The Kidmin Huddle

Ever had a class of squirrely, disengaged kids? Engaged kids during lesson time starts with your prep. In this episode, Amber teaches you to S.M.I.L.E. and gives practical tips and tricks to help you engage kids better, thus reducing the squirrelyness. 

Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

Classroom Management Live Training in the Family Ministry Community Group on 4/21/2026 - https://www.facebook.com/groups/familyministrycommunity

Intentional Children's Ministry 

Children's Ministry Coaching: https://familyministry.org/childrens-ministry-coaching/ 

If you've ever struggled with feelings of doubt or fear or fallen into the comparison trap as a kidmin leader, then this episode is for you. Discover practical tips for overcoming self-doubt, fear, and comparison in your ministry, as well as how to embrace your unique journey and grow as a leader.

Check out what leadership books Amber has been reading: 

Soundtracks by Jon Acuff - https://amzn.to/4v47a9g

Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki - https://amzn.to/4dRXFnh

The Art of People by Dave Kerpen - https://amzn.to/3O8LRmh

*These are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

This episode might step on your toes, but listen in as Amber talks about 10 of her unpopular kidmin opinions and why she has them. Each of her opinions is rooted in the eternal importance of what we do in children's ministry. 

If you want to learn how to be more intentional in your ministry, grab a copy of her book Intentional Children's Ministry on Amazon (available in audio and ebook as well) or at renewanation.org. 

To protect children at church, policies and procedures must be in place. Who gets access to your children? What policies are being put in place to keep children safe? If no policies are in place, now is the time to get started. 

Are we teaching our kids who God is both at church and at home? 🤔  
If not, we need to start! 

In this episode, Amber shows how understanding God's character is essential for our children. They need to know that He is loving, kind, holy, and just. These attributes shape their trust and faith in Him. 

Resources in this episode:

Blog Article

RenewaNation Review Magazine

Who is God Curriculum

Praise Him: A 30 Day Family Devotional

Do you want to make this year's VBS the best yet? Here are 10 tips to make this VBS a discipleship success. 

David Rausch, from GO! Curriculum joins Amber to talk about his new book, Feeding Faith, and how we can truly disciple boys and girls during lesson time. 

Get David's new book here: https://amzn.to/4rDq2d9

Kids need to be taught theology and doctrine, not a watered-down version of the Bible. In this episode, Amber goes over 10 tools you can use to help teach theology and doctrine to the kids in your ministry, helping to give them a firm faith. 

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Mavalus Tape: https://amzn.to/4arWeZm

Pointer Hand: https://amzn.to/4bV2E5R

Hula Hoops: https://amzn.to/4qEIh0k

Posters: https://amberpike.org/shop/ols/categories/teaching-aids

Predicting Crayon trick: https://youtu.be/um4pOHO9BtM?si=R-3fKRpeqtiCHx4u

RenewaNation Curriculum: https://familyministry.org/

The Family Ministry Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/familyministrycommunity

Have you ever thought about starting a preschool choir at your church? The benefits of choir for kids are huge! Brenda from Little Jam Sessions shares with us not only the benefits of kids' choir, but also about her choir curriculum. 

Find out more at: https://littlejamsessions.com/

If you haven't placed a volunteer training on the calendar yet this year, then this episode is for you. Amber walks you through the why of training, plus practical tips to get you started. 

Recommended resources mentioned in the episode:

Intentional Children's Ministry: https://shop.renewanation.org/products/intentional-childrens-ministry-how-your-church-can-disciple-children-with-a-lifelong-faith-in-jesus-pre-order-to-be-released-january-2025

Bring in a Speaker: https://familyministry.org/speaking/