Kids Ministry 101: Recent Episodes
Kids Ministry 101
The Kids Ministry 101 Podcast is designed to train, resource and encourage Kids Ministry Leaders and Volunteers! Each episode considers current trends and resources and how to best communicate these to the kids you serve! The Lifeway Kids team brings conversations and interviews with some of the leading voices in children’s ministry to the table to help you hear more about how to best serve the children and families in your ministry.
The best holiday ministry moments don't happen in December—they begin with intentional planning long before the season arrives.
In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling, we're continuing our Summer Dreamin' series by looking ahead to the holidays and exploring how churches can create meaningful experiences that go beyond events and help families grow in their faith together.
This conversation is packed with practical ideas for planning Christmas, Easter, and more with purpose. You'll hear creative ways to engage families, equip parents, and create opportunities for discipleship that extend beyond your church walls. From prayer resources and family worship to community outreach and memorable events, you'll walk away with fresh inspiration for your ministry calendar.
Most importantly, this episode is a reminder that holiday ministry isn't just about filling the schedule—it's about creating moments that point kids and families to Jesus.
Choose one upcoming holiday and ask this question: "How can we help families continue this experience after they leave our church?" Then create one simple resource, conversation starter, or prayer guide that encourages discipleship at home.
Because when we plan holidays with intentionality, we're not just creating great events—we're creating opportunities for kids and families to experience the hope of the gospel together.
SHOW LINKS:
Check out Lifeway Kids Curriculum
Connect with Lifeway Kids
Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!
Join us at ETCH 2026
What if worship became more than just the singing portion of your kids ministry?
In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling, Jana sits down with Kirk Kirkland, Director of Worship at Lifeway, to explore how churches can help kids understand that worship is far more than music—it's a lifelong response to who God is.
Kirk shares practical ways to create meaningful worship experiences for children by incorporating Scripture, prayer, and community alongside music. He also offers wisdom on choosing biblically sound songs, leading kids with intention, and helping them understand why they worship—not just how.
This week, take a fresh look at your worship time. Ask yourself, "What are we teaching kids about worship beyond the music?" Look for one intentional way to incorporate Scripture, prayer, or a moment of reflection that helps children understand worship as a response to God's character and His love.
Because when we teach kids why we worship, we're equipping them with a foundation that can shape their relationship with God for years to come.
SHOW LINKS:
Check out Lifeway Kids Curriculum
Connect with Lifeway Kids
Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!
Join us at ETCH 2026
What could happen if your senior pastor and kids ministry leader were fully aligned around one mission?
In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling, we're continuing our Summer Dreamin' series by dreaming about one of the most influential relationships in the church—the partnership between the senior pastor and the kids minister.
Jana is joined by Senior Pastor Jay Hardwick and Kids Ministry Melissa Whitworth for an honest conversation about what it takes to build trust, collaboration, and a shared vision for reaching the next generation. They unpack practical ways pastors can champion children's ministry, how kids ministry leaders can strengthen relationships with church leadership, and why unity at the leadership level creates healthier ministry for everyone.
You'll also hear why creating a culture where kids are known, valued, and belong starts long before they enter a classroom—it starts with a church that believes children matter.
Whether you're a kids minister hoping to build a stronger relationship with your pastor or a church leader looking to better support your next generation team, this episode offers practical wisdom and plenty of encouragement.
Take one intentional step this week to strengthen your partnership with your senior pastor or ministry leadership. Schedule a conversation, share a win from your ministry, ask how you can better support one another, or spend time praying together for the next generation.
Because when church leaders dream together, serve together, and champion the same mission, kids and families experience a church where they truly belong—and where the gospel is passed faithfully to the next generation.
SHOW LINKS:
Check out Lifeway Kids Curriculum
Connect with Lifeway Kids
Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!
Join us at ETCH 2026
The greatest gift we can give kids isn't a great program—it's a clear picture of Jesus.
In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling, Jana sits down with Aaron Wilson, team leader for The Gospel Project at Lifeway, to talk about what it truly means to keep the gospel at the center of children's ministry.
Aaron unpacks what the gospel is, why it's more than just the message of salvation, and how every Bible story ultimately points to Jesus. He shares practical ways to consistently teach the gospel in age-appropriate ways and challenges ministry leaders to evaluate whether Jesus is truly at the center of everything they do.
The conversation also takes a personal turn as Aaron shares his calling story and offers encouragement to leaders who may be tempted to find their identity in ministry success rather than in Christ.
Whether you're teaching preschoolers, leading elementary kids, or equipping volunteers, this episode is a timely reminder that when Jesus is the focus, everything else finds its proper place. When the gospel becomes the foundation—not just a lesson we teach, but the lens through which we lead—we don't just create better ministry. We help kids discover the life-changing hope of Jesus.
SHOW LINKS:
The Gospel Project
Check out Lifeway Kids Curriculum
Connect with Lifeway Kids
Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!
Join us at ETCH 2026
What if the greatest impact of your kids ministry didn't happen in your classrooms—but in your families' living rooms?
In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling, we're continuing our Summer Dreamin' series with a conversation that challenges kids ministry leaders to think beyond Sunday mornings. Tristan Meza shares her passion for equipping parents to embrace their God-given role as the primary disciplers of their children and offers practical ways churches can partner with families for lasting spiritual impact.
Together, Jana and Tristan explore what it looks like to dream intentionally about family discipleship, helping parents see that faith isn't confined to church programs—it can be woven into the everyday moments of life.
If you've been wondering how your ministry can move from simply serving families to truly equipping them, this conversation is full of practical encouragement and fresh vision.
This week, identify one simple way your ministry can encourage parents outside of Sunday morning. Whether it's a conversation, a text message, a take-home resource, or a prayer guide, look for one practical step that empowers families to continue discipleship at home.
Because the goal of kids ministry isn't simply to create great church experiences—it's to help families build a faith that lasts long after they leave the church building.
SHOW LINKS:
Check out Lifeway Kids Curriculum
Connect with Lifeway Kids
Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!
Join us at ETCH 2026
What if one of the most effective tools for discipling families and encouraging volunteers is something you can create yourself?
In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling, we're continuing our Summer Dreamin' series by exploring how podcasting can become a powerful extension of your kids ministry. Whether you've thought about starting a podcast or have no idea where to begin, this conversation will give you the confidence and practical steps to get started.
Jana is joined by Video and Sound Engineer Donnie Gordon and Podcast Producer Nikki, who share how podcasting can help you connect with parents throughout the week, equip volunteers beyond Sunday mornings, and strengthen communication across your ministry. They also tackle common fears, simplify the technology, and explain why you don't need a professional studio to make a meaningful impact.
If you're looking for a fresh way to reach families, encourage your team, and extend your ministry beyond the church walls, this episode will inspire you to dream bigger.
Take 30 minutes this week to dream about how your ministry could connect with families outside of Sunday mornings. Maybe a podcast is the next step. Start by brainstorming three topics your parents or volunteers would love to hear about.
Whether you're ready to hit record tomorrow or simply exploring what's possible, this episode will help you see that your voice can be a valuable resource for the families you serve!
Check out Lifeway Kids Curriculum
Connect with Lifeway Kids
Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!
Join us at ETCH 2026
Big ministry vision is exciting until you try to turn it into Tuesday’s to-do list. We sit down with Chuck Peters to get practical about goal setting for kids ministry leaders, especially when you’re planning for the next season and trying to bring volunteers along with you.
We talk about why “actionable, incremental goals” beat giant vague targets every time, and how to build a pathway your team can actually follow. We also dig into Bible engagement goals that move from aspiration to practice, including modeling Scripture use, helping kids own a Bible, and building repeatable habits week by week.
If you’re doing summer planning, fall promotion prep, or volunteer training, this gives you a clear framework to simplify and move forward with confidence. Subscribe, share with a ministry friend, and leave a review so more leaders can find the show.
Check out Lifeway Kids Curriculum
Connect with Lifeway Kids
Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!
Join us at ETCH 2026
You can run an excellent kids ministry and still aim at the wrong target. That sounds harsh, but it is also freeing because it means you do not need more activity, you need clearer purpose.
In the first episode of our Summer Dreamin' series, Jana Magruder sits down with Chuck Peters, LifeWay’s Next Gen director and host of the ETCH NextGen Ministry Podcast, to talk about goal setting that moves beyond busywork and toward real spiritual growth for kids and families.
Chuck tells the true Olympic story of Matt Emmons, who hit a perfect bullseye yet lost because he shot the wrong target. It is the perfect picture of ministry life: calendars fill up, events go well, volunteers hustle, and we still wonder why lasting discipleship feels elusive. We unpack how to define success before you plan, how to resist comparison with the church next door, and how to step off the treadmill long enough to see the bigger picture.
From there, we get practical with two powerful goal-setting lenses. First, use the right lens: ministry goals are not “my goals,” they are goals for the church we serve, aligned with the overall mission, vision, and values. Second, use a long lens: begin with the end in mind and plan for kids to become godly adults, not just better-behaved children. We also talk tangible targets that support that long game, like building a culture of Bible reading and ensuring every child is known by name.
If you are ready to move from activity to impact, press play, then share this with a teammate and subscribe so you do not miss part two!
Check out Lifeway Kids Curriculum
Connect with Lifeway Kids
Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!
Join us at ETCH 2026
We're so excited about a new season of Kids Ministry Calling: Summer Dreamin'!
Now full video podcast on Youtube! Check us out at the Lifeway Channel.
Check out Lifeway Kids Curriculum
Connect with Lifeway Kids
Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!
Join us at ETCH 2026
Fun doesn’t just happen in kids ministry, it’s led.
In this season finale of Kids Ministry Calling, Jana sits down with Stephanie Chase, Kids Minister at Champion Forest Baptist Church, for a high-energy and honest conversation about what it really takes to build a culture of fun that kids (and volunteers) want to be part of.
Stephanie shares why the leader sets the tone, how your energy and attitude shape the environment, and what it looks like to be intentional about bringing joy into every space—from classrooms to large group gatherings.
This episode is both a celebration of everything we’ve learned this season about fun in kids ministry and a challenge to step into your role as the one who leads it.
Because when leaders show up with purpose, presence, and joy—kids don’t just attend… they engage, belong, and grow.
If you’re ready to stop waiting for fun to happen and start leading it, this episode will give you the clarity and encouragement to do just that.
And as we close out this season, remember: fun isn’t extra—it’s a powerful part of how kids experience the love of Jesus!
SHOW LINKS:
Bible Stories for Life
Hyfi
Explore the Bible for Kids
The Gospel Project for Kids
SHAPE: Spritual gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality, Experiences
Check out Lifeway Kids Curriculum
Connect with Lifeway Kids
Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!
Join us at ETCH 2026
In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling, Jana sits down with Miss PattyCake (Jean Thomason), a beloved leader in children’s ministry, to talk about helping kids connect with God through music, movement, and Scripture. From her early background in vocal performance to her calling in kids ministry, Jean shares how God has used her gifts to lead children into authentic worship.
This conversation is full of encouragement and practical insight for both ministry leaders and parents who want to instill a love for worship early. Jean highlights the importance of engaging kids during their formative years and offers simple, meaningful ways to make worship both fun and foundational. You’ll also hear about her new resource, Storytime with Miss PattyCake, and how tools like this can support families in nurturing faith at home. Because when kids learn to worship, they’re not just singing songs—they’re learning to know, love, and follow Jesus.
If you want to lead kids with joy, purpose, and a deeper focus on Jesus, this episode will inspire you to make worship a central—and fun—part of your ministry.
SHOW LINKS:
Connect with Miss PattyCake
Check out Lifeway Kids Curriculum
Connect with Lifeway Kids
Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!
Join us at ETCH 2026
In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling, we explore practical ways to make midweek kids ministry both fun and meaningful. From creating a relaxed, engaging environment to balancing teaching with relationship-building, this conversation is packed with ideas to help kids feel like they truly belong—not just attend.
We unpack the FLIP model—a simple framework for building connections between kids, leaders, influencers, and pastors—and why those relationships are key to lasting discipleship. You’ll also hear how to use tools like Hi-Fi curriculum and TeamKid to equip volunteers, engage kids, and reinforce identity in Christ in ways that stick. Because at the end of the day, participation isn’t the goal—belonging is.
Whether you’re rethinking your midweek strategy or looking for fresh ideas to energize your team, this episode will help you create a space where kids are known, valued, and excited to come back.
Listen in and start building a midweek ministry kids don’t just show up to—they belong to.
SHOW LINKS:
Check out Lifeway Kids Curriculum
Connect with Lifeway Kids
Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!
Join us at ETCH 2026
Fun in kids ministry doesn’t happen by accident—it’s designed.
In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling, Jana sits down with Joey Kiker, Lifeway’s Creative Director, to talk about how intentional design can transform the way kids experience ministry. From room layout to lighting to technology, Joey shares how the physical environment can help create spaces where kids feel excited, welcomed, and ready to engage.
Joey unpacks the principles behind world building—the idea that every detail in your environment helps tell a story and invite kids into the experience. He also offers practical advice for churches looking to remodel or refresh their kids spaces, no matter the size of their budget.
Whether you’re planning a major renovation or simply trying to make your classroom more inviting, this conversation will help you think creatively and strategically about the spaces where discipleship happens. Because when kids walk into a space designed with them in mind, they don’t just notice—it communicates that they matter.
Listen in for practical ideas and fresh inspiration to create environments kids can’t wait to come back to.
SHOW LINKS:
Check out Lifeway Kids Curriculum
Connect with Lifeway Kids
Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!
Join us at ETCH 2026
What if the secret to a stronger kids ministry… is creating a volunteer culture people actually enjoy being part of?
In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling, Jana sits down with Crystal Mazzuca to talk about how fun, connection, and intentional training can transform the way you recruit, equip, and retain volunteers.
Crystal shares practical and creative strategies to make volunteer experiences engaging—from hands-on training and shared meals to building meaningful community across your team. She also unpacks how mentorship across generations can strengthen your ministry and help develop future leaders.
You’ll hear how to balance video and in-person training, why appreciation matters more than you think, and how to spot and call out potential in the people God has placed around you.
This episode is full of encouragement and actionable ideas to help you build a team that doesn’t just serve—but thrives together.
🔑 What You’ll Learn
- How fun can transform volunteer recruitment and retention
- Creative, practical ways to train volunteers effectively
- The power of food, community, and shared experiences
- Why mentorship is key to long-term ministry health
- How to balance digital and in-person training
- Simple ways to show appreciation and build loyalty
💬 Quote to Remember
“People don’t just stay where they’re needed—they stay where they’re known, valued, and connected.”
💡 Challenge of the Week
Choose one way to invest in your volunteers beyond the role—whether it’s a meal, a handwritten note, or a more interactive training moment. Small steps build strong culture.
If you’re ready to move from filling volunteer spots to building a thriving, connected team, this conversation will give you the tools—and the vision—to lead with joy and intention.
SHOW LINKS:
Hyfi
Check out Lifeway Kids Curriculum
Connect with Lifeway Kids
Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!
Join us at ETCH 2026
In this special church highlight episode, we take a closer look at First Orlando Kids Ministry and the heart behind what makes it so impactful. Conversations from Metro reveal that kids ministry is both deeply intentional and joyfully engaging—where fun isn’t just noise, but a meaningful tool for connection and discipleship.
It’s a reminder that what may look like organized chaos is actually Kingdom work with eternal impact!
SHOW LINKS:
Check out Lifeway Kids Curriculum
Connect with Lifeway Kids
Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!
Join us at ETCH 2026
This episode features insights from kids ministry leaders at CPC Orlando, sharing innovative ways to keep children engaged and foster a fun, faith-filled environment. Topics include encouraging curiosity through questions, making ministry fun with bright colors and music, and involving kids in leadership roles.
Check out Lifeway Kids Curriculum
Connect with Lifeway Kids
Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!
Join us at ETCH 2026
In this episode of the Kids Ministry Calling Podcast, we sit down with longtime kids ministry leader Kelly Pekarek to talk about something every ministry leader needs more of....joy.
With more than 21 years of experience in kids ministry, Kelly shares practical and encouraging insights on how leaders can cultivate fun, build meaningful relationships with kids and families, and create a ministry culture where volunteers feel excited to serve.
From creative volunteer recruitment to simple tools that help busy families stay engaged in discipleship, this conversation is packed with ideas you can start using right away. Kelly reminds us that while kids ministry can feel busy and demanding, it should also be life-giving, relational, and full of joy.
In This Episode, We Talk About:
- Why joy and fun are essential to a healthy kids ministry culture
- How relational ministry changes the way kids experience church
- Creative and practical ways to recruit and retain volunteers
- Why families today are busier than ever—and how the church can support them
- Simple strategies for helping parents disciple their kids at home
- How small ideas can create big moments of connection and community
Kelly also shares some practical and creative ideas that help bring energy and connection to kids ministry:
- Bible Bingo – a fun and interactive way to help kids engage with Scripture
- Summer Scoreboards – tracking participation, Scripture memory, and engagement throughout the summer
- Community-building activities that help kids and volunteers feel connected
- Fresh ways to make ministry environments welcoming, energetic, and memorable
Kelly’s wisdom and experience will leave you encouraged, inspired, and reminded that joy is one of the most powerful tools we have in ministry.
If this episode encouraged you, consider sharing it with another kids ministry leader who could use some fresh ideas and encouragement in their calling.
SHOW LINKS:
Sign up for ETCH Conference 2026
Check out Lifeway Kids Curriculum
Connect with Lifeway Kids
Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!
Join us at ETCH 2026
Kids ministry has never been just about filling a room or filling time. It’s about building disciples—starting with the youngest hearts in our churches and extending outward to families and communities.
In this conversation, Steve Hampel brings decades of wisdom from serving faithfully in kids ministry. What I appreciate most about Steve is his steady conviction that healthy ministry begins with healthy leadership. Programs matter. Events matter. Resources matter. But leaders matter most.
Steve shares how intentional leadership development has shaped his ministry philosophy. Rather than focusing solely on recruiting volunteers to meet immediate needs, he challenges us to invest in people for the long haul—raising up leaders who can shepherd kids, partner with parents, and strengthen the local church.
We also talk about the strategic role of events. When done thoughtfully, events aren’t just calendar fillers. They can be powerful entry points for families who may never walk through the doors otherwise. From seasonal outreaches to creative community initiatives, Steve reminds us that excellence and intentionality open doors for gospel conversations.
Another key theme in our discussion is stewardship. We live in a time when ministry resources are abundant—curriculum, digital tools, media, and creative assets. The challenge is not access, but alignment. Steve encourages leaders to use resources wisely and purposefully, always asking: Does this support our mission? Does this help us disciple kids and equip families?
One of the most encouraging parts of this conversation is hearing Steve reflect on serving alongside his wife. Ministry is not meant to be isolated. The partnership, prayer, and shared calling in their home have strengthened both their family and their ministry. It’s a reminder that our first ministry is often right under our own roof.
Finally, we explore the impact of media in today’s ministry landscape. While digital tools have transformed how we communicate and connect, Steve emphasizes that relationships remain at the center. Technology can amplify the message—but it can never replace presence. Community engagement still happens through conversations, trust, and showing up consistently.
If you serve in kids ministry, lead volunteers, or care deeply about reaching the next generation, this episode will encourage you to think strategically, lead intentionally, and serve faithfully.
Because when we build leaders, partner with families, and engage our communities, we are not just running a ministry—we are shaping the future of the church.
Check out Lifeway Kids Curriculum
Connect with Lifeway Kids
Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!
Join us at ETCH 2026
VBS isn’t just a week on the calendar, it’s a gospel opportunity.
In this episode, we dive into the heart behind this year’s VBS theme, Illumination Station, and explore how every activity, lesson, and moment is designed to help kids clearly see who Jesus is. From high-energy rotations to meaningful Bible teaching, this conversation unpacks how the gospel message shines through each day of the week.
You’ll hear a breakdown of the daily content, key biblical truths kids will discover, and why clarity about Jesus, not just excitement, is the ultimate goal of VBS.
We also share practical preparation tips, including:
- How to equip and encourage volunteers
- Ways to create a welcoming and engaging environment
- Important considerations for special needs ministry
- How to keep the gospel central in every rotation
Whether you’re a seasoned VBS director or planning for the first time, this episode will help you prepare with confidence and purpose.
Let’s make this the year kids don’t just have fun—they leave knowing who Jesus truly is.
SHOW LINKS:
Lifeway Vacation Bible Study 2026
Check out Lifeway Kids Curriculum
Connect with Lifeway Kids
Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!
Join us at ETCH 2026
In this engaging conversation, Lifeway's Isaac Kirsted shares his journey in kids ministry, discussing the evolution of podcasting, his experiences at Lifeway, and the development of the Hi-Fi curriculum. He emphasizes the importance of energy management in large group settings, preparation for teaching, and the impact of personal experiences on his calling. The discussion highlights practical tips for engaging kids and the significance of mentorship in shaping one's career.
Check out Lifeway Kids Curriculum
Connect with Lifeway Kids
Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!
Join us at ETCH 2026
"It's about speaking a language kids can understand. Kids understand fun!" - Joel Evrist
Is fun just filler in kids ministry, or is it foundational?
In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling, Jana welcomes back pastor, author, and actor Joel Evrist for a joy-filled and practical conversation about why fun is more than entertainment, it’s deeply biblical.
Joel unpacks three powerful “whys” behind incorporating fun into ministry: the principle of incarnation, the ministry of hospitality, and the celebration of joy in Christ. Then he gets practical, sharing four “hows” to help leaders create environments where kids feel welcomed, engaged, and excited to grow in their faith.
