Kids Ministry Circle Podcast

In today's conversation, I invited my friend, Kris Buckman to help all of us think about safety in a whole new way. We discuss the importance of safety protocols in church environments, particularly focusing on child protection and compliance. They share personal experiences related to church safety, the challenges of accountability, and the necessity of proper training for volunteers. Resources Mentioned: Kids Ministry Circle CohortKids Ministry Circle SummitEssentials CurriculumConnect with Kris Buckman: kbuckman@bcmd.org

Have you ever been curious about getting head knowledge about God to move to heart transformation from God? My guest today is David Rausch, the founder of GO! Curriculum. In this episode, we talk about David's new book, Feeding Faith: A Children's Ministry Recipe for Rescuing a Lost Generation and so much more! This is definitely a note taking episode that you are going to love! Resources Mentioned: GO! CurriculumDavid's Book, Feeding FaithKids Ministry Circle CohortKids Ministry Circle Summit

This is our last episode in this 4-part series all about raising up the next generation of leaders. My hope is that throughout these 4 episodes, we will begin to answer these 3 questions: -Why is it so hard to find people to work on kids ministry staff? -How can we raise up the next generation of leaders? -How can we better disciple Gen Z? Today's episode is with Colin Provart. Colin is the Director of Salt Network at Storyline Church in Arvada, CO and is faithfully discipling his Gen Z residents and so many college students who are coming to know Jesus. He is a friend and a leader I admire. You are going to love our conversation! Resources Mentioned:Kids Ministry Circle SummitKids Ministry Circle Spring CohortSalt Network

It is week 3 of our podcast series all about raising up the next generation of leaders. My hope is that throughout these 4 episodes, we will begin to answer these 3 questions: ​ Why is it so hard to find people to work on kids ministry staff​ How can we raise up the next generation of leaders? ​ How can we better disciple Gen Z? My guest today is Julie Puckett. Julie is the Central Kids Pastor at LakePointe Church in Texas. Julie works side by side with LakePointe school of ministry to raise the next generation of ministry leaders. In our conversation today, Julie and I talk about what is keeping Gen Z from jumping into vocational ministry and how we better invite young leaders into leadership within the local church. Resources Mentioned: Kids Ministry Circle CohortKids Ministry Circle Summit

It is week 2 of our podcast series all about raising up the next generation of leaders. My hope is that throughout these 4 episodes, we will begin to answer these 3 questions: 1. Why is it so hard to find people to work on kids ministry staff? 2. How can we raise up the next generation of leaders? 3. How can we better disciple Gen Z? Today's guest is Vicki Abbot. Vicki is the Director of Kids Ministry at Ada Bible Church and together, we talk all about the ins and outs of leading an internship & residency program. If you are leading residents or hoping to at some point, this is the perfect episode for you! Resources Mentioned: ⁠The Kids Ministry Circle Summit⁠⁠Kids Ministry Circle Cohort

We are jumping into a new podcast series! These next four weeks will be all about raising up the next generation of leaders. My hope is that throughout these 4 episodes, we will begin to answer these 3 questions: 1. Why is it so hard to find people to work on kids ministry staff? 2. How can we raise up the next generation of leaders? 3. How can we better disciple Gen Z? These episodes are both big picture and extremely practical and I hope you will learn a ton and be challenged in the ways you think about vocational ministry and how you are equipping the next generation of pastors and ministers. Our guest today is Terry Parkman. Terry is a pastor, author, and the Global NextGen Ambassador for OneHope (an organization we love around here). He is so passionate about seeing the next generation step into their God-given purpose. Terry's new book, Future Church is a must read for every ministry leader and this episode only scratches the surface of everything I learned by reading his book. Resources Mentioned: Terry's book: Future ChurchThe Kids Ministry Circle SummitKids Ministry Circle Cohort

Welcome back to the Kids Ministry Circle Podcast and hello 2026! We are kicking off another year of podcasting with 6 predictions for 2026. These are 6 things I am seeing in the Kids Ministry world that I think (& hope) we will see more of in 2026. I'd love to know what you think! Don't miss all that we have planned at Kids Ministry Circle for the new year!Kids Ministry Circle CohortKids Ministry Circle SummitBooks to help you & your team grow

I am so excited to welcome Alisha & Nicole from The Grove Church in Liberty Hill, TX. We are pulling back the curtain on how they plan their annual year and how they make sure everything we do aligns with their greater mission & vision. Plus, you are all going to love their Backyard Bible Club Summer event. Resources Mentioned: Spring Cohort 20251-on-1 Coaching

