Nick Blevins Family Ministry Podcast: Children | Youth | Students | NextGen

In this episode, Tyler Bates from Amazing Life shares the evolution of the Orange Curriculum, focusing on the importance of biblical depth, worship integration, and collaboration between parents and churches. He discusses ongoing improvements driven by church feedback, the development of new resources like the APlay app, and the commitment to maintaining theological integrity in children's ministry.

Tyler Bates

Connect with Tyler via Instagram

The Volunteer Playbook

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Episode NotesKey Takeaways

• Tyler Bates has a rich background in kids ministry and worship.
• Orange Curriculum is evolving to better serve churches and families.
• Amazing Kids Curriculum will continue to exist alongside Orange.
• Changes in the Orange curriculum aim to enhance biblical depth and practical application.
• Worship plays a crucial role in kids ministry and is being expanded.
• A-Play app has the potential to revolutionize how churches access and use media.
• Feedback from churches is essential for curriculum development.
• The goal is to create a sustainable model for effective ministry.

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In this episode, Kim Botto and Nick Blevins discuss how to create inclusive children's ministry environments where every child—especially those who are neurodivergent or have experienced trauma—feels a sense of belonging. They share practical strategies from Kim’s new book, emphasizing volunteer training, supportive routines, and the importance of building trust, communicating with parents, and fostering a welcoming church community.

Kim Botto

Connect with Kim via Instagram | Kimbotto.com

The Volunteer Playbook

My first book is out! Buy the book by visiting volunteerplaybook.com or by visiting Amazon. 

Episode NotesKey Takeaways

• Understanding children's backgrounds is crucial for effective ministry.
• Practical strategies are essential in children's ministry.
• Connection before correction leads to better outcomes.
• Volunteers need training to handle diverse behaviors.
• Creating a safe environment is vital for children with trauma.
• Fidgets should be viewed as tools for regulation.
  • Fidgets can be beneficial for preschoolers with sensory needs.
• Visual schedules help children feel secure.
• Empathy is key in responding to children's needs.
  • Every child deserves to feel valued and understood.
  • Engaging with parents requires empathy and understanding of their challenges.
  • Effective communication with parents can foster a positive relationship.
  • Building community support is crucial for families with neurodivergent children.
• Creating an inclusive environment requires understanding children's needs.
  • Sensory rooms can support neurodivergent children while promoting inclusion.
• Invisible disabilities often lead to behavioral challenges that need addressing.

In this episode, Nick Blevins and Kenny Conley talk with Amy Fenton and Chris Heaslip about recent changes at Orange, including its merger with Amazing Life and the organization’s renewed focus on children’s ministry. They discuss the importance of transparency, listening to church leaders, and implementing innovative, inclusive strategies to better serve the next generation.

Amazing Life and OC25 Opening Session

Connect with Amazing Life via Website | ORANGE CONFERENCE 2025 OPENING SESSION | Amazing Life Commitment

The Volunteer Playbook

My first book is out! Buy the book by visiting volunteerplaybook.com or by visiting Amazon. 

Episode NotesKey Takeaways

• The mission of Orange is centered around serving the next generation.
• Building trust requires open communication and feedback.
  
  • WATCH Opening Session of OC25
• Chris Heaslip emphasizes the importance of serving in ministry.
• Amy Fenton is recognized for her expertise in children's ministry.
• The merger with Amazing Life aims to enhance the resources for churches.
• Effective ministry requires understanding the needs of the community.
• Chris's journey reflects a focus on giving value and serving others.
• The importance of nurturing relationships in children's ministry is emphasized.
• Feedback from church leaders is crucial for continuous improvement. Engaging with feedback is crucial for improvement.
• Change can be difficult, but it often leads to positive outcomes.
• Listening to concerns helps build trust within the community.
  • READ AMAZING LIFE COMMITMENT LETTER
  • ORANGE CURRICULUM UPDATES

In this episode, Collette Taylor shares her journey in kids ministry, offering insights from her time at North Point Ministries and other organizations on creating engaging, intentional experiences for children. The conversation covers effective event production, volunteer management, and the creative processes behind delivering impactful messages in ministry contexts.

Colette Taylor

Connect with Colette via Email | ColetteTaylor.com

The Volunteer Playbook

My first book is out! Buy the book by visiting volunteerplaybook.com or by visiting Amazon. 

