Developing Leaders, Impacting Kids

Join us as we discuss how to successfully transition kids from children's ministry to youth ministry. This month, we welcome Children's Pastor Cathy Baggerly and Youth Pastor Josh Brown of the Peerless Road Church in Cleveland, Tennessee, as they discuss what has worked well for them. 

Children's ministry leaders have been plagued by burnout, waning volunteer commitment, denominational discord, and outdated approaches that fall short of addressing the shifting cultural standards of today's children and families. But all is not lost. Children's ministries can thrive, but only when courageous leaders lay aside all that prevents them from serving with a spirit of excellence. In this month's episode, special guest Esther Moreno shares insights, wisdom, and strategies to address our challenges head-on, ensuring every child has access to nurturing and impactful ministry leadership.

Camping ministry is more than a week full of fun activities for our youth and children. Camping ministry is an extension of the local church. In this month's podcast, Alabama Camping Ministries Director Denise Junkin shares about the importance of camping ministry and the local church working together to raise disciples for the kingdom. 

Meet the newest International Children's Ministries team member, Jonathan Olavarria. Our Child Discipleship and Faith Formation Specialist shares about his life, ministry, and new role supporting parents, families, and caregivers in the Church of God of Prophecy to build a lasting faith in the next generation.

Presiding Bishop Tim Coalter shares day two of our spiritual formation session on "The Priority of Passion and Power" as we unite to Reconcile the World to Christ through the Power of the Holy Spirit.

Pastor Janice Roseboro of Smithfield, North Carolina, shares a message with participants at the 2023 Institute of Children's Ministry entitled, "Embracing Your Chosen Calling."

Presiding Bishop Tim Coalter shares a spiritual formation session at the 2023 Institute of Children's Ministry on "The Priority of Presence and Purpose" as we unite to Reconcile the World to Christ through the Power of the Holy Spirit.

KidServe Coordinator Michelle Brooks-Young share testimonies and stories of the work of KidServe in West Africa, as well as over the past five years. 

Change is coming to International Children's Ministries. Listen in as Dr. Shaun McKinley, international director, and English-Language Training Specialist Joy Hensley discuss a new future for our ministry. 

Leadership in children's ministries requires competence, skill, and spiritual wisdom. Our role requires us to serve children in the present, consider the preferred future for them and our ministries, and develop strategies for attaining our ministry goals. We serve families, support pastors, and equip teams. We also steward financial resources, ministry spaces, and the talents of our people. There are many reasons why it is essential for children's ministers to grow as leaders. Recently our English-Language Training Specialist Joy Hensley sat with Tennessee State Children's Ministries Director Kim Batson to discuss the topic of leadership. This conversation is our new podcast for May.

Those who serve children must have an accurate understanding of the value of this ministry and their calling, be prepared for ministry to the children and families they serve, and pursue effective ministry. In this episode, Dr. Shaun McKinley shares how kidmin leaders can gain a correct understanding of ministry and calling, the necessary qualities for one desiring to be a leader in ministry, and discusses ways to grow in calling practically and spiritually.

Listen in as CM International Director Dr. Shaun McKinley and Training Specialist Joy Hensley discuss the recent inaugural Leadership Summit and the future for child discipleship in the Church of God of Prophecy. 

Dr. Wess Stafford speaks to the 101st International Assembly of the Church of God of Prophecy during the International Children's Ministries presentation. Dr. Stafford is president emeritus of Compassion International and an internationally recognized advocate for children in poverty.   He earned undergraduate degrees from Moody Bible Institute and Biola University, a master's degree from Wheaton College, as well as a Ph.D. from Michigan State University. Even with all of these academic honors, Wess often says, “Everything I really need to know, I learned from the poor, growing up in an African village.”   As the son of missionaries to the Ivory Coast, Wess grew up as one of the village children cared for by a wise and loving African “extended family.” But his young heart was often broken as he watched his African friends die from the cruel ravages of poverty. Wess felt privileged to continue his parents' commitment to the poor through the ministry of Compassion International. He joined the staff of Compassion International in 1977 and worked with the ministry, both overseas and at its headquarters. He served as President for 20 years. Wess is a veteran, having served four years in the U.S. Army as a linguist in military intelligence.

“The desperate need today is not for a greater number of intelligent people, or gifted people, but for deep people” —Richard J. Foster. In Romans 7, Paul said, effectively, “I don't even know what I'm doing. I do what I don't want to do, and I don't do what I want to do. I'm a mixed-up mess!” In “Sabbath, Solitude, and Silence,” we discuss what it takes to win “life's most important argument” as we explore these often overlooked spiritual disciplines. Marsha shares insights into the brain's function in these disciplines and practical strategies for experiencing them in your Christian walk.

God loves us and desires to be with and speak to us. We can experience Him more deeply and grow in prayer, even in the busiest and most stressful times of our lives. In this month's podcast with our special guest Dr. Brian Sutton, we discuss the importance of prayer, practical ways to grow in awareness of God's presence around us, and how to incorporate prayer in our roles as leaders or parents.

