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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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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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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