From contagious attitudes and hands-on activities to simple games, music, and creative moments that build confidence, this episode is packed with ideas you can implement right away. You’ll be reminded that fun doesn’t have to be competitive, complicated, or perfectly tied to the lesson to be meaningful, it simply needs to create connection.
If you’re ready to rethink fun as a tool for discipleship and create spaces where kids experience both belonging and biblical truth, this conversation will inspire you to lead with joy.
SHOW LINKS:
The Gospel Project
Explore the Bible On Location
Next Gen Tech Reset
Protecting Kids in a Digital World: Sarah Siegand on Online Safety, Parenting, and Church Partnerships
Check out Lifeway Kids Curriculum
Connect with Lifeway Kids
Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!
Join us at ETCH 2026
Remember when kids ministry felt… fun? Not polished. Not perfect. But full of laughter, big questions, messy moments, and holy wonder. Between preparing curriculum, scheduling volunteers, and Sunday morning chaos, it can be easy to forget that kids ministry is one of the most joy-filled callings in the Church. Well, this season on Kids Ministry Calling we’re reclaiming the fun.
So grab your coffee, maybe even a notepad for jotting down new inspiration, and join us next week for the start of a brand new season of Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder.
SHOW LINKS:
Check out Lifeway Kids Curriculum
Connect with Lifeway Kids
Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!
Join us at ETCH 2026
What if anxiety isn’t a flaw to fix—but a signal inviting you to live differently?
In this special bonus episode of Kids Ministry Calling, Jana sits down with Dr. John Delony, mental health expert, author, and counselor, to unpack a healthier, hope-filled way to understand anxiety—especially for ministry leaders carrying heavy emotional loads.
Dr. Delony reframes anxiety as a natural alarm system rather than a disorder, offering freedom from shame and practical clarity for those navigating stress, burnout, and constant pressure. Drawing from his book Building a Non-Anxious Life, he walks through six empowering choices that can help leaders move toward peace, connection, and wholeness in both life and ministry.
This conversation is especially timely as we enter a new year—inviting leaders to pause, reflect, and choose a different pace rooted in responsibility, reality, and hope.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why anxiety is an alarm—not a personal failure
- The six choices that lead to a less anxious life
- How ministry stress uniquely impacts emotional health
- Why connection and community are essential for healing
- Practical ways leaders can care for their mental and spiritual well-being
Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or simply longing for a healthier way to lead, this bonus episode offers wisdom, encouragement, and a clear path forward.
🎙️ Listen in and step into the new year with clarity, courage, and peace.
SHOW LINKS:
Building A Non-Anxious Life
Check out Lifeway Kids Curriculum
Connect with Lifeway Kids
Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!
Join us at ETCH 2026
Screens are everywhere, but are our kids safe?
In this urgent episode, Chris McKenna of Protect Young Eyes joins the podcast to tackle one of the most pressing challenges facing families and churches today: children’s exposure to harmful technology and content. From alarming statistics to practical solutions, this conversation is a wake-up call for parents, leaders, and faith communities to take action.
Chris compares the dangers of today’s digital landscape to historical threats like cigarettes, emphasizing that without guidance and protection, technology can have lasting negative impacts on children. He also explores the emerging implications of AI and how it intersects with faith, society, and parenting.
Start the conversation in your church or home: educate families, implement proactive digital strategies, and consider using tools like parental controls and filtered routers to protect children. Safety starts with awareness and intentional action.
SHOW LINKS:
Protect Young Eyes
Anxious Generation
Check out Lifeway Kids Curriculum
Connect with Lifeway Kids
Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!
Join us at ETCH 2026
What happens when you step into the world of a preteen girl, where friendships feel like everything, emotions run deep, and identity is being shaped moment by moment? In this episode, we dive into that world with Amanda Mejias and Dr. Tiff Watson, uncovering what today’s girls are really facing and how the Church can show up with clarity, compassion, and hope.
This conversation pulls back the curtain on the pressures preteen girls carry and why they need leaders who are both bold and empathetic. From navigating “mean girl” moments to cultivating community where every girl feels she belongs, Amanda brings practical wisdom and honest insights that every ministry leader needs.
We also tackle the tough stuff—body image, modesty, and self-expression—and explore how to guide preteens through these conversations with grace, truth, and a deep sense of safety. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just stepping into girls ministry, this episode will equip and inspire you to champion the next generation with confidence.
SHOW LINKS:
Connect with Dr. Tiff Watson
Your Unique Fizeek
Connect with Lifeway Girls
Check out Lifeway Kids Curriculum
Connect with Lifeway Kids
Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!
Join us at ETCH 2026
What does it look like for a church to become a place where every individual—regardless of ability—belongs, is valued, and is discipled?
In this inspiring episode, we take a deep dive into the heart behind Embrace Ministry at Brentwood Baptist Church and the incredible work happening through the Rowan Glenn Center, a space created to love and serve individuals with special needs and their families.
You’ll hear how this ministry didn’t begin with a facility, a strategy, or a perfect plan—it began with a few families and a church willing to step into the calling of true inclusion. Through honest stories and practical wisdom, our guests share how churches of any size can build cultures of advocacy, accessibility, and gospel-centered care.
Whether your church is just starting this journey or looking to grow, this episode will challenge and encourage you to take the next step in loving families with special needs well. This episode will remind you that special needs ministry doesn’t require perfection—it requires presence. Whether you’re a Kids Ministry leader, pastor, volunteer, or parent, you’ll walk away with hope, direction, and a clearer vision of what it means to build a church where everyone truly belongs.
SHOW LINKS:
Lifeway Kids Special Needs
Check out Lifeway Kids Curriculum
Connect with Lifeway Kids
Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!
Join us at ETCH 2026
We're so grateful for each and every one of you!
Happy Thanksgiving!
SHOW LINKS:
Follow Jana Magruder on Instagram
Check out Lifeway Kids Curriculum
Connect with Lifeway Kids
Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!
Join us at ETCH 2026
If there’s one age group that keeps leaders on their toes, it’s preteens.
In this honest and insightful episode, Melissa and Kieron dive into the messy, complicated, and often intimidating world of preteen ministry, a season filled with different learning styles, big questions, and big emotions. They unpack why this age group matters so deeply and why the conversations we have with them can feel so tough…and so important.
From shifting cultural pressures to identity struggles, from friendship drama to the awkward-but-essential bridge between kids ministry and middle school, they explore what it takes to create a supportive, safe, and spiritually formative space for preteens to grow.
You’ll hear practical strategies for engaging this in-between age, learn why VBS can be a powerful transition moment, and be encouraged by both Melissa and Kieron’s personal calling stories, reminders that God meets us in the hard moments and uses them to shape the next generation.
Preteen ministry isn’t easy…but it is worth it. And this conversation will help you lead with clarity, courage, and compassion.
SHOW LINKS:
Levels of Biblical Learning
Check out Lifeway Kids Curriculum
Connect with Lifeway Kids
Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!
Join us at ETCH 2026
Let’s be honest—talking about the hard stuff with little ones isn’t easy.
In this powerful episode, Tracy McElhattan opens up about the real challenges of tackling tough topics in early childhood ministry. From behavioral struggles and special needs to the lingering impact of COVID-19, Tracy shares how parents, teachers, and ministry leaders can step into hard conversations with grace, patience, and purpose.
Drawing from her background in education and ministry, Tracy introduces her practical framework of the Three Ds: Development, Direction, and Discipleship, offering a roadmap for guiding children through life’s big questions while keeping connection and relationship at the center.
This episode reminds us that the hardest conversations often lead to the holiest moments, and that God’s faithfulness meets us in every challenge.
Whether you’re a kids ministry leader, educator, or parent, you’ll walk away encouraged to face the hard stuff with courage, compassion, and hope.
SHOW LINKS:
Bible Studies For Life
Ages and Stages
Lifeway Special Needs Resources
Check out Lifeway Kids Curriculum
Connect with Lifeway Kids
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What can a chicken sandwich teach us about leadership in ministry?
In this insightful and energizing episode, Brett Buckland joins the conversation to share how lessons from his time at Chick-fil-A have shaped the way he leads in ministry and life. Brett dives into the power of value-driven leadership, the importance of being present with your team, and how simple, consistent habits can build a culture where both volunteers and families thrive.
Through real stories and practical wisdom, Brett draws surprising and inspiring parallels between the restaurant world and the church, showing that when leaders serve with purpose and excellence, ministry becomes more than a task; it becomes a movement.
This episode is packed with leadership gold for anyone serving in kids, next gen, or family ministry. Whether you lead two volunteers or two hundred, Brett’s practical insights will help you build a culture of excellence, purpose, and joy. The kind that keeps people coming back.
Because great ministry isn’t built on programs. It’s built on people.
SHOW LINKS:
Check out Lifeway Kids Curriculum
Connect with Lifeway Kids
Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!
Join us at ETCH 2026
What if a child’s behavior on Sunday isn’t misbehavior, but a message?
In this powerful and practical episode of Kids Ministry Calling, Kim Botto shares wisdom from her decades in children’s ministry, helping leaders understand how trauma impacts kids’ emotions, behavior, and connection. She unpacks what it means for the church to become trauma-informed, offering insight into the real statistics surrounding children with trauma and special needs.
Kim brings hope and hands-on strategies to the conversation, showing leaders how to build ministries that are not just fun, but healing. From positive communication and calming techniques to the use of fidgets and sensory tools, she equips you with simple, tangible ways to help kids feel safe and supported.
Whether you lead a Sunday morning classroom, train volunteers, or oversee next gen ministry, this episode will reshape how you approach behavior, empathy, and belonging in your church.
Listen now and be inspired to build a ministry of Boundless Hope.
SHOW LINKS:
Boundless Hope for Every Child
Connect with Kim Botto
Check out Lifeway Kids Curriculum
Connect with Lifeway Kids
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Join us at ETCH 2026
What if one of the most overlooked leadership skills could transform the way you serve kids, partner with parents, and lead volunteers? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Michelle Hicks to talk about the power of Emotional Intelligence (EQ) in ministry, and why it may be the secret ingredient to healthy leadership that lasts.
Dr. Hicks breaks down the five components of EQ: self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, social skills, and motivation - and shows how each one shapes the way we communicate, resolve conflict, lead teams, and love people like Jesus. From navigating emotional moments with grace to creating environments where leaders and kids feel seen, known, and valued, this conversation hits both heart and strategy.
This episode will stretch you, encourage you, and equip you to lead with greater wisdom, compassion, and clarity. Because in kids ministry, we don’t just manage programs, we shepherd people. And that starts with leading ourselves well. Thanks for listening and sharing with a friend!
SHOW LINKS:
Check out Lifeway Kids Curriculum
Connect with Lifeway Kids
Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!
Join us at ETCH 2026
We’ve all heard the phrase “stranger danger”, but the sobering truth is that nearly 90% of child abuse cases involve someone the child already knows and trusts. As ministry leaders, it’s our sacred responsibility to ensure that the church is a safe place for every child who walks through the doors.
In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling, host Jana Magruder is joined by Kris Buckman for a timely and practical conversation on abuse prevention in kids ministry. Kris shares her own ministry journey and offers valuable insights into:
- Why training, screening, and effective policies are essential safeguards
- How to build and implement a clear response plan for potential incidents
- The vital role volunteers play in creating a safe environment
- How to engage and equip youth volunteers for sensitive situations
Whether you’re a seasoned leader or new to kids ministry, this episode will encourage and equip you to strengthen safety measures in your church and create an environment where children can truly flourish.
Listen now and discover practical steps you can take to protect kids and empower your team.
SHOW LINKS:
Protect My Ministry
Ministry Safe
Essentials Curriculum
Check out Lifeway Kids Curriculum
Connect with Lifeway Kids
Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!
Join us at ETCH 2026
Get ready for a heart-filled and practical conversation! In today's episode, Jana Magruder sits down with Taylor Johnson, who wears two hats as a Next Generation and Children’s Minister, to unpack what truly makes a kids ministry thrive.
Taylor shares his journey of calling, how God led him into ministry, and the mentors who shaped his path. Then, we dive into the nuts and bolts of effective children’s ministry:
- Safety – Why it’s non-negotiable and how it builds trust with families.
- Communication – How consistent, clear communication keeps parents and volunteers aligned.
- Connection – Fostering meaningful relationships that help kids feel seen and known.
- Welcoming Atmosphere – Creating a space where every child feels at home.
- Gospel Foundation – Keeping Jesus at the center of every game, lesson, and moment.
Whether you’re leading a small group, coordinating volunteers, or dreaming up your next Sunday morning activity, Taylor’s insights will help you build a ministry that not only reaches kids - but retains families and grows disciples.
This episode will inspire you to see kids ministry not just as a program, but as a calling, a sacred opportunity to shape the next generation of disciples through love, care, and gospel truth.
Listen now and get ready to be both equipped and encouraged!
SHOW LINKS:
VBS Preview Event
The Gospel Project
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ETCH Conference
Connect with Lifeway Kids
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Every child is created in the image of God and deserves a place to belong in the church. In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling, Jana Magruder sits down with Sandra Peoples to explore the vital role of disability ministry. With warmth and wisdom, Sandra shares both her personal journey and her passion for helping churches become places where every child, and every family, feels seen, supported, and embraced.
Sandra Peoples unpacks the heart behind disability ministry, showing why inclusion isn’t optional for the church but central to living out the gospel. She shares practical strategies for communicating with families, implementing inclusion practices, and developing individualized spiritual plans that help children with disabilities grow in their faith.
The conversation highlights how a supportive church can transform not just a child’s experience but the entire family’s spiritual journey. If this conversation challenged or encouraged you, we’d love for you to rate, review, and share this episode so that more leaders can be inspired to build churches where every family belongs.
SHOW LINKS:
Accesible Church
Children and Salvation
Lifeway Special Needs
Be All In
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Have you ever stopped to think about how different generations view the world, the church, and even the gospel? In kids ministry, we often focus on reaching the next generation—but understanding where they've come from and who’s come before them is just as important. Every generation brings its own values, challenges, and perspectives to the table, and as ministry leaders, we have the opportunity—and responsibility—to bridge those gaps.
Chuck Peters and Jana Magruder unpack the unique characteristics of each generation—from the Silent Generation and Baby Boomers to Gen X, Millennials, Gen Z, and Gen Alpha. Jana explores how generational traits influence ministry approaches, communication styles, and discipleship strategies while Chuck emphasizes the need for ministry leaders to adapt, fostering intergenerational connections and creating spaces where all generations can grow together in faith.
Whether you're new to next gen ministry or a seasoned leader, this conversation offers practical insights and inspiration to help you lead more effectively across generations. Thanks for listening!
SHOW LINKS:
Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder
Flip the Script
Lifeway Research
Mccrindle Research
iGen by Dr. Jean Twenge
Generations by Dr. Jean Twenge
The Anxious Generation
ETCH Next Gen Podcast
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The world our kids are growing up in is changing at lightning speed, and the church must be ready. In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling, Jana Magruder and her guests take us into a forward-looking conversation about the next generation, Generation Beta, and the unique challenges and opportunities that come with discipling their families. As we reflect on the shifting landscape of culture, technology, and faith, we are reminded that our calling as ministry leaders has never been more important.
Shelly Melia serves as the Program Director for the Master of Arts in Children's Ministry and the Master of Arts in Family Ministry at Dallas Baptist University. Prior to coming to DBU she served for over 25 years in children's and family ministry in Oklahoma, Florida, and Texas. Dr. Melia is also a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in grief and resilience. She holds an undergraduate degree from Oklahoma Baptist University, two master’s degrees from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Philosophy from B.H. Carroll Theological Institute.
This discussion explores how emerging technologies, including AI, are influencing parenting styles and reshaping family life. Special guest Shelly Melia offers deep insights into the challenges Gen Z faces in discerning truth in a digital world saturated with misinformation, emphasizing the church’s vital role in pointing them toward God’s Word as the source of absolute truth. This episode also highlights how discipleship strategies must adapt to focus on authentic relationships, meaningful rituals, and creating space for honest questions and doubts. With intergenerational collaboration, curiosity, and intentionality, ministry leaders can provide the supportive environment children and youth need to grow strong in their faith.
If you found this conversation helpful, we’d love for you to rate, review, and share this episode so more ministry leaders can join the conversation. Together, let’s continue building ministries that not only meet the needs of today but also shape the faith of tomorrow.
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In today’s world, parenting often feels like navigating a maze of screens, apps, and online dangers - one we didn’t have to face when we were growing up. How do we, as ministry leaders and parents, guide children to not only survive but thrive in a technology-driven culture? In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling, Jana Magruder welcomes Sarah Siegand from Parents Who Fight, an organization committed to equipping parents with the tools, courage, and faith to protect their children in the digital age. This conversation isn’t about fear—it’s about hope, strategy, and building a strong network of support so that our kids can grow into the people God created them to be.
Sarah Segan shares how Parents Who Fight began and why its mission is more urgent than ever. Together, Jana and Sarah unpack the growing shift from schools to churches as the frontlines for equipping parents in online safety. They explore how technology impacts children’s spiritual, emotional, and social development—and why the church must step in with wisdom and intentionality.
This episode is a call to action—not just for kids ministry leaders and parents, but for anyone who influences the next generation. When we stand together, we can push back against unhealthy digital norms and create a culture that champions our children’s hearts and minds.
If this episode encouraged you, please rate, review, and share Kids Ministry Calling so more leaders and families can join the conversation. Together, we can equip the next generation to walk in truth, both online and offline.
SHOW LINKS:
Parents Who Fight
Anxious Generation
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Today’s episode is one that every kids ministry leader, pastor, and parent will want to lean into—because it’s all about one of the most important questions we face in ministry: How do we lead children to salvation?
We often celebrate the moment a child makes a decision to follow Jesus—but what about everything that leads up to it? And what comes after? In this episode, we’re joined by Donna Peavey and Karen Kennemur, respected leaders in children’s ministry and co-authors of the brand-new book Children and Salvation.
Their heart behind the book is to offer a rich, theologically grounded, and practically helpful resource for those guiding children in their spiritual journey. Whether you’re a seasoned ministry leader or a parent wanting to disciple your child with confidence, this episode is for you.
Donna and Karen walk us through the why and how behind their new book Children and Salvation, which was written to equip churches and families to walk faithfully and wisely with kids as they grow in their understanding of the gospel. They also share insights into children’s unique spiritual development and remind us that salvation isn’t a formula—it’s a process that requires patience, discernment, and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit.
Whether you’re teaching a classroom of first graders, leading a VBS altar call, or praying with your own child at bedtime, you’ll find wisdom and encouragement in this timely conversation.
If this conversation sparked new questions or affirmed your calling in kids ministry, we’d love to hear from you! Please take a moment to rate and review the Kids Ministry Calling podcast on your favorite platform—it helps others discover this encouraging content. And don’t forget to share this episode with your fellow ministry leaders, volunteers, or even the parents in your church community who are walking this journey too.
We are so grateful for what God is doing through leaders like you—and we’re cheering you on as you faithfully point the next generation to Jesus.
SHOW LINKS:
Ages and Stages Levels of Biblical Learning
Children and Salvation
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Today, we're taking you behind the scenes of the Conclave Conference in Texas, where next generation ministry leaders from across the country gathered to learn, grow, and be challenged in their callings. In this episode, our conversation centers around something deeply relevant to every church leader: understanding and reaching the next generation—and the pivotal role that kids ministry leaders play in doing just that.
Here’s the truth: kids ministry leaders are some of the most strategic leaders in the entire church. Why? Because they reach every generation—kids, parents, grandparents, volunteers—and they’re shaping the spiritual foundation of our future leaders right now. But if we want to truly reach today’s kids, we have to start by understanding how they see the world. In this episode, Jana Magruder shares a timely and powerful message about generational differences, cultural pressures, and how we can train kids not just to be good—but to be reachers for the Kingdom.
Jana helps us unpack the critical importance of teaching a counter-cultural gospel message—one that boldly tells kids who God is and who they are in Him. As she explains, kids today are growing up in a world that bombards them with confusion around identity and belonging. But the church has the answer—and it starts in the kids ministry. Whether you're leading in a small church or a large ministry, this episode will inspire you to think deeply, lead strategically, and invest boldly in the next generation.
If you found this conversation helpful, please rate and review the show on your favorite podcast platform—it helps us reach even more ministry leaders like you. And don’t forget to share this episode with a fellow kids or next gen leader who could use a boost of encouragement today.
Thanks for listening—and as always, keep answering your calling with passion, prayer, and purpose.
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Join us for ETCH 2025. Sign up and get the details HERE.
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As summer winds down and we wrap up our July Book Club series, we’re closing with a conversation that brings the heart of kids ministry into full focus. In this episode we reflect on Kids Ministry That Nourishes by Jana Magruder—a book that has reminded us not just why we lead, but how we lead with purpose.
If you’ve ever found yourself wondering how to make a lasting spiritual impact in the lives of the kids and families you serve, today’s episode is for you. We’re diving deep into the three essential nutrients of a thriving ministry—kingdom expanding, heart transforming, and culture shaping—and how each of them work together to build ministries that truly nourish.
In this thoughtful and inspiring conclusion to our July series, we explore what it means to lead a culture shaping ministry that equips kids to share their faith and serve others with confidence. We dig into the importance of shaping a culture where kids are not just protected from the world, but prepared to engage it with truth, grace, and boldness.
As we close this series, we hope you’re walking away refreshed and reminded that what you do truly matters. Kids ministry isn’t about filling time or checking boxes—it’s about cultivating faith that lasts for eternity.
If this episode encouraged you, would you take a moment to rate and review the podcast? And better yet—share this episode with someone in ministry who might need the reminder that they’re making a difference.
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Join us for ETCH 2025. Sign up and get the details HERE.
