Today's episode is SO fun! When it comes to caring for your volunteer teams and leading them well, using an outside tool to help you get to know your people better is helpful. I invited Tyler Zach to join us on this episode to talk about how the Enneagram can apply to Kids Ministry and how leaders, like you, can use it to lead, care, and train well. Tyler is an author, Enneagram coach, and former pastor. In this episode, Tyler will give an overview of the 9 types and then we dive into each one t...
Jul 12, 2023•57 min
In this episode, I invited Josh Denhart, a volunteer expert, to talk all about volunteers. We talk through the 3 C's to volunteers: communication, collaboration, + community. Hear how Josh connected with his team, communicated with intention, and brought people along every step of the way. Resources Mentioned: Lead Ministry Kidmin Science Connect with Josh: @joshdenhart @leadvolunteers...
Jul 05, 2023•45 min
In this episode, I sit down with my friend Heidi Hensley and have a conversation about how we as Kids Ministry leaders should be engaging with the culture. We talk about how kids ministry and family ministry leaders constantly walk the tension of church and culture. How much do we or should we engage with culture as the local church or should we use culture or extra things to attract new kids and families. Heidi and I have an honest conversation about how we are processing this because we are st...
May 31, 2023•47 min
Today's episode is with someone who is very near & dear to my heart and she was incredibly influential to me as I grew up. Debbie Pelichowski or Mrs. Debbie as I called her was always leading us in worship, always willing to put on any costume for VBS, and always talking about Jesus. Debbie has served for over two decades at Coast Hills Church in Southern California and over her many years in ministry, she has worn many hats and served alongside many staff members. Her story of perseverance ...
May 24, 2023•48 min
In today's episode, I was so excited to talk with Natalie Frisk! Natalie and I met at CPC last January and not only do I love her book, but I am a big fan of her! Natalie is an author, a kids ministry expert, and an amazing curriculum writer with Raise Up Faith. Her story of getting into kids ministry is one for the books and you will love how her pastoral gifting shines through as she writes books, encourages ministry leaders, and creates curriculum for Raise Up Faith. Resources Mentioned: Rais...
May 17, 2023•53 min
In this episode, I got to sit down with a couple of staff members from Flatirons Church. Karl Romeus is the Executive Pastor of Next Gen Ministries and Kimberle Skattum is the Lead Kids Pastor. It was a joy to talk about their ministry philosophy that stretches across ministries and campuses. Karl & Kimberle share about their mission from cradle to college and how that impacts everything from volunteers to partnering with parents and even the events that they plan. If you are working to crea...
May 10, 2023•39 min
In today's episode, I get to talk with Tyler & Megan. They both serve on the Kids Ministry staff at The Summit Church in North Carolina. We talk about so many incredible things throughout this episode. We start off by talking about VBS & Camp and then shift gears to talk about how to have Gospel conversations and partner with parents along the way. You will love hearing how the kids ministry team at The Summit works intentionally to encourage and equip kids and families to invite people ...
May 03, 2023•1 hr 6 min
Today's episode is FULL of practical tips to make your summer programs inclusive to all kids and families. My guest today is Kim Botto and I’m telling the truth when I say that I was taking notes during this podcast for my own parenting knowledge and to help me be a better volunteer. Kim has many years of kids ministry experience and now she travels to conferences and churches to encourage ministry leaders as they work to care for foster families, special needs families, and kids who have experi...
Apr 26, 2023•40 min
It was an absolute honor to get to spend time talking to Esther Moreno. If you've ever felt stuck as a leader or unsure what steps to take to move toward better and healthier habits—you are absolutely going to be encouraged and inspired by this conversation. Esther is a true gift to the kids ministry world and I know you will all love hearing this conversation as much as I loved having it! Resources Mentioned: Spotify for Podcasters Promotion Sunday Gift Guide Connect with Esther: https://www.ch...
Apr 19, 2023•52 min
In this episode, I interview my new friend Christen Clark! Christen has been in the world of kids ministry for a long time and hosts an incredible podcast just for kids (& parents, too!). She has SO much knowledge about thinking strategically and intentionally when it comes to large group and musical worship—so I ask her all the questions so many of you have been asking! We even share some of our favorite worship songs that you must add to your Sunday morning setlist. You're going to love it...
