Welcome to our July Book Club Series ! This month, we’re diving into the ingredients that make kids ministry not just effective - but truly life-giving. In this episode, host Jana Magruder and producer Nikki Ogden, reflect on what it means to nourish both children and leaders spiritually in today’s culture. In this rich and reflective conversation from our July Book Club Series , Nikki and Jana explore the "essential nutrients" every thriving kids ministry needs, from Jana's book, Kids Ministry ...
Jul 02, 2025•28 min
We’re continuing our Milestone Series this summer with one of the most pivotal seasons in a child’s spiritual journey: the preteen years. In this episode, Danielle Bell and Jeremy Carroll dive deep into the unique challenges and opportunities that come with walking alongside preteens as they begin to form their own faith identity and prepare for the transition into student ministry. These aren’t just “in-between” years—they’re milestone moments that matter. From conversations about purity and id...
Jun 26, 2025•40 min
We’re so excited to continue our summer series, Milestones. We're focusing on the key spiritual moments that shape a child’s faith. These milestones aren’t just checkboxes; they’re opportunities for deep connection, discipleship, and celebration within the church and at home. In this powerful episode, Jeremy Carroll and Danielle Bell explore the importance of celebrating and supporting spiritual milestones in children’s lives. They discuss how the church can better partner with families during k...
Jun 19, 2025•39 min
We’re thrilled to be in our brand-new series, Milestones, a month-long journey designed to help ministry leaders and parents celebrate and support the spiritual milestones that shape a child’s faith journey. In this second episode, we’re diving into one of the most foundational stages: the preschool years. Join preschool ministry experts Delanee and Kimba as they unpack the key transitions that happen in early childhood—moving from nursery to preschool, and eventually to “big church.” Through en...
Jun 12, 2025•39 min
Hey friends! We’re kicking off a brand-new season with something truly special: the Milestone Series for this summer! Over the next few months, we’ll dive into some of the most significant moments in a child’s spiritual journey and how the church can walk alongside families every step of the way. In this first episode, we’re starting where it all begins—preschool ministry and parent-child dedication. In this kickoff episode of the Milestone Series , the we'll dive into the powerful ministry of p...
Jun 05, 2025•39 min
Every year, children’s pastors from across the country gather for the Children’s Pastors Conference—a time to grow, connect, and be reminded of the incredible calling to reach the next generation. This year, our producer Nikki Ogden walked the halls with one question in mind: “What’s the one thing you wish your senior pastor knew about your ministry?” The answers were honest, heartfelt, and deeply insightful. In this episode, we’re joined by Ben Mandrell, president and CEO of LifeWay Christian R...
Apr 24, 2025•33 min
What if teaching theology to children wasn’t as intimidating as it sounds? What if, instead, it was one of the most natural and essential parts of shaping a child’s faith? In this episode, Mary Wiley joins us to unpack the idea that theology is simply learning about God—and that kids are not only capable of learning it, but eager to! With warmth and wisdom, Mary shares how parents and ministry leaders can make big truths about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and the church both accessible and engag...
Apr 17, 2025•50 min
What does it mean to leave a lasting spiritual legacy? In a world filled with challenges and distractions, how can parents and grandparents intentionally invest in the faith of the next generation? In this powerful episode, we’re joined by Janie Ortlund, an author and passionate advocate for generational faith. Drawing from her book To the Tenth Generation , Janie shares her heart for passing down faith through practical traditions, intentional parenting, and a deep reliance on God’s promises. S...
Apr 09, 2025•28 min
Have you ever walked into a church space and immediately felt overwhelmed? The environments we create for kids and families can make a powerful first impression, and they play a big role in how people experience church. In this episode, we welcome back Lynley Mandrell to dive into the importance of thoughtfully designed spaces in children’s ministry. Lynley shares her passion for creating environments that are both inviting and functional, offering practical tips for evaluating, updating, and or...
Apr 03, 2025•38 min
How do we take deep, biblical truths and make them come alive for kids in a way that sticks? In this episode, Jana Magruder tackles this topic with Joel Evrist, a passionate kids ministry leader who knows how to bring God’s Word to life through humor, real-life applications, and music. Joel shares his journey in children’s ministry and the heart behind his work on the Explore the Bible series, giving us a behind-the-scenes look at how to simplify complex theological concepts in ways kids can tru...
