Big ministry vision is exciting until you try to turn it into Tuesday’s to-do list. We sit down with Chuck Peters to get practical about goal setting for kids ministry leaders, especially when you’re planning for the next season and trying to bring volunteers along with you.

We talk about why “actionable, incremental goals” beat giant vague targets every time, and how to build a pathway your team can actually follow. We also dig into Bible engagement goals that move from aspiration to practice, including modeling Scripture use, helping kids own a Bible, and building repeatable habits week by week.

If you’re doing summer planning, fall promotion prep, or volunteer training, this gives you a clear framework to simplify and move forward with confidence. Subscribe, share with a ministry friend, and leave a review so more leaders can find the show.

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You can run an excellent kids ministry and still aim at the wrong target. That sounds harsh, but it is also freeing because it means you do not need more activity, you need clearer purpose. 

In the first episode of our Summer Dreamin' series, Jana Magruder sits down with Chuck Peters, LifeWay’s Next Gen director and host of the ETCH NextGen Ministry Podcast, to talk about goal setting that moves beyond busywork and toward real spiritual growth for kids and families.  

Chuck tells the true Olympic story of Matt Emmons, who hit a perfect bullseye yet lost because he shot the wrong target. It is the perfect picture of ministry life: calendars fill up, events go well, volunteers hustle, and we still wonder why lasting discipleship feels elusive. We unpack how to define success before you plan, how to resist comparison with the church next door, and how to step off the treadmill long enough to see the bigger picture.  

From there, we get practical with two powerful goal-setting lenses. First, use the right lens: ministry goals are not “my goals,” they are goals for the church we serve, aligned with the overall mission, vision, and values. Second, use a long lens: begin with the end in mind and plan for kids to become godly adults, not just better-behaved children. We also talk tangible targets that support that long game, like building a culture of Bible reading and ensuring every child is known by name.

If you are ready to move from activity to impact, press play, then share this with a teammate and subscribe so you do not miss part two!

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We're so excited about a new season of Kids Ministry Calling: Summer Dreamin'! 

Now full video podcast on Youtube! Check us out at the Lifeway Channel.

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Fun doesn’t just happen in kids ministry, it’s led.

In this season finale of Kids Ministry Calling, Jana sits down with Stephanie Chase, Kids Minister at Champion Forest Baptist Church, for a high-energy and honest conversation about what it really takes to build a culture of fun that kids (and volunteers) want to be part of.

Stephanie shares why the leader sets the tone, how your energy and attitude shape the environment, and what it looks like to be intentional about bringing joy into every space—from classrooms to large group gatherings.

This episode is both a celebration of everything we’ve learned this season about fun in kids ministry and a challenge to step into your role as the one who leads it.

Because when leaders show up with purpose, presence, and joy—kids don’t just attend… they engage, belong, and grow.

If you’re ready to stop waiting for fun to happen and start leading it, this episode will give you the clarity and encouragement to do just that.

And as we close out this season, remember: fun isn’t extra—it’s a powerful part of how kids experience the love of Jesus! 

SHOW LINKS: 

Bible Stories for Life 

Hyfi

Explore the Bible for Kids 

The Gospel Project for Kids

SHAPE: Spritual gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality, Experiences

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In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling, Jana sits down with Miss PattyCake (Jean Thomason), a beloved leader in children’s ministry, to talk about helping kids connect with God through music, movement, and Scripture. From her early background in vocal performance to her calling in kids ministry, Jean shares how God has used her gifts to lead children into authentic worship.

This conversation is full of encouragement and practical insight for both ministry leaders and parents who want to instill a love for worship early. Jean highlights the importance of engaging kids during their formative years and offers simple, meaningful ways to make worship both fun and foundational. You’ll also hear about her new resource, Storytime with Miss PattyCake, and how tools like this can support families in nurturing faith at home. Because when kids learn to worship, they’re not just singing songs—they’re learning to know, love, and follow Jesus.

If you want to lead kids with joy, purpose, and a deeper focus on Jesus, this episode will inspire you to make worship a central—and fun—part of your ministry.