The end of the year always gives us an opportunity for self-reflection. In this episode, I share 3 mistakes or missed opportunities from this season of planting a church. Don't look back to be filled with shame, look back so you can grow and learn! I hope this encourages you to also take time this season to look back and plan to grow in 2026! Resources mentioned: Spring Cohort 2026Kids Ministry Circle Coaching

As a kids ministry leader, one of the areas I would love to improve is equipping the kids in my ministry to have more gospel conversations with their friends, their neighbors and their family. If you are in the same boat, this conversation is the perfect place to start. My guest today is my friend Jason Lamb. Jason is the President of Dare 2 Share ministries and you will hear all throughout the episode, one of kids ministries greatest cheerleaders. Resources Mentioned: Dare2ShareConnect with Jason Lamb @d2sjasonSpring Cohort Registration1-on-1 Coaching

Moments of feeling overwhelmed aren't avoidable but we can have tools in our tool belts to help us navigate them. In today's episode, I walk through the PAUSE method for what to do when we feel overwhelmed in our job, in life, or in both! Resources Mentioned: Map Your Ministry MasterclassEpisode 141: How to Finish 2025

In ministry, there are often seasons for creating, building, and launching, but what about season of sustaining? My friend Aaron Collier is back on the podcast today to talk about his time as an interim kids ministry leader and how he led a team during a leadership transition and through a season of sustaining. Resources Mentioned: Winshape CampsMap Your Ministry Masterclass Seasons Planning Guide

In this episode, my friend Amanda from Kids Ministry Solutions joins me to talk all about being a mom in ministry. We answered the questions that you submitted during & after our latest masterclass. We hope this encourages you and empowers you to live in your gifting and live confidently right where God has you. Resources Mentioned: Christmas in Kids MinistryKids Ministry Circle MerchCreating Margin in Ministry Masterclass

2026 is right around the corner and we are heading into one of the busiest seasons of the year. How can we head into the season and end 2025 well? In this episode, I share 5 things to remember and maybe implement to end 2025 well. Let's find joy in the remainder of the year!

Do you ever wish you had a local community of kids ministry leaders to chat with? The podcast guest today, Andrae Jones, wanted that, too. So he created it. Andrae believes in the importance of community so he built a community for kids ministry leaders in the DFW area that choose collaboration instead of competition. Resources Mentioned: Christmas ResourcesConnect with Adrae: @draejones

Joining us on the podcast today is Areo Donahue, the creator behind God's Greenhouse from Minno. Areo has a passion to reach preschoolers with the big Gospel story as a former kids ministry leader and now a tv show creator! In this episode, we talk about how to plant seeds of the Gospel through play, songs, and bite-sized truths. Resources Mentioned: Kids Ministry MasterclassMinno God's Greenhouse

Can you even reach a point of having too many volunteers? My friend and podcast guest, Meghan Graham reached that point. Is this episode she shares how one culture shift changed the volunteer culture of the entire church. Resources Mentioned: Margin Masterclass Deeper Kidmin

In today's episode I talk to Sandra Peoples about her new book, Accessible Church. We talk about the importance of creating ministries that are accessible for all kids and families. You will love the practicality of this conversation and how wise & helpful Sandra is! Resources Mentioned: Creating Margin in Ministry MasterclassConnect with Sandra Buy the book, Accessible Church

On this week's episode I am joined by my friend Tanya Rinella. Tanya is the Kid's Ministry Pastor at Rock Harbor Church in Costa Mesa, CA. Tanya has been in her role for only 2 years and has so much experience coming into her role and changing different elements while bringing her team along with her. She shares so much of her experience and encouragement as she took a ministry and continues to make changes for the better! Resources Mentioned: Creating Milestones that Matter Course

Two weeks ago we planted a church and I've been bringing you along with me as I build a kids ministry from the ground up. In today's episode I share about the long awaited launch day, what I am learning about myself, and what I am working on next.

My friend Christen Clark is back on the podcast today and we are talking about how to create the perfect large group. Whatever type of program you are running on Sunday, Christen offers so much wisdom on how to capture the kids attention and keep it! Resources Mentioned:Creating Milestones That Matter CourseCrowd Control Online Course USE CODE MINISTRY CIRCLE FOR $5 off!Collide Kids Podcast7 Minute Devotions for Busy Parents

