Explore every episode of the podcast Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder

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 to the mission God has placed on your heart and how that foundation can transform your leadership. Whether you’re facing burnout, navigating challenges, or simply in need of encouragement, this conversation will remind you of the "why" behind all that you do.

We know this episode will encourage you and we’d love for you to share it with a friend who is living out their calling to spreading the good news of Jesus to the next generation! 

We want to hear from you! Click here to leave us a message or question!

Thanks for listening!

SHOW LINKS:

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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 ministry, and share stories that help us link arms and encourage one another.

We want to hear from you! Click here to leave us a message or question!

Thanks for listening and sharing with a friend!

SHOW LINKS: 

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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 seasoned leader or just starting, you’ll walk away with new tools and inspiration to help kids experience God in fresh, impactful ways. Don’t miss it—grab your notebook and let's get creative for the Kingdom!

We want to hear from you! Click here to leave us a message or question!

Thanks for listening and sharing with a friend!

SHOW LINKS:
The Way to The Savior: A Family Easter Devotional
The Way to The Manger: A Family Advent Devotional

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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 this conversation they specifically highlight the six types of working genius, which include wonder, invention, discernment, galvanizing, enablement, and tenacity.

Thanks for listening and sharing with a friend!

SHOW LINKS:
-Strength Finders
-Myers-Briggs
-Insights
-The 6 Types of Working Genius
-The 6 Types of Working Genius Book

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Connect with Lifeway Kids

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's development and behavior, and emphasizes the need for compassion and awareness in ministry.

We'd love for you to share this episode with a friend! Thanks for listening!

SHOW LINKS:
ETCH Conference

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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, Community, Culture, and Core (individual)— and practical tools to harness this knowledge to effectively reach and disciple the next generation! Click on the links below to sign up your team today!

SHOW LINKS:
ETCH Conference

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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 just the beginning of all the elements you're going to love about this curriculum!

We encourage you to click the links below to check out the Gospel Project, and head over to facebook to join our vibrant online community for support and resources!

SHOW LINKS:
Lifeway Kids Curriculum
The Gospel Project
Lifeway.com/bpqa

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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 for listening and sharing with a friend!

SHOW LINKS:
Connect with Lifeway Kids

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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:
Connect with Lifeway Kids

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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 and sharing with a friend!

SHOW LINKS:
Connect with Lifeway Kids

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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 truly for. It's all about syncing our passions with the real needs of our audience. This episode isn't just about shrugging off failures; it's a roadmap for refining our perspective to enhance our work. Join Chad and Zac as they question the norms, from worship to the structure of our gatherings

Thanks for listening and sharing with a friend!

SHOW LINKS:
-Connect with Youth Ministry Booster

Connect with Lifeway Kids

Emotions are created by God as indicators of how we are processing the environment or circumstances around us. Most people identify themselves as emotional or not by how much they cry; however, there's a lot more to emotions than crying and it's important that we experience the emotions God has given us. On today's episode of KIDS Ministry 101 we wanted to share an episode from The Glass House with  Ben and Lynley Mandrell. They sit down with Bryan Barley to discuss emotions in ministry.

Bryan Barley is a former church planter that recently moved to Nashville, TN. He and his wife of 17 years share four children. He is a coach for The Voice of the Heart Center.

Bryan discusses the importance of emotional health and how it relates to our relationship with God and others. He shares his personal journey of discovering emotional health and the impact it had on his life and ministry. The conversation also touches on the challenges of sharing honest feelings in a healthy way within a marriage and the need for boundaries and self-awareness.

It is critical for pastors to have safe spaces where they can be vulnerable and share their struggles. We hope this conversation encourages you and supports you in finding that space!


SHOW LINKS:
-The Voice of the Heart book
-The Voice of the Heart Center
-Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE

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Last week Chuck Peters and Jana Magruder attended the Southern Baptist Convention and had the opportunity to sit down with Bryan Rose and discuss, what exactly is Next Gen ministry?

Bryan Rose is the Senior Lead Navigator and multisite specialist for Auxano. Bryan's vision facilitation weaves a strong strategic style with an engaging creativity. Bryan also hosts the My Ministry Breakthrough on the Auxano Podcast Network. In each episode, Bryan talks with different leaders from around the country who are experiencing breakthrough in their churches by using visionary planning to see real church growth. With experience in virtually every church ministry role, Bryan enjoys connecting with the diverse staff and lay leader perspectives on the teams he serves. Bryan and his wife live in the Nashville area with their two children.