Episode NotesKey Takeaways

• Creating engaging experiences for kids is essential in modern church settings.
• Kids need to feel seen and connected to their leaders and peers.
• Transitions in programming are crucial to maintain engagement and flow.
• Collette emphasizes the importance of rehearsal and preparation for successful events.
• High school students often play key roles in tech for kids' ministry events.
• Intentionality in creating experiences can significantly impact children's engagement.
• The book ‘Creating Experiences for Kids' offers practical insights for church leaders.
• Production meetings are crucial for team alignment.
• Timing for rehearsals should consider volunteer availability.
• Planning should adapt to the specific context of the community.
• Debriefing helps identify areas for improvement after events.
• Creative meetings require focus to foster creativity.
• Using fidget toys can enhance concentration in meetings.
• Evaluating volunteers helps place them in the right roles.
• Shared notes can capture ideas for future events.
• Transitioning to new opportunities can be a leap of faith.

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In this episode of the Family Ministry Podcast, Nick Blevins and Lauren Jackson discuss key aspects of kids and student ministry, including the importance of vision, time management, and volunteer discipleship. Lauren shares insights from her experience and the NextGen Ministry Network, emphasizing the need to equip volunteers and build strong relationships within the church.

Lauren Jackson

Connect with Lauren on Instagram | LinkTree

The Volunteer Playbook

My first book is out! Buy the book by visiting volunteerplaybook.com or by visiting Amazon. 

Episode NotesKey Takeaways

• Kids ministry leaders should focus on equipping volunteers rather than doing everything themselves.
• Discipling volunteers is essential for effective kids ministry.
• Time management is crucial; leaders should prioritize vision casting and relationship building.
• Creating a ministry where volunteers feel empowered leads to better outcomes for kids.
• Engaging with parents and volunteers is a key part of a kids pastor's role.
• Leaders should be proactive in building relationships with other staff members.
• It's important to assess how time is spent in ministry roles.
• Saying no to certain tasks can free up time for more important responsibilities.
• Collaboration with peers can enhance ministry effectiveness.
• Understanding the season of ministry helps in setting realistic goals.

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In this episode, Andrew Snead spends time unpacking his journey from youth into children's ministry and how his passions have aligned in both areas. Andrew also shares the key focuses of River Valley Kids and the importance they place on trying new things that involve kids!

Andrew Snead

Connect with Porfirio by Email |  Phone: 612.619.5404

The Volunteer Playbook

My first book is out! Buy the book by visiting volunteerplaybook.com or by visiting Amazon. 

Episode NotesMoving from Youth to Kids Ministry

• Prompted from an honest conversation with God and with leadership
• “My hands are open”
• Old Testament examples:
  • Samuel, at the age of 8 years old, heard the audible voice of God
  • Josiah made king at the age of 8
• There is no Jr. Holy Spirit

When did the passion for kids ministry begin?

• Passions were congruent for both areas of ministry, but
  • Sometimes people equate our calling with our passion
  • Only God can define your calling
  • It's less about an age group or a position and more about helping light people on fire for Jesus
• Focus on the eternal scope of your calling

Key Focuses at River Valley Kids

• The Word of God
• Know how to respond – “The Application for the Revelation”
• Kingdom Builders (missional-minded)

The NEW Kid's Pastor

• Youth Pastor – don't dismiss your influence on kid's ministry or say “It's not for me”
• Churches are looking for people in kid's ministry who are:
  • Dynamic communicators (for all generations)
  • Organizational juggernauts

Action Items

1. Get kids involved in the content (live or recorded)
2. Build cross-functional teams with volunteers
3. Consider your on-ramps and off-ramps for all events
   

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EPISODE COMING SOON!

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In this episode, Porfirio Caldera gives practical insights about moving to a NextGen staffing model within his church. Porfirio has maintained influence within the same church for over a decade in various ministry roles and he also shares the challenges faced while leading this change.

Porfirio Caldera

Connect with Porfirio by Email | Instagram

Orange Tour

Partnering with Orange Tour! **Head to orangetour.org to get your team signed up today!

Clearstream

Clearstream works with thousands of churches worldwide and integrates with tools your church already uses such as MailChimp, Church Community Builder, Rock RMS, Planning Center, and more. Find out more at Clearstream.io.

The Volunteer Playbook

My first book is out! Buy the book by visiting volunteerplaybook.com or by visiting Amazon. 

