Deep Roots Leadership

Summer changes schedules — not our need for community. In this episode of the Deep Roots Leadership Podcast, Jerry Welch sits down with Drew Baum to talk about making the most of the summer season through intentional rest, spiritual disciplines, meaningful conversations, and stronger community. They discuss how adults, parents, life groups, and church leaders can use the slower rhythm of summer to...

For teenagers, it’s conversation. In this episode of the Deep Roots Leadership Podcast, Jerry Welch sits down with student minister Ford Rigney to talk about why summer is such a strategic season for student ministry. From camps and mission trips to pool parties and late-night conversations, Ford explains how intentional time together helps students build friendships, grow in vulnerability, and de...

Summer isn’t just a break from school — it can be a beautiful opportunity for kids to grow deeper in their faith. In this episode of the Deep Roots Leadership Podcast, Jerry Welch talks with Gretchen Mahan about why summer is such an important season for spiritual development in kids ministry. They discuss upcoming opportunities like Kids Camp, Vacation Bible School, Day Camp, Kindergarten Kickoff...

Sometimes the biggest ministry moments happen in the middle of playground conversations, long preschool stories, and ordinary summer days. In this episode of the Deep Roots Leadership Podcast, Jerry Welch sits down with preschool minister Emily Barber to talk about why summer matters so much in the spiritual development of preschoolers. From camping-themed Wednesday nights and space-inspired music...

Caring for people isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about showing up.   In this episode, Jerry Welch sits down with Drew Baum to explore the real, everyday needs of adults in the church — from spiritual encouragement to emotional support and practical care. From the “ministry of presence” to building a culture of shared responsibility in life groups, this episode offers practical wisdom fo...

Students do not need more noise — they need relationships strong enough to hold real questions, real struggles, and real growth. In this episode of the Deep Roots Leadership Podcast, Jerry Welch talks with student minister Ford Rigney about what it really looks like to care well for students and their families. From the importance of meaningful relationships to the growing need for emotional and s...

What do kids really need from the church—and are we giving it to them? In this episode, Jerry Welch talks with Gretchen Mehan about what it means to truly care well for kids in ministry. From creating environments of safety and belonging to consistently speaking truth into young lives, they unpack the foundational needs every child carries. This conversation is a reminder that kids don’t just need...

What does it really look like to “care well” for preschoolers—and the families raising them? In this episode, Jerry Welch sits down with Emily Barber to unpack the real, everyday needs of preschool ministry. From safety and emotional support to discipleship and consistency, they explore how caring for young children goes far beyond the classroom. It’s about partnering with parents, creating a cult...

Different stories. One calling. One mission. In this special fifth-week episode, the whole Deep Roots Leadership team comes together for a more personal conversation. From salvation stories to God’s call into ministry, each team member shares a bit of their story and reflects on the joy of serving together on church staff. Along the way, the team talks about how the Lord uses different backgrounds...

Serving in adult ministry can feel overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, Drew Baum walks through what it actually looks like to serve in an adult Life Group, from a typical Sunday morning rhythm to preparing to teach and leading meaningful discussion. Along the way, we talk about shared leadership, why you don’t have to do everything on your own, and how healthy teams help pre...

Know the word, dive into it... but don't be afraid to say "I Don't Know"

Serving kids and families out of the overflow of walking with Jesus.

Discipleship doesn’t stop when life gets busy — it gets deeper. This week, Drew Baum talks about helping adults grow steady, rooted faith through community, consistency, and everyday obedience. We discuss Life Groups, leadership development, and how the church becomes family as we walk with one another through every season of life. Because mature faith grows best together.

Students don’t just need answers — they need adults who care. This week, Ford Rigney talks about leading students who are asking hard questions about faith, identity, culture, and doubt. We explore why consistent adult connection is essential and how meaningful relationships in the church help students stay rooted in Christ long after graduation. Because students may forget a lesson — but they won...

Why does teaching kids at church really matter? This week, Gretchen Mahan explores the heart behind kids ministry and why these foundational years are so important in a child’s walk with Christ. We talk about shaping faith early, partnering with parents, and creating environments where kids don’t just learn Bible stories — they begin to know and trust the God of the Bible. Because when faith takes...

The earliest years matter more than we think. This week, Emily Barber shares how discipleship begins long before kids can read a Bible or sit through a lesson. From partnering with parents to creating safe, joyful environments, we talk about what it looks like to plant the very first seeds of faith in preschoolers and their families. Because deep roots don’t start later — they start small.