Kids Ministry Collective

Sharing the gospel with kids sounds simple, but one wrong word can create confusion that lasts for years. In this episode, Tom, Cole, Ben, and Vicki tackle the tough questions: Are you using too many Christian terms? Is your "hand raise" invitation actually clear? And what happens after kids say yes? These children's ministry leaders dig into why clarity matters, how to avoid confusing language li...

Do you ever feel like you’re one tiny package of Goldfish away from a meltdown? You aren't alone. This week on the Kids Ministry Collective, Tom, Cole, and Vicki are getting real about the things they are officially "over" in children’s ministry. From the frustration of being labeled "childcare" instead of a discipleship powerhouse, to the struggle of managing drop-off chaos, the team vents so you...

  In this weeks Kids Ministry Collective Podcast, Our conversation asked the question: What if the biggest threat to your child's faith isn't what you think? Matt Markins, CEO of Awana, sits down with Tom and Ben to expose the counterfeit narratives quietly shaping kids' identities—often before they even turn 13. From screens to peers to well-meaning but watered-down Bible teaching, kids are absor...

Every children's ministry leader — whether brand new or battle-tested — wrestles with the same thing: building a healthy volunteer team. In this episode, Tom, Cole, Ben, and Vicki tackle real questions from real leaders about structuring teams for single and multi-service churches, the "serve one, attend one" philosophy, why giving your team scheduled breaks actually prevents burnout and grows you...

In this powerful episode of the Kids Ministry Collective Podcast, our panel tackles a challenging situation many children's ministry leaders face: operating with severely restricted budgets and canceled events. Join hosts Tom, Cole, Ben, and Vicki as they share practical wisdom for thriving in ministry when traditional programming isn't an option. Key Discussion Points: How to reframe budget cuts...

What does a real "win" look like for your Easter outreach? In this episode of The KMC Collective Podcast, Tom, Cole, Ben, and Vicki discuss how children's ministry leaders can plan Easter with the end in mind—focusing on lasting discipleship rather than just attendance numbers or egg hunts. Discover how to define success for both church families and first-time visitors, equip parents with tools to...

Join The KMC Collective Team as they invite David Rausch from Go! Curriculum to the virtual table. This week's conversation is all about what children's ministry leaders can do to help children and parents deepen their faith with Jesus.  Many Kidmin leaders struggle with how to use Sundays to effectively disciple children, and David shares from his new book, "Feeding Faith, A Children's Ministry R...

In this episode of the KMC Collective Podcast, the KMC team, including Tom, Cole, Ben, and Vicky, shares practical insights and strategies for engaging children in worship. They discuss the challenges of getting children, especially fourth and fifth-graders, to participate in worship and explore various methods, such as live lyric videos, interactive stations, and incorporating different music sty...

Should I use teens in children's ministry? Can't they be big distractions or unreliable?  Join Tom, Cole, Vickie, and Ben, the KMC Coaches, as they have this week's conversation about the ins and outs of utilizing teens in kidmin.  Sometimes leaders just don't know where to start or even why they should, so take a listen to this week's episode and see how each of us has benefited from having stude...

Are you drowning in kids ministry ideas, resources, and expectations—and not sure what to actually say “yes” to? In this episode of the KMC Collective Podcast, Tom, Cole, and Ben talk honestly about moving from overwhelmed to focused by sorting “good stuff” from “God stuff” in children’s ministry. Fresh off the Children’s Pastors Conference and its jam‑packed resource rooms, they unpack: How to ha...

Join the KMC Collective team as they have a continued conversation about how the power of one word changed them as children's ministry leaders and how it can impact you, too.  This episode will help you grow your teams and your ministry as you grow closer to God and develop your kidmin leadership skills.   

Join The Kids Ministry Collective Team as they have a conversation of how one word can be so impactful for childrens ministry leaders.  So many kidmin leaders get stuck and have no idea how to move forward. Let the KMC Podcast team share how when they focus on one word it can transform everything.  This is part one of a two part episode

Welcome to the Kids Ministry Collective Podcast, your trusted resource for practical strategies, creative ideas, and real conversations designed specifically for children’s ministry leaders. In this special holiday episode, hosts Tom, Cole, Ben, and Vicki share expert tips on managing and executing last-minute holiday events with ease. With Christmas approaching fast, discover how to simplify your...