Bryan discusses the need for a unified vision that encompasses all generations and ministries within the church and highlights the significance of using consistent language and values across all age groups. The conversation also explores practical ways to implement family ministry, such as serving together, worshiping together, and learning together. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the importance of working together to make disciples and pass on the faith to the next generation.

Thanks for listening and sharing with a friend!

SHOW LINKS:
Connect with Lifeway Kids
My Ministry Breakthrough

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One of Lifeway Kids biggest focuses over the past year was equipping churches to offer welcoming and inviting experiences for our families with kids with special needs. Live from the Southern Baptist Convention,  Chuck Peters and Jana Magruder discuss the importance of special needs inclusion in every church's children's ministry. You'll here about Lifeway Kids' new webpage, lifeway.com/specialneeds, that provides resources, training videos, and an ebook to help churches create a welcoming and inclusive environment for children with special needs. They emphasize the need for awareness, acceptance, and accessibility in order to effectively serve these children and their families.

You may think it's overwhelming or you don't have a big budget to be inclusive, but Lifeway Kids is here to ease your mind and give you simple steps to take to create an place for ALL children! Check out the links below for everything you need to get started!

Thanks for listening and sharing with a friend!

SHOW NOTES:
-lifeway.com/specialneeds
-The Glass House Podcast
-3 Part Podcast Series of Special Needs
-Download Be All In

Connect with Lifeway Kids

So many problems that surface and put our kids at great risk, are avoidable situations that happen in environments where everyone thinks, "this could never happen here." That mentality is dangerous and the reality is, we can't afford to risk our children in that way.

In today's episode, Chuck and Jana are joined with Kimba Campbell and Delanee Williams to discuss the importance of having policies and procedures in place to ensure the safety and security of children in church ministries. They emphasize the need for churches to have a team approach in developing and enforcing these policies, involving church leadership and parents. Delanee discusses the importance of setting expectations for volunteers and communicating the why behind these policies, and Kimba enforces how accountability and care can be demonstrated to every member of your ministry by implementing safety policies.

Kimba Campbell serves as the Lifeway Kids Publishing Team Leader for Bible Studies for Life: Kids. Before coming to Lifeway, she served on church staff for over 18 years in Texas, Georgia, California and Tennessee. Kimba is a Texas Aggie (Gig ‘Em Aggies!) and also earned a Master of Arts in Christian Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. She and her husband, Paul, stay busy with their three boys.

Delanee Williams serves as Content Editor for The Gospel Project. She is a graduate of Baylor University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.  Delanee has served in kids ministry for over twenty years and is passionate about developing, equipping and encouraging leaders.

Thanks for listening and sharing this episode with a friend.

SHOW LINKS:
SBC Abuse Prevention
Connect with Lifeway Kids

Connect with Lifeway Kids

One of the most dangerous environments we can put our children in, is an environment without the right policies and procedures in place to protect them. On today’s episode, Chuck and Jana are joined by Brad Eubank and Kris Buckman to discuss how we can be intentional in warding off predators and protecting our kids.

Brad Eubank is the Senior Pastor of Petal First Baptist Church and Kris Buckman is a Youth and Kids Ministry Consultant for the Baptist Convention of Maryland Delaware. Brad and Kris were commissioned by the SBC to lead a task force focused on equipping and training churches to have policies and procedures in place to prevent abuse within our walls. 

Brad and Kris share with us a FREE resource created for leaders that gives step-by-step information on how to implement the best safety policies in your ministry! This curriculum also trains in 5 essential areas with next steps included. You’ll hear how your ministry can be educated on the how’s and why’s of training, screening, protecting, reporting, and caring for your children. 

Check out the links below to grab your free resource! Thanks for sharing and listening with a friend!

SHOW LINKS:
sbcabuseprevention.com
Lifeway Kids

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In this episode of the Kids Ministry 101 podcast, host Jeremy interviews Danielle Bell about the importance of sharing the gospel with kids. They discuss the Three Circles conversation guide, which simplifies the gospel message into three circles: God's plan, our sin/brokenness, and Jesus. Jeremy and Danielle highlight the benefits of using the Three Circles model, such as its simplicity, visual nature, and interactivity. They also provide tips for ministry leaders to have meaningful conversations about the gospel with kids, including practicing, planning, and praying.