One of the disciplines modeled effectively by Jesus was that of nurturing fellowship and developing community. The beautiful scene revealed in the conclusion of Acts chapter 2 demonstrates the continuation of a community known for its commitment to Christ's teachings and their love for one another. During the past months, we have been relegated to quarantine, isolation, and “virtual” fellowship. In this month's podcast with our special guest Dr. Cathy Payne, we examine the meaning of community and fellowship, as well as its importance in our personal journey with the Lord and our ministries. 

In the physical world, the term “structural integrity” means “the ability of a structure to withstand its intended load without failure due to fracture or fatigue.”  Unfortunately, we have recently seen the result of the lack of structural integrity and the devastation that it can bring. As in the physical world, when we cannot withstand our ministry load due to fracture or fatigue, emotional and relational devastation can occur. Studying and memorizing God's Word are vital ingredients in maintaining our spiritual structural integrity, along with emotional and relational health in ministry. Listen as Bishop Duke Stone shares ideas and strategies for making God's Word a priority in your life. 

International Director of Children's Ministries Dr. Shaun McKinley and Podcast Co-Host Joy Hensley, discuss ECHO, the 2021 Institute of Children's Ministries. They share personal highlights, behind the scenes info, and what's ahead for Children's Ministries in the coming year.

Depression is a common and a serious medical illness. It is real, it happens, and it is treatable. Society has put a stigma on mental illness and as the salt and light of the world we must put an end to that stigma. It is normal for children to feel sad, irritated, and have bad mood swings, but when those negative feelings linger it is possible that the child is struggling with depression. So how do we help children and families when they encounter depression? Join us as Eliette Vrenelli shares thoughts, ideas, and strategies for helping children and families confront the challenges of depression, biblically and thoughtfully.

Dr. Morais Cassell shares thoughts, ideas, and strategies for helping children and families confront the challenges of anxiety, biblically and thoughtfully.

An interview with Dr. Wess Stafford, president emeritus of Compassion International and author of Too Small to Ignore and Just a Minute. 

Esther Moreno shares insights from her new book, "The Progressive Children’s Ministry Leader."

Is there a difference in calling and assignment? What happens when your calling and current assignment don't seem to align? How do we overcome challenges and struggles associated with our pursuit of calling? Listen to this month's podcast featuring an interview with Kathryn H. Creasy, executive director of Leadership Development and Discipleship Ministries for the4 Church of God of Prophecy, as we discuss these questions and more.

DLIK Training Specialist Joy Hensley is interviewed on a variety of topics, including calling, influence, challenges in CM, and pursuing credentialing. 

Have you ever been driving and changed lanes only to hear the horn of another vehicle blast because you almost hit someone you didn’t see? That’s what happens when you check all of your mirrors but you don’t see someone sitting in your vehicle’s “blind spot.” As leaders, we can also have spiritual and emotional “blind spots” that may be dangerous. This class will examine some Biblical leaders who dealt with blind spots and offer practical ways we can avoid leadership accidents due to our own “blind spots.” 

The church is a loving place to belong where we learn about God's Word, fellowship with other believers, receive Christian care, and find opportunities to give and serve others in Jesus' name. As the Church of God of Prophecy (Official) prepares for "Membership Matters" month in September, how will your church engage children in this special initiative? Enjoy this panel discussion where we share about children and church membership, as well as debut supplemental resources for teaching children about the Church and what it means to be a "member." Panelists include Pastor Cherry Daniels, Pastor Jonathan Olavarria, State Bishop Phil Pruitt, and International Director Shaun McKinley.

As leaders in children’s ministry, there are times when we feel overwhelmed and isolated, like we’re fighting this battle alone.  How do we keep the discouragements from overcoming us?  How do we keep from “ministering” to the point of exhaustion – physically, mentally, or both- when we sometimes “are” out there on our own!  When we start to feel “burned out,” we need to get “F.I.R.E.D.  U.P.” instead!

Will we give our children the opportunity to “stand before the Lord” in intercession for nations, communities, families, individuals, and those dear to them?  Will we invite them to experience the authority and intimacy that comes when we come alongside the Father in intercession?  This podcast provides concrete ideas and resources to help you bring your children into the throne room of intercession

Studying Jesus’ teachings and interactions with children provides a powerful platform for reaching boys and girls.

Alan E. Nelson, national expert in young leader development, shares on the importance of developing young leaders. 

Yancy Richmond is a worship leader and songwriter for kids, traveling the globe providing family concerts and training worship leaders. She grew up a kidmin PK who knew God wanted to use her music for His glory. Her life is made even more complete in Nashville, TN with her husband, Cory, and son, Sparrow Rocket. Recorded LIVE March 15, 2016, CM Live! Learn more about Yancy at yancyministries.com.

David Rausch is the founder and president of Mooblio, a dynamic organization devoted to developing resources for children’s ministries. He is also the creator of GO!—a new, interactive curriculum designed to help kids “Join God’s Story.”

After a child accepts Christ into their hearts what are the next steps? How do I ignite them on a discipleship path to bring better understanding to the decision they have made and lead them to the next step of Water Baptism?

