Apostolic Children's Network

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Every ministry leader knows the kind of volunteer they wish they had more of the one who shows up, jumps in, takes ownership, stays teachable, and genuinely cares about the mission.

In this episode, we’re talking about “The Volunteer Everyone Wants.” What separates a great volunteer from someone who simply fills a position? We’ll look at qualities like dependability, initiative, preparation, teachability, teamwork, spiritual maturity, and a genuine love for the children and families we serve.

But this conversation isn’t just about building a wish list for our volunteer teams. We’re also turning the question back on ourselves: Are we the kind of people we would want serving on our team? And as leaders, are we creating a culture that recognizes potential, develops people, and helps ordinary volunteers become extraordinary ministers?

Great volunteers don’t always walk through the door ready-made. Sometimes, they’re developed and great leaders learn how to see what someone can become.

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Episode Overview

Oops… 😅 We know, we know… we accidentally skipped June! Life got busy, ministry got busier, and somehow the calendar won. But we’re finally back, and we’ve got plenty to catch up on!

In this episode, we recap our whirlwind month of camps, conferences, VBS, CMC, ministry, and everything in between. Sister Bradshaw may or may not have thrown a few of our friends under the bus, then threw it in reverse, backed over them, and made sure the job was finished. 😂 (It’s all in good fun… I think.)

We also have a little fun with the classic “whale vs. big fish” conversation, but the real takeaway isn’t what swallowed Jonah. It’s that none of us are looking for a whale, but too often we aren’t listening either. Jonah’s story reminds us that when God speaks, our responsibility isn’t to debate the details, it’s simply to obey.

We also share some exciting personal news about a new job, talk about what God has been teaching us about remaining faithful through every season, and give you a look at several upcoming events we’re excited about.

Whether you’re catching up with us after our unexpected break or joining us for the first time, we’re glad you’re here. Thanks for listening to the Apostolic Children’s Network Podcast!

For my AIO fans let me know if you got the reference!!

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Join us as we discuss something we've been hinting at for nearly two months now: What We Carry Into the Classroom.

Every one of us carries something into ministry.

We don't walk into the classroom as blank slates. We bring our experiences, victories, disappointments, lessons learned, and even the difficult seasons we've walked through. Whether we realize it or not, those experiences often shape the way we love, teach, mentor, and minister to children.

In this episode, we're sharing some of our own stories and discussing how God can use the very things we've experienced to help us recognize needs in the next generation. We talk about how our burdens, passions, and ministries are often connected to places where God has worked in our own lives.

Drawing from 1 Peter 4:12 and 2 Corinthians 1:4, we explore how God can redeem every chapter of our story and use it for His purpose.

Our prayer is that this conversation encourages you to pause and ask yourself:

"What am I carrying into the classroom?"

And even more importantly:

"What is God trying to do through it?"

Whether you're a children's pastor, Sunday School teacher, volunteer, parent, or ministry leader, we hope this episode reminds you that God can use your story to impact someone else's future.

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We recorded this one the way we usually do lately… riding down the road together.

In this episode, we talk about kids who are going through real, heavy things. Some of them show it in loud, explosive ways. You can’t miss it. It demands your attention.

But others… you’d never know just by looking at them.

As a paramedic, I’ve learned about something called distracting injuries. It’s the injury that’s so obvious, so intense, that it pulls all your focus. Meanwhile, there can be something more serious underneath that you won’t even find unless you slow down and take a closer look.

That’s exactly how it is in children’s ministry.

Sometimes the loud behavior becomes the distracting injury. It gets all of our attention. And while we’re focused on what’s visible, we can miss the deeper hurt… especially in the quiet kids who never act out but are carrying just as much, if not more.

We talk about learning to see beyond what’s on the surface.

We pray for real discernment, that God would help us not just respond to behavior, but minister to the heart. That He would use us to speak healing into both the loud and the silent struggles.

Because every child has something going on beneath the surface.

And if we’re willing to look a little deeper, God will let us be part of the healing.

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In this episode of the Apostolic Children’s Network, we’re coming to you live from the road… literally. This episode was recorded in a van, somewhere between one children’s ministry stop and the next, fueled by snacks, stories, and zero professional studio equipment. So buckle up it's a long one.

We’re recapping the Children’s Ministry Conference in Jena, Louisiana, and let’s just say… We did not leave dry, no really.

