Simple Kids Ministry

In this episode, we sit down with Kim Botto to talk about what it really looks like to build kids ministry environments where every child and every family feels seen, safe, and supported. Drawing from decades of experience as a kids pastor, adoptive mom, and advocate, Kim shares powerful insights on foster care, adoption, trauma-informed ministry, and disability inclusion.

Together, we unpack why so many families feel overlooked by the church and how kids ministry leaders have a unique opportunity to change that. Kim offers practical, approachable steps for churches of any size to become more inclusive, whether that means supporting foster families, training volunteers to understand trauma, or creating environments where kids with disabilities can truly belong—not just be accommodated.

This conversation is both deeply personal and incredibly practical. If you want to build a ministry that reflects the heart of Jesus by welcoming every child and empowering every family, this episode will give you the vision and the tools to start.

QUICK LINKS

VBS Freebie Fest

Boundless Hope for Every Child by Kim Botto

Kim Botto's Website

In this episode, Corinne Noble shares her journey into kids ministry — feeling called at age 10, earning a degree in children’s ministry, and stepping into a full-time kids pastor role at just 21. She reflects on leading young, building confidence, and navigating the internal barriers many leaders face.

The conversation dives deep into kids ministry environments: whether churches should compete with Disneyland, how flexible design supports growth, and why environments may draw kids in. They also tackle capacity limits, safety, volunteer experience, and how to lead up effectively — coming to senior leadership with both clarity and solutions.

If you’re wrestling with space, growth, or how to advocate for your ministry, this episode offers practical insight and grounded leadership wisdom.

Key topics include:

• Overcoming age and confidence barriers in leadership

• Environments vs. engagement: what actually keeps kids

• Designing flexible, growth-ready kids spaces

• Capacity limits, safety, and when to add services

• Leading up and getting buy-in from senior leadership

• Creating welcoming, clutter-free environments that communicate care

Quick Links:

KIDMIN U (next session starts February)

Kidmin Corinne

Brittany Nelson from Deeper Kidmin joins us to talk about planning a kids ministry year with purpose.

We dive into how to start with clear goals, filter events through real value (not just tradition), and build a meaningful ministry calendar. Brittany shares practical insights on evaluating events, planning around family rhythms, collaborating with staff, and creating space for both structure and flexibility.

If you want a more intentional, sustainable approach to your ministry year, this episode will help you think differently about your calendar.

QUICK LINKS:

KIDMIN U (next session starts February)

Deeper Kidmin

What if the volunteer shortage isn’t a people problem, but a systems problem?

In this episode, I sit down with Nick Blevins, one of the most trusted voices in kids ministry when it comes to building healthy volunteer teams. Nick shares his story and unpacks what actually works when it comes to recruiting, retaining, and caring for volunteers over the long haul.

We talk about why having too many volunteers isn’t the goal, how raising the bar can increase commitment, and why culture matters more than clever recruiting tactics. Nick also shares practical strategies for setting clear expectations, handling hard conversations, and leveraging moments like Easter, VBS, and campus launches to jumpstart your team.

If you’re tired of scrambling every weekend or carrying the weight of your ministry alone, this episode will help you lead your volunteer team with clarity and confidence.

QUICK LINKS:

⁠KIDMIN U⁠ (next session starts in February)

⁠The Volunteer Playbook ⁠by Nick Blevins

⁠KIDMIN.COM⁠

In this episode, Jeremy sits down with Christen Clark (host of the Collide Kids Podcast and Seven Minute Devotions for Busy Parents) to talk about what real partnership with parents actually looks like in kids ministry. You’ll hear why encouragement matters more than information, what parents are truly looking for right now, and how to build simple, sustainable rhythms that help families grow spiritually without feeling overwhelmed.

Plus, Christen shares super practical ways kids ministry leaders can support parents through social media, parent emails, and easy “next steps” that actually work.

If you want to pastor families better and make your kids ministry more effective long-term, this one’s for you.

Quick Links:

KIDMIN U (Next session starts in February)

In this episode, we’re joined by Lauren Jackson, founder of Kids Ministry Circle, for a practical conversation about one of the most overlooked parts of building a healthy kids ministry: volunteer onboarding.

Lauren shares her origin story in kids ministry, what she wishes she knew in year one, and why onboarding isn’t just paperwork — it’s leadership, discipleship, and protection. We talk through the full process from “someone raised their hand to serve” to helping them feel confident on their first Sunday, including safety screening, setting expectations, avoiding the “desperation trap,” and how to handle situations like weird vibes, ghosting, and student volunteers.

If you want volunteers who stick, a team culture that stays healthy, and a kids ministry that runs with excellence, this one’s for you.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why casting a bigger vision attracts better volunteers

• What a strong onboarding process actually looks like

• How to set new volunteers up for a great first day

• How to handle awkward conversations (and ghosting) with clarity and grace

• Best practices for student volunteers serving in kids ministry

Quick Links:

KIDMIN U (Next session starts February 2026)

nextgenministrynetwork.com

What does it take to lead in kids ministry for decades… and still love it?

In this very first episode, we sit down with kids ministry legend Jim Wideman to talk about the stuff that actually makes leaders last.

Jim shares how he accidentally got started in kids ministry over 50 years ago, what he wishes he knew in his early years, and why the key to sustainable ministry isn’t doing more; it’s building the right team, protecting your margins, and learning to break overwhelming seasons into manageable pieces.

We also dive into what it really means to shepherd people well (not just teach), why follow-up is a form of care, how ministry has shifted in today’s culture, and why Jim believes the future of kids ministry depends on making room for the Holy Spirit again.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, stretched too thin, or like you’re carrying the whole ministry on your back… this conversation will bring clarity, encouragement, and a better way forward.

Quick Links:

KIDMIN U (Next session starts February 2026)

Authentic Leadership That Lasts by Jim Wideman

Stretch by Jim Wideman