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Welcome back to our Summer Book Club Series on Kids Ministry Calling! In this episode, our producer and guest host Nikki Ogden sits down with Jana Magruder to explore one of the most foundational principles of a truly nourishing kids ministry: focusing on heart transformation over behavior modification.
It’s easy in ministry to celebrate good behavior, memorized verses, or quiet participation—but Jesus calls us to something deeper. Jana reminds us that our goal isn’t to raise well-behaved kids; it’s to raise gospel-transformed hearts that truly know and follow Jesus.
Together Nikki and Jana discuss what it means to align ministry philosophy with the heart of Jesus and why simply teaching children to “be good” misses the deeper purpose of discipleship. Jana shares practical strategies for weaving the gospel into every aspect of kids ministry, stories from her own experience, and insights into how leaders can partner with families to nurture lasting spiritual growth. If you’ve ever wondered how to move beyond surface-level lessons and into life-changing discipleship, this episode will both challenge and encourage you.
Thanks for joining us for another episode in our Summer Book Club Series! If this conversation with Jana Magruder helped you rethink how you're discipling kids—or encouraged you to refocus your ministry on what truly matters—we’d love for you to take a moment to rate, review, and share the podcast. Your support helps more ministry leaders discover these important conversations. Don’t forget to pass this episode along to your team or a fellow leader—it just might be the spark they need.
SHOW LINKS:
The Gospel Project
The Levels of Biblical Living
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Welcome to our July Book Club Series! In this episode, Nikki Ogden sits down with author, host, and ministry leader Jana Magruder to talk about her powerful and timely book, Kids Ministry That Nourishes. If you’ve ever felt the weight of numbers, pressure to perform, or the fatigue of ministry burnout - this conversation is for you.
Together, Nikki and Janna unpack what it means to lead a kids ministry that truly nourishes - not just kids, but the leaders who serve them. They reflect on how to pursue a kingdom-expanding mindset, prioritize relationships over metrics, and find rhythms of Sabbath that protect your soul and your calling. This episode is full of honesty, encouragement, and practical wisdom for anyone who wants to lead with purpose and sustainability in today’s fast-paced ministry world.
Thanks for joining us for this meaningful conversation in our July Book Club Series. If you’re longing to lead from a place of health and purpose, we hope Jana’s words reminded you that nourishing others starts with nourishing your own soul. If today’s episode encouraged or challenged you, would you take a moment to rate and review the podcast? Your feedback helps more ministry leaders discover these valuable conversations. And don’t forget to share this episode with a friend, teammate, or fellow leader - you never know who might need this reminder today. Keep showing up, keep resting, and keep pointing kids to Jesus.
SHOW LINKS:
Kids Ministry That Nourishes
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Welcome to our July Book Club Series! This month, we’re diving into the ingredients that make kids ministry not just effective - but truly life-giving. In this episode, host Jana Magruder and producer Nikki Ogden, reflect on what it means to nourish both children and leaders spiritually in today’s culture.
In this rich and reflective conversation from our July Book Club Series, Nikki and Jana explore the "essential nutrients" every thriving kids ministry needs, from Jana's book, Kids Ministry That Nourishes. They emphasize the urgency of raising spiritually strong kids in today’s ever-changing world, highlighting the importance of heart transformation over simple behavior management. The episode dives into how leaders can nurture their own spiritual health, and why that matters for leading children well. They also discuss how to create a culture-shaping environment in ministry and equip parents to be partners in their child’s faith journey. Full of wisdom, encouragement, and practical takeaways, this episode is a powerful reminder that healthy ministry starts with healthy leaders.
Thanks for being part of our July Book Club Series! We hope this episode encouraged you to reflect on your own spiritual health and how it impacts the kids you lead. If something in today’s conversation resonated with you, would you take a moment to rate and review the podcast? Your feedback helps us grow and reach more leaders just like you. And don’t forget to share this episode with your ministry team or a fellow leader—it might be the encouragement they need this week. Keep showing up, keep growing, and keep pointing the next generation to Jesus.
SHOW LINKS:
Kids Ministry That Nourishes
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We’re continuing our Milestone Series this summer with one of the most pivotal seasons in a child’s spiritual journey: the preteen years. In this episode, Danielle Bell and Jeremy Carroll dive deep into the unique challenges and opportunities that come with walking alongside preteens as they begin to form their own faith identity and prepare for the transition into student ministry.
These aren’t just “in-between” years—they’re milestone moments that matter. From conversations about purity and identity to creating space for honest questions and peer relationships, preteen ministry is where lasting faith often takes root. Danielle and Jeremy reflect on their personal ministry callings, share practical strategies for empowering preteens through service and leadership, and explore how intergenerational relationships in the church can fuel spiritual growth and connection.
Thanks for joining us for this meaningful conversation on the importance of preteen milestones. If you found this episode helpful or inspiring, we’d love for you to rate and review the podcast—it helps us reach more ministry leaders and parents who are walking this journey, too. And don’t forget to share this episode with your ministry team or someone who works with preteens—they’ll be encouraged by the wisdom and heart in this conversation. Let’s keep showing up for this generation, one milestone at a time!
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We’re so excited to continue our summer series, Milestones. We're focusing on the key spiritual moments that shape a child’s faith. These milestones aren’t just checkboxes; they’re opportunities for deep connection, discipleship, and celebration within the church and at home.
In this powerful episode, Jeremy Carroll and Danielle Bell explore the importance of celebrating and supporting spiritual milestones in children’s lives. They discuss how the church can better partner with families during key moments like baptism and the Lord’s Supper by equipping parents with gospel-centered resources, conversation guides, and follow-up tools. The episode emphasizes the value of building relationships, using curriculum that reinforces faith, and creating church-wide celebrations that affirm a child’s spiritual growth. From workbooks to one-on-one discipleship, this episode provides practical ways to engage both kids and their parents in meaningful faith conversations that leave a lasting impact.
If today’s conversation helped you think differently or sparked new ideas for your ministry, please take a moment to rate and review the podcast—it helps more leaders like you find us and join in the mission. And don’t forget to share this episode with your ministry team or a parent you know—it could open the door to their next faith conversation. Thanks for joining us—we can’t wait to continue this series with you all summer long!
SHOW LINKS:
Hyfi Ministry
Three Circles
The Gospel: God's Plan for Me
The ABC's of Becoming a Christian
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We’re thrilled to be in our brand-new series, Milestones, a month-long journey designed to help ministry leaders and parents celebrate and support the spiritual milestones that shape a child’s faith journey. In this second episode, we’re diving into one of the most foundational stages: the preschool years.
Join preschool ministry experts Delanee and Kimba as they unpack the key transitions that happen in early childhood—moving from nursery to preschool, and eventually to “big church.” Through engaging stories and practical advice, they remind us that spiritual growth is just as essential as physical and emotional development. Whether you’re a kids ministry leader or a parent, this conversation will help you walk alongside families with intentionality and grace during these early, formative years.
If this episode encouraged you or gave you practical next steps for your ministry or parenting, we’d love for you to rate and review the show. Your feedback helps others discover the podcast and join in the journey. And be sure to share this episode with fellow leaders, volunteers, or parents who are navigating the preschool season.
SHOW LINKS:
Ages and Stages
Levels of Biblical Learning
Bible Studies for Life
Flip the Script
Bible Skills for Kids
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Hey friends! We’re kicking off a brand-new season with something truly special: the Milestone Series for this summer! Over the next few months, we’ll dive into some of the most significant moments in a child’s spiritual journey and how the church can walk alongside families every step of the way. In this first episode, we’re starting where it all begins—preschool ministry and parent-child dedication.
In this kickoff episode of the Milestone Series, the we'll dive into the powerful ministry of preschool years and the importance of parent-child dedications in the life of the church. Kimba Campbell and Delanee Williams unpack the heart behind these special moments, offering practical tips on how to structure dedication ceremonies, prepare parents, and follow up in meaningful ways. With heartfelt personal stories and ministry insights, this episode highlights how the church can create lasting impact by coming alongside families from the very start of their faith journey. It’s a conversation full of wisdom, encouragement, and a reminder that even the earliest years in a child’s life matter deeply in God’s bigger story.
If this episode encouraged you or gave you fresh ideas for your ministry, would you take a moment to rate and review the podcast? Your support helps others discover the show and grow in their own ministry journeys. And be sure to share this episode with a friend or teammate in children’s ministry—especially someone preparing for parent-child dedications. We can’t wait to walk through these milestones together this summer. Let’s keep leading with purpose and pointing families to Jesus!
SHOW LINKS:
Ages and Stages
Levels of Biblical Learning
Bible Studies for Life
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Every year, children’s pastors from across the country gather for the Children’s Pastors Conference—a time to grow, connect, and be reminded of the incredible calling to reach the next generation. This year, our producer Nikki Ogden walked the halls with one question in mind: “What’s the one thing you wish your senior pastor knew about your ministry?” The answers were honest, heartfelt, and deeply insightful.
In this episode, we’re joined by Ben Mandrell, president and CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources—and a former senior pastor himself—to explore that very question from the other side of the conversation. Ben offers a powerful perspective on how senior leaders can champion children’s ministry in meaningful ways, showing up with presence, purpose, and passion. If you’ve ever longed for stronger support from your church leadership—or wondered how to build that bridge—this episode is for you.
If this episode encouraged you or gave you a new perspective on the role of leadership in kids ministry, we’d love for you to take a moment to rate and review the podcast. Your feedback helps us reach more ministry leaders and make a greater impact. And don’t forget to share this episode with your pastor, leadership team, or anyone passionate about seeing children’s ministry thrive. Thanks for listening—and keep showing up for the next generation with purpose and heart.
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What if teaching theology to children wasn’t as intimidating as it sounds? What if, instead, it was one of the most natural and essential parts of shaping a child’s faith? In this episode, Mary Wiley joins us to unpack the idea that theology is simply learning about God—and that kids are not only capable of learning it, but eager to! With warmth and wisdom, Mary shares how parents and ministry leaders can make big truths about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and the church both accessible and engaging for young hearts.
In this episode, Mary Wiley dives into the heart of why teaching theology to children matters deeply. She reminds us that theology is simply learning about who God is—and that every child deserves to know Him personally and deeply. Mary offers practical tools, insights, and encouragement for both parents and ministry leaders as they teach kids about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and the church. With a focus on making theology engaging and understandable, she shows how we can help children build a strong foundation of faith that lasts.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about helping the next generation grow in their understanding of and love for God. If this episode gave you fresh ideas or encouraged you in your role as a parent or leader, we’d love for you to take a moment to rate and review the podcast—it helps us reach even more people who are passionate about discipling the next generation. And don’t forget to share this episode with a friend, ministry partner, or fellow parent who’s walking the same journey. Let’s keep growing together as we teach kids the beautiful truths about who God is!
SHOW LINKS:
Everyday Theology
Ages and Stages
Big Picture Questions and Answers
Bible Skills for Kids
Our Highest Good
Discovering the Bible
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What does it mean to leave a lasting spiritual legacy? In a world filled with challenges and distractions, how can parents and grandparents intentionally invest in the faith of the next generation? In this powerful episode, we’re joined by Janie Ortlund, an author and passionate advocate for generational faith.
Drawing from her book To the Tenth Generation, Janie shares her heart for passing down faith through practical traditions, intentional parenting, and a deep reliance on God’s promises. She reminds us that it’s never too late to influence our children and grandchildren for Christ, no matter what stage of life we’re in. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or ministry leader, this conversation will inspire you to think about your spiritual legacy and how to build a foundation of faith that endures for generations to come.
We’re so grateful you joined us and would love for you to share this episode with parents, grandparents, or anyone who desires to pass down their faith to future generations. Thanks for listening, and keep building a legacy of faith that will impact generations to come!
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To the Tenth Generation
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Have you ever walked into a church space and immediately felt overwhelmed? The environments we create for kids and families can make a powerful first impression, and they play a big role in how people experience church. In this episode, we welcome back Lynley Mandrell to dive into the importance of thoughtfully designed spaces in children’s ministry.
Lynley shares her passion for creating environments that are both inviting and functional, offering practical tips for evaluating, updating, and organizing ministry spaces. From balancing thematic decor with neutral elements to making signage clear and welcoming, Lynley highlights how intentional design can enhance hospitality and outreach. Plus, she emphasizes the value of involving the community in renovation projects, making the process collaborative and meaningful.
Whether your church is looking to refresh a room or completely overhaul your kids’ ministry area, this episode is packed with insights to help you create a space where families feel at home!
If you found today’s episode helpful, we’d love for you to take a moment to rate and review the podcast. Your feedback helps us reach more leaders who are passionate about making a difference in children’s ministry. And don’t forget to share this episode with your team or anyone involved in creating ministry environments—they’ll thank you for it! Thanks for listening, and keep making your space a welcoming place for families to grow in faith.
SHOW LINKS:
Join us for ETCH 2025. Sign up and get the details HERE.
ETCH Conference
Connect with Lifeway Kids
Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!
How do we take deep, biblical truths and make them come alive for kids in a way that sticks? In this episode, Jana Magruder tackles this topic with Joel Evrist, a passionate kids ministry leader who knows how to bring God’s Word to life through humor, real-life applications, and music. Joel shares his journey in children’s ministry and the heart behind his work on the Explore the Bible series, giving us a behind-the-scenes look at how to simplify complex theological concepts in ways kids can truly grasp. Along the way, he reflects on favorite teaching moments, emotional experiences in ministry, and the powerful ways God moves in the lives of children. Whether you’re looking for fresh ideas, encouragement, or practical resources to enhance your kids ministry, this conversation is full of wisdom and inspiration!
We’re so glad you joined us for this fun and insightful conversation! If this episode encouraged you or gave you new ideas for your ministry, we’d love for you to take a moment to rate and review the podcast—it helps more leaders discover these conversations. And don’t forget to share this episode with a friend or fellow kids ministry leader who would benefit from Joel’s wisdom and experience. Thanks for listening, and keep sharing the joy of God’s Word with the next generation!
SHOW LINKS:
Explore the Bible
Join us for ETCH 2025. Sign up and get the details HERE.
ETCH Conference
Connect with Lifeway Kids
Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!
What if the songs we sing and the stories we tell could plant seeds of faith that last a lifetime? In this episode, we’re joined by the incredibly gifted Ellie Holcomb—singer, songwriter, author, and passionate advocate for nurturing children’s hearts through music and scripture. Ellie shares her personal journey of faith and creativity, and how it led her to write children’s books and songs that point kids to the hope we have in Jesus. You’ll hear about her latest book, Spring Sings, a beautiful reflection on themes of hope and resurrection even in seasons of grief. Ellie’s heart for partnering with parents and churches to teach kids about God shines through as she reminds us of the power of music in helping children memorize scripture and make meaningful, lasting connections with God’s truth. If you’re longing to create moments that shape a child’s faith journey—whether in the classroom, at home, or through music—this conversation will leave you inspired and encouraged!
Thanks for joining us for this conversation with Ellie Holcomb! If this episode encouraged you or sparked new ideas for your ministry or family, we’d love for you to take a moment to rate and review the podcast. Your feedback helps others discover these conversations and equips more leaders and parents to make a lasting impact. And don’t forget to share this episode with a friend or fellow ministry leader who would be inspired by Ellie’s story and resources. Until next time, keep planting seeds of faith in the hearts of the next generation!
SHOW LINKS:
Connect with Ellie Holcomb
Spring Sings
Join us for ETCH 2025. Sign up and get the details HERE.
ETCH Conference
Connect with Lifeway Kids
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Have you ever wondered if the Bible you’re handing to a child is the right fit for them? As kids grow and develop, so do their needs when it comes to engaging with God’s Word.
In this episode, we’re joined by Mary Wiley for an eye-opening conversation about choosing age-appropriate Bibles that truly connect with kids at every stage of their spiritual journey. Mary brings her deep passion for biblical literacy and her ministry experience to the table as she walks us through how to select Bibles that are not only theologically sound but also accessible, engaging, and tailored to a child’s developmental needs.
Mary shares her personal calling story and why fostering a love for God’s Word in children is one of the most important things we can do. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or ministry leader, this conversation will inspire you to think differently about the Bibles you place in kids’ hands.
We’re so glad you joined us for this important conversation with Mary Wiley! If today’s episode gave you new insight or encouragement, we’d be so grateful if you’d take a minute to rate and review the podcast. Your support helps more ministry leaders and parents discover these conversations that equip them to make a difference. And don’t forget to share this episode with a friend or teammate who’s passionate about helping kids grow in their love for God’s Word.
Thanks for listening—we’ll see you next time!
SHOW NOTES:
It's All About Jesus Bible Storybook
Read to Me Bible
Grace Bible
Explorer Bible
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ETCH Conference
Connect with Lifeway Kids
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One of the greatest gifts we can give children is a deep love for God’s Word. But how do we help them not just hear Bible stories, but truly engage with Scripture and develop lasting Bible skills? In this episode, we’re joined by Emily Jennings to talk about the importance of biblical literacy in kids ministry.
From preschoolers to preteens, every child can begin building a strong foundation in God’s Word—one that will carry them through a lifetime of faith. Emily shares her passion for equipping kids with essential Bible skills, practical strategies for making Scripture come alive, and how parents and ministry leaders can work together to cultivate a love for God’s Word in the next generation. If you’re looking for ways to make Bible learning fun, meaningful, and impactful, this conversation is for you!
We hope this episode has encouraged and equipped you in your ministry to kids! If you found this conversation helpful, would you take a moment to rate and review the podcast? Your feedback helps others discover this resource and continue growing in their calling. And don’t forget to share this episode with fellow ministry leaders and parents who are passionate about helping kids grow in biblical literacy!
SHOW LINKS:
Explore the Bible Kids
Explorer Bible
Wholly Kids: Guiding Kids To A Life In Christ
Books of the Bible Flash Cards
Nothing Less
Join us for ETCH 2025. Sign up and get the details HERE.
ETCH Conference
Connect with Lifeway Kids
Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!
Many churches hesitate to host VBS because they feel they don’t have enough volunteers. But what if we told you that this shouldn't be the obstacle stopping you? What if we told you we have strategies that can help you engage your church and build a strong, committed volunteer team? In this episode, Melita Thomas shares her top tips for recruiting and retaining volunteers, ensuring a meaningful VBS experience that will impact not only your church, but your entire community.
From the foundational role of prayer to the importance of personal asks, Melita Thomas and Jana Magruder break down essential strategies that will help you build a strong volunteer team. Learn how clear planning, effective communication, and equipping your volunteers for success can lead to a meaningful VBS experience. With these practical tips, you’ll be prepared to engage and appreciate your volunteers, ensuring that VBS becomes a powerful tool for reaching children with the gospel.
Lifeway VBS Curriculum is the perfect companion to your volunteer recruitment efforts. With clear planning tools, resources for equipping your team, and a focus on impactful ministry, Lifeway provides everything you need to create a VBS experience that will empower your volunteers and transform the lives of children!
SHOW LINKS:
VBS Digital Catalog
VBS Directors Club
VBS Free Sample
VBS Preview Digital Pass
Join us for ETCH 2025. Sign up and get the details HERE.
ETCH Conference
Connect with Lifeway Kids
Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!
How can your VBS reach and engage the next generations effectively? What strategies will help you create a welcoming environment that connects with both Gen Z and Gen Alpha? In this episode, we explore how to plan for VBS 2025 using the FLIP strategy to build relationships, empower leaders, and create lasting impact for children.
From understanding the unique needs of Gen Z and Gen Alpha to empowering teenagers as influencers, this conversation emphasizes the importance of creating a welcoming environment where kids can thrive. Discover why pastors should play an active role in VBS and how meeting both physical and emotional needs will foster engagement, retention, and lasting impact.
From fostering meaningful friendships to equipping leaders and involving the community, Lifeway VBS provides everything to create an engaging, relational, and impactful experience for all ages!
SHOW LINKS:
VBS Digital Catalog
VBS Directors Club
VBS Free Sample
VBS Preview Digital Pass
Flip the Script
Join us for ETCH 2025. Sign up and get the details HERE.
ETCH Conference
Connect with Lifeway Kids
Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!
Are you ready to take your VBS planning to the next level? What questions should you ask before ordering your materials to ensure a successful and stress-free event? In this episode, Melita Thomas reveals the key considerations for selecting the right curriculum and organizing a VBS that will engage and impact kids.
From determining age groups and planning for attendance to utilizing community and digital resources, this conversation offers a roadmap for a successful and stress-free VBS. With practical advice on leveraging the Director's Kit and fostering effective volunteer communication, you’ll be equipped to create an impactful VBS experience that leaves a lasting impression on kids and families alike.
With Lifeway VBS Curriculum, you’ll find everything you need to create a seamless, impactful VBS experience. From budgeting to resource management and volunteer coordination, Lifeway’s comprehensive materials and tools are designed to help your ministry thrive and leave a lasting impact on children and families. Check out the show links below for everything you need!
SHOW LINKS:
VBS Digital Catalog
VBS Directors Club
VBS Free Sample
VBS Preview Digital Pass
Join us for ETCH 2025. Sign up and get the details HERE.
ETCH Conference
Connect with Lifeway Kids
Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!
What makes a Vacation Bible School truly impactful? Is it the theme, the activities, or something deeper? Join us as we uncover the distinctives that take VBS from just an event to a life-changing ministry for kids, families, and your entire church.
VBS expert Melita Thomas shares what every kids ministry leader should prioritize when selecting a Vacation Bible School curriculum. From ensuring biblical saturation to fostering community connections, she unpacks what truly makes a VBS impactful. Learn why flexibility in curriculum design matters, how excellence in execution transforms the experience, and why VBS is more than just a summer event—it’s a powerful outreach and discipleship tool. Discover how intentional planning, quality resources, and involving your entire church can leave a lasting spiritual legacy in the lives of children and their families.