Danielle has over 25 years of kidmin experience and she possesses a great fervor for sharing, discipling, and shepherding children and families with the message of Jesus Christ. Danielle is a well-respected leader and trainer in the area of Children's Ministry and has spoken regionally at local churches and nationally at children’s ministry conferences. She is a curriculum writer for Gospel Project Kids. and Awana brite. She has also written the following resources: “God’s Brave Girl” Leader and Student Guides (Lifeway), “The Gospel God’s Plan for Me” Leader and Student Guides (Lifeway), and the Younger KidMin chapter for “Children’s Ministry Volunteer Handbook” (Outreach). Danielle is the lead instructor for the Children's Ministry Certificate at beadisciple.com. In 2010, Danielle was named by “Children’s Ministry Magazine” as one of the top 20 Children’s Ministry Leaders to watch. Danielle’s blog, dandibell.com, is one of the top 100 kid’s ministry blogs.

SHOW LINKS:
-Connect with Jeremy
-Connect with Danielle Bell
-The Gospel in 3 Circles
-Lifeway Kids

Connect with Lifeway Kids

Hey friends! Welcome back to this 3-Part Series on leading a vision centered ministry! If you haven't listened to part 1 or 2, we highly encourage you to do so. Chuck and Jana discuss how to check your vision and how to craft an effective and meaningful vision for your ministry.

On today's episode, Chuck Peters and Jana Magruder discuss the importance of casting vision in Kids Ministry.  Chuck and Jana share different ways to effectively cast your vision, including one-on-ones, small group trainings and discussions, and displaying it in your environment.  They also highlight the importance of timing, tone, and attention when communicating the vision. Overall, the episode will provide Kids Ministry leaders with practical insights and strategies for effectively casting vision in their ministry.

Thanks for listening and sharing this episode with a friend.

SHOW LINKS:
-Lifeway Kids

Connect with Lifeway Kids

Vacation Bible School is typically one of the largest events of the year in the life of a church. Churches around the country will see record numbers of visitors through their VBS ministry.  While VBS is an extremely impactful experience for kids, is it possible to make just as large of an impact with the parents and families after the decorations have come down and the games have ended?

In today's episode of the Kids Ministry 101 podcast, Guest Host, Jeremy Carroll, and special guest, Lauren Bush, discuss how to keep the connection with families after VBS. Jeremy and Lauren emphasize the importance of building relationships and making families feel seen and valued. You'll hear creative ideas for engaging with families from dress-up days, to mobilizing students to invite their friends, and organizing game nights or picnics for families to connect.

We want to encourage ministry leaders to invite others to come alongside them and not feel the pressure to do everything on their own. We hope this episode encourages you! Thanks for listening and sharing with a friend!

SHOW LINKS:
-Lifeway Kids

Connect with Lifeway Kids

Hey friends! Last week, Jana and Chuck began a conversation about leading with vision. If you haven't listened to that episode yet, we highly encourage you to check it out before starting this one.  Chuck addressed some of the greatest threats to leadership vision and how to overcome them in order to have a thriving Kids Ministry!
 
In this week’s episode, Chuck and Jana share Part 2 of the conversation, crafting a vision. Chuck dives into how you can craft a clear and compelling vision to lead your ministry! He gets beyond the whiteboard with insights that can lead to transformational outcomes in the life of your Kids Ministry.
 
Thanks for listening and sharing this episode with a friend.

SHOW LINKS:
-Lifeway Kids

Connect with Lifeway Kids

Proverbs 29 warns, “where there is no vision, the people will perish;”. Leading with a clear vision is crucial to ministry; however, when you are one piece of the entire ministry puzzle, it’s important that your ministry is aligned with the wider church vision. In today’s episode Jana Magruder and Chuck Peters discuss the value …

The post Vision Centered Ministry appeared first on Kids Ministry.

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Melita Thomas joins host Chuck Peters to discuss more about getting ready for VBS this year.

The post Ready Set VBS: Part 2 appeared first on Kids Ministry.

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Melita Thomas joins host Chuck Peters to discuss getting ready for VBS this year.

The post Ready Set VBS: Part 1 appeared first on Kids Ministry.

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Chuck Peters joins the marked podcast to discuss some of his story and the heart behind Hyfi.

The post About Hyfi on Marked Podcast appeared first on Kids Ministry.

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Chuck Peters and Jana Magruder join host of the “Group Answers” podcast to discuss next gen ministry

The post Next Gen Ministry appeared first on Kids Ministry.

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Rhonda VanCleave joins cohost Jana Magruder and host Chuck Peters to walk through the last 100 years of Lifeway VBS.

The post Celebrating 100 Years of Lifeway VBS appeared first on Kids Ministry.

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Rhonda VanCleave joins cohost Jana Magruder and host Chuck Peters to discuss the breakout of VBS 2024 days.

The post Breaking Down Breaker Rock Beach: VBS 2024 appeared first on Kids Ministry.