Mar 27, 2025•41 min
What if the songs we sing and the stories we tell could plant seeds of faith that last a lifetime? In this episode, we’re joined by the incredibly gifted Ellie Holcomb—singer, songwriter, author, and passionate advocate for nurturing children’s hearts through music and scripture. Ellie shares her personal journey of faith and creativity, and how it led her to write children’s books and songs that point kids to the hope we have in Jesus. You’ll hear about her latest book, Spring Sings , a beautif...
Mar 20, 2025•40 min
Have you ever wondered if the Bible you’re handing to a child is the right fit for them? As kids grow and develop, so do their needs when it comes to engaging with God’s Word. In this episode, we’re joined by Mary Wiley for an eye-opening conversation about choosing age-appropriate Bibles that truly connect with kids at every stage of their spiritual journey. Mary brings her deep passion for biblical literacy and her ministry experience to the table as she walks us through how to select Bibles t...
Mar 13, 2025•39 min
One of the greatest gifts we can give children is a deep love for God’s Word. But how do we help them not just hear Bible stories, but truly engage with Scripture and develop lasting Bible skills? In this episode, we’re joined by Emily Jennings to talk about the importance of biblical literacy in kids ministry. From preschoolers to preteens, every child can begin building a strong foundation in God’s Word—one that will carry them through a lifetime of faith. Emily shares her passion for equippin...
Mar 06, 2025•44 min
Many churches hesitate to host VBS because they feel they don’t have enough volunteers. But what if we told you that this shouldn't be the obstacle stopping you? What if we told you we have strategies that can help you engage your church and build a strong, committed volunteer team? In this episode, Melita Thomas shares her top tips for recruiting and retaining volunteers, ensuring a meaningful VBS experience that will impact not only your church, but your entire community. From the foundational...
Feb 27, 2025•39 min
How can your VBS reach and engage the next generations effectively? What strategies will help you create a welcoming environment that connects with both Gen Z and Gen Alpha? In this episode, we explore how to plan for VBS 2025 using the FLIP strategy to build relationships, empower leaders, and create lasting impact for children. From understanding the unique needs of Gen Z and Gen Alpha to empowering teenagers as influencers, this conversation emphasizes the importance of creating a welcoming e...
Feb 20, 2025•41 min
Are you ready to take your VBS planning to the next level? What questions should you ask before ordering your materials to ensure a successful and stress-free event? In this episode, Melita Thomas reveals the key considerations for selecting the right curriculum and organizing a VBS that will engage and impact kids. From determining age groups and planning for attendance to utilizing community and digital resources, this conversation offers a roadmap for a successful and stress-free VBS. With pr...
Feb 13, 2025•40 min
What makes a Vacation Bible School truly impactful? Is it the theme, the activities, or something deeper? Join us as we uncover the distinctives that take VBS from just an event to a life-changing ministry for kids, families, and your entire church. VBS expert Melita Thomas shares what every kids ministry leader should prioritize when selecting a Vacation Bible School curriculum. From ensuring biblical saturation to fostering community connections, she unpacks what truly makes a VBS impactful. L...
Feb 06, 2025•36 min
Happy New Year friends!! As we enter this fresh season, we want to take a moment to reflect on all that we've accomplished in the previous season and look ahead to the exciting opportunities in the season to come! Last season, we had the privilege of sharing incredible stories from fellow ministry leaders, diving deep into the strategies that help leaders answer their calling, no matter what hat they are wearing! From exploring creative ways to put people around you with different strengths, to ...
Jan 02, 2025•6 min
It’s a Wrap on an Incredible Season! Join us for an exciting and heartfelt finale to this season of Kids Ministry Calling Podcast! In this special Q&A episode, we’re diving into YOUR questions straight from the floor of the ETCH Conference. From navigating challenging ministry moments to celebrating big wins in kids ministry, this episode is jam-packed with practical wisdom and a few laughs along the way. Whether you’re a seasoned ministry leader or just starting your journey, this episode i...