When it comes to Vacation Bible School, you want a curriculum that’s biblically rich, flexible, and designed for excellence—and that’s exactly what Lifeway VBS delivers. With trustworthy resources, a focus on community connection, and tools that equip your entire church to make a lasting impact, Lifeway VBS stands out as the best choice for creating meaningful, life-changing experiences for kids and families.
Check out the show links below and get ready to make a huge impact on the community God has entrusted you with!
SHOW LINKS:
VBS Digital Catalog
VBS Directors Club
VBS Free Sample
VBS Preview Digital Pass
Join us for ETCH 2025. Sign up and get the details HERE.
ETCH Conference
Connect with Lifeway Kids
Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!
Happy New Year friends!! As we enter this fresh season, we want to take a moment to reflect on all that we've accomplished in the previous season and look ahead to the exciting opportunities in the season to come!
Last season, we had the privilege of sharing incredible stories from fellow ministry leaders, diving deep into the strategies that help leaders answer their calling, no matter what hat they are wearing! From exploring creative ways to put people around you with different strengths, to highlighting the importance of building strong systems and self-awareness, it’s been a season of learning, growing, and being inspired together.
In the next season, we’re even more excited to share expert advice, and heartening testimonies that will help you thrive in your ministry. We’ll be diving into topics like leadership development, navigating challenges in kids ministry, creative approaches to biblical teaching, and new great topics that can be used to equip your parents in the discipleship of their children! We also can’t wait to feature more voices from the kids ministry community to inspire and equip you for the season ahead!
Thank you for being a part of this journey with us. We’re excited to continue walking alongside you as you serve in the incredible calling of leading kids to know and love Jesus. Stay tuned for an amazing season ahead!
SHOW LINKS:
Join us for ETCH 2025. Sign up and get the details HERE.
ETCH Conference
Connect with Lifeway Kids
Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!
It’s a Wrap on an Incredible Season!
Join us for an exciting and heartfelt finale to this season of Kids Ministry Calling Podcast! In this special Q&A episode, we’re diving into YOUR questions straight from the floor of the ETCH Conference. From navigating challenging ministry moments to celebrating big wins in kids ministry, this episode is jam-packed with practical wisdom and a few laughs along the way. Whether you’re a seasoned ministry leader or just starting your journey, this episode is designed to equip and encourage you as you impact the next generation for Christ.
Thank you for an amazing season! As we close out this season, we want to say a HUGE thank you to all our listeners! Your passion for serving kids, students, and families inspires us every day. We are grateful for your support, your feedback, and your dedication to building God’s kingdom.
Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode when we’re back for the next season. In the meantime, follow us on Instagram @lifeway_kids for updates, encouragement, and resources to support your ministry journey.
Listen now and share this episode with your ministry team! Merry Christmas!
SHOW LINKS:Explore The Bible
Think Biblically
Christ-Centered Parenting
The Gospel Project
Axis
Raising Boys and Girls
Join us for ETCH 2025. Sign up and get the details HERE.
ETCH Conference
Connect with Lifeway Kids
Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!
Ever feel like you’re juggling a dozen roles at once in kids ministry? Whether you’re organizing holiday programs, managing volunteers, or supporting families in need, the demands can feel endless!
In this episode, Jana Magruder, Nikki Ogden, and Lynley Mandrell, explore what it takes to thrive in kids ministry leadership, sharing real-life strategies and encouragement for navigating the chaos. From juggling countless roles to managing volunteers and navigating the demands of being a leader, they unpack the realities, rewards, and challenges of wearing all the different hats of Kids Ministry.
Learn why delegation, collaboration, and understanding your own strengths are essential for thriving in this fast-paced ministry environment. Whether you're navigating volunteer recruitment or offering emotional support to families, this episode is packed with strategies and encouragement for leaders just like you. Get ready to be inspired, equipped, and reminded that you don’t have to do it all alone!
SHOW LINKS:
Join us for ETCH 2025. Sign up and get the details HERE.
ETCH Conference
Connect with Lifeway Kids
Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!
Live from the ETCH Conference, join us for an exciting conversation with Jana Magruder and Stephanie Chase, Kids Minister at Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, Texas!
This season, we’ve been diving into all the different “hats” of Kids Ministry, and today, Stephanie draws random “hats” from a bucket to share her insights! Get ready to laugh as she connects teaching kids the Bible to the quirks of handling raw chicken. Discover her advice on when to delegate, when to grow in your weaknesses, and how to build a team that loves one another and serves together on mission.
Thanks for listening—and don’t forget to share this episode with a friend!
SHOW LINKS:
Connect with Stephanie Chase
Raw Chicken Teaching
Join us for ETCH 2025. Sign up and get the details HERE.
ETCH Conference
Connect with Lifeway Kids
Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!
In this engaging conversation, John Murchison shares insights on the importance of administration in children's ministry, discussing how his background in engineering has equipped him with problem-solving skills that are invaluable in ministry. He emphasizes the need for leaders to balance administrative tasks with empowering volunteers, fostering ownership, and focusing on the gospel's mission. The discussion highlights the significance of viewing tasks as opportunities for growth and leadership development within the church community.
John also shares practical tips for effective administration in ministry, including time management and systematizing processes to enhance efficiency. We know this episode will help you wear the administration hat a little better!
Thanks for listening and sharing with a friend!
SHOW LINKS:
Join us for ETCH 2025. Sign up and get the details HERE.
ETCH Conference
Connect with Lifeway Kids
Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!
Didn't realize you would be a certified event planner when you entered Kids Ministry? We're here for you!
In this conversation, Bill Emeott dives into his wealth of experience in children’s ministry, zeroing in on the essentials of impactful event planning! He stresses the importance of having a clear purpose, knowing your audience, and setting focused goals for every event. Bill shares practical, actionable tips for pulling off successful events—from building a strong team and creating a budget to effective marketing strategies. He also highlights the need for event evaluation to keep improving and ensures that the gospel stays at the heart of everything.
Bill wraps up with his inspiring personal calling story, showing how God has faithfully led him throughout his ministry journey! Thanks for listening and sharing with a friend!
SHOW LINKS:
Join us for ETCH 2025. Sign up and get the details HERE.
ETCH Conference
Connect with Lifeway Kids
Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!
Ever wondered what it takes to build a thriving kids ministry team?" In this episode, Heidi Hensley shares her insights on the vital roles that shape a successful ministry, with a special emphasis on the coaching element. From purposeful recruiting to fostering community among volunteers, Heidi explains how these efforts lay the foundation for impactful ministry. She also dives into the importance of continuous training and development, underscoring the value of investing in people. Finally, Heidi opens up about her personal calling story, reflecting on how mentors and her experiences have inspired her journey in children's ministry.
Thanks for listening and sharing with a friend!
SHOW LINKS:Connect with Lifeway Kids
Join us for ETCH 2025. Sign up and get the details HERE.
ETCH Conference
Connect with Lifeway Kids
Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!
Stepping into the role of a counselor can feel intimidating, but wearing this hat can be so crucial for creating lasting spiritual impact on the families we serve. On today's show we're putting on the "counselor hat" and tackling one of the most meaningful yet challenging roles in kids ministry. Moving away from a flashy, entertainment-driven approach, we talk about how the church can focus on building genuine relationships and fostering a safe community for kids.
We also dive into the role of the children's ministry leader as a counselor for pre-faith conversations and other important discussions with kids and their families. You’ll hear about the importance of building strong relationships with both parents and children, as well as the transformative power of listening and being rooted in the Word of God. From addressing deeper heart issues over surface-level behavior to walking with kids through grief and hard times, this episode offers invaluable insights on being present, compassionate, and spiritually grounded in every interaction.
Thanks for listening and sharing with a friend.
SHOW LINKS:
The Moon is Always Round
Forming Faith
The Cross Forum Kidmin Podcast
Connect with Sam
Join us for ETCH 2025. Sign up and get the details HERE.
ETCH Conference
Connect with Lifeway Kids
Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!
In this insightful episode, we dive into the vital role of evangelism in children's ministry with special guest Danielle Bell. Together, Jana and Danielle explore how to keep the gospel at the heart of kids' ministry, emphasizing the power of family involvement and creative strategies to share faith with children. Danielle opens up about her ministry journey, highlighting the importance of intentionality and introducing practical tools to help kids both understand and share the gospel. They also discuss how training kids and parents in faith-sharing practices strengthens the Great Commission as the foundation of their ministry.
Get ready to be inspired and equipped to make a lasting impact in your ministry! Thanks for listening and sharing with a friend!
SHOW LINKS:Three Circles
The Gospel: God's Plan For Me
Join us for ETCH 2025. Sign up and get the details HERE.
ETCH Conference
Connect with Lifeway Kids
Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!
Whether you're wrangling toddlers or leading preteens, wearing the teaching hat is one of the most important (and sometimes most challenging) parts of the ministry. In this episode, Kevin Jones and Jana Magruder are putting on their "teaching hat" and diving into all things related to leading well in kids ministry! We talk about the vital role adult leaders play in calling out and nurturing the teaching gift in younger kids, helping them grow into their God-given potential. Plus, we'll share how to bring the power of prayer and preparation into your lessons, making your teaching both impactful and fun! You’ll learn how to prepare age-appropriate lessons, equip others to teach effectively, and create an environment where both leaders and kids thrive.
Whether you're a pro or just starting, this episode is packed with wisdom to help you lead with confidence and joy! Thank you for listening and sharing with a friend!
SHOW LINKS:
The Gospel Project
Levels of Biblical Learning
Join us for ETCH 2025. Sign up and get the details HERE.
ETCH Conference
Connect with Lifeway Kids
Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!
Whether you're crafting a Bible lesson, planning a fun event, or simply looking for ways to engage young hearts, creativity is your secret weapon in kids ministry!
Jeff and Abby Land join us on the show today to explore practical ways to wear the "creative hat" in your ministry. From transforming everyday spaces into biblical adventures to caring for your volunteers and families, this episode is packed with inspiration that will help you take your ministry to the next level.
Whether you're a seasoned leader or just starting, you’ll walk away with new tools and inspiration to help kids experience God in fresh, impactful ways. Don’t miss it—grab your notebook and let's get creative for the Kingdom!
We want to hear from you! Click here to leave us a message or question!
Thanks for listening and sharing with a friend!
SHOW LINKS:The Way to The Savior: A Family Easter Devotional
The Way to The Manger: A Family Advent Devotional
Connect with Lifeway Kids
Are you feeling over-worked, over-looked, or thinking about leaving ministry? Do you love working with kids and families, but find yourself questioning longevity? When is the last time you recalled your calling to ministry? When's the last time you reminded yourself of your "why"?
The calling to Kids Ministry is a sacred calling, and a calling worth remembering, retellings, and sustaining us during all seasons of ministry! At Kids Ministry Calling we're thrilled to remind you of that calling to ministry, and share stories that help us link arms and encourage one another.
We want to hear from you! Click here to leave us a message or question!
Thanks for listening and sharing with a friend!
SHOW LINKS:
Connect with Lifeway Kids
Hey friends, welcome to a brand new podcast, Kids Ministry Calling! In the busyness of leading kids ministry, it’s easy to get caught up in the details and lose sight of the bigger picture. But today, your host Jana Magruder and producer Nikki Ogden, are hitting pause to reflect on one essential truth: the importance of your calling.
Join us as we dive deep into why remembering your God-given purpose is vital to thriving in ministry. In this episode, we’ll explore the power of staying connected to the mission God has placed on your heart and how that foundation can transform your leadership. Whether you’re facing burnout, navigating challenges, or simply in need of encouragement, this conversation will remind you of the "why" behind all that you do.
We know this episode will encourage you and we’d love for you to share it with a friend who is living out their calling to spreading the good news of Jesus to the next generation!
We want to hear from you! Click here to leave us a message or question!
Thanks for listening!
SHOW LINKS:
Connect with Lifeway Kids
Ministry is a team sport and it's crucial for the success of the team to have a diverse range of players. In this episode of the Kids Ministry 101 podcast, Chuck Peters, Jana Magruder, and Landry Holmes discuss the importance of knowing the different personalities and unique wiring of team members in order to better leader, equip, and engage with your team. They explore various tools and assessments that can help leaders understand the strengths and weaknesses of their team members. During this conversation they specifically highlight the six types of working genius, which include wonder, invention, discernment, galvanizing, enablement, and tenacity.
Thanks for listening and sharing with a friend!
SHOW LINKS:
-Strength Finders
-Myers-Briggs
-Insights
-The 6 Types of Working Genius
-The 6 Types of Working Genius Book
Connect with Lifeway Kids
An entire generation is growing up watching videos, completing assignments, and potentially being taught by artificial intelligence. The AI concept that use to make good movies, is a reality of our present. While there are many benefits to AI, there are serious threats that ministry leaders need to be aware of. On today's show of Kids Ministry 101, Chuck Peters, Jana Magruder, and Dr. Shelly Melia discuss the impact of artificial intelligence on childhood development, including brain development, social development, and even spiritual development.
Dr. Shelly Melia serves as the Program Director for the Master of Arts in Children's Ministry and the Master of Arts in Family Ministry at Dallas Baptist University. Prior to coming to DBU she served for over 25 years in children's and family ministry in Oklahoma, Florida, and Texas. Dr. Melia is also a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in grief and resilience. She holds an undergraduate degree from Oklahoma Baptist University, two master’s degrees from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Philosophy from B.H. Carroll Theological Institute.
This conversation explores the potential benefits of AI, and the risk of dependency and detachment from real-life relationships. Dr. Melia emphasizes the importance of maintaining real-life, face-to-face relationships and the need for discernment and wisdom in navigating the use of AI.
Thanks for listening and sharing with a friend!
SHOW LINKS:
Connect with Lifeway Kids
In this episode of the Kids Ministry 101 podcast, Chuck and Jana have a conversation with trauma expert Stephanie Shivers, where they discuss the concept of trauma-informed ministry. Stephanie Shivers shares her knowledge and provides practical ways to help volunteers in children's ministry understand and support children who have experienced trauma. The conversation highlights the importance of defining the difference between trauma and toxic stress, and understanding the impacts on children's development and behavior, and emphasizes the need for compassion and awareness in ministry.
We'd love for you to share this episode with a friend! Thanks for listening!
SHOW LINKS:
ETCH Conference
Click HERE to take our listener's survey and be entered to WIN a Kid Min gift bag filled with some of Chuck and Jana's favorite Kids resources!
Connect with Lifeway Kids
If you're a Next Gen leader of any kind, the ETCH Conference is for you! Lifeway's Etch Conference in Nashville, Tennessee will help you reset your focus so that you're ready to lead others! On today's episode, Chuck Peters, Jana Magruder, and Melita Thomas discuss what's in store for the conference this year, and why you should bring your entire team!
You and your team will gain valuable insights into four key areas of awareness that every NextGen leader needs to be in tune with—Church, Community, Culture, and Core (individual)— and practical tools to harness this knowledge to effectively reach and disciple the next generation! Click on the links below to sign up your team today!
SHOW LINKS:
ETCH Conference
Click HERE to take our listener's survey and be entered to WIN a Kid Min gift bag filled with some of Chuck and Jana's favorite Kids resources!
Connect with Lifeway Kids
You spoke, we listened, and now we're excited to share with you what's new in the updated cycle of The Gospel Project Curriculum.
The Gospel Project Curriculum is a three year comprehensive, Christ-centered, chronological curriculum for your next generation! On today's show Chuck Peters, Jana Magruder, and Landry Holmes share the new elements you can expect from the 5th cycle of The Gospel Project. Engaging videos, QR codes on take-home pages, and updated big picture questions and answers is just the beginning of all the elements you're going to love about this curriculum!
We encourage you to click the links below to check out the Gospel Project, and head over to facebook to join our vibrant online community for support and resources!
SHOW LINKS:
Lifeway Kids Curriculum
The Gospel Project
Lifeway.com/bpqa
Click HERE to take our listener's survey and be entered to WIN a Kid Min gift bag filled with some of Chuck and Jana's favorite Kids resources!
Connect with Lifeway Kids
Hey friends! Over the next few weeks we're going to be sharing with you the top three episodes from Kid's Ministry 101. These are the most listened to episodes, which shows us, it's the topics you want to hear, and probably need to hear again!
Setting clear expectations is crucial in recruiting new volunteers, and sustaining current ones. On today's show, Shelly Harris and Bill Emeott discuss the importances of clearly outlining your expectations for all kids ministry volunteers.
Thanks for listening and sharing with a friend!
SHOW LINKS:
Connect with Lifeway Kids
Connect with Lifeway Kids
Hey friends! Over the next few weeks we're going to be sharing with you the top three episodes from Kid's Ministry 101. These are the most listened to episodes, which shows us, it's the topics you want to hear, and probably need to hear again!
Developing key leaders is crucial in growing and sustaining a healthy ministry. On today's show Lauren Bush joins the podcast to discuss some of the best practices for developing those leaders.
Thanks for listening and sharing with a friend!
SHOW LINKS:
Connect with Lifeway Kids
Hey friends! Over the next few weeks we're going to be sharing with you the top three episodes from Kid's Ministry 101. These are the most listened to episodes, which shows us, it's the topics you want to hear, and probably need to hear again!
On today's show we're bringing back a conversation with Klista Storts on a dozen do NOTS for recruiting volunteers! No matter how desperate you are to fill a space, Klista discusses the main things to stay away from when recruiting!
Thanks for listening and sharing with a friend!
SHOW LINKS:
Connect with Lifeway Kids
This week we are sharing an episode from one of our favorite shows from the Lifeway Podcast Network - Youth Ministry Booster. This show is the most honest podcast in student ministry! Hosted by Zac Workun and Chad Higgins, the biggest fans of youth ministry leaders, Youth Ministry Booster brings you the humor and help to engage, entertain, equip, and encourage!
Chad and Zac tackle the hefty topic of expectations in ministry. They peel back the layers on why we plan events and who they're truly for. It's all about syncing our passions with the real needs of our audience. This episode isn't just about shrugging off failures; it's a roadmap for refining our perspective to enhance our work. Join Chad and Zac as they question the norms, from worship to the structure of our gatherings
Thanks for listening and sharing with a friend!
SHOW LINKS:
-Connect with Youth Ministry Booster
Emotions are created by God as indicators of how we are processing the environment or circumstances around us. Most people identify themselves as emotional or not by how much they cry; however, there's a lot more to emotions than crying and it's important that we experience the emotions God has given us. On today's episode of KIDS Ministry 101 we wanted to share an episode from The Glass House with Ben and Lynley Mandrell. They sit down with Bryan Barley to discuss emotions in ministry.
Bryan Barley is a former church planter that recently moved to Nashville, TN. He and his wife of 17 years share four children. He is a coach for The Voice of the Heart Center.
Bryan discusses the importance of emotional health and how it relates to our relationship with God and others. He shares his personal journey of discovering emotional health and the impact it had on his life and ministry. The conversation also touches on the challenges of sharing honest feelings in a healthy way within a marriage and the need for boundaries and self-awareness.
It is critical for pastors to have safe spaces where they can be vulnerable and share their struggles. We hope this conversation encourages you and supports you in finding that space!
SHOW LINKS:
-The Voice of the Heart book
-The Voice of the Heart Center
-Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE
Last week Chuck Peters and Jana Magruder attended the Southern Baptist Convention and had the opportunity to sit down with Bryan Rose and discuss, what exactly is Next Gen ministry?
Bryan Rose is the Senior Lead Navigator and multisite specialist for Auxano. Bryan's vision facilitation weaves a strong strategic style with an engaging creativity. Bryan also hosts the My Ministry Breakthrough on the Auxano Podcast Network. In each episode, Bryan talks with different leaders from around the country who are experiencing breakthrough in their churches by using visionary planning to see real church growth. With experience in virtually every church ministry role, Bryan enjoys connecting with the diverse staff and lay leader perspectives on the teams he serves. Bryan and his wife live in the Nashville area with their two children.
Bryan discusses the need for a unified vision that encompasses all generations and ministries within the church and highlights the significance of using consistent language and values across all age groups. The conversation also explores practical ways to implement family ministry, such as serving together, worshiping together, and learning together. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the importance of working together to make disciples and pass on the faith to the next generation.
Thanks for listening and sharing with a friend!
SHOW LINKS:
Connect with Lifeway Kids
My Ministry Breakthrough
One of Lifeway Kids biggest focuses over the past year was equipping churches to offer welcoming and inviting experiences for our families with kids with special needs. Live from the Southern Baptist Convention, Chuck Peters and Jana Magruder discuss the importance of special needs inclusion in every church's children's ministry. You'll here about Lifeway Kids' new webpage, lifeway.com/specialneeds, that provides resources, training videos, and an ebook to help churches create a welcoming and inclusive environment for children with special needs. They emphasize the need for awareness, acceptance, and accessibility in order to effectively serve these children and their families.
You may think it's overwhelming or you don't have a big budget to be inclusive, but Lifeway Kids is here to ease your mind and give you simple steps to take to create an place for ALL children! Check out the links below for everything you need to get started!
Thanks for listening and sharing with a friend!
SHOW NOTES:
-lifeway.com/specialneeds
-The Glass House Podcast
-3 Part Podcast Series of Special Needs
-Download Be All In
So many problems that surface and put our kids at great risk, are avoidable situations that happen in environments where everyone thinks, "this could never happen here." That mentality is dangerous and the reality is, we can't afford to risk our children in that way.
In today's episode, Chuck and Jana are joined with Kimba Campbell and Delanee Williams to discuss the importance of having policies and procedures in place to ensure the safety and security of children in church ministries. They emphasize the need for churches to have a team approach in developing and enforcing these policies, involving church leadership and parents. Delanee discusses the importance of setting expectations for volunteers and communicating the why behind these policies, and Kimba enforces how accountability and care can be demonstrated to every member of your ministry by implementing safety policies.