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Tyler Quillet and Jess Dunlap join guest host Jana Magruder to discuss more ways to become a special needs-friendly church.

The post Becoming a Special Needs Friendly Church Ep 3 appeared first on Kids Ministry.

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Sandra Peoples joins guest host Jana Magruder to discuss ways to be a special needs friendly church. Sandra Peoples (M. Div, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary) is one of the leading voices in the special-needs community. She is the author of three books, including her most recent release, Unexpected Blessings: The Joys and Possibilities of Life in a …

The post Becoming a Special Needs Friendly Church: Episode 2 appeared first on Kids Ministry.

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Sandra Peoples joins guest host Jana Magruder to discuss ways to be a special needs friendly church. Sandra Peoples (M. Div, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary) is one of the leading voices in the special-needs community. She is the author of three books, including her most recent release, Unexpected Blessings: The Joys and Possibilities of Life in a …

The post Becoming a Special Needs Friendly Church: Episode 1 appeared first on Kids Ministry.

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Delanee Williams and Kimba Campbell join the podcast to discuss the importance of preschool ministry.

The post The Importance of Preschool appeared first on Kids Ministry.

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Mark Jones joins the podcast to discuss ways to set yourself up for success by structuring your teaching hour.

The post Set Yourself up for Success: Structure Your Teaching Hour to Simplify Your Prep appeared first on Kids Ministry.

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Jeremy Carroll and Crystal Mazzuca join host Chuck Peters to discuss elements of Hyfi, including Holly Jolly Palooza. Check out more at https://myhyfi.com/

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Cheryl Markland and Jana Magruder join host Chuck Peters to discuss some basics for family discipleship. Check out more at Lifeway.com/lobl

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Jana Magruder joins host Chuck Peters to discuss the time for Advent.

The post Introducing the New FREE Family Advent Guide from Lifeway Kids appeared first on Kids Ministry.

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Champ Thornton joins Host Chuck Peters to discuss ways of teaching our kids to be thankful. Check out more about Champs books https://www.champthornton.com/

The post Teaching Kids Gratitude appeared first on Kids Ministry.

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Tega Faafa and Jana Magruder join Host Chuck Peters to discuss how we can better bridge the gap between student and kids ministry.

The post Bridging the Gap Between Student and Kids Ministry appeared first on Kids Ministry.

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Jeremy Echols and Jana Magruder join Host Chuck Peters to discuss what it’s like coming to ETCH, and why you should come.

The post Why ETCH? appeared first on Kids Ministry.

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Ken Braddy joins host Chuck Peters to discuss the idea of a catch and release culture in our ministries.

The post How to Build a Catch and Release Culture appeared first on Kids Ministry.

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Danielle Bell joins host Chuck Peters on the podcast to discuss the discipleship pathway for preschool, kids, and student ministry.

The post Discipleship Pathway for Preschool, Kids, and Student Ministry appeared first on Kids Ministry.

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Ken Braddy joins host Chuck Peters on the podcast to discuss why having groups in your ministries matter.

The post Why Groups Matter appeared first on Kids Ministry.

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Shelly Melia joins host Chuck Peters on the podcast to discuss how to handle children and grief.

The post Children and Grief appeared first on Kids Ministry.

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Danielle Bell joins Host Chuck Peters on the podcast to discuss how to have gospel-centered family experiences.

The post Gospel-Centered Family Experiences appeared first on Kids Ministry.

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Shelly Melia joins Host Chuck Peters on the podcast to discuss who Gen Alpha is and what they face.

The post Generation Alpha appeared first on Kids Ministry.

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Stephanie Chase joins host Chuck Peters on the podcast to discuss tips on dealing with difficult people in our ministry.

The post Dealing with Difficult People appeared first on Kids Ministry.

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Taylor Johnson joins host Chuck Peters on the podcast to discuss how to have intentional conversations in everyday life.

The post Intentional Discipleship in 30 Seconds appeared first on Kids Ministry.

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Stephanie Chase joins Host Chuck Peters on the podcast to discuss 7 tips on how to talk recruiting.

The post Real Talk Recruiting appeared first on Kids Ministry.

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Taylor Johnson joins Host Chuck Peters on the podcast to discuss tips on talking to kids about missions. Check out more about ETCH Conference HERE

The post The Great Commission Isn’t Just for Adults appeared first on Kids Ministry.

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Klista Storts joins the podcast to discuss things to stay away from when recruiting volunteers.

The post A Dozen Do Nots for Recruiting appeared first on Kids Ministry.

Connect with Lifeway Kids