Have you ever wanted a resource that you can go to with all your kids ministry questions? Well, my new friend and today's podcast guest David Reneau wrote a new book that I truly believe will be that kind of resource. David is the Lead Pastor of Encounter Church and with over 17 years of experience in ministry, most of it in kids, he has developed a passion to help others lead in their churches well. His new book, Next Level Kidmin: The Children's Pastors practical guide to building a thriving ministry releases in on September 16. In this episode, David and I talk about his new book and how kids ministry leaders can continue to learn and grow as ministry leaders. Resources Mentioned: Fall CohortSeasons Planning GuideDavid's Book: Next Level KidminConnect with David

Our friend Becca Harris is back on the Kids Ministry Circle podcast and we are talking all things Preteens. Are you working to create a plan to better disciple the 4th, 5th, & 6th graders in your ministry? Hear from Becca Harris how her staff team is building an environment for deeper discipleship and more intentional relationships specifically for preteens.Resources Mentioned: Kids Ministry Circle CohortGen Z Survey (Future of NextGen Leader)

Is your ministry all fun with not relationships? Maybe it is all relationships but no fun. I think there is a middle ground that has both fun and discipleship. My guest today, Justyn Smith, has a new book out to help Kids Ministry leaders find that balance. Listen to all the ways we can learn from leaders like Walt Disney and Mr. Rogers. Resources Mentioned:Kids Ministry Circle Fall CohortSeasonal Planning GuideConnect with Justyn:@pastorjustynWondersmith.coTrolley Rides and Fairy Tales book

Today's episode feels very timely. For many of us, we are in the middle of a season change. We are putting away our VBS costumes and gearing for the launch of the fall season. My guest today is Angie Hooie and together we talk about burnout. I know that feels like a hot topic word, but I feel like these feelings of being overwhelmed, overworked and under equipped often show up when our expectations around the next season seem to be unmet. Angie brings so much encouragement and practical steps to take if you to prevent burnout or if you find yourself in a hard season.Resources MentionedKids Ministry Fall CohortSeasons Planning GuideConnect with Angie

Have you ever been stumped when it comes to planning out your kids worship set? How can we keep the kids engaged and help them understand the importance of musical worship? Our guest today, Dylan Arms, is going to help unravel all of those in our episode today. Dylan is a Worship Pastor, musical artist, and a new dad. He helps us see that worship does matter and that we can create a space for all kids to thrive. Resources Mentioned: Kids Ministry Circle Fall CohortSeasons Planning GuideDylan Arms Kids Worship MusicDylan Arms Kids Worship Website

The Kids Ministry Circle Podcast is BACK! After our Summer break, we are back and I am picking up right where I left off with Building a Kids Ministry Part 2. It's been a summer of building a kids ministry for a church launching in September and I am filling you in on what I've been working on, new resources we are launching, and my ministry motto. Resources Mentioned: Seasons Planning GuideFall Cohort Registration

In this special episode of the Kids Ministry Circle podcast, I am sharing some big news on the next season! Hear the news, wha I am working on, and how you can join in on the fun! Let's build a Kids Ministry!

It's another week, with another episode where I learn something new about how to teach kids about God and His Word. I am so excited to introduce you to today's guest, Mary Wiley. Mary is a mom, kids ministry volunteer, author, and a publisher for B&H publishing. Her latest book is called Discovering the Bible: A Kid's Guide to Reading and Understanding God's Word and just wait until you hear how she uses this book in her own church. I was instantly hooked. Together, we talk about helping kids understand the importance and authority of scripture. In our culture today, kids are tempted to look everywhere for truth and we want to help this next generation of kids know that they can turn to the only thing that is True forever, God's Word. Resources Mentioned: Summer Intensive Discovering The Bible bookLearn more from Mary Wiley

It's time for another pep talk. VBS, Kids Camp, or whatever you have planned for Summer programming may be in full swing or right around the corner and we could all probably use some encouragement. In this episode, I share 5 things that you can focus on or remember during VBS. I am cheering you on. To God be the glory!

I have heard from countless leaders about the struggle of the preteen years in Kids Ministry. They aren't quite ready for student ministry, but they are searching for deeper discipleship opportunities. I was even asked a few weeks ago if I knew of anyone creating curriculum or content for preteen girls and I am so excited to introduce you to someone who is doing just that and she just happens to be neighborhood! Janna Widdifield is the founder of Vessels. Today we talk about preteen girls and what they need from the church and how the chance to pour into young girls isn't just a kids ministry opportunity. It's a women's ministry opportunity! You will love hearing what Janna has experienced as she has led this over the years and how we can come alongside young girls and equip them to follow Jesus all of their days.   Resources Mentioned: Vessels Ministry Connect with Janna @godsvesselsSummer Intensive