Dr. Shelly Melia is Associate Dean and Assistant Professor of Childhood education in the Graduate School of Ministry at Dallas Baptist University. Prior to her academic career she served in churches in Oklahoma, Florida and Texas. Most recently, she served as minister to young families for eighteen years at First Baptist Church in Burleson, Texas. She is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and the B.H. Carroll Theological Institute. In addition, she is a licensed professional counselor in the state of Texas specializing in grief and trauma. Most importantly, she is the proud mother of three children. Recorded: February 19, 2019, CM Live! Webinar

At the age of 15 years old, Melissa Minter was called into children’s ministry by God and her mom!  I believe her mother’s words were, “You’re old enough to teach this class.  You can do it!”  God had already placed in her heart a desire to teach children, and He began to prepare her for a life of ministry.  Melissa has a B.S. degree from Lee University in Math and Science and a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction.  She’s had the privilege of teaching in public schools in both Tennessee and Georgia, as well as, a mission school in Greece.  It has been her joy to serve on the ministry teams of five different churches, and she is currently the children’s pastor at Central Community Church in Chatsworth, GA.  Several years ago, she began to shift from a life of education to a life of ministry.  Melissa still teaches science to homeschoolers, but her greatest joy is being able to introduce children to the love of Jesus.

The children in your ministry are facing greater pressure from louder voices and from more directions than ever. Many children are confused by the mixed messaged they hear everyday. The church tells them one thing, the world tells them another. As the church of Jesus Christ, what do we do when faced with a culture that is completely anti-Christian and anti-God? In this episode, Brian shares some principle strategies to help you address cultural issues with a God-centered and love-filled spirit.

Regular weekly ministries are the foundation a Children's Ministry calendar and ensures ongoing discipleship. However, a huge draw for your kids and their friends is
your ability to say “there is no such thing as a typical Sunday/Wednesday season in our Children's Ministry!" And that's why Special Events, Theme Days, and traditions are so important.

Ryan Frank serves as the CEO of KidzMatter and a Vice President at Awana. Ryan and his wife, Beth, are also the publishers of KidzMatter Magazine. Ryan served as a children’s pastor for 15 years at the church where he came to the Lord at age five. He is the author of 9 Things They Didn’t Teach Me in College About Children’s Ministry (Standard) and Give Me Jesus (Baker). Ryan and Beth live in Converse, Indiana, with their three daughters. You can connect with Ryan at www.RyanFrank.com.

At the age of 15 years old, Melissa Minter was called into children’s ministry by God and her mom!  I believe her mother’s words were, “You’re old enough to teach this class.  You can do it!”  God had already placed in her heart a desire to teach children, and He began to prepare her for a life of ministry.  Melissa has a B.S. degree from Lee University in Math and Science and a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction.  She’s had the privilege of teaching in public schools in both Tennessee and Georgia, as well as, a mission school in Greece.  It has been her joy to serve on the ministry teams of five different churches, and she is currently the children’s pastor at Central Community Church in Chatsworth, GA.  Several years ago, she began to shift from a life of education to a life of ministry.  Melissa still teaches science to homeschoolers, but her greatest joy is being able to introduce children to the love of Jesus

Brian has been a Kids’ Pastor since 1992. He approaches Children’s Ministry with a cutting-edge style, leading a volunteer staff of over 150 in ministering to the children at First Assembly of God in North Little Rock, Arkansas.  Every week, more than 600 children gather for high-energy worship, games, and life-changing ministry from their dynamic ministry team. In 1998, he founded High Voltage Kids Ministry Resources which creates cutting- edge multi-media Children’s Church curriculum, music, and videos. High Voltage Kids Ministry resources have been used in more than 5,000 churches across America. Recorded: September 13, 2013, Institute of Children’s Ministry

Dale Hudson has co-authored several books on children’s ministry leadership and written dozens of articles for various magazines. He currently writes the “Leading Volunteers” column for Children’s Ministry Magazine. His Children’s Ministry articles are featured at www.churchleaders.com and www.cmbraintrust.com. Dale’s passion is helping children and families discover God’s life-changing grace. He is also passionate about encouraging and equipping children’s ministry leaders.  

Passionate about the church and about kids, Melissa J. MacDonald travels extensively speaking, training, coaching, and consulting. She’s the author of Missing: An Urgent Call for the Church to Rescue Kids. She currently serves as the National Children’s Disciplemaking Specialist for the Christian and Missionary Alliance denomination. With a fresh and unique perspective Melissa boldly calls the church to be The Church everywhere she goes. She’s been to over 30 countries and seeks out the best ethnic food in every city she visits.  Find out more at www.melissajmacdonald.com.  

Cindy Hunnicutt is passionate about ministry and considers it a privilege to serve the local church.  She eats, breathes, and lives Children’s Ministry and loves that God would trust her to help pass faith to the next generation. She recognizes the value of engaging and equipping parents to disciple their kids. Recorded: September 26, 2015, Institute of Children’s Ministry