Dec 12, 2024•39 min
Ever feel like you’re juggling a dozen roles at once in kids ministry? Whether you’re organizing holiday programs, managing volunteers, or supporting families in need, the demands can feel endless! In this episode, Jana Magruder, Nikki Ogden, and Lynley Mandrell, explore what it takes to thrive in kids ministry leadership, sharing real-life strategies and encouragement for navigating the chaos. From juggling countless roles to managing volunteers and navigating the demands of being a leader, the...
Dec 05, 2024•34 min
Live from the ETCH Conference, join us for an exciting conversation with Jana Magruder and Stephanie Chase, Kids Minister at Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, Texas! This season, we’ve been diving into all the different “hats” of Kids Ministry, and today, Stephanie draws random “hats” from a bucket to share her insights! Get ready to laugh as she connects teaching kids the Bible to the quirks of handling raw chicken. Discover her advice on when to delegate, when to grow in your weakness...
Nov 21, 2024•24 min
In this engaging conversation, John Murchison shares insights on the importance of administration in children's ministry, discussing how his background in engineering has equipped him with problem-solving skills that are invaluable in ministry. He emphasizes the need for leaders to balance administrative tasks with empowering volunteers, fostering ownership, and focusing on the gospel's mission. The discussion highlights the significance of viewing tasks as opportunities for growth and leadershi...
Nov 14, 2024•37 min
Didn't realize you would be a certified event planner when you entered Kids Ministry? We're here for you! In this conversation, Bill Emeott dives into his wealth of experience in children’s ministry, zeroing in on the essentials of impactful event planning! He stresses the importance of having a clear purpose, knowing your audience, and setting focused goals for every event. Bill shares practical, actionable tips for pulling off successful events—from building a strong team and creating a budget...
Nov 07, 2024•48 min
Ever wondered what it takes to build a thriving kids ministry team?" In this episode, Heidi Hensley shares her insights on the vital roles that shape a successful ministry, with a special emphasis on the coaching element. From purposeful recruiting to fostering community among volunteers, Heidi explains how these efforts lay the foundation for impactful ministry. She also dives into the importance of continuous training and development, underscoring the value of investing in people. Finally, Hei...
Oct 31, 2024•43 min
Stepping into the role of a counselor can feel intimidating, but wearing this hat can be so crucial for creating lasting spiritual impact on the families we serve. On today's show we're putting on the "counselor hat" and tackling one of the most meaningful yet challenging roles in kids ministry. Moving away from a flashy, entertainment-driven approach, we talk about how the church can focus on building genuine relationships and fostering a safe community for kids. We also dive into the role of t...
Oct 24, 2024•49 min
In this insightful episode, we dive into the vital role of evangelism in children's ministry with special guest Danielle Bell. Together, Jana and Danielle explore how to keep the gospel at the heart of kids' ministry, emphasizing the power of family involvement and creative strategies to share faith with children. Danielle opens up about her ministry journey, highlighting the importance of intentionality and introducing practical tools to help kids both understand and share the gospel. They also...
Oct 17, 2024•31 min
Whether you're wrangling toddlers or leading preteens, wearing the teaching hat is one of the most important (and sometimes most challenging) parts of the ministry. In this episode, Kevin Jones and Jana Magruder are putting on their "teaching hat" and diving into all things related to leading well in kids ministry! We talk about the vital role adult leaders play in calling out and nurturing the teaching gift in younger kids, helping them grow into their God-given potential. Plus, we'll share how...
Oct 10, 2024•23 min
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 sea...
Sep 30, 2024•35 min
Hey friends, welcome to a brand new podcast, Kids Ministry Calling! In the busyness of leading kids ministry, it’s easy to get caught up in the details and lose sight of the bigger picture. But today, your host Jana Magruder and producer Nikki Ogden, are hitting pause to reflect on one essential truth: the importance of your calling. Join us as we dive deep into why remembering your God-given purpose is vital to thriving in ministry. In this episode, we’ll explore the power of staying connected ...
Sep 30, 2024•29 min•Season 1Ep. 1
Are you feeling over-worked, over-looked, or thinking about leaving ministry? Do you love working with kids and families, but find yourself questioning longevity? When is the last time you recalled your calling to ministry? When's the last time you reminded yourself of your "why"? The calling to Kids Ministry is a sacred calling, and a calling worth remembering, retellings, and sustaining us during all seasons of ministry! At Kids Ministry Calling we're thrilled to remind you of that calling to ...
Sep 30, 2024•4 min
