It is always bittersweet when the time comes to graduate kids into student ministry, but we know they are ready! In today's episode, I chat with Dan Istvanik all about the big transition from kids to students. Dan is a family pastor, creator of Youth Ministry Hub and on the Next Gen team for the Global Leadership Network. He shares his 30+ years of youth ministry wisdom as we are all gearing up to move kids from one ministry to the next.

Resources Mentioned:

⁠Milestone Masterclass ⁠

Middle Years Life Transitions Article

Youth Ministry Hub

Tis' the season for Easter planning! In this episode, hear how two real Next Gen leaders are preparing their teams and ministries for Easter Sunday. Hear how they debrief, plan, recruit, and celebrate their teams throughout the Easter season. We also share a few stories of maybe what not to do or how to learn from our mistakes.

You will love this real conversation with real leaders that I admire so much.

Resources Mentioned:

Milestone Masterclass

Wonder Ink Seder Resource

Today's episode looks a little different as we introduce a new podcast format that will be sprinkled throughout the year.

In these unique episodes, I will be talking about one of the 5 foundations of kids ministry. This week, we are zooming in on partnering with parents. I share some research I find fascinating and what to do with it.

Research Mentioned:

OneHope

State of Child Discipleship

Children's Ministry in a New Reality

Resourced Mentioned:

Parent Roundtable

Have you ever been stuck when teaching kids big Christian doctrines? Same.

My friends Sam Luce & Hunter Williams wrote a new book that will help leaders and parents everywhere teach kids theological truths that will impact their faith for a lifetime.

Resources Mentioned:

Spring Cohort

Creating Milestones That Matter

How to Teach Kids Theology Book

In today's episode, I sit down with Lynne Howard from the team at David C. Cook and we deep dive into curriculum but more specifically scope & sequence. We talk about how to really use a scope & sequence to plan your year, equip your parents, and better serve your volunteers.

Resources Mentioned:

Spring Cohort

Wonder Ink Curriculum

Connect with Lynne: [email protected]

My guest today is Cortney Jenkins. Cortney is the creator behind Awe & Wonder, a hub of resources to help churches and families reach all kids with the Gospel story. 

Today we talk about how to teach kids of all abilities using a variety of curriculum and techniques. Whether you have your own designated classroom for kids with special needs or are starting from the beginning, I know Cortney’s wisdom will be so encouraging and helpful. 

Resources Mentioned:

Awe & Wonder Curriculum

Follow Cortney on Socials

@awe__and__wonder

Spring Cohort

Creating Milestones That Matter Course

In today's episode, I share about what is coming for 2025! I talk about how we are being faithful to our mission and vision and what are the new and excited announcements.

We are grateful you are a part of this community and listening along as we learn and grow!

Resources Mentioned:

VBS Curriculum Video

Creating Milestones That Matter Course

Spring Cohort

Happy 2025 friends!

To ring in the new year, I am sharing 5 things I said the most as a kids ministry coach. Maybe these things will bring you encouragement, too.

To learn more about one-on-one coaching and the Spring Cohort, use the links below.

Kids Ministry Coaching

Spring Cohort

In this episode of the Kids Ministry Circle, I talk with Kenny Conley to hear about his latest 90-day volunteer recruiting challenge! He set out to recruit 50 volunteers in 90 days and I am out to get the inside scoop.

We talk about Kenny's secret sauce to recruiting and onboarding new volunteers and the many way he plans on retaining all of his new volunteers.

Resources Mentioned:

Kids Ministry Circle Cohort

Ministry Boost 90-Day Challenge

5 Steps to Recruit Volunteers Now

@ministryboost

The Kids Ministry Circle Podcast is back after a quick Thanksgiving break.

Today's guest and I are talking about a little hot button in our culture right now so buckle up!

Christina Embree is the founder of Refocus ministry. Refocus exists to help you identify the bridges and barriers to intergenerational ministry in your church and give you the tools you need to create a culture of generational discipleship and faith formation.

A few weeks ago our guest today, Christina Embree posted an article titled “The Disappearing Church: What’s to Blame” tackling this big and layered topic and I knew I had to invite her to join me on the podcast to talk more in depth, and boy do we!  

This is such an important conversation and my encouragement to you is that this conversation cannot stop at the end of this podcast. 

Resources Mentioned:

Kids Ministry Circle Cohort

Disappearing Church Article

Refocus Ministry Website