In this episode of The Five Smooth Stones, we explore why biblical truth must be more than something children hear—it must shape how they live. Rooted in Deuteronomy 6:4–9, this reflection challenges common children’s ministry models that emphasize correct answers and memory verses without engaging real life.

Through a powerful story from Egypt, we are reminded that children carry real grief, fear, trauma, and questions—and that Scripture must meet them there. Honest discussion, compassionate listening, and thoughtful engagement with God’s Word are essential if truth is to move from information to transformation.

This episode calls KidMin leaders to create space where Scripture speaks directly into the realities children face, allowing God’s Word to take root and change hearts.

In this episode of The Five Smooth Stones, we focus on the third essential element of transformational children’s ministry: Truth. But not just teaching truth—sharing it. we unpack the difference between presenting Bible lessons as information and communicating them as personal transformation. Children don’t just need polished lessons; they need leaders whose hearts have been changed by the truth they teach. Discover how authenticity and spiritual passion make the difference between a lesson that’s heard and one that changes lives.

In this episode of The Five Smooth Stones, we explore the second essential element of transformational children’s ministry: Experience. Teaching God’s Word isn’t just about explaining it—it’s about helping kids live it. Experiential teaching invites children to feel, move, and engage with Scripture in ways that connect deeply to their hearts. We walk through a simple four-step process—Lesson Aim, Feelings, Activity, and Bible Connection—to show how any leader can design experiences that move truth from a child’s head to their heart. Discover how to help kids experience God’s Word, not just hear it.

In this episode of The Five Smooth Stones, we explore the first essential element of transformational children’s ministry—Relationship. Drawing from 1 Thessalonians 2:7–8, we look at how the Apostle Paul modeled a nurturing, maternal kind of leadership—one marked by affection, compassion, and sacrifice. Ministry that transforms isn’t just about teaching lessons or running programs; it’s about sharing our lives. Just as Paul “shared not only the gospel but his very self,” children’s ministry leaders are called to lead through love, presence, and genuine care. Discover how relationships rooted in Christ can turn routine ministry into life-changing discipleship.

Welcome to The Five Smooth Stones, a new podcast series exploring the foundations of transformational children’s ministry. In this opening episode, we uncover how Deuteronomy 6:4–9 outlines five key elements—Relationship, Experience, Truth, Discussion, and Response—that shape the way we lead children toward a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ. This model has changed the lives of children and leaders around the world, helping them experience God’s Word as living, relevant, and deeply personal. Discover how these five “stones” can transform your ministry into one that builds lifelong disciples.

The way a child responds to God's word, is what really makes a difference in his or her life. You can find out more about Response in Children's Ministry by reading this week's blog or listening to the podcast.

There is no Children's Ministry without Discussion! Check out this week's blog or podcast to learn more about transformational children's ministry

To learn more about truth, and teaching children how to avoid becoming self-centered in a world that promotes narcissism, listen to this week's episode!

To learn more about experiential teaching in children's ministry by looking at Deuteronomy 11, listen to this week's episode!

To learn more, please visit www.egminstitute.org