Kimba Campbell serves as the Lifeway Kids Publishing Team Leader for Bible Studies for Life: Kids. Before coming to Lifeway, she served on church staff for over 18 years in Texas, Georgia, California and Tennessee. Kimba is a Texas Aggie (Gig ‘Em Aggies!) and also earned a Master of Arts in Christian Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. She and her husband, Paul, stay busy with their three boys.
Delanee Williams serves as Content Editor for The Gospel Project. She is a graduate of Baylor University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Delanee has served in kids ministry for over twenty years and is passionate about developing, equipping and encouraging leaders.
Thanks for listening and sharing this episode with a friend.
SHOW LINKS:
SBC Abuse Prevention
Connect with Lifeway Kids
One of the most dangerous environments we can put our children in, is an environment without the right policies and procedures in place to protect them. On today’s episode, Chuck and Jana are joined by Brad Eubank and Kris Buckman to discuss how we can be intentional in warding off predators and protecting our kids.
Brad Eubank is the Senior Pastor of Petal First Baptist Church and Kris Buckman is a Youth and Kids Ministry Consultant for the Baptist Convention of Maryland Delaware. Brad and Kris were commissioned by the SBC to lead a task force focused on equipping and training churches to have policies and procedures in place to prevent abuse within our walls.
Brad and Kris share with us a FREE resource created for leaders that gives step-by-step information on how to implement the best safety policies in your ministry! This curriculum also trains in 5 essential areas with next steps included. You’ll hear how your ministry can be educated on the how’s and why’s of training, screening, protecting, reporting, and caring for your children.
Check out the links below to grab your free resource! Thanks for sharing and listening with a friend!
SHOW LINKS:
sbcabuseprevention.com
Lifeway Kids
In this episode of the Kids Ministry 101 podcast, host Jeremy interviews Danielle Bell about the importance of sharing the gospel with kids. They discuss the Three Circles conversation guide, which simplifies the gospel message into three circles: God's plan, our sin/brokenness, and Jesus. Jeremy and Danielle highlight the benefits of using the Three Circles model, such as its simplicity, visual nature, and interactivity. They also provide tips for ministry leaders to have meaningful conversations about the gospel with kids, including practicing, planning, and praying.
Danielle has over 25 years of kidmin experience and she possesses a great fervor for sharing, discipling, and shepherding children and families with the message of Jesus Christ. Danielle is a well-respected leader and trainer in the area of Children's Ministry and has spoken regionally at local churches and nationally at children’s ministry conferences. She is a curriculum writer for Gospel Project Kids. and Awana brite. She has also written the following resources: “God’s Brave Girl” Leader and Student Guides (Lifeway), “The Gospel God’s Plan for Me” Leader and Student Guides (Lifeway), and the Younger KidMin chapter for “Children’s Ministry Volunteer Handbook” (Outreach). Danielle is the lead instructor for the Children's Ministry Certificate at beadisciple.com. In 2010, Danielle was named by “Children’s Ministry Magazine” as one of the top 20 Children’s Ministry Leaders to watch. Danielle’s blog, dandibell.com, is one of the top 100 kid’s ministry blogs.
SHOW LINKS:
-Connect with Jeremy
-Connect with Danielle Bell
-The Gospel in 3 Circles
-Lifeway Kids
Hey friends! Welcome back to this 3-Part Series on leading a vision centered ministry! If you haven't listened to part 1 or 2, we highly encourage you to do so. Chuck and Jana discuss how to check your vision and how to craft an effective and meaningful vision for your ministry.
On today's episode, Chuck Peters and Jana Magruder discuss the importance of casting vision in Kids Ministry. Chuck and Jana share different ways to effectively cast your vision, including one-on-ones, small group trainings and discussions, and displaying it in your environment. They also highlight the importance of timing, tone, and attention when communicating the vision. Overall, the episode will provide Kids Ministry leaders with practical insights and strategies for effectively casting vision in their ministry.
Thanks for listening and sharing this episode with a friend.
SHOW LINKS:
-Lifeway Kids
Vacation Bible School is typically one of the largest events of the year in the life of a church. Churches around the country will see record numbers of visitors through their VBS ministry. While VBS is an extremely impactful experience for kids, is it possible to make just as large of an impact with the parents and families after the decorations have come down and the games have ended?
In today's episode of the Kids Ministry 101 podcast, Guest Host, Jeremy Carroll, and special guest, Lauren Bush, discuss how to keep the connection with families after VBS. Jeremy and Lauren emphasize the importance of building relationships and making families feel seen and valued. You'll hear creative ideas for engaging with families from dress-up days, to mobilizing students to invite their friends, and organizing game nights or picnics for families to connect.
We want to encourage ministry leaders to invite others to come alongside them and not feel the pressure to do everything on their own. We hope this episode encourages you! Thanks for listening and sharing with a friend!
SHOW LINKS:
-Lifeway Kids
Hey friends! Last week, Jana and Chuck began a conversation about leading with vision. If you haven't listened to that episode yet, we highly encourage you to check it out before starting this one. Chuck addressed some of the greatest threats to leadership vision and how to overcome them in order to have a thriving Kids Ministry!
In this week’s episode, Chuck and Jana share Part 2 of the conversation, crafting a vision. Chuck dives into how you can craft a clear and compelling vision to lead your ministry! He gets beyond the whiteboard with insights that can lead to transformational outcomes in the life of your Kids Ministry.
Thanks for listening and sharing this episode with a friend.
SHOW LINKS:
-Lifeway Kids
Proverbs 29 warns, “where there is no vision, the people will perish;”. Leading with a clear vision is crucial to ministry; however, when you are one piece of the entire ministry puzzle, it’s important that your ministry is aligned with the wider church vision. In today’s episode Jana Magruder and Chuck Peters discuss the value …
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Melita Thomas joins host Chuck Peters to discuss more about getting ready for VBS this year.
The post Ready Set VBS: Part 2 appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Melita Thomas joins host Chuck Peters to discuss getting ready for VBS this year.
The post Ready Set VBS: Part 1 appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Chuck Peters joins the marked podcast to discuss some of his story and the heart behind Hyfi.
The post About Hyfi on Marked Podcast appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Chuck Peters and Jana Magruder join host of the “Group Answers” podcast to discuss next gen ministry
The post Next Gen Ministry appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Rhonda VanCleave joins cohost Jana Magruder and host Chuck Peters to walk through the last 100 years of Lifeway VBS.
The post Celebrating 100 Years of Lifeway VBS appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Rhonda VanCleave joins cohost Jana Magruder and host Chuck Peters to discuss the breakout of VBS 2024 days.
The post Breaking Down Breaker Rock Beach: VBS 2024 appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Tyler Quillet and Jess Dunlap join guest host Jana Magruder to discuss more ways to become a special needs-friendly church.
The post Becoming a Special Needs Friendly Church Ep 3 appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Sandra Peoples joins guest host Jana Magruder to discuss ways to be a special needs friendly church. Sandra Peoples (M. Div, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary) is one of the leading voices in the special-needs community. She is the author of three books, including her most recent release, Unexpected Blessings: The Joys and Possibilities of Life in a …
The post Becoming a Special Needs Friendly Church: Episode 2 appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Sandra Peoples joins guest host Jana Magruder to discuss ways to be a special needs friendly church. Sandra Peoples (M. Div, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary) is one of the leading voices in the special-needs community. She is the author of three books, including her most recent release, Unexpected Blessings: The Joys and Possibilities of Life in a …
The post Becoming a Special Needs Friendly Church: Episode 1 appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Shelly Melia joins Host Chuck Peters on the podcast to discuss who Gen Alpha is and what they face.
The post Generation Alpha appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Stephanie Chase joins host Chuck Peters on the podcast to discuss tips on dealing with difficult people in our ministry.
The post Dealing with Difficult People appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Taylor Johnson joins host Chuck Peters on the podcast to discuss how to have intentional conversations in everyday life.
The post Intentional Discipleship in 30 Seconds appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Stephanie Chase joins Host Chuck Peters on the podcast to discuss 7 tips on how to talk recruiting.
The post Real Talk Recruiting appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Taylor Johnson joins Host Chuck Peters on the podcast to discuss tips on talking to kids about missions. Check out more about ETCH Conference HERE
The post The Great Commission Isn’t Just for Adults appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Klista Storts joins the podcast to discuss things to stay away from when recruiting volunteers.
The post A Dozen Do Nots for Recruiting appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Jana Magruder, Kayla Stevens, and Isaac Kierstead join host Chuck Peters as they talk about about Hyfi for preschool Get your free ebook of Flip the Scrip HERE Check out more at Lifeway.com/kids Myhyfi.com
The post Sneak a Peek at Hyfi Preschool appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Crystal Mazzuca, Kayla Stevens, and Isaac Kierstead join Jana Magruder to discuss what Hyfi for Kids looks like in a session. Get your free ebook of Flip the Scrip HERE Learn more about Hyfi and subscribe now at: www.myhyfi.com
The post Hyfi for Kids appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Jana Magruder, Kayla Stevens, and Isaac Kierstead join host Chuck Peters as they talk about an overview of the new curriculum, Hyfi. Get your free ebook of Flip the Scrip HERE Check out more at Lifeway.com/kids Myhyfi.com
The post Say Hi to Hyfi appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Melita Thomas joins Host, Chuck Peters, as they discuss themes for VBS 2024 Get your free ebook of Flip the Scrip HERE Check out more at Lifeway.com/kids Myhyfi.com
The post Shifting to VBS Theme of 2024 appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Melita Thomas joins Host Chuck Peters to discuss what is going on with VBS this time of year!
The post It’s the Most VBS Time of Year appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Jana Magruder and Stephanie Salvatore join Host, Chuck Peters to talk about how to flip the script on the whole Church and what F.L.I.P stands for. Get your free ebook of Flip the Scrip HERE Check out more at Lifeway.com/kids Myhyfi.com
The post Flip the Script for the Whole Church appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Jana Magruder and Stephanie Salvatore join Host, Chuck Peters to talk about how to flip the script on kids and their identity.
Get your free ebook of Flip the Scrip HERE
Check out more at
Lifeway.com/kids
Myhyfi.com
The post Flip the Script on Identity appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Jana Magruder and Stephanie Salvatore join Host, Chuck Peters to talk about how to flip the script on making kids feel seen and known.
Get your free ebook of Flip the Scrip HERE
Check out more at
Lifeway.com/kids
Myhyfi.com
The post Flip the Script from Seen to Known appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Jana Magruder and Stephanie Salvatore join Host, Chuck Peters to talk about how to flip the script in your ministry.
Get your free ebook of Flip the Scrip HERE
Check out more at
Lifeway.com/kids
Myhyfi.com
The post Flip the Script on Cultural Messages appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Jana Magruder and Stephanie Salvatore join Host, Chuck Peters to talk about how to flip the script in your ministry.
Get your free ebook of Flip the Scrip HERE
Check out more at
Lifeway.com/kids
L
Myhyfi.com
The post Flip the Script appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Nick Blevins joins the podcast to discuss tips on developing your volunteers so they are better equipped.
The post Volunteer Developement appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Nick Blevins joins the podcast to discuss tips to help you recruit with confidence.
Check more from Nick with The Volunteer Playbook
The post How to Recruit with Confidence appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Kelly Little joins the podcast to discuss way to engage kids in missions.
The post Engaging Kids in Missions appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Kayla Stevens joins the podcast to discuss different ways to approach bible studies with kids.
The post Ways to Approach Bible Studies with Kids appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Melita Thomas joins the podcast to discuss why you should come to the events, and why it’s worth it, to do VBS.
The post VBS Preview 2023: Twists & Turns appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Jeremy Carroll and Jana Magruder join the podcast to discuss Hyfi, the new nextgen experience from Lifeway.
Check out more about Hyfi at MyHyfi.com
Check out the book Flip the Script!
The post New Curriculum Reveal appeared first on Kids Ministry.
David Bennett joins the podcast to discuss tips for making new habits for the new year.
The post New Habits for The New Year appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Todd Adkins joins the podcast to discuss ways to create culture in your ministry.
The post How to Create a Culture in Your Ministry appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Lauren Bush joins the podcast to discuss how to equip kids to share their faith.
The post Equipping Kids To Share Their Faith appeared first on Kids Ministry.
David Bennett joins the podcast to discuss tips of being in the interim position in your ministry.
The post In The Interim appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Todd Adkins joins the podcast to discuss 3 ways to help be a great leader in your ministry.
The post Sharing Your Ministry in 3D appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Keiron Miles joins the podcast to discuss different ways to help make the transition between KidsMinistry to Student Ministry.
The post Making the Transition Between Kids Ministry and Student Ministry appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Pastor Steve Hample joins the podcast to discuss how his church implemented praying for the empty chair. Check out more what was talked about in the episode: Prayer for the Empty Chair Gospel Gods Plan Gospel Gods Plan Script
The post Prayer For The Empty Chair appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Keiron Miles joins the podcast to discuss why middle school ministry matters and is so important.
The post Why Middle School Ministry Matters appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Drew Dixon joins the podcast to discuss how to know the kids in our ministry that enjoy playing games. Check out more at lifeway.comESRB.orgcommonsensemedia.orgtwitch.tv
The post Know Thy Gamer appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Andy McLean joins the podcast to discuss how to help kids love their Bible. For more info about the Bibles that were discussed in the episode, checkout the links below: ExplorerBibleForKids Lifeway.com/en/shop/bibles
The post How To Help Kids Love Their Bibles appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Jana Magruder, Jeremy Carroll and Landry Holmes join the podcast to discuss the story of the gospel project, and how it got started 10 years ago.
The post The Story of the Gospel Project appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Ben and Lynley Mandrell join the podcast to discuss what it’s like to do kids ministry in a post-christian city.
The post Doing Kids Ministry in a Post-Christian City appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Dr. Mary Manz Simon joins the podcast to discuss preparing for the holidays seasons.
The post Preparing for Christmas appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Ben and Lynley Mandrell join the podcast to discuss words of advice & affirmation from a senior pastor about the importance of kids ministry to the church.
The post The Importance of Kids Ministry to the Church appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Lauren Jackson joins the podcast to discuss how to deal with the loneliness in Kids Ministry we might feel.
The post Loneliness in Kids Ministry appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Melita Thomas, Zac Workun, and Jana Magruder join the podcast to discuss being new to ministry.
The post New to Ministry appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Lauren Jackson joins the podcast to discuss ways to set goals in your ministry for the new school year.
The post Goal Setting For the New School Year appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Melita Thomas and Zac Workun join the podcast to discuss what ETCH is going to look like this year and why you and your team should come. For more, check out the ETCH website HERE.
The post ETCH 2022 appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Jana Magruder joins the podcast to discuss how to foster friendships in ministry. For more about ETCH, Check out etchconference.lifeway.com
The post Fostering Friendships appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Klista Storts and Rachel Coe join the podcast to discuss how to communicate biblical truth in preschool. D
The post Communicating Biblical Truth in Preschool appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Delanee Williams and Kimba Campbell join the podcast to discuss different perspectives on helping preschool parents.
The post Helping Preschool Parents appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Klista Storts and Rachel Coe join the podcast to talk about preschool tips.
The post Preschool Tips appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Delanee Williams and Kimba Campbell join the podcast to discuss the importance of preschool ministry.
The post The Importance of Preschool appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Dr. Mary Manz Simon joins the podcast to discuss how to help kids deal with separation anxiety. An educator, consultant, media personality and award-winning author, Dr. Mary Manz Simon has embodied thought leadership in the children and family space for more than forty years. With more than three million books sold in English in addition to publishing in …
The post Separation Anxiety appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Crystal Mazzuca joins the podcast to discuss how to help kids feel known and seen.
The post Discipleship in Relationship: Helping Every Kid Feel Known and Seen appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Jeremy Carroll joins the podcast to discuss the importance of staying in a persistent state of thankfulness
The post Persistent (or Consistent) Thankfulness appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Jeremy Carroll joins the podcast to discuss the key important message in your ministry.
The post The Most Important Message appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Paul and Jeremy join the podcast to discuss their thought process behind the music of VBS 2022. O O
The post Behind the Music: VBS 2022 appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Isaac Kierstead joins the podcast to discuss how to connect with parents through social media.
The post Three Ways to Connect with Parents Through Social Media During the Week appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Crystal Mazzuca joins the podcast to discuss ways to help out your ministry during the summer.
The post A Leader’s Guide to Summer appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Isaac Kierstead joins the podcast to discuss how to make the most of large group in your ministry.
The post Making the Most of Large Group appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Chad Higgins joins the podcast to discuss how we can partner with parents in our ministries.
The post Partnering With Parents appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Stephanie Chase joins the podcast to discuss the importance of prayer.
The post Prayer appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Chad Higgins joins the podcast to discuss how to help families define discipleship.
The post Helping Families Define Discipleship appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Stephanie Chase joins the podcast to discuss ways to lead your ministry with confidence.
The post Leading With Confidence appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Heidi Hensley joins the podcast to discuss tips to rethink how we discipline in kids ministry.
The post Rethinking Discipline in Kids Ministry appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Tristen Meza joins the podcast to discuss how we can have Gospel conversations with kids.
The post Sharing the Gospel with Kids appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Heidi Hensley joins the podcast to discuss what building a culture with your volunteers looks like.
The post Building a Culture of Belonging For Your Volunteers appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Tristen Meza joins the podcast to discuss the importance of investing into younger volunteers.
The post Investing in Young Volunteers appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Jeremy Echols joins the podcast to discuss the importance of going to in-person events.
The post Why In-Person Events Matter appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Bill Emeott joins the podcast to discuss dealing with insecurities while working in kids ministry.
The post Dealing with Insecurity appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Jeremy Echols joins the podcast to discuss some of the things you should be looking for in students to encourage them to work camp. Check out more at Centrikid.com/staff
The post Sending Your Students to Work at Camp appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Scott McConnell joins the podcast to discuss more statistics about the research done since covid-19.
The post Lifeway Research: Discouragement, Apathy and the Unreached appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Annie F. Downs joins the podcast to discuss why fun is so important in Kids Ministry. Check out more about Annie F Downs – Click Here
The post What sounds fun to you? A fun conversation about fun with Annie F. Downs appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Mark Croston joins the podcast to discuss the second part of his session “ready, reset, go”.
The post Go! The importance of Kids Ministry in light of the current decline in the Church appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Scott McConnell joins the podcast to discuss research data from how churches dealt with covid.
The post Lifeway Research: Post-COVID Insights & Encouragement appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Sarah Humphrey joins the podcast to discuss how to connect with teens through the book of proverbs and more.
The post Solomon Says: Connecting Teens with the Wisdom of God’s Word appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Mark Croston joins the podcast to discuss some of his session at etch about influencing kids in the foundations of their faith.
The post Ready… Reset… Influencing Kids in the Foundations of their Faith appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Melita Thomas joins the podcast to discuss who you need to bring to a VBS Preview near you and what to expect! Check out more about VBS Previews
The post VBS Previews Are Back In Person appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Jamie Ivey joins the podcast to discuss kids and finding their identity in Christ. Check out the The Happy Hour podcast with Jamie Ivey.
The post Kids and Identity with Jamie Ivey appeared first on Kids Ministry.
John Paul Basham joins the podcast to discuss how to start developing a rhythm of gospel conversations.
The post Developing a Rhythm of Gospel Conversations appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Kevin Jones joins the podcast to discuss the importance of keeping God’s word at the center of your kids ministry.
The post The Importance of Keeping God’s Word at the Center of Your Kids Ministry appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Kayla Stevens joins the podcast to discuss how to help kids deal with doubting their faith.
The post Dismantling Deconstruction: What to do When Kids Doubt Their Faith appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Kevin Jones joins the podcast to discuss how to help our kids find their identity in Christ.
The post Real ID: Helping Our Kids Find Their Identity in Christ appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Kayla Stevens joins the podcast to discuss how to help kids find their faith in a culture of expressive Individualism.
The post Helping Kids Find Their Faith in a Culture of Expressive Individualism appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Mark Jones joins the podcast to discuss ways to set yourself up for success by structuring your teaching hour.
The post Set Yourself up for Success: Structure Your Teaching Hour to Simplify Your Prep appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Delanee Williams joins the podcast to finish discussing the last 10 things she’s learned from preschool ministry.
The post 10 More Things I’ve Learned in Preschool Ministry appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Jeremy Carroll joins the podcast to continue talking about volunteer teams and how to encourage them.
The post Team Talk: Encouraging Your Volunteer Team appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Mark Jones (Mr. Mark) joins the podcast to discuss how to deal with kids that talk too much while you’re teaching. For more about Mr. Mark, check out mrmarksclassroom.com
The post Dealing With Kids That Talk Too Much appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Delanee Williams joins the podcast to discuss 10 things she has learned in preschool ministry.
The post 10 things I’ve learned in Preschool Ministry appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Jeremy Carroll joins the podcast to discuss how to build up your Volunteer Team.
The post Team Talk: Building Up Your Volunteer Team appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Landry Holmes joins the podcast to discuss what are the things to look for when deciding to go with print or digital resources.
The post Making the Print or Digital Decision appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Zac Workun joins the podcast to discuss how to lead your ministry with a heart of hope.
The post Leading with a Heart of Hope appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Jeremy Carroll joins the podcast to discuss how to make your midweek ministry meaningful.
The post Making a Meaningful Midweek Ministry appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Jana Magruder joins the podcast to discuss building a culture where every kid feels welcome. Check out kidsministry.lifeway.com/readyresetgo
The post The Battle of Belonging appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Landry Holmes joins the podcast to discuss how to prepare your heart to help kids as they return to church. For the Blog Post talked about in the episode CLICK HERE
The post Anxiety, Anger and Anti-social Behavior appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Drew Dixon joins the podcast to discuss the truths and myths about video games and how we can connect through them.