Today on the podcast we have Barry & Jess Saylor from One Hope. They serve on the research team at One Hope and have led projects to help parents and ministry leaders better understand the generations, discipleship, and struggles of parenting. In this episode, we deep dive their research on Generation Alpha. This research is important and impactful. Don't miss this conversation and download the entire research for yourself! Resources Mentioned:Summer IntensiveOne Hope Research: Gen A

We've all been keeping our eyes on the stats about Gen Z, Bible sales, and pop up revivals happening on college campuses, but what about Gen A? Can we pinpoint what ministry leaders have done different this time? Is it possible to recreate what is happening now for the next generation? Those are the questions we are asking in today's podcast and I invited Shane Pruitt to talk all about it.  Shane is an author, speaker, and Director of Next Gen for the North American Mission Board. We talk about cultural shifts, empowering gen Z, and how to disciple Gen A. Get your notes ready friends—this conversation is for sure a note-taking episode. Resources Mentioned:Summer IntensiveConnect with ShaneIG: @shane_pruitt78

This one is for the moms, people who lead alongside moms, and people who support a mom in ministry. My guest today is my friend and mentor, Nancy Matossian. I got a front row seat to watch Nancy raise her girls and work in full-time vocational ministry and it was such a gift to bring her on the podcast to talk about being a mom in ministry. We talk about the illusion of balance, how to navigate difficult church seasons, and how we can change our perspective to notice God. Resources Mentioned: Summer IntensiveConnect with Nancy & Slingshot Group

My friend Natalie Frisk is back on the podcast and we planned to talk about her new book, A Light to Share, but we ended up talking about so much more. Natalie is an author and the Director of Curriculum at Raise Up Faith. She is also one of my favorite kids ministry thought leaders to brainstorm and share ideas with—as you will clearly hear on the podcast today. Resourced Mentioned:Raise Up Faith CurriculumA Light to Share BookRaising Disciples BookKids Ministry Circle Summer Intensive

My guest today is Ryan Coatney. Ryan wears many hats as pastor, head of a school, and what you may know him for, founder of Cross Formed Kids Curriculum. I've talked about Cross Formed Kids many times and it was about time I had Ryan on the podcast. I gave Ryan the what feels like impossible task of helping me unpack how to talk about Salvation and present the Gospel story. As you can tell in this episode, I had lots of questions and Ryan so graciously answers them and gives us so many tools to help us better understand how to communicate the Gospel message and what to do afterward. Resources Mentioned: Creating Milestones that Matter CourseCross Formed Kids Curriculum

Today's episode is a unique episode well for a unique week. If you are listening to this when it is released, it is the Monday of Holy Week. Approximately 6 days before Easter weekend festivities kick off, of course depending on when those festivities actually begin.  Is there a way to make Holy Week less stressful? Is there a way for you to get what you need to get done and actually enjoy Easter weekend with your church family.I think so. I think it's possible to calm the chaos.So hears my pep talk to help you prepare for Holy Week & Easter Weekend. 5 steps you can take to calm the chaos of Easter Week.

I invited Preston Hocker to join me on the podcast today. Preston is a pastor, security advocate, and co-creator of Lead Volunteers latest course, Lead Security. Preston helps us think about security holistically and gives us encouragement and advice on how to cast vision to senior leadership or volunteers to take safety more seriously. This conversation is an important one so I hope that you lean in and resist the urge to say, “that would never happen to us” and skip past this episode! Resources Mentioned Lead Security CourseLead Security Youtube Page@leadsecurity

One aspect I believe that kids ministry leaders should always be learning and growing in is our ability to teach good theology to kids of all ages. It's hard and I can attest that I have even grown leaps and bounds in this area and partially because I've personally grown in my love and knowledge of God. We can't teach what we don't know and believe.  Over the next couple months, we are sprinkling in episodes that help us grow in knowledge around a specific doctrine or theological conversation and help us grow in practice as we go out and teach our kids and families good theology about a good God. To kick this season off, I wanted to invite my new friend Josh Zello on the podcast. I've seen Josh launch Jesus Loves Preschoolers, but what I didn't know is that he has years of experience and education in early childhood. Josh helps us learn new ways to teach our preschool friends the Gospel story in a way that they will understand. This is definitely a note-taking episode. I learned SO much and cannot wait for you to hear this episode with Josh. Resources Mentioned:Jesus Loves Preschoolers@joshuazello

My guest today is Amanda Druffel. Amanda is one of the creators behind Kids Ministry Solutions. Her and her mom create the cutest and most helpful teaching resources for home and church, but she also is on instagram helping us all be more efficient in our work. Her helpful tips are suggestions from many years in ministry are helping us all balance home & work life. In our conversation today we talk about balancing it all and how we can work more efficiently to free up our time for our people. Resources Mentioned:1-on-1 CoachingKids Ministry Solutions Etsy Shop@kids_ministry_solutions