Between powerful services, taking notes like we were back in school, and soaking in every session we could, we ended up on a pontoon in the bayou under clear skies with stars we forgot were even there, spotlight scanning the water for gators. Then one turn caught a wake and just like that, we got our feet wet in Louisiana..

But seriously, CMC was incredible.

We break down the sessions that challenged us, the lessons we’re already putting into practice, and the moments that reminded us why children’s ministry matters so much. There was vision. There was conviction and there was that kind of fire that follows you home and won’t let you sit still.

And we have to talk about the Ashleys.

They didn’t just host a conference. They adopted everybody. Within minutes, you felt like family. At this point it’s settled. They are everyone’s grandparents. The kind that love you, feed you, check on you, and make sure you’re good before you even realize you needed anything.

This episode is a mix of road noise, laughter, ministry talk, and a whole lot of appreciation for what God is doing through CMC.

If you were there, you’re about to relive it.
If you weren’t, you’re going to wish you were.

Next time, we’ll bring better microphones.

Maybe.

Probably not....

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Children’s ministry is often seen as preparation for the future, but in reality, it is the front line of the church today. Research shows that nearly 64% of Christians made their commitment to Christ before the age of 18, and almost half before age 13. What happens in childhood does not stay in childhood. It shapes a lifetime.

In this episode, we discuss why children are the life force of the church and why the enemy fights children’s ministers so fiercely. We address the loneliness many children’s workers feel, the responsibility to teach not just what we believe but why we believe it, and the importance of equipping children with biblical truth that can withstand the pressures of the world.

We also explore the necessity of training the next generation of leaders, understanding our role as stewards of the Kingdom, and recognizing that we are not building our ministry but contributing to the future of the church as a whole.

This conversation is a call to refocus, recommit, and recognize the eternal impact of investing in children. What you build into them today will shape the church long after you are gone.

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Mentorship isn’t a program. It’s a posture.

Buckle up this is a long one... 

In this episode, we talk about how mentorship comes naturally to children’s ministers. Long before we ever used the word “mentor,” we were already doing it week after week, altar call after altar call, conversation after conversation.

We unpack why children’s ministry uniquely positions leaders to mentor hearts, not just manage classrooms. From modeling prayer and worship to shaping attitudes, discipline, and faith through everyday moments, mentorship is woven into the DNA of what we do.

This conversation is for every children’s minister who’s ever thought, “I’m just teaching kids,” when in reality, you’re raising future leaders, guiding faith in its earliest stages, and planting seeds that will last a lifetime.

If you’ve ever wondered why kids open up to you…
Why they listen…
Why they follow your example…

This episode will remind you that mentorship is already in your hands. You’ve been walking in it all along.

Click here for the APN Linktr.ee

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In this episode, we sat down and reflected on 2025 and all that God has done. We talked about the faithfulness of God throughout the year and highlighted several major victories, including the success of CMC, the impact of our Sunday School curriculum, and the growth we saw through our Future Leaders initiative. Each of these moments reminded us that when God orders the steps, fruit follows.

We also looked ahead to 2026 and shared what we are believing for and preparing for in the coming year. This conversation is filled with vision, expectation, and faith as we discuss where God is leading us next and what we are trusting Him to do in the days ahead.

If you are looking for encouragement, reflection, and a renewed sense of purpose going into a new season, this episode will speak to you.

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In this episode of the Apostolic Children’s Network Podcast, we sat down with our future leaders, kids who are not just growing up in the church but growing into powerful young disciples. With Thanksgiving only two weeks away, we asked them what they are grateful for, and the answers were nothing short of incredible.

These kids opened up about miracles, provision, and the undeniable hand of God in their lives. Several of them even talked about going on 52 day fasts, something many adults struggle to commit to, and how God honored their sacrifice. From healings to breakthrough moments, their stories are living proof that God responds to the faith of children.

This episode is a reminder that the next generation is not waiting until they are older to seek God. They are pursuing Him now, and He is meeting them in powerful ways.

Be encouraged, be challenged, and let these young voices strengthen your faith as we move into this season of gratitude.

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In this episode of the Apostolic Children’s Network Podcast, we reflect on the unforgettable Children’s Ministry Conference in Union City, Tennessee. From powerful altar calls to practical sessions that equipped and inspired, this weekend was more than just a gathering it was a defining moment for children’s ministers everywhere.

We truly believe that ministries were changed, hearts were renewed, and a fresh fire was ignited to reach the next generation. Whether you were there in person or joining in for the recap, get ready to relive the highlights and hear what God is doing through children’s ministry across the nation.

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