The post Video Games & the Gospel appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Andy Dukes joins the podcast to discuss ways we can leverage digital resources to better our kids ministry. Check out ministrygrid.com etchconference.com
The post Leveraging Digital Resources to Better Our Kids Ministry appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Jeremy Echols joins the podcast to discuss how camp is going and what to expect!
The post Camp Is Back! appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Melita Thomas joins the podcast to discuss the new theme for VBS 2022! Lifeway.com/VBS
The post VBS 2022 Theme Reveal appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Kimba Campbell joins the podcast to discuss goals we want to when we are relaunching our kids ministry.
The post 10 Goals as you Relaunch your Kids Ministry appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Klista Storts joins the podcast to discuss things to stay away from when recruiting volunteers.
The post A Dozen Do Nots for Recruiting appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Aaron Armstrong joins the podcast to discuss summer preparation for fall reset.
The post Ready, Reset, Go appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Mark Jones joins the podcast to discuss some simple strategies that teachers should use to create a peaceful environment even when they resemble wild monkeys. Mr. Mark is the Children’s Pastor of Quail Springs Baptist Church in Oklahoma City where he loves and teaches preschoolers, children and their parents. He is a national speaker to train …
The post Equipping Your Teachers with Classroom Management Skills appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Jonathan and Emily Martin join the Podcast to discuss why worship with kids is so important.
The post The Importance of Worship With Kids appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Aaron Armstrong joins the podcast to discuss why kids can handle deeper subjects than we give them credit for.
The post Talking Big Truths with Kids appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Kimba Campbell joins the podcast to discuss ways to build a solid foundation in your kids ministry.
The post Building a Solid Foundation appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Michael Kelley joins the podcast to discuss his book about having family devotions.Check out his Book The Whole Story for the Whole FamilyOr check out his Blog at Michaelkelley.co
The post Equipping Families for Daily Devos appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Melita Thomas and Jana Magruder join the podcast to discuss how ETCH is back in person and how all of that will look!
The post ETCH Is Back appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Rhonda VanCleave joins the podcast to discuss the importance of training for VBS.
The post VBS Training appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Jeremy Johnson and Paul Marino join the podcast to discuss the behind the scenes how they made the music for VBS 2021.
The post VBS 2021 Music Showcase appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Isaac Kierstead and Tristen Peters join the podcast to discuss how they coordinate a mulit-site kids ministry.
The post How to Coordinate a Multi-site Kids Ministry appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Rachel Shaver joins the podcast to discuss ways to choose a good bible for a child.
The post Choosing a Good Bible for a Child appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Zac Workun joins the podcast to discuss ways how Kids and Student can be bridged and work as one, to minister to kids and students as they go through different stages of life within the church.
The post Building Bridges Between Kids and Student Ministry appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Andrew Hudson joins the podcast to discuss how to avoid isolation and the importance of connecting in community. Check out more from Andrew at: Discipleology — Discipleology.comDiscipleology on YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_X2i7xIi4RwYVJlt16x8bC1pRAwIHl5hFree eBook: How to Build Community — https://biblestudiesforlife.com/how-to-build-community
The post Avoid Isolation by Connecting in Community appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Delanee Williams and Landry Holmes join the podcast to discuss how to stay connected with your church leaders while Covid is still around.
The post Staying Connected with Our KidMin Leaders appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Rhonda VanCleave joins the podcast to discuss different considerations to take with Covid when dealing with VBS.
The post Covid Consideration for VBS appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Dr. Jim Dempsey joins the podcast to discuss ways to minister not just to the kids in your ministry, but you the parents as well.
The post Parent Ministry appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Stacy Porter joins the podcast to discuss how music is important in kids ministry.
The post Music and Kids Ministry appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Landon Tucker joins the podcast to discuss how apologetics can be talked about in your kids ministry
The post Apologetics and Kids Ministry appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Chuck Peters joins the podcast hosted by Guest Host, Jeremy Carrol, to discuss how to make other plans when your original plans don\’t pan out. lifeway.com/kmfa
The post When Plan B Becomes Plan A appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Jeremy Echols joins the podcast to discuss how camp will look like in 2021! For more info, check out: centrikid.com studentlifekidscamp.com
The post Road Back to Camp in 2021 appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Jana Magruder joins the podcast to discuss different ways to do Christmas in our ministry from anywhere. lifeway.com/kmfa
The post Christmas From Anywhere appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Melita Thomas joins the podcast to discuss the importance of doing vbs and what VBS Previews will look like in January.
The post Say YES to VBS! Talking VBS Previews & Duel Themes appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Tim Pollard joins the podcast to discuss a more in depth look into preteens, what they go through and how to walk through things with them.
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Kelly Minter joins the podcast to discuss different ways to host gathering that are easy and don\’t cost a lot. Check out Kellyminter.com Find out more on Digital Pass
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Diane Dokko Kim joins the podcast to discuss the importance of virtual disablity ministry in the times that we are in. Find out more on Digital Pass
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Nathan Howard joins the podcast to discuss the names, games, and voices that are informing, shaping, and influencing kids. Find out more on Digital Pass
The post Twitch, TikTok, & YouTube Obsession in Kids appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Brian Dembowczyk joins the podcast to discuss the belief that possessions make a person happy—is one of the greatest lies that families and churches have accepted. At its core, consumerism is not an economic or political issue, but rather a gospel issue. we will explore consumerism’s dangers and how we can reject it in our …
The post Consumerism appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Klista Storts joins the podcast to discuss reasons God has chosen you, and specifically you, to serve where you are. Find out more on Digital Pass
The post Be You: No One Else Can appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Andrew Hudson joins the podcast to discuss how to build your team around you.
The post Leadership: Building a Strength-Based Team appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Aaron Armstrong joins the podcast to discuss why kids can handle deeper subjects than we give them credit for.
The post Talking Big Truths with Kids appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Kimba Campbell joins the podcast to discuss some simple ideas to help do kids ministry from anywhere.
The post Simple Ideas for Doing Kids Ministry From Anywhere appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Melita Thomas joins the podcast to discuss a variety of ways ETCH will be a little different this year with a virtual event. https://etchconference.com/ Find out more on Digital Pass
The post ETCH Live appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Dr. Karen Kennemur joins the podcast to discuss how different ages learn different ways and how kids ministries need to be aware of it.
The post Importance of Being Age Aware appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Jana Magruder joins the podcast to discuss ways design you kids ministry to be family focused. lifeway.com/kidsministryfromanywhere
The post Designing a Family Focused Kids Ministry appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Jeff Land joins the podcast to discuss how to better equip volunteers within your kids ministry.
The post Honoring & Equipping Volunteers appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Jenni Carter joins the podcast to discuss how we can set a long-term vision for our kids ministries.
The post Setting a Long-term Vision for Kids Ministry appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Landry Holmes joins the podcast to discuss how kids ministry needs curriculum that is trustworthy, biblical teaching.
The post Trustworthy Teaching appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Jana Magruder and Brian Dembowczyk join the podcast to discuss how to deal with digital curriculum now and how important it is to still use curriculum.
The post Discovering Digital Curriculum appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Jeremy Carroll joins the podcast to discuss how to be a Church from anywhere and be innovative with it.
The post Unlocking from Location appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Trillia Newbell joins the podcast to discuss how to address unity and diversity with the gospel.
The post Diversity, Unity and the Gospel appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Danielle Bell joins the podcast to discuss ways to rebuild your volunteer team after Covid.
The post Rebuilding your Volunteer team after COVID appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Bill Emeott joins the podcast to discuss ways for parents to share the gospel at home and tips to know if your child is ready.
The post Equipping Parents to Share the Gospel at Home appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Heidi Hensley joins the podcast to discuss how Covid has awoken a creative side of the church and we would be foolish to let that die.
The post Don’t Let the Creative Side of the Church Die appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Billy Young joins the podcast to discuss how programming looks different as we start to look at opening our church doors again.
The post Programming for Success appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Jeremy Carrol, Klista Storts & Tim Pollard join the podcast to discuss ways to communicate with volunteers as you get started back again.
The post 6 Considerations: Volunteers & Communication appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Klista Storts, Melita Thomas & Landry Holmes join the podcast to discuss resources and different environments to consider when doing VBS this summer.
The post 6 Considerations: Learning Environments & Resources appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Delanee Willams, Jeremy Carroll & Rhonda VanCleave join the podcast to discuss different strategies to do VBS and how to consider different policies as well.
The post 6 Considerations: Strategy & Policies appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Delanee Williams joins the podcast to discuss the an overview of considerations to look at when re-opening your kids ministry.
The post 6 Considerations: Overview appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Dr. Josh Straub joins the podcast to discuss how to talk to kids about Covid-19. Check out his book What Am I Feeling Joshua Straub, Ph.D. serves as Marriage and Family Strategist for Lifeway Christian Resources and leads Famous at Home, a company equipping leaders, organizations, military families, and churches in emotional intelligence and family …
The post Talking to Kids About the Coronavirus appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Vicki Hulsey and Melita Thomas join the podcast to discuss ways to do VBS within your neighborhood. It’s not a matter of IF we do VBS, it’s a matter of HOW we do VBS.
The post 4 Ways To Do VBS This Summer: In The Neighborhood appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Bill Emeott and Melita Thomas join the podcast to discuss ways to do VBS this summer with alternative schedules.
The post 4 VBS Strategies For This Summer: Alternative Schedules appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Rhonda VanCleave & Melita Thomas join the podcast to discuss ways to do VBS at home this summer.
The post 4 VBS Strategies For This Summer: At Home appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Michael Kelley joins the podcast to discuss ways families can rediscover what home can be like during covid-19. http://michaelkelley.co Michael Kelley lives in Nashville, Tenn., with his wife, Jana, and three children: Joshua, Andi, and Christian. He serves as the Sr. Vice President of Church Ministries for Lifeway Christian Resources.
The post Rediscovering Home During COVID-19 appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Jeremy Carrol & Kayla Stevens join the podcast to discuss tips on how the Church can connect with families through different forms of technology.
The post Connecting with Families Through Technology appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Melita Thomas joins the podcast to discuss 4 ways to VBS this summer considering how things are. Visit lifeway.com/4ways Melita Thomas serves as Lifeway’s VBS and Kids Ministry Specialist. For the past 14 years she has also been an editor of Lifeway’s VBS resources. Melita holds a masters degree in Childhood Ministry from Dallas Baptist University. …
The post 4 Ways to do VBS This Summer appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Jana Magruder joins the podcast to discuss how family worship at home during these times of staying in are important. Jana Magruder serves as the Director of Lifeway Kids. She is a Baylor graduate and offers a wealth of experience and passion for kids ministry, education, and publishing. She is the author of Kids Ministry that Nourishes and Life …
The post Family Worship at Home appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Rachel Shaver joins the podcast to discuss books that are great to read with your family.
The post Recommended Reading: Christian Kids Books For Families appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Sissy Goff joins the podcast to discuss how to help kids and parents cope with stress with what is going on recently. Sissy Goff is the Director of Child and Adolescent Counseling at Daystar Counseling Ministries in Nashville, Tennessee, where she works alongside her counseling assistant/pet therapist, Lucy the Havanese.
The post Helping Kids and Parents Cope with Stress appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Today we finish with part four of a 4-week series on healthy habits for kids ministry leaders, featuring Lifeway Kids director of operations, Chuck Peters. Throughout the series we will identify and unpack 8 tips to help set you up for success in your role.
The post 8 Healthy Habits for Kids Ministry – Part 4 – Habits 7 and 8 appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Stephanie Chase joins the podcast to discuss what your mindset for ministry is as we head into a time of not meeting in person? RESOURCES: https://digitalpass.lifeway.com/home/ https://www.facebook.com/ChampionForestKids/ Stephanie Chase has served in Education and Kids Ministry as a teacher, director, writer, and trainer for over 20 years and currently serves as the Kids Minister at …
The post Doing Church At Home – Changing Your Ministry Mindset appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Today we continue with part three of a 4-week series on healthy habits for kids ministry leaders, featuring Lifeway Kids director of operations, Chuck Peters. Throughout the series we will identify and unpack 8 tips to help set you up for success in your role.
The post 8 Healthy Habits for Kids Ministry – Part 3 – Habits 5 and 6 appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Today we continue with part two of a 4-week series on healthy habits for kids ministry leaders, featuring Lifeway Kids director of operations, Chuck Peters. Throughout the series we will identify and unpack 8 tips to help set you up for success in your role.
The post 8 Healthy Habits for Kids Ministry – Part 2 – Habits 3 and 4 appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Today we kick off part one of a 4-week series on healthy habits for kids ministry leaders, featuring Lifeway Kids director of operations, Chuck Peters. Throughout the series we will identify and unpack 8 tips to help set you up for success in your role.
The post 8 Healthy Habits for Kids Ministry – Part 1 – Habits 1 and 2 appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Logan Meek joins the podcast to discuss 6 practical expectation we can ask of our volunteers.
The post Setting Expectations for Your Volunteers appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Sam Luce joins the podcast to discuss that we all agree Family Ministry is a good idea. The question therefore is not how and where family ministry happened. The question we need to now wrestle with is what do we do to make family ministry happen and why do we do it?
The post Family Ministry 2.0 appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Dorena Williamson joins the podcast to discuss that today's church is awakening to the needs of our growing multicultural world. Leaders long to be more equipped to minister to diverse families. Explore biblical ways to be inclusive while fulfilling the great command to love our neighbor.
The post A Beautiful NEW Day in the Neighborhood appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Jody Dean joins the podcast to discuss Online Obnoxiousness, Gender, Suicide, Bullying, Apps/Gaming, Mandatory reporting, abuse, security, and changing culture are some hot topics that pour through our news feeds and news cycles. We can learn online through YouTube how to cause pain to ourselves. We will take the next few minutes and walk through some hot topics with tips on how you can navigate these concerns.
The post Providing Safe Settings in a Challenging Culture appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Dale Hudson joins the podcast to discuss tips in leading family ministry well.
The post Lead Well in Family Ministry appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Tony Bianco joins the podcast to discuss how 73% of teens have a smartphone and the average age a boy sees pornography is 4th grade. Technology is a tension to be managed in the home. Hear how you can equip your families to manage and balance screens in the home!
The post Equipping Families to Deal With Technology appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Kevin Jones joins the podcast to discuss how each church needs family ministry and each church is called to strengthen families. Today we will take a theological and philosophical analysis of the history, methodology, and relative strengths and weaknesses of primary models of student and family ministry.
The post Methods For Family Ministry appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Jonathan and Emily Martin join the Podcast to discuss why worship with kids is so important.
The post The Importance of Worship With Kids appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Dr. Shelly Melia joins the podcast to discuss gender identity issues that are happening in the church today.
The post Gender Identity Issues in the Church appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Klista Storts joins the podcast to discuss the different personalities in a fun way that are serving in your kids ministry.
The post The Power of Personality appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Fran Trascritti joins the podcast to discuss helpful tips on how to communicate with your pastor and the prospective from both Kids Minister and Pastor.
The post Kids Ministry from a Pastors Prospective appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Jana Magruder joins the podcast to discuss ways to find your voice at the leadership table in your church. Check out tips from Jana HERE. Jana Magruder serves as the Director of Lifeway Kids. She is a Baylor graduate and offers a wealth of experience and passion for kids ministry, education, and publishing. She is the …
The post Finding Your Voice at the Leadership Table appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Jeremy Carroll joins the podcast to discuss who will you be leading, what will you be passing on. Check out the tips they talked about HERE Jeremy Carroll is the team leader for Lifeway Kids Discipleship Resources. Before coming to Lifeway, he has been active in local church ministry for nearly 20 years in TN, TX, …
The post Mentoring New Leaders appeared first on Kids Ministry.
William Summey joins the podcast to discuss how one of the biggest impacts to a child’s journey is as home and the importance to teach kids according to their age. Learn more about the Levels of Biblical Learning. William Summey is the Publishing Team Leader for Bible Studies for Life: Kids. He is a graduate of …
The post Equipping Parents to Minister at Home appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Karen Kennemur joins the podcast to discuss how anxiety levels of children is on the rise! Let’s discuss ways to help children pray through the hurts and hallelujahs and make the most of their prayer lives. Karen teaches children’s ministry classes on the undergrad, masters, and doctoral level at Southwestern Seminary in Ft. Worth, TX. …
The post Teaching Kids to Pray through the Hurts and Hallelujahs appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Heidi Hensley joins the podcast to discuss diagnoses of special needs are at an all time high. As the church, we need to be prepared to minister to these families and kids. In this session we will look at where to start, no matter your church size, and how to develop a program and team …
The post Special Needs Ministry: Where To Start appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Mark Jones joins the podcast to discuss some simple strategies that teachers should use to create a peaceful environment even when they resemble wild monkeys. Mr. Mark is the Children’s Pastor of Quail Springs Baptist Church in Oklahoma City where he loves and teaches preschoolers, children and their parents. He is a national speaker to …
The post Equipping Your Teachers with Classroom Management Skills appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Tracie Collier joins the podcast to discuss how preschool ministry matters! It is the foundation upon which a child’s faith is built. today we will discuss ways to encourage and equip parents to share their faith with their littlest treasures. Tracie Collier is the founder of faithfilledkids.com, a site devoted to helping parents plant small …
The post Small Seeds. Big Faith. appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Matt Morgan joins the podcast to discuss how in the first 5 years of life, children are actually absorbing information and using that information to understand the world around them and establish some foundational beliefs about that world. Today we will discuss some of the ways we can help preschoolers develop faith that will last …
The post More than Babysitting: Making Disciples in Early Childhood appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Brian Dembowczyk joins the podcast to discuss some simple strategies for parents and leaders to help kids in today’s society to cope with anxiety. Brian Dembowczyk is the managing editor for The Gospel Project. He served in local church ministry for over 16 years before coming to Lifeway. Brian earned an M.Div. from the Southern Baptist …
The post Helping Kids Cope with Anxiety: Simple Strategies for Parents & Leaders appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Melita Thomas and Rhonda VanCleave join the podcast to discuss there is more to VBS than just the Theme. For more information about VBS, visit http://www.lifeway.com/vbs and also check out Why Lifeway VBS.
The post There’s More to VBS Than Theme appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Delanee Williams, Klista Storts & Jeremy Carroll join the podcast to discuss what really works with volunteer recruitment. Delanee Williams serves as a Ministry Specialist with Lifeway Kids. She is a graduate of Baylor University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Delanee has served in kids ministry for over twenty years and is passionate about developing, equipping …
The post Volunteer Recruitment Panel: What really works? appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Jeremy Carroll and Kayla Stevens join the podcast to discuss 3 key principles for preteen ministry. Jeremy Carroll is the team leader for Lifeway Kids Discipleship Resources. Before coming to Lifeway, he has been active in local church ministry for nearly 20 years in TN, TX, and AL. Jeremy earned a Master of Arts in Christian …
The post Forging a Ministry to Preteens appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Jana Magruder and Art Rainer chat about ways to teach kids about stewardship. Enter to win your own set of The Secret Slide Money Club series by Art Rainer here!
The post Teaching Stewardship to Kids appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Jana Magruder and Ben Trueblood chat with Chuck Peters about how to help your church’s family ministry thrive. etchconference.com
The post Help Your Family Ministry THRIVE appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Bill Emeott shares a very special announcement, looks back on ministry on the Lifeway Kids team, and looks forward to a new season of leading kids ministry.
The post Looking Back and Looking Forward appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Bill Emeott and Jana Magruder discuss ways we can better connect with today’s kids. Find more resources at kidsministry101.com.
The post Ministering to Today’s Kids appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Bill Emeott and Klista Storts chat about how to best train your kids ministry volunteers. This episode is hosted by Bill Emeott, produced by Micheal Walley, and sponsored by the ETCH Family Ministry Conference.
The post A Trained Volunteer is the BEST Volunteer! appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Shelly Harris and Bill Emeott discuss the importances of clearly outlining your expectations for your kids ministry volunteers. This episode is hosted by Bill Emeott, produced by Micheal Walley, and sponsored by the ETCH Family Ministry Conference.
The post Make Your Volunteer Expectations Clear appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Klista Storts and Bill Emeott discuss what personalities are valuable when building a kids ministry team and how to work with all of these different personalities. Klista Storts serves as an Editorial Ministry Specialist for Lifeway Kids. Before coming to Lifeway, she served as the Weekday and Preschool Specialist at the Tennessee Baptist Convention and as …
The post Building the Best Kids Ministry Team appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Join Melita Thomas (VBS Specialist) and Rhonda VanCleave (VBS Team Leader) as they reveal and unpack the spiritual overview of Lifeway’s 2020 VBS Theme: Concrete & Cranes! Find out more at lifeway.com/vbs2020 Melita Thomas serves as Lifeway’s VBS and Kids Ministry Specialist and was previously an editor of Lifeway’s VBS resources. Melita holds a masters …
The post Announcing the 2020 Lifeway VBS Theme appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Jeremy Carroll and Bill Emeott discuss one of the most asked questions in kids ministry: How do I recruit volunteers? Jeremy Carroll is the team leader for Lifeway Kids Discipleship Resources. Before coming to Lifeway, he has been active in local church ministry for nearly 20 years in TN, TX, and AL. Jeremy earned a Master …
The post I Can\’t Do It Without Volunteers (So Where do I find them?) appeared first on Kids Ministry.
