Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder

What if the greatest impact of your kids ministry didn't happen in your classrooms—but in your families' living rooms? In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling , we're continuing our Summer Dreamin' series with a conversation that challenges kids ministry leaders to think beyond Sunday mornings. Tristan Meza shares her passion for equipping parents to embrace their God-given ro...

What if one of the most effective tools for discipling families and encouraging volunteers is something you can create yourself? In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling , we're continuing our Summer Dreamin' series by exploring how podcasting can become a powerful extension of your kids ministry . Whether you've thought about starting a podcast or have no idea where to begin, this...

Big ministry vision is exciting until you try to turn it into Tuesday’s to-do list. We sit down with Chuck Peters to get practical about goal setting for kids ministry leaders, especially when you’re planning for the next season and trying to bring volunteers along with you. We talk about why “actionable, incremental goals” beat giant vague targets every time, and how to build a pathway your team...

You can run an excellent kids ministry and still aim at the wrong target. That sounds harsh, but it is also freeing because it means you do not need more activity, you need clearer purpose.  In the first episode of our Summer Dreamin' series, Jana Magruder sits down with Chuck Peters, LifeWay’s Next Gen director and host of the ETCH NextGen Ministry Podcast, to talk about goal setting that mo...

We're so excited about a new season of Kids Ministry Calling: Summer Dreamin'!  Now full video podcast on Youtube! Check us out at the Lifeway Channel. Check out Lifeway Kids Curriculum Connect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback! Join us at ETCH 2026

Fun doesn’t just happen in kids ministry, it’s led. In this season finale of Kids Ministry Calling , Jana sits down with Stephanie Chase, Kids Minister at Champion Forest Baptist Church, for a high-energy and honest conversation about what it really takes to build a culture of fun that kids (and volunteers) want to be part of. Stephanie shares why the leader sets the tone, how your energy and atti...

In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling , Jana sits down with Miss PattyCake (Jean Thomason) , a beloved leader in children’s ministry, to talk about helping kids connect with God through music, movement, and Scripture . From her early background in vocal performance to her calling in kids ministry, Jean shares how God has used her gifts to lead children into authentic worship. This conversation...

In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling, we explore practical ways to make midweek kids ministry both fun and meaningful . From creating a relaxed, engaging environment to balancing teaching with relationship-building, this conversation is packed with ideas to help kids feel like they truly belong—not just attend. We unpack the FLIP model —a simple framework for building connections between kids,...

Fun in kids ministry doesn’t happen by accident—it’s designed. In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling , Jana sits down with Joey Kiker , Lifeway’s Creative Director, to talk about how intentional design can transform the way kids experience ministry. From room layout to lighting to technology, Joey shares how the physical environment can help create spaces where kids feel excited, welcomed, and...

What if the secret to a stronger kids ministry… is creating a volunteer culture people actually enjoy being part of? In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling , Jana sits down with Crystal Mazzuca to talk about how fun, connection, and intentional training can transform the way you recruit, equip, and retain volunteers. Crystal shares practical and creative strategies to make volunteer experiences...

In this special church highlight episode, we take a closer look at First Orlando Kids Ministry and the heart behind what makes it so impactful. Conversations from Metro reveal that kids ministry is both deeply intentional and joyfully engaging—where fun isn’t just noise, but a meaningful tool for connection and discipleship. It’s a reminder that what may look like organized chaos is actually Kingd...

This episode features insights from kids ministry leaders at CPC Orlando, sharing innovative ways to keep children engaged and foster a fun, faith-filled environment. Topics include encouraging curiosity through questions, making ministry fun with bright colors and music, and involving kids in leadership roles. Check out Lifeway Kids Curriculum Connect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message he...

In this episode of the Kids Ministry Calling Podcast , we sit down with longtime kids ministry leader Kelly Pekarek to talk about something every ministry leader needs more of.... joy . With more than 21 years of experience in kids ministry , Kelly shares practical and encouraging insights on how leaders can cultivate fun, build meaningful relationships with kids and families, and create a ministr...

