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

In today's episode, I interview Brian Dembowczyk and we talk a lot about family discipleship. Brian has a brand new book out called Family Discipleship That Works and so we talk about how this format he suggests throughout his book could really work for a lot of families trying to establish home discipleship rhythms.

We explore the themes of gospel transformation in parenting, the importance of understanding image bearing in children, morality versus moralism, and the role of kids ministry leaders in bridging adult and family discipleship.

It is a jam packed episode that I know you will love.

Resourced Mentioned:

Family Discipleship That Works

Shop the Christmas Merch!

In today's episode, our guest today is Candice Wynn. Candice is a long-time leader in the youth and family ministry space.

Our conversation evolves the landscape of church dynamics post-COVID, the shifting perspectives on discipleship, and the role of technology in modern ministry. Candice highlights the unique challenges faced by millennial parents and the necessity of equipping them for effective discipleship.

Also, Candice shares her journey in youth ministry and the creation of BOON, a community aimed at supporting black youth and family ministry leaders.

Resources Mentioned:

BOON Community

Connect with Candice Wynn

Welcome to a new episode of the Kids Ministry Circle Podcast! This week, I had the opportunity to talk to Derek Altom, the director of events and development at D6.

Derek and I talk about how we can all get better at equipping parents and how it is not just a one time event, but discipleship happens in all areas of life. I loved the story about Derek’s son memorizing scripture in the car! So encouraging and so applicable to all parents. 

Of course, I invite Derek to share his families Christmas traditions and talk through how to equip parents to add in a time of home discipleship during the Advent & Christmas season. 

Derek was SO kind and gave you all a code for a discount for the D6 Conferences happening Spring of 2025.

Code: KIDMINCIRCLE

50$ off at D6 NW

75$ off at D6 SE

This episode was such a joy to record and I know you are going to love it! 

Pull out the twinkle lights, Christmas trees, and fake snow! It is time to start decorating for Christmas! But where do we start and how do we find the balance of whimsy and sophisticated?

I invited the part of the team from Wit.Co Creative to teach us best practices when it comes to decorating our hallways for Christmas.

Resources mentioned:

Wit.Co Creative

Kids Ministry Space Tour

Greenery: Afloral

Christmas Trees: Balsam Hill

Large Scale Christmas Decor

Walmart Garland

Amazon Garland

White Cord Lights (interior)

Green Cord Lights (trees & greenery)

Large C9 Lights (clear)

Large C9 Lights (opaque)

Happy 100 episodes of the Kids Ministry Circle Podcast! To celebrate this milestone, my husband, Luke, took over and interviewed me! Together we look back on some of my favorite episodes, what I am learning these days and what is coming up in this next season of Kids Ministry Circle.

We are grateful you are here and cheers to the next 100 episodes!

Resources Mentioned:

Drama of Scripture

Churchfront Worship & Tech Podcast

Our guest today is Joshua Cooley. Joshua is a former kids ministry leader turned author! In our conversation, we talk about Josh's journey into ministry (it's a wild story!), the importance of foundational questions in faith for children, and how to navigate big questions that kids ask.

Josh emphasizes the significance of using everyday moments to teach kids about God and encourages new leaders in kids ministry to keep learning and growing in their faith.

Don't forget do get your copy of Josh's new kids book, "I Can't Believe My Eyes"

Resources mentioned:

Countdown to Christmas Masterclass

I Can't Believe My Eyes book

Welcome to another episode of The Kids Ministry Circle Podcast! Today's episode is one big kids ministry party. My guests are three members from the Kids Ministry team at Hespeler Baptist Church in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada!

Together we talk about the differences and similarities of church culture in Canada compared to the United States.

We also explore the unique dynamics of volunteer-driven ministry, the challenges of discipleship in a secular culture, and the importance of community engagement.

Don't miss the end of our conversation--we announce a brand new Kids Ministry conference, Gospel Kids Conference, happening May 2025!

Resources Mentioned:

Kids Ministry Masterclass: Countdown to Christmas

Gospel Kids Conference

The answer to the title of this podcast is a resounding YES!

Our guest today is Abby McClelland! Abby is the Elementary Director from The Crossing Church in Missouri and she reached out to me with a new book she wrote called, God Says Go. Of course I ordered the book and knew she had to come share about it with the rest of you.

Abby shared how her and her team have been working together how to teach and share the Great Commission with the kids and families in their community.

We talk about the process they went through, what steps they've implemented, and how they are learning to balance discipleship and evangelism.

Resources Mentioned:

Countdown to Christmas Masterclass

God Says Go book

The Crossing Church Kids

STEP Devotional Podcast