Kim Botto is back on the podcast today and we are taking things to the next level. Kim was on the podcast back in 2023 where we talked through building a Special Needs Ministry.Today, we are talking about her new book, Boundless Hope for Every Child, and what belonging looks like in those unexpected moments on Sunday morning. Resources Mentioned: Boundless Hope book Listen to Episode 38 with Kim Botto https://kimbotto.com/

Today's episode, I am diving into another one of the 5 Foundations of Kids Ministry: Volunteers! I am sharing 5 random, yet intentional things you may not be thinking about when it comes to leading a team of volunteers. It is short and sweet and I think it will be the pep talk we all need in the middle of the Spring semester.

Part of the job of a kids or family ministry leader is to continue to equip and encourage parents to step into their role as disciple-makers. Parents have a million reasons not to participate in home discipleship and we get the incredible opportunity to remind parents there are a million reasons to participate in home discipleship. My guest today is Vanessa Myers and she is a longtime kids ministry leader and creator of Family Faith Builders. She has created countless resources for family discipleship, kids ministry leaders, and Bible teachers. We talk about so equipping parents and teachers to teach the Bible. Her latest resource is the perfect gift for the Bible teachers on your team and it is designed to help them get into God's Word and become better Bible teachers by relying on the Holy Spirit living inside of them and not just a curriculum.  Resources Mentioned: Family Faith BuildersTeacher of the Word Resource

It is always bittersweet when the time comes to graduate kids into student ministry, but we know they are ready! In today's episode, I chat with Dan Istvanik all about the big transition from kids to students. Dan is a family pastor, creator of Youth Ministry Hub and on the Next Gen team for the Global Leadership Network. He shares his 30+ years of youth ministry wisdom as we are all gearing up to move kids from one ministry to the next. Resources Mentioned:⁠Milestone Masterclass ⁠Middle Years Life Transitions ArticleYouth Ministry Hub

Tis' the season for Easter planning! In this episode, hear how two real Next Gen leaders are preparing their teams and ministries for Easter Sunday. Hear how they debrief, plan, recruit, and celebrate their teams throughout the Easter season. We also share a few stories of maybe what not to do or how to learn from our mistakes.You will love this real conversation with real leaders that I admire so much.Resources Mentioned:Milestone MasterclassWonder Ink Seder Resource

Today's episode looks a little different as we introduce a new podcast format that will be sprinkled throughout the year. In these unique episodes, I will be talking about one of the 5 foundations of kids ministry. This week, we are zooming in on partnering with parents. I share some research I find fascinating and what to do with it. Research Mentioned: OneHope State of Child Discipleship Children's Ministry in a New Reality Resourced Mentioned: Parent Roundtable

Have you ever been stuck when teaching kids big Christian doctrines? Same. My friends Sam Luce & Hunter Williams wrote a new book that will help leaders and parents everywhere teach kids theological truths that will impact their faith for a lifetime. Resources Mentioned: Spring Cohort Creating Milestones That Matter How to Teach Kids Theology Book

In today's episode, I sit down with Lynne Howard from the team at David C. Cook and we deep dive into curriculum but more specifically scope & sequence. We talk about how to really use a scope & sequence to plan your year, equip your parents, and better serve your volunteers. Resources Mentioned: Spring Cohort Wonder Ink Curriculum Connect with Lynne: lynne.howard@davidccook.org

My guest today is Cortney Jenkins. Cortney is the creator behind Awe & Wonder, a hub of resources to help churches and families reach all kids with the Gospel story.  Today we talk about how to teach kids of all abilities using a variety of curriculum and techniques. Whether you have your own designated classroom for kids with special needs or are starting from the beginning, I know Cortney's wisdom will be so encouraging and helpful.  Resources Mentioned: Awe & Wonder Curriculum Follow Cortney on Socials @awe__and__wonder Spring Cohort Creating Milestones That Matter Course

In today's episode, I share about what is coming for 2025! I talk about how we are being faithful to our mission and vision and what are the new and excited announcements. We are grateful you are a part of this community and listening along as we learn and grow! Resources Mentioned: VBS Curriculum Video Creating Milestones That Matter Course Spring Cohort

Happy 2025 friends! To ring in the new year, I am sharing 5 things I said the most as a kids ministry coach. Maybe these things will bring you encouragement, too. To learn more about one-on-one coaching and the Spring Cohort, use the links below. Kids Ministry Coaching Spring Cohort