In the final installment of our special pitch episodes of NextGen Conversations, we welcome Emily Pikaard and Madison Westermier as they pitch ways to reveal a newly updated ministry space and raise a few additional funds. Emily dreams up a scavenger hunt-style launch event to help young families explore a newly renovated children's space, complete with unstructured play, classroom introductions and a strategic welcome back to church. Madison pitches a year-round church farm stand stocked with g...
Jul 22, 2025•30 min•Season 2Ep. 13
In the final installment of our special pitch episodes of NextGen Conversations, we welcome Rachel Griffith and Rebes Bennett as they pitch ways to reach out and build relationships across generations. Rachel pitches a student-led open mic night designed to give teens a safe space to express their talents, be heard and feel supported. Rebes shares an idea about regular intergenerational programming designed to foster meaningful conversations. About NextGen Conversations NextGen Conversations is ...
Jul 10, 2025•29 min•Season 2Ep. 12
In this special pitch episode of NextGen Conversations, we hand the mic to two new ministry leaders who are imagining creative ways to engage with students and families who both do and don’t attend church. Ryan proposes gamifying Bible learning through theater, storytelling and D&D-inspired Sunday school adventures. Micayla shares a vision for turning her church into a “third space” for young families through weekday, chapel-style story time and unstructured play. About NextGen Conversations...
Jun 26, 2025•48 min•Season 2Ep. 11
In this special pitch episode of NextGen Conversations, we hand the mic to two seasoned ministry leaders with bold new ideas for connecting with students and families. Rev. Martin Leathers, students pastor and middle school director at The Gathering UMC, shares a plan for a traveling tailgate tour that brings free food, fun and authentic connection straight to high school football games. Rev. Shelly Nall, NextGen director at First UMC in Blue Springs, pitches a parent prom, a joy-filled night to...
Jun 12, 2025•42 min•Season 2Ep. 10
Who really has time to wade through all the available curriculums out there or even write your own curriculum? In this episode of NextGen Conversations, Janessa Aston and Mandy Phillips, youth and children’s leaders from Platte Woods UMC, share practical tips for finding resources that engage kids, equip leaders and reflect United Methodist values — without overloading already-stretched ministry schedules. Whether you’re full-time, part-time or a volunteer, this conversation will help you rethin...
May 01, 2025•50 min•Season 2Ep. 9
Safe Sanctuaries policies can sometimes feel like one more hoop to jump through when planning programming for kids and youth. Yet, with some planning and creative thinking, how your church implements its policy can be a strength. Rev. Shea James, director of youth and outdoor ministries at the West Virginia Conference of The United Methodist Church, shares examples and tips for creating a culture of safety at your local church. Related Resources Safe Sanctuaries Resources for Missouri Conference...
Apr 17, 2025•49 min•Season 2Ep. 8
Whether you call it Launch Sunday, Promotion Sunday or something else, this special day is more than just a date on the calendar. It’s an opportunity to energize your church, engage families and set the tone for the season ahead. In this episode of NextGen Conversations, Morgan Scott, youth director at Cameron UMC, and Rachel Whitmire-Griffith, director of nextgen ministry at North Cross UMC, help us break down how to make a successful transition, whether it’s from second to third grade or movin...
Apr 03, 2025•42 min•Season 2Ep. 7
In ministry, we talk about discipleship pathways, but what does that practically look like for our youngest disciples? In this episode of NextGen Conversations, Chris Wilterdink from UMC Discipleship Ministries discusses how churches can create intentional discipleship pathways that engage all ages, celebrate spiritual growth and build stronger faith communities. Plus, Chris shares about the faith-formation resources that are available to every United Methodist Church through Discipleship Minist...
Mar 20, 2025•49 min•Season 2Ep. 6
Intergenerational ministry seems like it should happen naturally, but building strong connections between generations takes intentionality and work. In this episode of NextGen Conversations, Rev. Arden Ratcliff-Mann, associate pastor at Liberty UMC, shares how churches can break down ministry silos and make church a place for all generations. Whether your church is large or small, this conversation will challenge you to rethink how all ages can worship, serve and grow together. About Arden Origi...
Mar 06, 2025•43 min•Season 2Ep. 5
Laity is essential to the Methodist movement, and volunteers are the lifeblood of a thriving ministry. But how do you find them and keep them? Annette Safstrom, author and Ministry Architects consultant, shares practical strategies for recruiting, equipping and retaining volunteers. Whether you’re struggling to build a team or looking for ways to strengthen your volunteer culture, this episode is for you. About Annette Safstrom Annette fell in love with children’s ministry in the 1980s and has n...
