Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder (Lifeway Podcast Network)

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

Connect with 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

Connect with 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

Connect with 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

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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

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

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 …

The post Connecting with Volunteers appeared first on Kids Ministry.

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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 …

The post Ministering to Families of Adopted Children appeared first on Kids Ministry.

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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 …

The post Keeping Your Pastor Engaged in Your Ministry appeared first on Kids Ministry.

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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.

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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.

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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.

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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.

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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.

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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.

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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.

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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.

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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.

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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.

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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.

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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.

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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.

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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.

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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.

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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.

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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.

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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.

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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.

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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.

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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.

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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.

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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.

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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.

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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.

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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.

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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.

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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.

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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.

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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.

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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.

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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.

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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.

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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.

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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.

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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.

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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.

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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.

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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.

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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.

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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.

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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.

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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.

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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.

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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.

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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.

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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.

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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.

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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.

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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.

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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.

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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.

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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.

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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.

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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.

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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.

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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.

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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.

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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.

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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.

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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.

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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.

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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.

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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.

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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.

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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.

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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.

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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.

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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.

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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.

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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.

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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.

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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.

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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.

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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.

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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.

Connect with Lifeway Kids