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:

Connect with Lifeway Kids 

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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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.

SHOW LINKS:

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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What if teaching theology to children wasn’t as intimidating as it sounds? What if, instead, it was one of the most natural and essential parts of shaping a child’s faith? In this episode, Mary Wiley joins us to unpack the idea that theology is simply learning about God—and that kids are not only capable of learning it, but eager to! With warmth and wisdom, Mary shares how parents and ministry leaders can make big truths about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and the church both accessible and engaging for young hearts. 

In this episode, Mary Wiley dives into the heart of why teaching theology to children matters deeply. She reminds us that theology is simply learning about who God is—and that every child deserves to know Him personally and deeply. Mary offers practical tools, insights, and encouragement for both parents and ministry leaders as they teach kids about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and the church. With a focus on making theology engaging and understandable, she shows how we can help children build a strong foundation of faith that lasts. 

This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about helping the next generation grow in their understanding of and love for God. If this episode gave you fresh ideas or encouraged you in your role as a parent or leader, we’d love for you to take a moment to rate and review the podcast—it helps us reach even more people who are passionate about discipling the next generation. And don’t forget to share this episode with a friend, ministry partner, or fellow parent who’s walking the same journey. Let’s keep growing together as we teach kids the beautiful truths about who God is!

SHOW LINKS:

Everyday Theology

Ages and Stages

Big Picture Questions and Answers

Bible Skills for Kids

Our Highest Good

Discovering the Bible

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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What does it mean to leave a lasting spiritual legacy? In a world filled with challenges and distractions, how can parents and grandparents intentionally invest in the faith of the next generation? In this powerful episode, we’re joined by Janie Ortlund, an author and passionate advocate for generational faith. 

Drawing from her book To the Tenth Generation, Janie shares her heart for passing down faith through practical traditions, intentional parenting, and a deep reliance on God’s promises. She reminds us that it’s never too late to influence our children and grandchildren for Christ, no matter what stage of life we’re in. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or ministry leader, this conversation will inspire you to think about your spiritual legacy and how to build a foundation of faith that endures for generations to come.

We’re so grateful you joined us and would love for you to share this episode with parents, grandparents, or anyone who desires to pass down their faith to future generations. Thanks for listening, and keep building a legacy of faith that will impact generations to come!

SHOW LINKS: 

To the Tenth Generation

Connect with Janie Ortlund

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Have you ever walked into a church space and immediately felt overwhelmed? The environments we create for kids and families can make a powerful first impression, and they play a big role in how people experience church. In this episode, we welcome back Lynley Mandrell to dive into the importance of thoughtfully designed spaces in children’s ministry. 

Lynley shares her passion for creating environments that are both inviting and functional, offering practical tips for evaluating, updating, and organizing ministry spaces. From balancing thematic decor with neutral elements to making signage clear and welcoming, Lynley highlights how intentional design can enhance hospitality and outreach. Plus, she emphasizes the value of involving the community in renovation projects, making the process collaborative and meaningful. 

Whether your church is looking to refresh a room or completely overhaul your kids’ ministry area, this episode is packed with insights to help you create a space where families feel at home!

If you found today’s episode helpful, we’d love for you to take a moment to rate and review the podcast. Your feedback helps us reach more leaders who are passionate about making a difference in children’s ministry. And don’t forget to share this episode with your team or anyone involved in creating ministry environments—they’ll thank you for it! Thanks for listening, and keep making your space a welcoming place for families to grow in faith.

SHOW LINKS: 

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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How do we take deep, biblical truths and make them come alive for kids in a way that sticks? In this episode, Jana Magruder tackles this topic with Joel Evrist, a passionate kids ministry leader who knows how to bring God’s Word to life through humor, real-life applications, and music. Joel shares his journey in children’s ministry and the heart behind his work on the Explore the Bible series, giving us a behind-the-scenes look at how to simplify complex theological concepts in ways kids can truly grasp. Along the way, he reflects on favorite teaching moments, emotional experiences in ministry, and the powerful ways God moves in the lives of children. Whether you’re looking for fresh ideas, encouragement, or practical resources to enhance your kids ministry, this conversation is full of wisdom and inspiration!

We’re so glad you joined us for this fun and insightful conversation! If this episode encouraged you or gave you new ideas for your ministry, we’d love for you to take a moment to rate and review the podcast—it helps more leaders discover these conversations. And don’t forget to share this episode with a friend or fellow kids ministry leader who would benefit from Joel’s wisdom and experience. Thanks for listening, and keep sharing the joy of God’s Word with the next generation!