In this episode of the KMC Collective Podcast, Tom, Cole, Ben, and Vicki share practical strategies for children's ministry leaders to effectively wrap up the ministry year. Discover the "4 Rs" framework (Rejoice, Release, Rest, Refocus) for a healthy and hopeful start to January.  Learn how to: Evaluate the past year and celebrate achievements. Let go of unproductive tasks and past frustrations....

Discover practical strategies to cultivate gratitude in children's ministry leadership. In this KMC Collective Podcast episode, hosts Tom, Cole, Vicki, and Ben share proven techniques for building a thankful mindset within your ministry team—even during challenging seasons. Learn how to: ✓ Create intentional spaces for thanksgiving in your ministry ✓ Foster gratitude through authentic storytelling...

In this episode of the KMC Collective Podcast, hosts Tom, Vicki, and Coletake you beyond spreadsheets and line items to talk about what really drives a healthy children’s ministry budget: vision. They unpack the realities of “budget season”—tight funds, hard conversations, and competing priorities—and then offer a practical framework to budget with purpose. Along the way, they share real-life stor...

In this episode of the KMC Collective Podcast, the KMC team—Tom, Cole, Vicki, and Ben—Have a conversation about crucial time management strategies and establishing healthy rhythms for children's ministry leaders. As a special announcement, Vicki Abbott joins the team permanently. Listeners will gain practical insights on prioritizing tasks, delegating responsibilities, and balancing the unexpected...

In this episode of the KMC Collective Podcast, hosts Tom, Vicki, and Cole discuss essential strategies for children's ministry leaders to avoid burnout and maintain a healthy balance. They dive into practical tips on managing busy seasons, finding meaningful rest, and the importance of delegating leadership roles. The conversation highlights proactive planning, personal spiritual practices, and th...

Discover how to build a strong children’s ministry volunteer community that thrives! In this episode of the Kids Ministry Collective Podcast, Tom, Ben, and guest host Vicki Abbott unpack the 4P’s — Proximity, Presence, Prayer, and Power of One — and share practical ideas for cultivating a volunteer team culture in kids ministry that lasts. You’ll hear tangible ideas like hosting informal gathering...

Join Tom, Ben, and Cole on the KMC Collective Podcast, where they dive into practical insights, creative ideas, and authentic conversations for children's ministry leaders. In this episode, they welcome special guest Stephen Leckenby from Giant Cow Children's Ministry, discussing event planning, volunteer coordination, and the importance of impactful content. Learn how to effectively organize and...

In this episode of the KMC Collective Podcast, Tom, Ben, and Cole discuss practical strategies for children's ministry leaders to implement ideas and insights gained from conferences. Learn how to filter through your notes, prioritize key takeaways, and develop an action plan that fits your ministry context. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by new ideas or unsure where to start, this episode off...

Welcome to the KMC Collective Podcast! Hosts Tom, Ben, and Cole dive into practical tips and insights for children's ministry leaders preparing for conference season. From the importance of trying multiple conferences and budgeting for resources to maximizing networking opportunities and engaging with resource providers, this episode is packed with strategies to help you make the most out of your...

Join Tom, Ben, and Cole in this week's episode of the KMC Collective Podcast as they dive into practical insights for children's ministry leaders. Learn how to choose the right curriculum, when it might be time to step back, and get effective strategies to connect with families. Full of humor, heartfelt moments, and actionable advice, this episode is a must-listen for anyone involved in children's...

Join Tom, Cole, and Ben the KMC Collective Guys, as they answer listners' top questions.  Learn why Simplicity, Consistency and Strategery (yep we made up a word) matter to kidmin leaders. Need To Learn about the KMC? Head to https://kidsministrycollective.com Want to join a great community? Kidminplus.net

Join the KMC Collective Podcast as hosts Tom, Ben, and Cole reveal what they wish they knew at the start of their children's ministry journeys. Packed with creative ministry insights, effective volunteer recruitment tips, and strategies for building strong ministry teams. This episode offers practical advice and encouragement for children's ministry leaders. Perfect for those eager to enhance thei...