Apr 12, 2023•42 min
Today's episode is with some of my favorite former co-workers (& friends). Parker & Ryan make up the Family Ministry team at The Austin Stone St. John Campus in Austin, TX and we chat all about connecting kids from kids ministry to youth ministry. This transition is a big one and how we prepare kids, partner with parents, and plan with intention matters. I can't wait for you to hear how The Austin Stone stretched the hand-off season into an entire year of deep discipleship across 5th, 6t...
Mar 29, 2023•39 min
In this episode, I invited Andrea Goslee, the Kids Ministry Director at Rivers Crossing Church in Ohio to join me as we talk about all things Preteen Ministry. I knew Andrea was the perfect leader to have on this episode because she not only has a huge heart for the preteen age group, but she has intentionally created a space for preteens in her ministry. I love how she has made this age group a priority from the very beginning and even with a small number of kids, you can make a huge impact. Yo...
Mar 22, 2023•32 min
I am so excited to introduce you to my friend Lindsy. Lindsy just recently started a brand new job as the Kids Pastor at Plum Creek Church in Castle Rock, CO so in this episode we talk all about how to start a new job well and the importance of a Kids Ministry Coach. Her stories will make you laugh (because they made me laugh!) and leave you feeling so encouraged. I got to know Lindsy through the Kids Ministry Circle coaching program and it was a blast getting to help her and her team start a ne...
Mar 15, 2023•33 min
You can't run a Sunday without volunteers and at the same time, recruiting & training volunteers can be the hardest part about leading a Kids Ministry. This episode with Catherine Hwang-Jin is full of incredible tips & tricks for recruiting, onboarding, and celebrating volunteer teams. Catherine is the Pastor of Kids Ministry at Mariners Church in Southern California and they need about 300 volunteers to make a Sunday morning happen so they are constantly pouring into new volunteers and ...
Mar 08, 2023•42 min
In this episode, I got to chat with two members of the Life.Church kids ministry team. Delaney is the Kids Pastor at Life.Church Colorado Springs and Justin is the Central Ministry Life.Kids Leader. Life.Church is known for planting campuses and so I asked them all the hard questions on how they plant so many churches and how they have learned over the years to do it well. We talk about building teams from the ground up and how all church leaders need to lead with the Gospel and the mission of t...
Mar 01, 2023•49 min
For this episode, I got to sit down with my friends Jenna & Frank from Family Time Training. We could have talked about family discipleship forever--it was so fun! We spend time talking about the many ways kids ministry leaders can partner with parents during the Easter & Lent season and specifically parents who are not sure where to start when it comes to partnering with parents. The Easter season is a great time for parents and families to begin new rhythms around diving into God's Wor...
Feb 22, 2023•38 min
In this episode, I was able to chat with my new friend Jennifer Cronk. Jennifer and I met while working together on a writing project and I knew she had to be a guest on the podcast. Jennifer has been in Kids Ministry for many many years and is also a single woman. So many people, both men & women, have similar stories of being single and navigating the ups and downs of ministry. Jennifer offers so much wisdom and encouragement for leaders who are trying to find trusted voices and people who...
Feb 15, 2023•49 min
In this episode, I talk to Kim Hanson. Kim is the Kids Ministry Director at Mission Hills Church in Littleton, CO. We dive deep into the planning, preparing, executing, and debriefing process for Mission Hills' Sports Camp! Kim has been leading at Sports Camp for around 15 years and has SO much wisdom to share. If this is your first year leading a VBS or you've been leading for decades, I am sure you will be able to learn something new from Kim--I know I did! Resources Mentioned: Spring Cohort R...
Feb 08, 2023•52 min
It was SO fun to virtually sit down with David Rausch, the creator of GO! Curriculum. He was so funny and I loved his story of faithfulness and courage. I hope that as you listen to this episode, you feel the freedom to say "no" to things that aren't working anymore so you can say "yes" to all the things God has planned for you. Resources Mentioned: The Fabulous Reinvention of Sunday School by Aaron Reynolds GO! Curriculum Gingerbread Bash The Big Drop Easter Egg-stravaganza Disciple Multiplicat...
Feb 01, 2023•56 min
Hooray for Summer! This episode kicks off our summer event series, and I am so excited to introduce you to Linda Moon. Linda is the Director of Grow Kids and the Director of Education at a church in Southern California. She not only knows all the ins and outs about Grow Curriculum & VBS, but you can definitely hear her Kids Ministry leader heart shine through. I hope this episode is helpful for you if you are just learning about Grow Curriculum or trying to make a VBS curriculum decision. Re...
