Five Smooth Stones

Why do so many kids grow up with “head knowledge” that never becomes heart-level faith? Because truth was taught as information, not interpreted through lived experience. In this episode we explore the second smooth stone of children’s ministry: experiential teaching. From a hilarious (and painful) sushi moment to Moses’ everyday-life discipleship in Deuteronomy 6, we’ll see how children learn bes...

David didn’t need Saul’s armor—he chose five smooth stones. In the same way, children’s ministry doesn’t start with programs, polish, or the “latest model.” It starts with something simpler and stronger: relationship. In this episode we unpack Deuteronomy 6:1–9 and the first “smooth stone” for discipling kids—relational ministry—showing how God’s Word becomes believable, visible, and life-giving w...

In this foundational episode of The Five Smooth Stones , we step back to see the full picture of transformational children’s ministry. Just as David faced the giant with five smooth stones, God has given children’s ministry leaders five essential tools to help boys and girls face the spiritual giants of their generation: Relationship, Experience, Truth, Discussion, and Response . Through a powerfu...

In this episode of The Five Smooth Stones , we focus on the final—and often missing—element of transformational children’s ministry: Response . Hearing God’s Word is essential, but transformation begins when children are given the opportunity to act on what they’ve learned. Through a moving story from a small church in Mexico, we’re reminded that genuine obedience is not measured by the size of a...

In this episode of The Five Smooth Stones , we explore why biblical truth must be more than something children hear —it must shape how they live. Rooted in Deuteronomy 6:4–9, this reflection challenges common children’s ministry models that emphasize correct answers and memory verses without engaging real life. Through a powerful story from Egypt, we are reminded that children carry real grief, fe...

In this episode of The Five Smooth Stones , we focus on the third essential element of transformational children’s ministry: Truth . But not just teaching truth— sharing it. we unpack the difference between presenting Bible lessons as information and communicating them as personal transformation. Children don’t just need polished lessons; they need leaders whose hearts have been changed by the tru...

In this episode of The Five Smooth Stones , we explore the second essential element of transformational children’s ministry: Experience . Teaching God’s Word isn’t just about explaining it—it’s about helping kids live it. Experiential teaching invites children to feel, move, and engage with Scripture in ways that connect deeply to their hearts. We walk through a simple four-step process—Lesson Aim...

In this episode of The Five Smooth Stones , we explore the first essential element of transformational children’s ministry— Relationship . Drawing from 1 Thessalonians 2:7–8, we look at how the Apostle Paul modeled a nurturing, maternal kind of leadership—one marked by affection, compassion, and sacrifice. Ministry that transforms isn’t just about teaching lessons or running programs; it’s about s...

Welcome to The Five Smooth Stones , a new podcast series exploring the foundations of transformational children’s ministry. In this opening episode, we uncover how Deuteronomy 6:4–9 outlines five key elements— Relationship, Experience, Truth, Discussion, and Response —that shape the way we lead children toward a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ. This model has changed the lives of children a...

The way a child responds to God's word, is what really makes a difference in his or her life. You can find out more about Response in Children's Ministry by reading this week's blog or listening to the podcast.

There is no Children's Ministry without Discussion! Check out this week's blog or podcast to learn more about transformational children's ministry

To learn more about truth, and teaching children how to avoid becoming self-centered in a world that promotes narcissism, listen to this week's episode!

To learn more about experiential teaching in children's ministry by looking at Deuteronomy 11, listen to this week's episode!

To learn more, please visit www.egminstitute.org

In this episode, we are going over the first Smooth Stone, Relationship, and it's importance in modeling children's lives. To find out more, you can read the blog on www.egminstitute.org.

To learn more about the emphasis of Deuteronomy 6 and 11, listen to the podcast, part of a new Deuteronomy 11 series.

Advent is about Jesus first coming at Bethlehem and his second coming in glory. Good news for children!

To learn more, please visit www.egminsitute.org.

To learn more about the importance of RESPONSE in Children's lives by looking at Jesus' and Peter's example, listen to this week's podcast.

To learn more about DISCUSSION teaching in children's ministry by looking at Jesus' and Peter's example.

Jesus guides conversations towards the integration of truth and real life. We should do the same in our children’s ministry. To learn more about teaching TRUTH using Jesus' and Peter's example, listen to this week's podcast!

Experience, a powerful teacher, is evident in Jesus teaching ministry and is crucial in life changing children’s ministry. Listen to this week's episode to find out more!

Learn more about the experiential element by looking at Jesus and Peter. To learn more, please visit www.egminstitute.org

Children’s workers should not be satisfied with children having head knowledge or even saying the “right” things. Listen to this week's podcast to find out more about incorporating a response aspect into children's ministry lessons.

Church is where can speak freely, express emotions and expect listening patient leaders to work with them to integrate the Word of God into real life. Find out more about discussion in children's ministry in this week's podcast!