Are you feeling over-worked, over-looked, or thinking about leaving ministry? Do you love working with kids and families, but find yourself questioning longevity? When is the last time you recalled your calling to ministry? When's the last time you reminded yourself of your "why"?

The calling to Kids Ministry is a sacred calling, and a calling worth remembering, retellings, and sustaining us during all seasons of ministry! At Kids Ministry Calling we're thrilled to remind you of that calling to ministry, and share stories that help us link arms and encourage one another.

We want to hear from you! Click here to leave us a message or question!

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Ministry is a team sport and it's crucial for the success of the team to have a diverse range of players. In this episode of the Kids Ministry 101 podcast, Chuck Peters, Jana Magruder, and Landry Holmes discuss the importance of knowing the different personalities and unique wiring of team members in order to better leader, equip, and engage with your team. They explore various tools and assessments that can help leaders understand the strengths and weaknesses of their team members. During this conversation they specifically highlight the six types of working genius, which include wonder, invention, discernment, galvanizing, enablement, and tenacity.

Thanks for listening and sharing with a friend!

SHOW LINKS:
-Strength Finders
-Myers-Briggs
-Insights
-The 6 Types of Working Genius
-The 6 Types of Working Genius Book

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An entire generation is growing up watching videos, completing assignments, and potentially being taught by artificial intelligence.  The AI concept that use to make good movies, is a reality of our present. While there are many benefits to AI, there are serious threats that ministry leaders need to be aware of. On today's show of Kids Ministry 101, Chuck Peters, Jana Magruder, and Dr. Shelly Melia discuss the impact of artificial intelligence on childhood development, including brain development, social development, and even spiritual development.

Dr. 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 conversation explores the potential benefits of AI, and the risk of dependency and detachment from real-life relationships.  Dr. Melia emphasizes the importance of maintaining real-life, face-to-face relationships and the need for discernment and wisdom in navigating the use of AI.

Thanks for listening and sharing with a friend!

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In this episode of the Kids Ministry 101 podcast, Chuck and Jana have a conversation with trauma expert Stephanie Shivers, where they discuss the concept of trauma-informed ministry. Stephanie Shivers shares her knowledge and provides practical ways to help volunteers in children's ministry understand and support children who have experienced trauma. The conversation highlights the importance of defining the difference between trauma and toxic stress, and understanding the impacts on children's development and behavior, and emphasizes the need for compassion and awareness in ministry.

We'd love for you to share this episode with a friend! Thanks for listening!

SHOW LINKS:
ETCH Conference

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If you're a Next Gen leader of any kind, the ETCH Conference is for you! Lifeway's Etch Conference in Nashville, Tennessee will help you reset your focus so that you're ready to lead others! On today's episode, Chuck Peters, Jana Magruder, and Melita Thomas discuss what's in store for the conference this year, and why you should bring your entire team!

You and your team will gain valuable insights into four key areas of awareness that every NextGen leader needs to be in tune with—Church, Community, Culture, and Core (individual)— and practical tools to harness this knowledge to effectively reach and disciple the next generation! Click on the links below to sign up your team today!

SHOW LINKS:
ETCH Conference

Join us for ETCH 2025.  Sign up and get the details HERE. 

ETCH Conference

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You spoke, we listened, and now we're excited to share with you what's new in the updated cycle of The Gospel Project Curriculum.

The Gospel Project Curriculum is a three year comprehensive, Christ-centered, chronological curriculum for your next generation! On today's show Chuck Peters, Jana Magruder, and Landry Holmes share the new elements you can expect from the 5th cycle of The Gospel Project. Engaging videos, QR codes on take-home pages, and updated big picture questions and answers is just the beginning of all the elements you're going to love about this curriculum!

We encourage you to click the links below to check out the Gospel Project, and head over to facebook to join our vibrant online community for support and resources!

SHOW LINKS:
Lifeway Kids Curriculum
The Gospel Project
Lifeway.com/bpqa

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Hey friends! Over the next few weeks we're going to be sharing with you the top three episodes from Kid's Ministry 101. These are the most listened to episodes, which shows us, it's the topics you want to hear, and probably need to hear again!

Setting clear expectations is crucial in recruiting new volunteers, and sustaining current ones. On today's show, Shelly Harris and Bill Emeott discuss the importances of clearly outlining your expectations for all kids ministry volunteers. 

Thanks for listening and sharing with a friend!

SHOW LINKS:
Connect with Lifeway Kids

Join us for ETCH 2025.  Sign up and get the details HERE. 

ETCH Conference

Connect with Lifeway Kids

Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!

Hey friends! Over the next few weeks we're going to be sharing with you the top three episodes from Kid's Ministry 101. These are the most listened to episodes, which shows us, it's the topics you want to hear, and probably need to hear again!

Developing key leaders is crucial in growing and sustaining a healthy ministry. On today's show Lauren Bush joins the podcast to discuss some of the best practices for developing those leaders.

Thanks for listening and sharing with a friend!

SHOW LINKS:
Connect with Lifeway Kids

Join us for ETCH 2025.  Sign up and get the details HERE. 

ETCH Conference

Connect with Lifeway Kids

Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!

Hey friends! Over the next few weeks we're going to be sharing with you the top three episodes from Kid's Ministry 101. These are the most listened to episodes, which shows us, it's the topics you want to hear, and probably need to hear again!

On today's show we're bringing back a conversation with Klista Storts on a dozen do NOTS for recruiting volunteers! No matter how desperate you are to fill a space, Klista discusses the main things to stay away from when recruiting!

Thanks for listening and sharing with a friend!

SHOW LINKS:
Connect with Lifeway Kids

Join us for ETCH 2025.  Sign up and get the details HERE. 

ETCH Conference

Connect with Lifeway Kids

Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!

This week we are sharing an episode from one of our favorite shows from the Lifeway Podcast Network - Youth Ministry Booster. This show is the most honest podcast in student ministry! Hosted by Zac Workun and Chad Higgins, the biggest fans of youth ministry leaders, Youth Ministry Booster brings you the humor and help to engage, entertain, equip, and encourage!

Chad and Zac tackle the hefty topic of expectations in ministry. They peel back the layers on why we plan events and who they're truly for. It's all about syncing our passions with the real needs of our audience. This episode isn't just about shrugging off failures; it's a roadmap for refining our perspective to enhance our work. Join Chad and Zac as they question the norms, from worship to the structure of our gatherings

Thanks for listening and sharing with a friend!

SHOW LINKS:
-Connect with Youth Ministry Booster

Join us for ETCH 2025.  Sign up and get the details HERE. 

ETCH Conference

Connect with Lifeway Kids

Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!