Feb 20, 2025•46 min•Season 2Ep. 4
Easter is one of the biggest Sundays of the year, but how can local church leaders design meaningful experiences that go beyond the traditional egg hunt? In this episode, Allie Hillman from Waypoint UMC in Waynesville shares how they’re reimagining the family Easter experience. You’ll hear what Waypoint is planning for Easter 2025, and spoiler alert, it isn’t an egg hunt. About Allie Hillman Allie serves as the Family Ministry Director at Waypoint UMC in Waynesville, Missouri. About NextGen Conv...
Feb 06, 2025•36 min•Season 2Ep. 3
Join us as we dive into the 2025 summer activity slate and showcase the exciting opportunities for children, youth and United Methodist churches in Missouri. Discover how day camps, overnight adventures, transformative mission trips, and the epic UNITE students conference are shaping faith, fostering relationships, and empowering the next generation. Related Resources Heartland Camps Host a Day Camp Info Cross-Connection Sanctuary Kamp UNITE Students Conference About NextGen Conversations NextGe...
Jan 23, 2025•46 min•Season 2Ep. 2
Explore what it means to create a Culture of Call, an environment where people can discern their God-given gifts and discover their purpose in ministry and beyond. Missouri Conference Recruitment Specialist Brian shares stories of impactful relationships and practical steps to foster meaningful connections in ministry, no matter what age group you work with. About Brian Valentine Brian serves as Recruitment Specialist for the Missouri Annual Conference where he works closely with other Conferenc...
Jan 09, 2025•45 min•Season 2Ep. 1
What a holly, jolly year it has been! Join the NextGen Ministries staff as a plus-one to their Christmas gathering, where they celebrate the wins of 2024 and share some Christmas hot-takes. About NextGen Conversations NextGen Conversations is a podcast that seeks to empower children’s, family, youth and college-aged leaders to create dynamic, Christ-centered ministries. Every episode features a conversation with a ministry leader and covers innovative solutions to common problems faced in church...
Dec 12, 2024•31 min•Season 2Ep. 10
If we want to disciple the youngest people in the church, we also need to pay attention to the adults in their lives. Kyle Kranes-Rutz, who serves as family ministry director at Webster Hills UMC in St. Louis, shares practical wisdom on developing this holistic approach to discipleship by focusing on four guiding principles: Knowing scripture, loving and serving people, knowing God, and living like Jesus. Related Resources It's Just a Phase - So Don't Miss It: Why Every Life Stage of a Kid Matte...
Dec 05, 2024•46 min•Season 1Ep. 9
While we give a lot of attention to cultivating the faith of our students, NextGen ministry leaders need to tend to their own faith and leadership skills, too. Rev. Kyrell Newell shares about his ministry journey and what has helped him grow as a leader. Whether you’re new to ministry or a seasoned leader, there’s something for everyone in this episode full of resource recommendations for personal development. About Rev. Kyrell Newell Rev. Kyrell Newell currently serves as the Associate Pastor a...
Nov 21, 2024•30 min•Season 1Ep. 8
The church can be the first place someone turns to when they’re seeking mental health help. Yet, the Church isn’t usually equipped to handle the challenges and nuances of this tricky topic. Caroline Oas, a licensed professional counselor with a background in youth ministry, offers practical advice for pastors, leaders and parents on how to support the next generation’s mental health. Together tackle tough questions like recognizing when it's time to seek professional help, breaking down the stig...
Nov 14, 2024•31 min•Season 2Ep. 7
Krista Gonzalez, a youth leader turned professional counselor, shares personal stories from her ministry experience and explores the realities of burnout for nextgen workers. Krista offers expert insight into what burnout looks like, how to recognize the warning signs, and practical tips for recovery and prevention. Whether it's dealing with compassion fatigue or learning to set boundaries, this episode delivers valuable advice for those in ministry struggling to balance their personal well-bein...
Oct 24, 2024•34 min•Season 2Ep. 6
Shelly Nall, nextgen director at First UMC in Blue Springs, joins us to discuss how to plan meaningful and engaging Christmas events for families. Shelly shares her wisdom on adapting to the needs of different generations, fostering community through creative programming, and the importance of keeping the holiday season stress-free for leaders and volunteers. Related Resources Illustrated Ministry Advent and Christmas Resources Orange’s Jingle Jam About NextGen Conversations NextGen Conversation...
Oct 17, 2024•39 min•Season 2Ep. 5
Every community – both big and small – has young people. Rev. Po’ese Vatikani, currently the pastor of Carrollton UMC, has a track record for multiplying the next generation ministry wherever he serves. He shares his why and how in this episode of NextGen Conversations. About Rev. Po’ese Vatikani Po’ese Vatikani was born and raised in the Kingdom of Tonga in the South Pacific as the son of a schoolteacher and a stay-at-home mom. He grew up with the compassion to make a difference in people's liv...
