Whether you're crafting a Bible lesson, planning a fun event, or simply looking for ways to engage young hearts, creativity is your secret weapon in kids ministry!Jeff and Abby Land join us on the show today to explore practical ways to wear the "creative hat" in your ministry. From transforming everyday spaces into biblical adventures to caring for your volunteers and families, this episode is packed with inspiration that will help you take your ministry to the next level.Whether you're a se...

Ministry is a team sport and it's crucial for the success of the team to have a diverse range of players. In this episode of the Kids Ministry 101 podcast, Chuck Peters, Jana Magruder, and Landry Holmes discuss the importance of knowing the different personalities and unique wiring of team members in order to better leader, equip, and engage with your team. They explore various tools and assessments that can help leaders understand the strengths and weaknesses of their team members. During th...

An entire generation is growing up watching videos, completing assignments, and potentially being taught by artificial intelligence. The AI concept that use to make good movies, is a reality of our present. While there are many benefits to AI, there are serious threats that ministry leaders need to be aware of. On today's show of Kids Ministry 101, Chuck Peters, Jana Magruder, and Dr. Shelly Melia discuss the impact of artificial intelligence on childhood development, including brain de...

In this episode of the Kids Ministry 101 podcast, Chuck and Jana have a conversation with trauma expert Stephanie Shivers, where they discuss the concept of trauma-informed ministry. Stephanie Shivers shares her knowledge and provides practical ways to help volunteers in children's ministry understand and support children who have experienced trauma. The conversation highlights the importance of defining the difference between trauma and toxic stress, and understanding the impacts on children...

If you're a Next Gen leader of any kind, the ETCH Conference is for you! Lifeway's Etch Conference in Nashville, Tennessee will help you reset your focus so that you're ready to lead others! On today's episode, Chuck Peters, Jana Magruder, and Melita Thomas discuss what's in store for the conference this year, and why you should bring your entire team! You and your team will gain valuable insights into four key areas of awareness that every NextGen leader needs to be in tune with—Church, Comm...

You spoke, we listened, and now we're excited to share with you what's new in the updated cycle of The Gospel Project Curriculum. The Gospel Project Curriculum is a three year comprehensive, Christ-centered, chronological curriculum for your next generation! On today's show Chuck Peters, Jana Magruder, and Landry Holmes share the new elements you can expect from the 5th cycle of The Gospel Project. Engaging videos, QR codes on take-home pages, and updated big picture questions and answers is ...

Hey friends! Over the next few weeks we're going to be sharing with you the top three episodes from Kid's Ministry 101. These are the most listened to episodes, which shows us, it's the topics you want to hear, and probably need to hear again!Setting clear expectations is crucial in recruiting new volunteers, and sustaining current ones. On today's show, Shelly Harris and Bill Emeott discuss the importances of clearly outlining your expectations for all kids ministry volunteers. Thanks f...

Hey friends! Over the next few weeks we're going to be sharing with you the top three episodes from Kid's Ministry 101. These are the most listened to episodes, which shows us, it's the topics you want to hear, and probably need to hear again!Developing key leaders is crucial in growing and sustaining a healthy ministry. On today's show Lauren Bush joins the podcast to discuss some of the best practices for developing those leaders.Thanks for listening and sharing with a friend!SHOW LINKS:Con...

Hey friends! Over the next few weeks we're going to be sharing with you the top three episodes from Kid's Ministry 101. These are the most listened to episodes, which shows us, it's the topics you want to hear, and probably need to hear again! On today's show we're bringing back a conversation with Klista Storts on a dozen do NOTS for recruiting volunteers! No matter how desperate you are to fill a space, Klista discusses the main things to stay away from when recruiting! Thanks for listening...

This week we are sharing an episode from one of our favorite shows from the Lifeway Podcast Network - Youth Ministry Booster. This show is the most honest podcast in student ministry! Hosted by Zac Workun and Chad Higgins, the biggest fans of youth ministry leaders, Youth Ministry Booster brings you the humor and help to engage, entertain, equip, and encourage! Chad and Zac tackle the hefty topic of expectations in ministry. They peel back the layers on why we plan events and who they're trul...