SHOW LINKS:

Explore the Bible

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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What if the songs we sing and the stories we tell could plant seeds of faith that last a lifetime? In this episode, we’re joined by the incredibly gifted Ellie Holcomb—singer, songwriter, author, and passionate advocate for nurturing children’s hearts through music and scripture. Ellie shares her personal journey of faith and creativity, and how it led her to write children’s books and songs that point kids to the hope we have in Jesus. You’ll hear about her latest book, Spring Sings, a beautiful reflection on themes of hope and resurrection even in seasons of grief. Ellie’s heart for partnering with parents and churches to teach kids about God shines through as she reminds us of the power of music in helping children memorize scripture and make meaningful, lasting connections with God’s truth. If you’re longing to create moments that shape a child’s faith journey—whether in the classroom, at home, or through music—this conversation will leave you inspired and encouraged!

Thanks for joining us for this conversation with Ellie Holcomb! If this episode encouraged you or sparked new ideas for your ministry or family, we’d love for you to take a moment to rate and review the podcast. Your feedback helps others discover these conversations and equips more leaders and parents to make a lasting impact. And don’t forget to share this episode with a friend or fellow ministry leader who would be inspired by Ellie’s story and resources. Until next time, keep planting seeds of faith in the hearts of the next generation!

SHOW LINKS: 

Connect with Ellie Holcomb

Spring Sings

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Have you ever wondered if the Bible you’re handing to a child is the right fit for them? As kids grow and develop, so do their needs when it comes to engaging with God’s Word. 

In this episode, we’re joined by Mary Wiley for an eye-opening conversation about choosing age-appropriate Bibles that truly connect with kids at every stage of their spiritual journey. Mary brings her deep passion for biblical literacy and her ministry experience to the table as she walks us through how to select Bibles that are not only theologically sound but also accessible, engaging, and tailored to a child’s developmental needs.  

Mary shares her personal calling story and why fostering a love for God’s Word in children is one of the most important things we can do. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or ministry leader, this conversation will inspire you to think differently about the Bibles you place in kids’ hands.

We’re so glad you joined us for this important conversation with Mary Wiley! If today’s episode gave you new insight or encouragement, we’d be so grateful if you’d take a minute to rate and review the podcast. Your support helps more ministry leaders and parents discover these conversations that equip them to make a difference. And don’t forget to share this episode with a friend or teammate who’s passionate about helping kids grow in their love for God’s Word. 

Thanks for listening—we’ll see you next time!

SHOW NOTES:

It's All About Jesus Bible Storybook

Read to Me Bible

Grace Bible

Explorer Bible 

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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One of the greatest gifts we can give children is a deep love for God’s Word. But how do we help them not just hear Bible stories, but truly engage with Scripture and develop lasting Bible skills? In this episode, we’re joined by Emily Jennings to talk about the importance of biblical literacy in kids ministry. 

From preschoolers to preteens, every child can begin building a strong foundation in God’s Word—one that will carry them through a lifetime of faith. Emily shares her passion for equipping kids with essential Bible skills, practical strategies for making Scripture come alive, and how parents and ministry leaders can work together to cultivate a love for God’s Word in the next generation. If you’re looking for ways to make Bible learning fun, meaningful, and impactful, this conversation is for you!

We hope this episode has encouraged and equipped you in your ministry to kids! If you found this conversation helpful, would you take a moment to rate and review the podcast? Your feedback helps others discover this resource and continue growing in their calling. And don’t forget to share this episode with fellow ministry leaders and parents who are passionate about helping kids grow in biblical literacy!

SHOW LINKS: 

Explore the Bible Kids

Explorer Bible 

Wholly Kids: Guiding Kids To A Life In Christ

Books of the Bible Flash Cards

Nothing Less

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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Many churches hesitate to host VBS because they feel they don’t have enough volunteers. But what if we told you that this shouldn't be the obstacle stopping you? What if we told you we have strategies that can help you engage your church and build a strong, committed volunteer team? In this episode, Melita Thomas shares her top tips for recruiting and retaining volunteers, ensuring a meaningful VBS experience that will impact not only your church, but your entire community.

From the foundational role of prayer to the importance of personal asks, Melita Thomas and Jana Magruder break down essential strategies that will help you build a strong volunteer team. Learn how clear planning, effective communication, and equipping your volunteers for success can lead to a meaningful VBS experience. With these practical tips, you’ll be prepared to engage and appreciate your volunteers, ensuring that VBS becomes a powerful tool for reaching children with the gospel.

Lifeway VBS Curriculum is the perfect companion to your volunteer recruitment efforts. With clear planning tools, resources for equipping your team, and a focus on impactful ministry, Lifeway provides everything you need to create a VBS experience that will empower your volunteers and transform the lives of children!

SHOW LINKS:
VBS Digital Catalog
VBS Directors Club   
VBS Free Sample
VBS Preview Digital Pass  

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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