Episode NotesLearnings from multiple roles in the same church…

• Told my lead pastor, in the first 6 months of a new role, I’ll probably make some big mistake
• Early on leading junior high ministry, learned what it meant to truly care for volunteers well
• Learned to raise the level of excellence for volunteers
• Leading student ministry, learned what it meant to bring on staff
• Leading in NextGen, learning what it means to help move the entire church forward (even if it means that the NextGen team has to step back for the church to win)

Teaching the people I lead…

• Ministry is more like chess, being mindful of moving pieces strategically that help everyone win
• A win for other teams builds dividends long-term for the next generation
• Leading with humility
• Helping them see what you see
• If you want to help people see what you see, help them understand the “why” from your level

Restructuring the team to a NextGen model

• Moved from 5 different ministries (plus extra departments) to two main leads over Students and Kids
• These lead roles champion the other staff that fall under that ministry
• Preparing for the next season

What has the journey of influence been like?

• Depends on your church context, but ours is in a constant state of change
• Sometimes small changes, sometimes larger changes
• The longer you stay, the more opportunity you have to influence people from the current place you are at (not the person you used to be)

Action Items

1. Focus on the bigger picture practically

In this episode, Brittany Nelson talks about her new book Time to Update and speaks on how to leverage digital platforms to lead children's ministry. She also answers some very specific questions on not only WHY it's time to integrate digital discipleship but HOW to do it.

Brittany Nelson

Connect with Brittany on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Get the book on Amazon!

Orange Tour

Partnering with Orange Tour! **Head to orangetour.org to get your team signed up today!

Clearstream

Clearstream works with thousands of churches worldwide and integrates with tools your church already uses such as MailChimp, Church Community Builder, Rock RMS, Planning Center, and more. Find out more at Clearstream.io.

The Volunteer Playbook

My first book is out! Buy the book by visiting volunteerplaybook.com or by visiting Amazon. 

Episode Notes

NOTES COMING SOON!

Action Items

1. Get the book
2. Implement an idea from one section
3. Pick 2 or 3 tools to use

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In this episode, Larry Cramer shares his experience leading the kid's ministry at Christ Church of the Valley (CCV) and the innovative kidmin ideas they have implemented at each of their campuses. He also gives some insight into their strategy behind creating ministry environments focused on boys (males of the family).

Larry Cramer

Connect with Larry through Email | Instagram

Orange Tour

Partnering with Orange Tour! **Head to orangetour.org to get your team signed up today!

Clearstream

Clearstream works with thousands of churches worldwide and integrates with tools your church already uses such as MailChimp, Church Community Builder, Rock RMS, Planning Center, and more. Find out more at Clearstream.io.

The Volunteer Playbook

My first book is out! Buy the book by visiting volunteerplaybook.com or by visiting Amazon. 

Episode Notes

NOTES COMING SOON!

Action Items

1. Measure your retention
2. Put in a plan to gamify retention
3. Re-evaluate space based on “backyards”

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In this episode, Brian Aaby from the Slingshot Group shares some of his experiences and interactions with ministry leaders who are asking the question, “Where have the high schoolers gone?” He also speaks about the top three things churches can look for within their next youth ministry hire.

Brian Aaby

Connect with Brian through Email

Clearstream

Clearstream works with thousands of churches worldwide and integrates with tools your church already uses such as MailChimp, Church Community Builder, Rock RMS, Planning Center, and more. Find out more at Clearstream.io.

The Volunteer Playbook

My first book is out! Buy the book by visiting volunteerplaybook.com or by visiting Amazon. 

Episode Notes

Observations from Slingshot, in regard to high-school attendance dropping within the church:

• Rise in searches for staffing with many youth pastors leaving their roles
• Frustrated executive leadership who are unable to find and keep youth pastors
• The 2nd most formative time in the lives of adolescents is between 11 to 14 years old
• Kids who were 11-14 during the pandemic are now 14-17 years old, and their neuro-paths were formed uniquely during that time
  • Bottom Line: High schoolers today were affected by the pandemic in ways we are just now witnessing
• Some pastors may need to extend some more grace to that youth pastor experiencing
• May need to track different types of attendance than just your large gathering of students to truly evaluate engagement
  • Ex: small Bible study on a separate night with students who cannot attend a youth service
• Read Brian's Article HERE

 

The current state of church staff searching within NextGen:

• Changes on average every 3 months, increasing and then decreasing again
• The average church using Slingshot is between 800-1500
  • Average searches are now taking longer
  • Expectations have had to change
• Churches must start building their own benches through residencies and internships

Action Items

1. Talk to other student ministers
2. Prepare your leaders to help teens
3. Focus on smaller groups

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