Oct 10, 2024•33 min•Season 2Ep. 4
Let’s be honest, most of us don’t understand esports. Yet at Ashland UMC in St. Joseph, adding an esports center to their youth room has totally leveled up their ministry. Tom Keller, director of youth ministries at Ashland UMC, shares about the success and how other churches can make an impact with their context’s esports. About Tom Keller Tom serves as the Director of Youth Ministries and Contemporary Worship at Ashland UMC in St. Joseph, Missouri. He received his Bachelor of Music from Missou...
Oct 03, 2024•40 min•Season 2Ep. 3
Imagine this: You’ve been hired part-time by a small, aging congregation to start a youth group and attract younger people to the church. What would you do? Former youth leader Jessica Sachs, who you might remember from the morning sessions of UNITE, weighs in. About Jessica Sachs Jessica is a lifelong Methodist with almost a decade of student and small group ministry experience and continues to serve as a lay member with an MDiv. She finds home in Kansas City with her partner in crime, The Cat,...
Sep 26, 2024•39 min•Season 2Ep. 2
Imagine this: You’re the new volunteer children’s ministry leader starting the ministry from scratch. What would you do? We kick off this season of NextGen Conversations by role-playing this scenario with Ministry Architects ’ Stephanie Caro. About Stephanie Caro Stephanie Caro has been involved in ministry to children, youth and adults in the local church (both large and small) since … a long time ago. Her humorous, straightforward style keeps her busy presenting and coaching at conferences, tr...
Sep 19, 2024•44 min•Season 2Ep. 1
At Westside Church, a two-year-old satellite campus of First UMC (Kearney), a little grant money and creativity took the kid's ministry to the next level. Through digital mediums and activity box deliveries, the church kept connecting with families despite the strange circumstances of 2020. Listen as Children's Director Nicolle Downing and Site Pastor Mitch Buhman share what worked, what didn't and what they'll keep doing as we enter into a new season of ministry.
Apr 27, 2021•37 min
In our final episode of Season 1, we’re in conversation with Maggie Lohmeyer, NextGen youth specialist at the Missouri Conference. Maggie shares a little about her background in ministry and how through her work with NextGen she aims to connect youth leaders and youth. This episode highlights some of the networking events, youth group programs and resources NextGen makes available to local churches in Missouri. Resources LEAP 2021 Information Recorded NextGen Gatherings Upcoming NextGen events...
Oct 27, 2020•31 min•Season 1Ep. 8
This week we’re in conversation with Rev. Tadd Kruithoff to discuss how Trinity UMC in Piedmont, Missouri, does discipleship. Instead of focusing on facts alone, Kruithoff and his team lean into the relational aspect of discipleship through Holy Listening. This method allows kids to lead the conversation and share about their own lives in their own words while volunteers simply guide the conversation, teaching children to see God in everyday life. Resources Spiritual Conversations with Children:...
Oct 20, 2020•35 min•Season 1Ep. 7
Social life, schoolwork, family drama and social media: Even without a pandemic, students and leaders have a lot on their plates. The Awakened Life, written by Rev. Angie Olsen and Sarah Bollinger, offers an invitation to peace and silence amid the chaos of life. This week we’re in conversation with one of the book’s authors, Angie Olsen, to discuss the importance of silence and meditation. We discuss how this is reinforced by the spiritual practices of Jesus and how we can use this time to grow...
Oct 13, 2020•40 min•Season 1Ep. 6
What would it look like to have a youth program that was easy to maintain and had a primary focus on daily discipleship? That’s exactly how Becca Boren, director of youth and young adult ministries at Good Shepherd in Kansas City, has her program aligned. Becca shows us how to turn the standard youth ministry model on its head and allow youth to mentor youth in a meaningful way. At Good Shepherd, Becca has created a system of accountability and growth in her program that has allowed youth to tak...
Oct 06, 2020•33 min•Season 1Ep. 5
This week we’re in conversation with a panel of elementary teachers from all over Missouri to discuss what it’s like to teach during COVID-19. Pandemic life is hard enough for everyone but being a teacher may be one of the most difficult professions right now. In our conversation we discuss their struggles and joys as well as how to best use technology to connect with young people. This conversation will definitely hit home for anyone that has children or works with them and will make you apprec...
Sep 29, 2020•44 min•Season 1Ep. 4
Life during COVID is challenging right now, but especially so as a parent of young children. This week we sit down with a panel of four families with elementary-aged children to discuss what life has been like navigating quarantine, mask culture and school as it continues evolve. This honest and real insight into their lives will help shape how churches view ministry right now and why family ministry still holds incredible value, even though it’s more complicated than before. These families shar...
Sep 22, 2020•42 min•Season 1Ep. 3