Jan 25, 2023•31 min
In this episode, I got to chat with my longtime friend & mentor about adding wow moments and wonder fill activities to your classrooms & events. We all know that kids love exciting environments with moments that make them go “wow!” but we can find a balance between the exciting newness & biblical teaching. Connect with Nancy. Email: nmatossian@slingshotgroup.org Slingshot Group
Jan 18, 2023•42 min
In this episode, I got to sit down with my longtime friend in ministry, Melanie Fenwick. Melani serves as the Kids Ministry Director at Park Church in Denver, CO. We talk about faithfulness in all seasons of kids ministry and how to build a volunteer team and encourage them to serve in their gifting. Melanie is full of so much wisdom and helpful tips & tricks, you're going to love this conversation! Episode Partner: -Anchor.fm
Jan 11, 2023•45 min
This episode is designed with the Kids Ministry volunteer in mind! We are talking about 3 ways to be the best small group leader ever and whether you are teaching 5 kids or 200 kids, we can all improve how we lead kids on a Sunday morning (or mid-week). This podcast is short & sweet and perfect to share with volunteer teams as a training resource. This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Jan 04, 2023•14 min
In this episode, I get to introduce you all to my husband, Luke, and talk all about technology in kids ministry. After over a decade in worship & production ministries, Luke is full of wisdom when it comes to adding technology into kids ministry spaces and how to do it well. If you are a small church or a big church, we talk about why tech is important, how to use it well, and what resources are out there to learn new technology and train your team. We talk about a TON of different resources...
Dec 14, 2022•1 hr 7 min
In this episode, Lauren talks to Shayleen Smith, the Kids Ministry Director from New Life East in Colorado Springs, CO. Shayleen shares her vision behind the ministry she leads, where she learned it, and how she implements it at her specific congregation. She also shared her tips and tricks for planning intentional events and teaching kids how to engage with the Holy Spirit. Resources Mentioned: Kids Ministry Circle Cohort 7 Family Ministry Essentials by Dr. Michelle Anthony & Megan Marshman...
Dec 07, 2022•39 min
Join Lauren as she interviews Autumn Gardner, the Family Ministry Director at Fellowship Denver in Denver, Colorado. They talk all about how Autumn works alongside the student ministries team and pastoral staff to partner with all parents. Resources Mentioned: Project 127 Safe Families For Children
Nov 30, 2022•55 min
In this episode, Lauren talks to Cassie Bryant from Northway Church in Dallas, TX to continue to the mini-series on Partnering with Parents. Cassie shares how she encourages the whole church to partner with parents, what has helped her as she strives to serve parents and families, and the family discipleship strategy she leans on to evaluate and plan. Resources mentioned: - Family Discipleship: Leading Your Home Through Time, Moments, and Milestones - Family Discipleship Podcast - Little Prayers...
Nov 16, 2022•40 min
Today's episode is with, Josh Navey, the Director of Family Ministries at Storyline Church in Arvada, CO. Josh is only 6 months into this role so I sat down with him to hear how he is working (alongside a great family ministry team) to cast vision, partner with parents, and build relationships. He shares SO much wisdom and may even convince you to jump back on Twitter! Resources Mentioned Jesus Storybook Bible Sponsors: -Anchor.fm - Kaleidoscope Kids Bibles : 10% off your purchase with code KIDS...
Nov 09, 2022•35 min
Join Lauren as she talks with the Family Ministry Team at Denver Community Church , Nick Elio & Maggie Knight. They share their 0-18 road map and how they work to care for their parents as they disciple their kids and students. Head over to @kidsministrycircle on Instagram to see graphics of their Parent Road Map. Nick Elio: nelio@denverchurch.org Maggie Knight: mknight@denverchurch.org
Nov 02, 2022•58 min
In this episode, Lauren sits down with Brie Pollard. She is on staff at Wellspring Englewood, an Anglican church outside of Denver, CO. Lauren & Brie talk about integrating written scripture and liturgy into the kids ministry space and why it is important. Brie shares how her church partners with parents and celebrates faith milestones and how they include kids in adult worship. Here are the resources mentioned: -Wellspring's youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/WellspringChurch1/videos...
Oct 26, 2022•51 min
