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

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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:

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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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

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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:

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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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

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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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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.

SHOW LINKS: 

Connect with Dr. Shelly Melia

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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 

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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