How do you determine which curriculum is best for your kids ministry? Jana Magruder, Landry Holmes, and Bill Emeott discuss what to look for and how to know if a curriculum is right for your kids ministry context. Find out more at teachkids.lifeway.com Jana Magruder serves as the Director of Lifeway Kids. She is a Baylor …
The post Choosing the Right KidMin Curriculum appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Tim Pollard and Bill Emeott discuss how to group kids in both a small group and events environment for your kids ministry. Tim Pollard teaches 3rd-6th graders Explore the Bible: Kids Worship on Sunday nights at Tulip Grove Baptist Church. He’s passionate about helping kids dig deep into Scripture, which he pursues through his daily …
The post Grouping Your Kids Ministry appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Jeremy Echols joins Bill Emeott to discuss why camp can be a summer highlight of any kids ministry. Check out more at kidsministry101.com! Jeremy Echols leads the CentriKid Camps and Student Life for Kids teams. He, his wife Emily, and their precious daughter love their church, their neighborhood, and spending time together. Jeremy loves to read, watch sports, and …
The post Make Camp a Highlight of Your Summer appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Melita Thomas joins Bill Emeott to discuss ways kids ministry leaders can utilize technology to connect with families and enhance kids ministry programming. Melita Thomas serves as Lifeway’s VBS and Kids Ministry Specialist and was previously an editor of Lifeway’s VBS resources. Melita holds a masters degree in Childhood Ministry from Dallas Baptist University. A …
The post Using Technology to Enhance and Connect appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Bill Emeott and Micheal Walley discuss why the physical environment of your kids ministry is important to best serve kids and their families. From paint color to tables, you\’ll hear what you can do to make your kids ministry space the best it can be. Bill Emeott serves as Lead Ministry Specialist for Lifeway Kids. A …
The post Does the physical environment matter in kids ministry? appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Delanee Williams, Kids Ministry Specialist, joins Bill to discuss ways we can keep the kids in our ministry safe and secure. How can we make sure that our ministries are safe for the kids and families we serve? Delanee Williams serves as a Ministry Specialist with Lifeway Kids. She is a graduate of Baylor University and …
The post Keeping Kids Safe appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Melita Thomas (VBS Specialist) and Bill Emeott talk about why VBS is worth doing for any kids ministry. Melita Thomas serves as a Ministry Specialist with Lifeway Kids. Melita holds a masters degree in Christian Education/Childhood Ministry and a passion for kids ministry that infuses both her work at Lifeway Kids and her leadership in …
The post Say YES to VBS! appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Chuck Peters and Bill Emeott discuss ways to effectively communicating your kids ministry vision and goals to the members on your kids ministry team. Chuck Peters is Director of Operations for Lifeway Kids. A graduate of Columbia Bible College, Chuck, and his wife, Cris, have served vocationally & voluntarily in Student and Children’s Ministry for many years. They …
The post Communicating Vision and Goals appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Chuck Peters discusses why making goals for your kids ministry is important, and how to make practical goals for your ministry. Chuck Peters is Director of Operations for Lifeway Kids. A graduate of Columbia Bible College, Chuck, and his wife, Cris, have served vocationally & voluntarily in Student and Children’s Ministry for many years. They have four …
The post Making Kids Ministry Goals appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Landry Holmes and Bill Emeott discuss ways to decide a vision and mission statement for your kids ministry. Landry Holmes is the Manager of Lifeway Kids Ministry Publishing. A graduate of Howard Payne University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Landry served on church staffs before joining Lifeway Kids. He is a church leader, writer, workshop facilitator, and publisher. …
The post Deciding Your KidMin Vision & Mission appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Jana Magruder, Bill Emeott, and Chuck Peters discuss the first thing a kidmin leader should do: develop a kids ministry philosophy. Plus an exciting announcement from Chuck at the end. Find out more: kidsministry101.com Jana Magruder serves as the Director of Lifeway Kids. She is a Baylor graduate and offers a wealth of experience and passion …
The post Where do I start in Kids Ministry? appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Micheal Walley shares tips on how to make large group effective and impactful for your kids ministry. Micheal Walley serves as the Lifeway Kids Event Producer and leads the ETCH Family Ministry Conference and other Lifeway Kids Events. He is a graduate of Mississippi College and now lives in Nashville, Tennessee. Micheal serves as a …
The post Tips for an Awesome KidMin Large Group appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Jamie Ivey shares practical ways that you can love families that are parenting kids from hard places. How does the church come alongside them and serve them well? Jamie Ivey is a podcaster, writer, and speaker from Austin, Texas. She is the proud mama to four kids and the wife to Aaron, worship pastor of The …
The post Ministering to Families with Kids From Hard Places with Jamie Ivey appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Jenny Funderburke Smith shares ways to adapt your attitude, philosophy and tactics for on-boarding awesome volunteers and to stop dreading recruiting. Jenny is the wife of Dan and mama of three girls. She serves as Minister to Children at West Bradenton Baptist Church in Bradenton, Florida. She is passionate about equipping the church to disciple …
The post How to Stop Dreading Recruiting appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Lydia McMillan and Logan Meek share about the benefits of bringing adults with you to camp. You\’ll also get some tips to recruit adults to go with your group. Lydia McMillan works on the CentriKid Camps team. She manages social media, produces videos, works with actors, and leads production elements. She is married to Joshua and they …
The post Recruiting Adults for Camp appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Dr. Jennifer Garrison shares how families can navigate bullying with age-appropriate conflict resolution. Dr. Garrison is a professor of marriage and family in the Campbellsville University School of Theology. She is a wife, mother of two sons, and advocate for healthy, God-honoring families.
The post Bullying and Your Kids: What Would Jesus Do? appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Diane Dokko Kim gives insight about common challenges, workarounds, teaching tools and strategies for the church to partner with families for inclusion. Diane is a special needs ministry consultant, speaker, and author of Unbroken Faith: Spiritual Recovery for the Special-Needs Parent. Connect with her at www.dianedokkokim.com
The post Autism and the Church appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Brian Dembowczyk discusses practical ways we can guard our motivation in ministry and keep it fixed firmly on the gospel. Brian Dembowczyk is the managing editor for The Gospel Project and team leader for The Gospel Project for Kids. He served in local church ministry for over 16 years before coming to Lifeway. Brian earned …
The post Maintaining a Gospel Focus in Your Kids Ministry appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Terry Ann Kelly shares tips for how to reach the public school with the message of the gospel. Terry Ann Kelly speaks to audiences across the country on topics varying from home and family life to moral and social issues. Her expansive background in public speaking, radio and television spans more than 30 years. She …
The post Reaching the Public School for Christ appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Matt Morgan discusses practical ways you can use your position to support and to lead those above you. Matt Morgan is Kids Pastor for Fellowship Bible Church in Little Rock, AR. He has served over 15 years in children’s ministry, and he is passionate about seeing kids of all ages understand the richness of the …
The post How to Lead When You\’re Not the Leader appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Jana Magruder & Landry Holmes share research supporting why VBS is worth the time, energy, and expense to reach the families in your ministry. Jana Magruder serves as the Director of Lifeway Kids. She is a Baylor graduate and offers a wealth of experience and passion for kids ministry, education, and publishing. She is the …
The post VBS: It’s Worth It appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Rhonda Van Cleave shares 4 things she wishes she knew when she began serving in kids ministry. Rhonda Van Cleave is the Publishing Team Leader for Lifeway VBS. She was a writer for kids curriculum for Lifeway for 15 years prior to joining Lifeway full time. She has taught children over 40 years. Her husband …
The post 4 Things I Wish I Knew When I Started in KidMin appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Dr. Kevin Jones shares how churches can identify and understand its opportunity to shape culture. Hosted by Chuck Peters & Jana Magruder. Kevin Jones is a native of Louisville, Kentucky. He is the Co-Editor of Removing the Stain of Racism from the Southern Baptist Convention: Diverse African American and White Perspective and contributor in Perspectives …
The post The Church’s Role in Culture Shaping appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Parents should be the spiritual leaders in their homes, and we can equip them. Delanee Williams, Kids Ministry Special, shares ways to equip and partner with parents. Delanee Williams serves as a Ministry Specialist with Lifeway Kids. She is a graduate of Baylor University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Delanee has served in kids ministry …
The post Equipping Parents to be Spiritual Leaders in the Home appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Dr. Donna Peavey shares ways your church can provide faith formation experiences to help a child develop a vital, maturing faith and to engage with the faith community. Dr. Donna Peavey is on a mission to equip the faith community, parents, and children’s ministry leaders, to guide children to know, experience, and embrace Christ. A …
The post Best Practices in Faith Formation for Kids appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Klista Storts discusses what kidmin leaders need to know about parents in their ministry. Listen for practical ways you as a kids ministry leader can help parents in your ministry. Klista Storts is the editor for our VBS preschool curriculum. She has also served as a Kids Ministry Specialist here at Lifeway. Before coming to …
The post What KidMin Leaders Need to Know About Parents appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Join us as we look back through the Best of the Kidsministry 101 Podcast
The post Keeping Your Kids Safe: Safeguards and Best Practices appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Join us as we take a look at the Best of the KidsMinistry101 podcast.
The post Making the Gospel Accessible to Children with Special Needs appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Does your church know how to best reach Generation Z? Dr. Shelly Melia, Program Director for the Master of Arts in Children’s Ministry and Master of Arts in Family Ministry is our guest on today’s episode. Dr. Shelly Melia is the Program Director for the Master of Arts in Children’s Ministry and the Master of …
The post Reaching Generation Z appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Micheal Walley, Lifeway Kids Event Producer, takes you behind the scenes for ETCH 2018! Hear why you should take your family ministry team on a retreat or a conference, the impact of gathering together in person, and the heart and vision behind the ETCH Family Ministry Conference. Find out more about ETCH Family Ministry Conference here, …
The post ETCH Family Ministry Conference Behind the Scenes appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Jeremy Echols and Bill Emeott join Chuck on the Kids Ministry 101 Podcast this week to discuss the importance of Sharing the gospel with Kids. Jeremy and Bill talk about how we train our CentriKid Camps staff and how they relate everything back to the gospel. We aim to help kids grow in their relationship with …
The post Sharing the Gospel with Kids appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Volunteers are vital to a kids ministry. When you’re on church staff, it’s easy to forget the perspective of a volunteer. Klista Storts, who has previously served as a kids minister and now serves as a kids ministry volunteer, shares what kids ministry leaders need to know about their volunteers on today’s podcast. Klista Storts …
The post What KidMin Leaders Need to Know about Volunteers appeared first on Kids Ministry.
In earlier episodes of the Settle for Nothing Less podcast series, Jana Magruder shared indicators that had small, moderate or large an impact on a child’s spiritual health. In this episode, she shares what factors actually didn’t make the list. Listen and see if you’re surprised about some of the things that didn\’t show up …
The post Settle for Nothing Less: Part 3 appeared first on Kids Ministry.
God’s plan for equipping the saints is His church, so we want to come alongside you as you equip families and minister to children. ETCH Family Ministry Conference is the event where your entire team is invited – from preschool ministry all the way through high school ministry. Jana Magruder, Director of Lifeway Kids and …
The post ETCH Family Ministry Conference 2018: Unbroken appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Some kids ministers struggle with keeping their pastor engaged in kids ministry. They may not recognize how he can champion the ministry. Tim Pollard shares the importance of pastor strategies to keep your pastor involved in kids ministry. Tim Pollard teaches 3rd graders at Tulip Grove Baptist Church. He’s passionate about helping kids dig deep …
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Churches have an incredible opportunity to minister to families who are adopting. Jeff Land shares from his experience as a parent and children’s pastor dos and don’t in ministering to families who are adopting. Jeff Land is Children’s Pastor at Sugar Creek Baptist Church in Sugar Land, Texas. Jeff has served with Lifeway Kids developing …
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As kid ministers, we are to care for the adults who serve under our leadership. Do you care and connect with the leaders in the kids ministry? Do you know them beyond their name? Delanee Williams, Kids Ministry Specialist, visits the podcasts to share why connecting with volunteers and kids ministry teachers is important and …
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Jeremy Echols, leads the CentriKid Camps team for Lifeway Kids , joins the podcast this week explaining what kids ministry leaders can do to effectively follow up with kids and families after an amazing week of kids camp.
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What does it really mean to put Jesus at the center of your Kids Ministry? Bill Emeott, Lead Kids Ministry Specialist for Lifeway Kids, joins the podcast to share how being intentional in four areas can result in a Christ-Centered, transformational Kids Ministry that sticks for eternity.
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In Fall 2018, The Gospel Project for Kids begins a new 3 year cycle. Jeremy Carroll, team leader of The Gospel Project for Kids, and Landry Holmes, Manager of Lifeway Kids Publishing, sit down with Chuck Peters to discuss new features and updates to The Gospel Project for Kids,. Listen and hear what you can …
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The Gospel Project is a Christ-centered chronological Bible study for babies-adults. On today’s podcast, Brian Dembowczyk, managing editor of The Gospel Project, shares the vision of The Gospel Project and why sharing the gospel with children is of the utmost importance. Brian Dembowczyk is the Managing Editor of The Gospel Project, a Bible study curriculum …
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Over the course of this summer, many churches will be hosting VBS, or Vacation Bible School, at their church. It’s an incredible outreach event, but what is the next step after the last kid has gone home for the week? Melita Thomas, joins the podcast this week to share encouragement and 5 tips for follow-up after a …
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Jana Magruder, Director of Lifeway Kids, joins us on the podcast this week to unpack the research in her new book, “Nothing Less: Engaging Kids in a Lifetime of Faith.” Her book unveils a study that looks at the faith characteristics of current adults and looks at the parenting practices and habits they were exposed to growing up. As …
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Jana Magruder, Director of Lifeway Kids, joins us on the podcast this week to unpack the research in her new book, “Nothing Less: Engaging Kids in a Lifetime of Faith. Her book unveils a study that looks at faith characteristics of current adults and looks at the parenting practices and habits they were exposed to growing up. As kids ministry leaders …
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Jeremy Echols, leads the CentriKid Camps team for Lifeway Kids , joins the podcast this week explaining steps kids ministry leaders can take to prepare practically and spiritually for camp.
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In a few weeks, churches around the world will be using Lifeway’s Game On! For their Vacation Bible School. Melita Thomas, joins the podcast this week to share encouragement and reminders for churches as they complete preparations for Game On! VBS.
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Boys and girls can develop Bible skills beginning at a young age. Parents and teachers can play an active part in helping children with these skills. In today’s podcast, Tim Pollard highlights practical ways to help parents and teachers.
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Dr. Jody Dean (Senior Associate Regional Dean for Louisiana and Mississippi Extensions Director, Mentoring Programs in Christian Education for the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary), joins the podcast to discuss four areas to cultivate a protective mind-set for ministry with minors. Shepherding the character of the ministry, and ways to have an overseer mentality will be explored.
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Dr. Karen Kennemur, Associate Professor of Children’s Ministry and Bessie Fleming Chair of Childhood Education at the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, joins the podcast to discuss training and equipping Preteens to become kids in leadership and on mission.
The post Training and Equiping Preteens for Leadership, Service, and Mission appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Daniel Darling, Vice President of Communications at the ERLC, joins the podcast to discuss how to teach our kids about the value of human life in a world that increasingly cheapens it.
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Danielle Bell, Minister to Children at Dawson Family of Faith, joins the podcast to discuss ways to intentionally create a culture where kids actively participate, serve, and engage in the church as soon as they are believers.
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Dr. Tracy McElhattan, Director of Early Childhood Ministries at Blue Valley Baptist Church, joins the podcast to discuss practical information about characteristics of specific disabilities and suggestions on how to teach to the strengths of children.
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Mitch Royer, staff at LifeAustin, joins the podcast to discuss ways to make your Event a win and using it to build momentum into your ministry and impact the community.
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Dr. Shane and Dr. Jennifer Garrison, School of Theology Faculty at Campbellsville University join the podcast to discuss the dangers of age compression and give strategies for proper growth and development.
The post 6 Going On 16: Age Compression Among Kids appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Randy Helms, Children’s Pastor at Mountain West Church, GA, joins the podcast to discuss the myth of ministry and discover together what God’s intent is for those that He calls to this incredible journey! We will discover that balance is a myth and learn how to prioritize.
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Todd Villemont, Children’s Pastor at FBC Naples, FL, joins the podcast to discuss the importance of connecting with parents in ministry. Parents are connected in all aspects of life, but they are losing their kids to the world because they have lost any connection with their children. Todd and Chuck discuss practical ways that leaders …
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Teaching a room full of elementary kids can be more intimidating than a room full of adults, but it doesn\’t have to be. John Murchison joins our podcast to discuss some simple strategies that will help you keep their attention and better communicate the gospel.
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We all know life gets messy, and as we minister to families these hurts appear in our ministries. In this episode, Heidi Hensley, Director of Children’s Ministry at Shadow Mountain Community Church, stops by the podcast to discuss the most common hurts we encounter as we minister to parents and kids, and how we can …
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Relationships are undoubtedly one of the most important aspects of our lives. What would it look like if we could set our children up to relate differently from their earliest stages: to have friendships that build up rather than tear down, to have healthy and appropriate boundaries, to handle conflict in ways that create more …
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Dealing with children’s behavior is one of the most challenging parts of serving in children’s ministry. Jenny Funderburke Smith, Minister to Children at West Bradenton Baptist Church, drops by the podcast to discuss the purpose of discipline in kids’ ministry as discipleship and helps us identify practical ways to structure the ministry and classroom environments …
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Sam Luce stops by the podcast booth at ETCH 2017 to talk about what the Gospel demands of parents in our ministries. Sam’s message to his parents is all about how we need to live in transparency, suffer publicly, and trust Jesus completely.
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According to statistics, we are the most addicted, in-debt, depressed, obese population in U.S. history. We go to great lengths to avoid, deny, medicate or suppress emotions. Our country is full of adults who never learned how to navigate their emotions in a constructive way. What would it look like to raise a generation of …
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A long-time friend of Lifeway Kids, Kelli McAnally, stops by the podcast to help us discover ways to help parents stay connected to your ministry through family fun fellowships, including ideas like: Daddy/Daughter Date Nights, snack and chat trivia, Build-A-Nativity, and church scavenger hunts!
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Though, we ultimately want every child to meet Jesus and our dream is to see all children respond to the Gospel in our services, we should also focus on creating memorable experiences that families and children want to come back to. When families find something that draws them back each week, then they stand a …
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Dr. Shelly Melia, Associate Dean of the Graduate School of Ministry and director for the Master of Arts degrees in children’s ministry at Dallas Baptist University joins the podcast to talk about how families are approaching church differently than generations before them. This conversation gives us insight into the mindset of young parents and discover ways …
The post Legos or Jigsaw Puzzles? Emerging Trends in Ministry to Today’s Families appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Parenting in the digital age is an ever-changing adventure. From trying to keep up with the newest trends to effective responses when things go wrong, the right thing to do can be hard to know. Jason Gibson, Director of the Babb Center in Hendersonville, TN, joins the podcast to discuss a series of strategies that …
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[This new episode of the Kids Ministry 101 Podcast comes directly from #ETCH17 that happened last week! Mark Jones stops by our podcast studio to talk about how Bible Drill revolutionized Wednesday nights at his church.] Wednesdays were boring and full of mischievous kids that were running off teachers faster than they could be recruited. …
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Bill Emeott, lead kids ministry specialist at Lifeway, joins the podcast to talk about what age a child can believe and accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Bill helps us think about 4 stages that kids walk through on their journey toward God. Resources: Levels of Biblical Learning When Can A Child Believe? – …
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Today’s podcast welcomes some of the leadership of the NextGen team at Houston’s First Baptist. Chuck sits down with their team to discuss how they work together in their individual areas to do what’s best for the families in their church. What does family ministry look like in your specifc age group ministry? What challenges have …
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Bill Emeott, lead ministry specialist for Lifeway Kids, joins our podcast to discuss some of the top tips he has discovered for enlisting and recruiting volunteers in your ministry. Today’s conversation includes tips such as: Having a clear vision Leading with enthusiasm Job descriptions Men’s involvement For more of Bill’s tips on recruiting visit his …
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Jana Magruder and Ben Trueblood co-host this special episode as they discuss the top 3 ways to align your ministry. This is a topic that they will be leading together at our national ETCH Family Ministry Conference happening in a few weeks! Stay tuned to the end of the episode for a special discount offer. …
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Sam Luce, children’s pastor at Redeemer Church in Utica, NY, joins the podcast again to discuss why theology is critical in our approach to family ministry. With the allure of skits, fun and games, where does theology find it’s place? What are the truths that we must maintain to stay theologically centered?
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There are many spiritual markers that dot the timeline during the 18 years a child is in the family’s immediate care. Our guest, Danielle Bell, helps us discover how to be intentional about applying a Gospel-centered approach during special times from birth to high school graduation.
The post Making the Gospel Central in Every Spiritual Marker appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Chuck sits down with clinical therapist, Tony Rankin, to discuss several trending crisis situations that Tony is observing across the landscape of kids ministry. Tony also gives us practical steps to take, as a first response to these types of situations. Topics discussed include sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional safety, suicidal thoughts and more.
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Learn from Mark Jones, Children’s Pastor of Quail Springs Baptist Church in Oklahoma, how to connect with your kids through great activities and bringing the Bible story to life… and hold the attention of kids for longer periods of time. Today’s episode brings you some practical ideas for fine tuning those classroom super powers!
