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What if the biggest barrier to thriving kids ministry… is church culture?

In this episode of Building Thriving Kids Ministry, Jo Hobbis continues the conversation with Hannah Aske, founder of TenFour Ministries, about why the Church may need to rethink how it sees children.

Many churches say children matter. But do our priorities, structures, and attitudes actually reflect that?

Hannah shares what she’s learned from working with churches across the UK—why kids ministry is often undervalued, the cultural shifts needed for it to thrive, and how leaders can begin creating churches where children are genuinely welcomed, discipled, and celebrated.

If you care about the future of the Church, this conversation might challenge the way you think about children’s ministry.

Because thriving kids ministry isn’t just about better programmes.

It’s about a culture that believes children truly belong.

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What if the future of the Church depends on how we see children today?

In this first episode of Building Thriving Kids Ministry, Jo Hobbis sits down with Hannah Aske, founder of TenFour Ministries, to talk about a challenge many churches are quietly facing: where have all the children gone—and what can we do about it?

Hannah shares the story behind TenFour Ministries and the heart that led her to launch a movement focused on outreach children’s ministry. From seeing the realities facing children in schools and communities, to recognising the gap in how churches prioritise kids, she asks a bold question: What if children’s ministry isn’t optional—but essential to the mission of the Church?

You’ll hear:

•  Why outreach to children is often missing from church strategy 
•  The surprising story of how Hannah started leading kids ministry at just 16 
•  How churches can move beyond “just running a programme” 
•  Why defining your “win” changes everything about how you lead 
•  The powerful role young leaders can play in building a thriving ministry 

If you’ve ever felt the weight of leading children’s ministry—or wondered how churches can reach the next generation more effectively—this conversation will challenge and encourage you.

Because building a thriving kids ministry doesn’t happen by accident.

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What does it look like to be a family on mission? In this inspiring conversation, Jo Hobbis gets to chat with Alan Charter from the Global Children's Forum. They unpack the idea of every family being "salt and light" in their community, the significant role children play in that, and the practicalities of working it out in real, messy, everyday life. If you're a parent who's wondering if you've missed your chance for mission, or a minister who wants to empower families to do more for the Kingdom, this conversation is for you.

https://gcf.community/
https://familiesonmission.org/

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Jo Hobbis chats with Meredith Anne Miller about her new book 'Wonder', which serves as a guide for adults to explore the Bible with children. They discuss the unique approach of the book, the selection of stories included, and the importance of making biblical narratives accessible to kids. Meredith shares insights on teaching children about faith, the significance of wonder in conversations, and the complexities of understanding the Old Testament. The discussion also touches on the exclusion of certain stories, like Noah's Ark, and the overall goal of fostering a deeper connection with scripture for both kids and parents.

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In this engaging conversation, Jo Hobbis and Christie Penner Worden explore the intricate themes of identity, parenting, and the importance of trust in conversations about self-discovery. They discuss the challenges of navigating identity with children, the role of technology and social media, and the significance of open dialogue. Christie shares her journey of writing a book on identity, emphasizing the need for compassion and understanding in these intimate discussions. The conversation highlights the importance of worship beyond music, the concept of need, and the power of questions in fostering meaningful connections with kids. Ultimately, they stress the necessity of community and the influence of Jesus in shaping our identities. This is a deep dive into The Me I Was Made To Be: Helping Christian Parents Navigate The Identity Conversation by Christie Penner Worden.

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Jo Hobbis introduces The Me I Was Made To Be podcast series, an accompaniment to the book The Me I Was Made To Be: Helping Christian Parents Navigate The Identity Conversation by Christie Penner Worden.

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Jo Hobbis reflects on what she has learned about the identity conversation from Christie Penner Worden through their discussion of The Me I Was Made To Be: Helping Parents Navigate The Identity Conversation. 

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In this conversation, Jo Hobbis and Christie Penner Worden explore the complexities of parenting, particularly in discussions about identity and the fear of getting it wrong. They share personal anecdotes, including a memorable experience of getting lost during a hike, to illustrate the importance of allowing children to lead conversations and the value of flexibility in parenting. The discussion emphasizes the significance of humility, the role of other adults in children's lives, and the necessity of building a circle of trust. They also highlight the concept of do-overs, the importance of curiosity, and the journey of self-discovery as parents and children navigate their identities together. This is a deep dive into The Me I Was Made To Be: Helping Christian Parents Navigate The Identity Conversation by Christie Penner Worden.

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This conversation explores the multifaceted nature of parenting, emphasizing the importance of spiritual guidance, community support, and resilience in child development. The speakers discuss the dynamics of leading children, the acceptance of parenting challenges, and the role of experiences in shaping a child's growth. This is a deep dive into The Me I Was Made To Be: Helping Christian Parents Navigate The Identity Conversation by Christie Penner Worden.

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In this conversation, Jo Hobbis and Christie Penner Worden discuss the profound effects of social status on personal identity and the challenges faced when a family experiences a significant loss. They reflect on how maintaining appearances can mask underlying struggles, illustrating the disconnect between outward appearances and internal realities. This is a deep dive into The Me I Was Made To Be: Helping Christian Parents Navigate The Identity Conversation by Christie Penner Worden.

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In this conversation, Jo Hobbis and Christie Penner Worden explore the themes of fear, identity, and the complexities of navigating conversations around these topics. They discuss personal fears, the importance of curiosity, and the challenges of generational perspectives in identity discussions. The conversation emphasizes the need for inclusivity, understanding, and the role of listening in fostering meaningful dialogue. Ultimately, they reflect on the importance of offering the gospel without conditions and the necessity of self-reflection in understanding biases. This is a deep dive into The Me I Was Made To Be: Helping Christian Parents Navigate The Identity Conversation with Christie Penner Worden.

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In this conversation, Jo Hobbis and Christie Penner Worden explore the complexities of conversations between parents and children, particularly around identity, sexuality, and the unexpected nature of children's questions. They discuss the importance of being prepared for tough questions, the role of trust in these conversations, and the need for flexibility in beliefs. The dialogue also touches on the impact of technology on how children seek information about identity and the emotional aspects of navigating identity changes, including grief and hope. This is a deep dive into The Me I Was Made To Be: Helping Christian Parents Navigate The Identity Conversation by Christie Penner Worden.

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