Get ready to hear from a Youth Ministry EXPERT! Ron Marrs is a longtime teacher, pastor, mentor, and champion of youth ministry. This episode covers so many different topics from discerning calling, writing curriculum, and discipleship with this generations students. They even work through a case study where a ministry leader is working through feelings of burnout and disappoint.

This episode will equip you and encourage you to keep leading for the long haul.

Resources Mentioned:

Kids Ministry Circle Cohort

Student Ministry Circle Cohort

@studentministrycircle

The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt

Generations by Jean M. Twenge PhD

It is time for the Student Ministry Circle Takeover!

We believe that one way kids ministry leaders can learn to serve families better is by knowing what the student ministry leaders are doing and learning. We are excited for this takeover to give us a new perspective!

In this episode, Matt McDermott talks to Justin Knowles. Justin is the Network Youth Director at Sandals Church in Riverside, CA and shares his incredible story of how he ended up in ministry and the unique and creative ways they are serious about discipleship at Sandals Church.

Resources Mentioned:

Kids Ministry Circle Cohort

Student Ministry Circle Cohort

Connect with Justin:

Sandals Church

@Justinknowles3

Who doesn't love a bonus episode!?

For this episode, guest is Melanie Hester. Melanie serves as the Director of Discipleship Engagement for Awana and is one of my favorite people to talk about all things discipleship with. We all know that it is so important to champion the parent and help them disciple their kids as the primary spiritual voice, but where does Sunday morning fit in?

In this conversation we work to answer that question. Together we talk about the importance of child discipleship in the church, the role of faith formation, and the collaboration between the church and the home in nurturing children's faith.

Resources Mentioned:

Child Discipleship Forum

Use code KIDS50 for $50 off your conference ticket

@awana

Connect with Melanie:

@hobomel

Today's episode is all about Family Ministry. My guest today is Amber Pike. Amber works for Renewanation, an organization that has a goal of transforming culture by giving millions of children a Biblical worldview.

We talk about how to lead with a family ministry mindset. She emphasizes the need to train and equip parents, not just provide resources, and highlights the importance of caring for the entire family unit. Amber shares practical ideas for incorporating family ministry into events and creating experiences that engage parents and children together. She encourages children's ministry leaders to evaluate their calendar and make intentional shifts to prioritize family ministry.

Resources Mentioned:

@amberpike0292

The Family Cookbook Devotional

Renewanation

Today's episode is Vance Martin. He is a friend, a leader who I trust deeply, and a champion for all things Next Gen Ministry.

Vance serves as the VP of Next Gen for Slingshot Group and is here to help us all think strategically and intentionally around developing leaders in the local church.

Vance & I talk about all things developing the next generation and kids ministry leaders everywhere can ask the question, "Who are you investing in?"

It was a gift to interview Dave & Jess Ray from Doorpost Songs. Musical worship is a huge component to local church kids ministry but few actually know how to teach kids about worship.

Dave & Jess ask a few big questions and help us think intentionally about what songs we play, how our volunteers interact, and how we can teach the next generation of singing God's word.

Resources Mentioned:

Kids Ministry Book Club

Connect with Doorpost Songs:

@doorpostsongs

https://doorpostsongs.com/about/

https://music.apple.com/us/artist/doorpost-songs/1443023116

In this weeks episode, I am joined by Kayla Maxey. Kayla is a Family Life Pastor here in Colorado and she wears many hats. Kayla talks about the importance of being a connector and not carrying the load by herself but bringing in your fellow staff and key volunteers.

Kayla's church also has a year-round preschool at their church and we definitely talk about that relationship and how to share space in a way that glorifies God!

Are you in the middle of summer programming or planning VBS for the very first time? I invited 3 of my favorite kids ministry leaders who just happen to have buckets of knowledge when it comes to VBS to answer some of the questions you all submitted.

We cover everything from schedules to preschool programs and curriculum to family follow up. I hope this workshop helps you as you are planning your own summer events.

Resources Mentioned:

Kids Ministry Circle Event Debrief Guide  

Deeper Kid Min Resources:

Ultimate VBS Planner

VBS Prayer Countdown

Salvation Decision Card

May is National Foster Care Month so we are talking about the many ways the church can care for foster + adopt families. I believe that Kids Ministry leaders are at the forefront of caring for these families and we want to do to it well.

I invited my friend Matthew Haines to join me on the podcast to share his experience as a kids ministry leader and foster dad. Matthew shares so much wisdom from both sides of the conversation.

Resources Mentioned:

Summer Book Club

Foster Parent Well Podcast

@foster.parenting

@nicoletbarlow

@matthewmhaines