Kids ministry has never been just about filling a room or filling time. It’s about building disciples—starting with the youngest hearts in our churches and extending outward to families and communities. In this conversation, Steve Hampel brings decades of wisdom from serving faithfully in kids ministry. What I appreciate most about Steve is his steady conviction that healthy ministry begins with h...

VBS isn’t just a week on the calendar, it’s a gospel opportunity. In this episode, we dive into the heart behind this year’s VBS theme, Illumination Station , and explore how every activity, lesson, and moment is designed to help kids clearly see who Jesus is . From high-energy rotations to meaningful Bible teaching, this conversation unpacks how the gospel message shines through each day of the w...

In this engaging conversation, Lifeway's Isaac Kirsted shares his journey in kids ministry, discussing the evolution of podcasting, his experiences at Lifeway, and the development of the Hi-Fi curriculum. He emphasizes the importance of energy management in large group settings, preparation for teaching, and the impact of personal experiences on his calling. The discussion highlights practica...

"It's about speaking a language kids can understand. Kids understand fun!" - Joel Evrist Is fun just filler in kids ministry, or is it foundational? In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling , Jana welcomes back pastor, author, and actor Joel Evrist for a joy-filled and practical conversation about why fun is more than entertainment, it’s deeply biblical. Joel unpacks three powerful...

Remember when kids ministry felt… fun? Not polished. Not perfect. But full of laughter, big questions, messy moments, and holy wonder. Between preparing curriculum, scheduling volunteers, and Sunday morning chaos, it can be easy to forget that kids ministry is one of the most joy-filled callings in the Church. Well, this season on Kids Ministry Calling we’re reclaiming the fun.   So grab your coff...

What if anxiety isn’t a flaw to fix—but a signal inviting you to live differently? In this special bonus episode of Kids Ministry Calling , Jana sits down with Dr. John Delony , mental health expert, author, and counselor, to unpack a healthier, hope-filled way to understand anxiety—especially for ministry leaders carrying heavy emotional loads. Dr. Delony reframes anxiety as a natural alarm syste...

Screens are everywhere, but are our kids safe?  In this urgent episode, Chris McKenna of Protect Young Eyes joins the podcast to tackle one of the most pressing challenges facing families and churches today: children’s exposure to harmful technology and content. From alarming statistics to practical solutions, this conversation is a wake-up call for parents, leaders, and faith communities to take...

What happens when you step into the world of a preteen girl, where friendships feel like everything, emotions run deep, and identity is being shaped moment by moment? In this episode, we dive into that world with Amanda Mejias and Dr. Tiff Watson, uncovering what today’s girls are really facing and how the Church can show up with clarity, compassion, and hope. This conversation pulls back the curt...

What does it look like for a church to become a place where every individual—regardless of ability—belongs, is valued, and is discipled? In this inspiring episode, we take a deep dive into the heart behind Embrace Ministry at Brentwood Baptist Church and the incredible work happening through the Rowan Glenn Center , a space created to love and serve individuals with special needs and their familie...

We're so grateful for each and every one of you!  Happy Thanksgiving! SHOW LINKS: Follow Jana Magruder on Instagram Check out Lifeway Kids Curriculum Connect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback! Join us at ETCH 2026

If there’s one age group that keeps leaders on their toes, it’s preteens.  In this honest and insightful episode, Melissa and Kieron dive into the messy, complicated, and often intimidating world of preteen ministry, a season filled with different learning styles, big questions, and big emotions. They unpack why this age group matters so deeply and why the conversations we have with them can feel...

Let’s be honest—talking about the hard stuff with little ones isn’t easy.  In this powerful episode, Tracy McElhattan opens up about the real challenges of tackling tough topics in early childhood ministry. From behavioral struggles and special needs to the lingering impact of COVID-19, Tracy shares how parents, teachers, and ministry leaders can step into hard conversations with grace, patience,...