SHOW LINKS: 

Connect with Miss PattyCake

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In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling, we explore practical ways to make midweek kids ministry both fun and meaningful. From creating a relaxed, engaging environment to balancing teaching with relationship-building, this conversation is packed with ideas to help kids feel like they truly belong—not just attend.

We unpack the FLIP model—a simple framework for building connections between kids, leaders, influencers, and pastors—and why those relationships are key to lasting discipleship. You’ll also hear how to use tools like Hi-Fi curriculum and TeamKid to equip volunteers, engage kids, and reinforce identity in Christ in ways that stick. Because at the end of the day, participation isn’t the goal—belonging is.

Whether you’re rethinking your midweek strategy or looking for fresh ideas to energize your team, this episode will help you create a space where kids are known, valued, and excited to come back.

Listen in and start building a midweek ministry kids don’t just show up to—they belong to.

SHOW LINKS:

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Fun in kids ministry doesn’t happen by accident—it’s designed.

In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling, Jana sits down with Joey Kiker, Lifeway’s Creative Director, to talk about how intentional design can transform the way kids experience ministry. From room layout to lighting to technology, Joey shares how the physical environment can help create spaces where kids feel excited, welcomed, and ready to engage.

Joey unpacks the principles behind world building—the idea that every detail in your environment helps tell a story and invite kids into the experience. He also offers practical advice for churches looking to remodel or refresh their kids spaces, no matter the size of their budget.

Whether you’re planning a major renovation or simply trying to make your classroom more inviting, this conversation will help you think creatively and strategically about the spaces where discipleship happens. Because when kids walk into a space designed with them in mind, they don’t just notice—it communicates that they matter.

Listen in for practical ideas and fresh inspiration to create environments kids can’t wait to come back to.

SHOW LINKS:

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What if the secret to a stronger kids ministry… is creating a volunteer culture people actually enjoy being part of?

In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling, Jana sits down with Crystal Mazzuca to talk about how fun, connection, and intentional training can transform the way you recruit, equip, and retain volunteers.

Crystal shares practical and creative strategies to make volunteer experiences engaging—from hands-on training and shared meals to building meaningful community across your team. She also unpacks how mentorship across generations can strengthen your ministry and help develop future leaders.

You’ll hear how to balance video and in-person training, why appreciation matters more than you think, and how to spot and call out potential in the people God has placed around you.

This episode is full of encouragement and actionable ideas to help you build a team that doesn’t just serve—but thrives together.

🔑 What You’ll Learn

•  How fun can transform volunteer recruitment and retention 
•  Creative, practical ways to train volunteers effectively 
•  The power of food, community, and shared experiences 
•  Why mentorship is key to long-term ministry health 
•  How to balance digital and in-person training 
•  Simple ways to show appreciation and build loyalty 

💬 Quote to Remember

“People don’t just stay where they’re needed—they stay where they’re known, valued, and connected.”

💡 Challenge of the Week

Choose one way to invest in your volunteers beyond the role—whether it’s a meal, a handwritten note, or a more interactive training moment. Small steps build strong culture.

If you’re ready to move from filling volunteer spots to building a thriving, connected team, this conversation will give you the tools—and the vision—to lead with joy and intention.

SHOW LINKS:

Hyfi

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In this special church highlight episode, we take a closer look at First Orlando Kids Ministry and the heart behind what makes it so impactful. Conversations from Metro reveal that kids ministry is both deeply intentional and joyfully engaging—where fun isn’t just noise, but a meaningful tool for connection and discipleship.

It’s a reminder that what may look like organized chaos is actually Kingdom work with eternal impact! 

SHOW LINKS:

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This episode features insights from kids ministry leaders at CPC Orlando, sharing innovative ways to keep children engaged and foster a fun, faith-filled environment. Topics include encouraging curiosity through questions, making ministry fun with bright colors and music, and involving kids in leadership roles.

Check out Lifeway Kids Curriculum

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Join us at ETCH 2026