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Author and speaker, Angie Smith, joins us on the last day of Family Ministry Week to share her perspective of family ministry as well as how much priority we should give to teaching kids and families the entire narrative of scripture. This conversation helps to frame up this year’s ETCH Conference theme, Nothing Less. Remember, …
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Trevin Wax, Lifeway’s Bible and Reference Publisher and managing editor of The Gospel Project, joins us on this episode to talk about why bible reading is often viewed as a difficult task and how we can raise kids to love God’s Word and discover Bible reading as an act of worship and obedience, not as …
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On today’s episode, Pastor Robby Gallaty gives us his perspective on how to define family ministry. He discusses specific strategies parents can use to disciple their kids, and how biblical literacy is such an important part of the strategy of family discipleship. This conversation will help you think about how to create an environment for kids …
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Today, we welcome Dr. Josh Straub to the podcast. Josh and Chuck discuss practical strategies for how parents can begin to facilitate discipleship at home, and how kids leaders can partner with parents to set them up for success as the primary disciples of their kids.
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We kick-off Family Ministry Week with Lifeway Vice President, Eric Geiger. Today’s topic is all about breaking down ministry silos to better serve the families in your church. Stay tuned at the end of the episode for a special offer to this year’s national ETCH Family Ministry Conference.
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Today’s guest is Sam Luce, Children’s Pastor at Redeemer Church in Utica, NY. This conversation is all about discipleship. Discipleship should not primarily be viewed through a programmatic lens. Discipleship is a process and journey of becoming more like Jesus. We must recognize that in order to be a discipler, we must first, be a disciple. …
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One thing is certain in ministry and that is change. Change is not always bad. Whether you are transitioning into a new ministry, implementing new vision, or just changing the way you do programming; change can solidify growth within yourself and your team. Mitch Royer joins the podcast to discuss best practices and practical solutions …
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Amy Fenton Lee joins our podcast to discuss how to make the Gospel accessible to children with special needs. Chuck and Amy discuss what the term inclusion really means. We know there are children in our ministry with a wide range of abilities and learning styles. How can we create environments and programming to help …
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Heidi Hensley joins the podcast, from our ETCH Family Ministry Conference, to help us think through several tough topics that kids ministry leaders will face. Some of those tough topics include: – how to have tough conversations with volunteers – how to deal with homosexuality and/or gender-related issues – how to handle situations where mandated reporting is required …
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John Murchison is our special guest on today’s podcast as we discuss how more and more churches are joining the missional movement, intentionally focusing on people over programs and on reaching those not already attending the church. Chuck and John discuss how a program-driven ministry like children’s ministry can thrive in a missional church, and …
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Dr. Shelly Melia joins the podcast to discuss ministry to preteens. This specific age group often presents several dilemmas for kids ministry leaders. Chuck and Dr. Melia discuss a few characteristics of preteens today. Is there a preferred strategy when it comes to ministering to preteens? What are the pros and cons to bumping preteens up to …
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Today, Heidi Hensley joins the Kids Ministry 101 podcast to talk about strategy for family ministry. There are many spiritual markers that dot the timeline during the 18 years a child is in the family’s immediate care. Chuck and Heidi discuss how to be intentional about applying a Gospel-centered approach for those critical times from birth to high …
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On today’s episode, David Francis, Lifeway’s Director of Sunday School, shares five tips for retaining workers with preschoolers and children. As a Minister of Education who championed kids ministry, David developed a system that fully staffed a rotation of 3 Sunday School hours without relying on what some would call bonus teaching hour workers. This episode provides powerful insights into …
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What does it take to move people? How do you get members in your church to move from sitting and soaking to experiencing life with Jesus? Stephanie Chase, Minister to Kids at Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX joins the podcast to discuss & discover primary catalysts to get people moving and how to implement these …
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On today’s episode we wrap up an important conversation with Kimberlee Norris and Gregory Love of MinistrySafe.com. Kimberlee and Gregory are subject matter experts providing legal counsel and training related to child sexual abuse. In addition to MinistrySafe.com, they also have developed seminary-level training modules through MinistrySafeInstitute.com. Here are today’s episode highlights: The biggest hurdle that the Church …
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When it comes to keeping our kids safe, especially in today’s realities, it is simply not enough to have good intentions. Today, we begin a two-part conversation with Gregory Love and Kimberlee Norris from MinistrySafe.com. Gregory and Kimberlee are both legal experts dealing specifically with child sexual abuse and crisis litigation & response. You can …
The post Keeping Your Kids Safe: Safeguards & Best Practices appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Today is the final episode in our 3-part series about three essentials of a healthy kids ministry. We wrap up the series with an important discussion about culture shaping. What does it look like to have a ministry that is culture shaping? How do you shape your kids ministry to be effective in your community, …
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Today is part 2 in our Essentials of a Healthy Kids Ministry series. Jana and Chuck help us think about why our ministries should be focused on heart transformation, not behavior modification. While we would all agree with this statement, has your team really spent time evaluating everything you do to this end? What are the things you should be …
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Today’s episode begins a 3 part series on the Kids Ministry 101 Podcast where we discuss three essential nutrients that are needed in order to have a healthy kids ministry. Do you know what your philosophy of ministry is? Can your key leaders and volunteers articulate the vision and philosophy of why you do what …
The post Essentials of a Healthy Kids Ministry: Kingdom Expanding appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Rhonda VanCleave and Melita Thomas join the podcast this week to talk all things VBS! Rhonda serves as the team leader for the VBS publishing team and Melita serves as our VBS Ministry Specialist. It’s that time of year where churches are ramping things up, so we wanted to bring in our two resident experts to help us remember the vision …
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Events can be the life blood of a ministry. When it comes to events in your ministry, how would you describe what success looks like? What are the steps you\’ve created to ensure your events are a win? On today’s episode, we chat with Mitch Royer, Children’s Pastor at Life Austin. Mitch helps us think about …
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Today’s episode gets really, really practical. Often we need a game to play that will better teach the material we are learning or stretch the teaching time when parents are running late. Today, we talk with Mark Jones about that little list of extra ideas to keep in your pocket that can make you look …
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Today’s episode features Dr. Shane and Jennifer Garrison as they discuss the struggle Christian parents face with The Talk. Dr. Shane Garrison is now serving as VP for Enrollment & Associate Professor at Campbellsville University, and his wife Dr. Jennifer Garrison, is also an assistant professor of education ministry at Campbellsville University. On this episode, hear …
The post What Christian Parents Are and Are Not Teaching Their Kids About Sexuality appeared first on Kids Ministry.
We want to teach the full counsel of Scripture to our children, but what do we do with the violence and mature content in the pages of our Bibles? On today’s episode, we are talking with John Murchison, Director of Children’s Ministry at The Austin Stone Community Church, about how to teach the tough stuff …
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A recent study found that nearly 75 percent of Christian young people fall away from the faith and leave the church after high school. As children’s leaders, we have a unique opportunity to impact this generation of young believers on the front end and play a key part in reversing this disturbing trend. On today’s …
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As of the release of this episode, there are only 82 days left until its officially Summer 2017! Of course we all know that summer really begins way before the real season actually changes. So if you haven\’t already begun thinking about and planning for your summer, now is the time! On today’s episode, Jeremy …
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Serving in a mobile ministry means leaders face unique challenges but also are positioned for great opportunities. In this week’s episode, Jana Magruder, Director of Lifeway Kids, joins Chuck to discuss her experience in serving in a mobile kids ministry. Jana speaks on the challenge of being mobile, how to lead your team well, security issues to think …
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Lifeway has recently released a newly revised Bible translation, titled the Christian Standard Bible. Formerly known as the HCSB (Holman Christian Standard Bible), this new revision focuses on the balance of both accuracy and readability of the text. What does this revision mean for us as kids ministry leaders? Landry Holmes, manager of Kids Ministry Publishing, …
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The Easter season is one of the most important seasons in a church. We, as kids ministry leaders, have an opportunity to share with boys, girls and their families about Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection. Lifeway Kids has developed resources to help you this Easter Season as you minister to families. Brian Dembowczyk, Team Leader …
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Amy Fenton Lee joins us on the Kids Ministry 101 Podcast to discuss why some churches have enthusiastic synergy and success when it comes to special needs inclusion while other churches seem to flounder. The answers might surprise you. There are some myths that make churches feel that they may not succeed in Special Needs …
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This week’s episode features Dr. Shelly Melia, faculty member at Dallas Baptist University, as we discuss the following questions surrounding the specific subset of parents known as the Millennial Parents. Who are Millennial Parents? What are some important issues churches need to address when engaging with millennial parents? How can a church better understand millennial parents? How …
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We are excited to announce that we are re-launching our podcast, now titled Kids Ministry 101! The vision of what we do on the podcast is not changing, but our team felt that a change was needed in order to better communicate what that vision is. Now, our podcast is in step with all of …
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Chuck Peters and Jana Magruder invite Tim Pollard, team leader of Explore the Bible: Kids to join them for the final episode in the curriculum podcast series. Explore the Bible: Kids, is an ongoing curriculum designed to help churches teach kids the Bible book by book. They share how churches can help kids study the Bible book by …
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What does it mean to study the Bible from a Christ centered chronological approach? Brian Dembowczyk, team leader of The Gospel Project for Kids, sits down with Jana Magruder and Chuck Peters for the third episode in our podcast series discussing curriculum. They discuss helping kids study the Bible from a Christ centered chronological approach using The …
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This is the second episode in a series of four podcasts designed to help churches choose and use curriculum. Jeff Land, team leader of Bible Studies for Life Kids joins our hosts, Jana Magruder and Chuck Peters. They discuss how teachers can help boys and girls study the Bible and apply biblical concepts to their …
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Choosing and using curriculum is one of the biggest and most important decisions a church will make. Landry Holmes who leads the kids publishing teams at Lifeway visits with our hosts, Jana Magruder and Chuck Peters about choosing and using curriculum. Listen as they discuss what curriculum is, why it’s important, and essential factors to …
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Dr. Shelly Melia joins the Lifeway Kids Podcast this week to help us think through helping families dealing with grief & crisis situations. What are some of the crisis situations that families find themselves in? How well equipped are Children’s Ministers in addressing these types of situations? Why is it important for Children’s Ministers to move …
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Linda Ranson Jacobs, of DC4K joins us again on the Lifeway Kids Podcast to discuss how to reach kids outside the walls of your church. This more than likely will mean addressing tough issues that are prevalent in our culture. Linda & Chuck Peters address some of the following questions and issues: How are families …
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This week’s episode of the Lifeway Kids Podcast features Linda Ranson Jacobs, of DC4K, to discuss how we can better minister to children of divorce in our churches. Why is ministering to children of divorce somewhat of a culture shock? How does our limited view of a child’s life affect how a child receives the ministry we offer …
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John Murchison, Director of Children’s Ministry at the Austin Stone Community Church, provides several tips & procedures for keeping your kids safe in your ministry. As a children’s minister, you must get educated & trained. Have policies in your church that are known and followed. Background checks are very important, but they are not enough. Complete reference checks …
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This week’s episode of the Lifeway Kids Podcast features a conversation with John Murchison, the Director of Children’s Ministry at The Austin Stone Community Church in Austin, TX. In our desire to share the gospel with kids, have we neglected to share that same gospel with the volunteers serving with us? The gospel is not just …
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This week’s episode of the Lifeway Kids Podcast, we sit down and have a conversation with Sherry Surratt about moms with preschoolers. What do preschool parents worry about? What do preschool moms think about church? As a children’s pastor, what are some practical things that can be done to reach preschool parents in your community? Sherry …
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Leadership can often times be challenging and discouraging. Any seasoned leader will tell you that having community with other leaders is vital. It’s critical for a number of reasons, but often times, that community is where is an encouraging word that can lift up your spirit as you seek to follow God’s direction to lead the ministries He has …
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The concept of connecting the church with the home is certainly nothing new, but it has recently become very popular. As this philosophy of ministry is considered, one question that church leaders must ask is who is ultimately responsible for the spiritual development of a child, the church or the home? In church ministry, there is …
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In this week’s episode, we gathered a few kids ministry leaders together to answer an important question: What can a leader do, in their own life, to grow with their church or to grow their ministry? The reality is that as a leader, two of your main responsibilities are to develop others and develop a vision for …
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In children’s ministry, it is very easy drift into the mindset that you must do everything yourself. This is why the art of delegation is, for many of us, an area of growth in our leadership. Does delegation mean you are working yourself out of a job? How do you know when you need to delegate something? …
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In this week’s episode of the Lifeway Kids Podcast, Chuck Peters, Lifeway Kids Director of Operations, sits down with Dr. Shelly Melia at last year’s Kids Ministry Conference (now called ETCH Family Ministry Conference) to discuss how important is it that we have a distinct philosophy behind what we do in children’s ministry. Having a …
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In this week’s episode, we sit down with Dr. Eric Mason (@pastoremase) at our Kids Ministry Conference in 2015. Dr. Mason is the lead pastor at Epiphany Fellowship in Philadelphia, PA. He is also the founder and president of Thriving, which is an urban ministry organization committed to training leaders for ministry in cities locally, …
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In this week’s episode of the Lifeway Kids podcast, our lead kids ministry specialist, Bill Emeott, sits down to discuss the importance of setting up a classroom. This is an element of kids ministry that has evolved over the years. Setting up a classroom in today’s culture can mean very different things because a classroom …
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As kids grow, their understanding of foundational truth grows with them. In this episode of the Lifeway Kids podcast, Chuck Peters, Jana Magruder, and Bill Emeott discuss the importance of having a framework as we teach the Bible to kids. It’s vital that we understand how God made kids and how they learn at each stage of …
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VBS is a milestone event in a kids life. We also know from research, that VBS is the #1 evangelistic outreach tool in churches today. Anyone that has helped to lead, plan, and execute a VBS event knows that there is a ton of work involved to pull it off. With all of that work, it’s extremely …
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Here at Lifeway Kids, we consider the camp experience to be a mile-marker event in the life of a kid! We love camp at Lifeway Kids and if you are looking for a life-changing experience for your own kids, we strongly consider you check out CentriKid Camps. But whether you do your own camp, or come …
The post 5 Great Tips for a Great Camp appeared first on Kids Ministry.
We get asked the same set of questions at virtually every event, camp, conference, and training session. How can I do a better job of recruiting volunteers? How can I keep my volunteers once I get them? We could probably give you a formula that would help you in both areas. There are some very …
The post Why Showing Up is Only One Layer of Discipleship appeared first on Kids Ministry.
When Jesus commissioned us to go into all the world, He knew that that would require us to bend, flex, and make efforts that go way outside of our comfort zone in order to reach that world. Prepare to be uncomfortable. Whether intentional or not, many churches tend to focus on a narrow range of …
The post Special Needs in KidMin appeared first on Kids Ministry.
In the scope of Church ministry, events that require planning tend to fall more in the space of children’s ministry than just about any other area. VBS. Camps. Family events. EVERY weekend, right? Fewer staff leaders have to navigate the art of delegation and management more than those in KidMin. You\’ve got to listen to …
The post Succeeding at Big Events by Managing the Little Details appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Sometimes, in children’s ministry, we wait to take kids deeper, assuming that the next leader, say, the student pastor, will handle that. What generally happens is that we have churches full of adults who were never challenged to grow in their knowledge of God, which is, by definition, their theology. They are a mile wide …
The post Theology and Kids appeared first on Kids Ministry.
We don\’t know how to begin this post. We can only say that you need to listen to this above almost all of the podcasts that we\’ve posted in the last year or so. What is one of the best gauges of your success as a parent? It’s not your heritage, those that came before …
The post Family Worship – Simply Put appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Don’t go it alone. Don’t spread yourself thin. Surround yourself with good people. These are all words of advice that are often ignored in the KidMin world. We’re busy, right? Don’t let this wisdom go unheeded. It’s critical that you build a team of leaders that can all carry the load of the ministry you …
The post Building A Team appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Don’t dumb it down. Very often, good doctrine and theology are sacrificed on the altar of creativity. It doesn\’t have to be that way. You can have a vibrant and creative children’s ministry that draws kids in, not just to your church, but to our God. Wouldn\’t you rather have kids that graduate from your …
The post Going Deep With Kids. Deeper Doctrine and Theology is Possible! appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Are you new to kids ministry or do you know someone who is? You\’ve got to hear this sit-down we had with Meredith Teasley. She lends her expertise to this topic that can help leaders avoid pitfalls in leadership. You might even hear Peanuts in the background. OK, you\’ll just have to listen to know …
The post New to KidMin – The Basics for Beginners appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Frustrating Fleeting Tech-addicted Entitled You\’ve probably heard these words when describing millennials. But what about Creative Flexible Passionate Teachable? Those words are at the heart of how God can use millennials and college students when they are well-led. In this podcast, we get to talk to Jeremy Echols. He leads 30,000 people every summer. Well, …
The post Utilizing Millennials to Make the Greatest Impact on Kids appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Leaders in the church often talk about missional living. But how do we let this play out when it comes to our kids? Do we cast the vision of living missionally to the families in our churches? It’s critical for KidMin leaders to lead their families in this calling from Jesus. We often relegate that …
The post On a Mission for God. It’s Not a Calling for Some, it’s a Commission for All appeared first on Kids Ministry.
VBS. It’s making a comeback. Churches are realizing that, when good follow-up is executed, VBS is a powerful outreach tool. It can bring families into the church and is a great platform for sharing the gospel with kids. So, the question is, Is it worth going through the effort of producing your own or is it …
The post VBS – Produce Your Own or Use a Complete Resource? appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Should leadership be important in kids ministry? You bet! Do we get so caught up in our systems that we forget to manage our volunteers and leaders? Do we always challenge what we think works without considering something new. Does your family ministry team have silos? We\’ll talk through several topics in this brief podcast …
The post Wholeness for Leaders appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Having enough glue is important. Planning a great activity makes a small group’s time pop! You WANT parents to ask their kids, Did you have fun in church? You want the answer to be Yes! But at the end of their lives…at the end of their time with you, their KidMin leader, what are the …
The post The Top Three Things Kids Need to Hear From Their Small Group Leader appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Most followers of Jesus begin their journey during or following a mountain-top experience. Many believers are reminded of the essence of their journey when they have one. Most of the people in scripture, including Jesus, had unique experiences when they went away and spent time with the Lord. Why wouldn\’t every KidMin leader want to …
The post The Importance of the Mountain Top Experience appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Hebrews 10:25 is a very prescriptive verse in scripture. Paul gives the church a charge to not forsake the gathering of the saints. The interesting thing to note about this verse is that it doesn\’t say adult saints. In other words, there is an expectation that all believers participate in a regular gatherings, regardless of …
The post Discipleship Series: Corporate Worship for Kids appeared first on Kids Ministry.
What are the key components in the discipleship of a kid? A child’s own devotional life? Showing them how to serve? Teaching them to navigate scripture? While all of these are important, the most common need in the spiritual development of kids is usually met in the form of a Sunday school or small group. …
The post Discipleship Series: Small Groups for Kids appeared first on Kids Ministry.
We hype it! We prep for it! Thousands of work-hours are put into it. Some begin planning the next as soon as the last is over. In fact, this blog was posted in the Fall! Why? Because we know that many church leaders are already gearing up for the excitement of VBS for next summer. …
The post How to Maintain VBS Energy Throughout the Year appeared first on Kids Ministry.
The Levels of Biblical Learning® provide a framework for how kids learn that is applicable in both the church and the home. - Jeff Land
Seminary professors, age-group specialists, educational specialists, kids leaders, children's pastors, & parents from all over the world have breathed into the content of this framework for showing how kids can learn Biblical concepts. - Jeff Land
The post How Kids Learn – Why It’s Important to Understand This in KidMin appeared first on Kids Ministry.
It’s never too late…OR too early to talk about Christmas, at least when you understand that Jesus is at the heart of this holiday… this season… and all that we are. In this podcast, we\’ll talk about the value of taking your church and its families through the story of Christmas and, ultimately, into the …
The post Christmas Time Is Here…And So Is Jesus appeared first on Kids Ministry.
We know that we’ve got to lead parents into understanding that they are to be the primary spiritual influences in their kids lives. In fact, practically every Christian publisher gives “take-homes” to give to the parents when they pick their kids up. And yet, kids ministry leaders still find that many of the parents are …
The post 30 Seconds – A Critical Interaction With Parents appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Welcome back to the Lifeway Kids podcast! Today’s post features Jerry Wooley, the man we refer to as The VBS Guy. He\’ll talk all things VBS with podcast host Jeffrey Reed. http://ministrysites.s3.amazonaws.com/podcasts/kidsministry/EP3_LIFEWAYKIDS.mp3 Here’s what you can expect to hear today: How VBS began Why VBS works The evangelistic approach behind VBS The importance of continuing connections with unchurched families …
The post Podcast Episode 3 – The Mission and Legacy of VBS appeared first on Kids Ministry.
Welcome back to the Lifeway Kids Podcast! This week’s episode again includes Brian Dembowczyk, Team Leader for The Gospel Project for Kids. http://ministrysites.s3.amazonaws.com/podcasts/kidsministry/EP2_LIFEWAYKIDS.mp3 Here’s what you can expect to hear this week: How to teach the gospel in an age-appropriate way Teaching preteens Teaching 3rd-5th graders Teaching kindergarten-2nd graders Teaching preschoolers When to warn parents about lessons …
The post Podcast Episode 2 – When Are Kids Old Enough to Hear That Jesus Died on a Cross? appeared first on Kids Ministry.
We’re excited to announce the beginning of the Lifeway Kids podcast! We\’ll bring you new podcasts every two weeks discussing essential topics in kids ministry. Check out Episode 1 – Teaching Bible Stories While Teaching the Big Story below. Today’s post features our Team Leader for The Gospel Project for Kids, Brian Dembowczyk. http://ministrysites.s3.amazonaws.com/podcasts/kidsministry/EP1_LIFEWAYKIDS.mp3 In this week’s episode, you\’ll hear about: …
The post Introducing the Lifeway Kids Podcast appeared first on Kids Ministry.