John 6:1-14

using the main (obvious words) from the title of the resource? E.g., for “Jesus heals the paralysed man”, try searching for “heal paralysed”

the name of the main character who is different in the story? i.e., if you search for “God” or “Jesus” or “Holy Spirit” you will get lots of results. If you are looking for the story of Jesus being baptised, try “John Baptist” or “John baptize”.

the theme of the lesson? – e.g., “fruit Spirit” or “gift Spirit”

If you’re looking for a very specific resource and you are not sure it is on Max7, you can contact the Max7 Moderators in your language and ask for help.

My friend created a great lesson that they gave to me, can I share it on Max7?

You need to own the copyright of any resource to share it on Max7. You cannot share someone else’s resources. Why not ask your friend if they will do it?

I’ve made an animation, and I’d like to share it, but it’s only in my language. How do you get videos into so many languages?

Most resources are shared in their source language and then translated by people who need those resources around the world. Here’s how to share a resource so it’s translation ready:

If it’s a written document, provide it as a WORD file and a PDF. WORD is much easier to translate.
For Presentations, make sure you provide a source file like PPTX or Keynote (not just a timed-video presentation).
For audio. Provide the mixed Audio track first and then add translation tracks

with just SFX (for a story) or
just Music stems (for a song)
and lyrics or script as a WORD file that is easy to translate.
You can also provide sheet music for songs.

For Video. Provide the fully mixed and produced version to share. Then add the following translation tracks:

A SFX audio stem
Music stems
script as a WORD file that is easy to translate. It’s very helpful to have times scripts to help with realigning the new translation to the vision.
Video without audio added.

Can I translate any resource I like?

Yes. It’s worth checking with us. Tell us what resource you want to translate (for accuracy, please provide a link to the resource page) so we can make sure that it’s not already being translated into your target language.

However, you don’t have to wait to hear from us. If you need it, translate it! Then share it back once you’re done!

I’ve written 20 lessons, should I put them up one by one? Or all in one document?

If the lessons are related, then it is ideal to package them up as one document. Make a library if your lessons are similar but don’t make a “set”. This way you can upload smaller sets of matched lessons and present them as a library of resources.

Make sure your description tells people about the content, especially when there are multiple lessons in one document.

My friend wants a video, can I download it for them?

Yes, as long as everything is freely shared, no further permission is needed.

Can I change the lesson? (Game? Camp? picture?)

Yes. All resources on Max7 are shared freely so that you can modify them for your context.

I know I can use your video for children’s church, but I want to make a longer video and add some other material on the video so we can teach from it more effectively, is that OK?

Yes, it is! Why not share your modified resource back with the community? Someone else will use it.

Why is everything anonymous?

The idea of giving anonymously to Max7 came from the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000 (from John’s Gospel). A boy is mentioned, but not named. He shares his loaves and fish, but it is in the hands of Jesus, that 5,000 people are fed from such a small meal (John 6:1-13). In the 3 other gospels, the story of Jesus feeding the 5000 is told, but the boy is not even mentioned.

The strategy of Max7 is to share freely, without expecting a return. This is echoed in Jesus’ teaching from the Sermon on the Mount, (Matthew 6:1-4), Jesus talks about giving gifts in secret and leaving it to God for rewards.

Here are some incredible benefits of anonymity:

Resources are valued on their own merit.
No chain of dependency is created.
Lots of people can serve in whatever way they can. No judgement.
Being generous is part of our journey as a disciple.
No one feels indebted to a church, business, agency or individual.
No one can make a display of another person’s need.
Everyone is blessed.
Generous people please God.
God sees what we do in secret. In a world where everyone is exposed online, this is a lovely way to obey Jesus.
Not everyone is safe to share openly – this protects the vulnerable.

Try it, and ask Jesus to guide you through the process. You will learn about Him, about His blessings, about the joy of giving.