Nick Blevins Family Ministry Podcast: Children | Youth | Students | NextGen

In this episode, we welcome my friend and fellow NextGen Pastor, Ally Evans back to the podcast. Ally gives us an update on Life. Church and then dives right into what it looks like to develop leaders there, and hire staff internally and externally. She also shares what they do to create a healthy culture, highlights some of their key values, and talks about the importance of setting “norms” for y...

In this episode, I talk with Sydney Lester about student programming at Connexus Church . She shares how they reach unchurched students, what it looks like to teach them the Bible, and how small group leaders are the key to their ministry. Sydney Lester Email: sydneylester@connexuschurch.com  Connexus Church Links Mentioned in this Episode Orange XP3 Student Curriculum Youth Alpha Life. Church Stu...

In this episode I talk with Kyle Price about student programming at Mission Church . Kyle talks about his role as Creative Director there, the different teams he leads, and how they brainstorm programming and teaching. He shares about the creative team they have and how they involve students in that. Then we talk about the structure of Mission's student programming, how they lead volunteers there,...

In this episode, I talk with Justin Edge of Life. Church about multi-site kids' ministry , how resourcing campuses works, and how each campus functions individually. He talks specifically about his role leading at the central level, and what they are looking for in campus staff. Justin Edge Connect with Justin on Facebook and Instagram Email: justin.edge@life.church Life. Church Links Mentioned in...

In this episode, Jordan Geist talks about how the student ministry at Northpoint Austin grew from 40 students to 300. He shares how a student leadership team and small groups have been critical to that growth, along with Camp 75 – an outreach they've leveraged in the summer to impact their community. Jordan Geist Connect with Jordan on Facebook and Instagram Email: jordan.geist@npaustin.com Northp...

In this episode, I talk with Brittany Compton about her role working for First Look at Orange . She shares why she believes preschool ministry is so important, walks through how they think through preschool ministry at First Look , and some key components of great preschool environments. Brittany Compton Connect with Brittany on Facebook and  Instagram Email: bcompton@rethinkgroup.org Orange Minis...

In this episode, Vince Parker talks about what youth ministry looks like at Life. Church , how his multi-site team is structured, and what it looks like to maintain a relationally-driven ministry. Vince Parker Connect with Vince on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Life. Church Ministry Boost – FREE Webinars Ministry Boost is hosting 2 FREE webinars this month. You can sign up here . Innovative Solut...

In this episode, I talk with Jon Birkmire about volunteer directors and coaches. We talk about what it looks like to structure your volunteer team for growth, how you help volunteers lead like staff, and the specific roles each of these leaders can have in preschool, elementary and student ministry. Jon Birkmire Connect with Jon on Facebook and Instagram Anthem Church Ministry Boost – FREE Webinar...

In this episode, Matt Heer talks about what it looks to engage GenZ and how middle school pastors and leaders can share the gospel with them. We talk about trends and research concerning GenZ and how that has translated practically into his ministry at Saddleback Church . Matt Heer Connect with Matt on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Email: mheer@saddleback.com Saddleback Church Ministry Boost – FR...

We welcome Ryan Frank back to the podcast to share about trends he's seeing in kidmin world, how you can maximize summer in your ministry, and what he does to stay productive while spinning multiple plates. Ryan Frank Connect with Ryan on  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram RyanFrank.com Ministry Boost – Course Registration Now Open Register by tonight at 12PM EST to get $150 in bonuses (including...

In this episode, I talk with Justin Herman about his transition between churches, the questions he wishes he would have asked, and what he's learning in his current season. We also talk about the newly re-released, Controlled Chaos book, which now includes added commentary from Justin. Justin Herman Connect with Justin on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Email: justinherman@controlledchaos.fun Contr...

In this episode, I talk with my friend and Elementary Coordinator, Todd Hixenbaugh. Todd loves to learn, network with other leaders and engage parents through social media. We talk about learning hacks he's adopted over the years, how he's talked with leaders all over the country, and the top three platforms he uses to engage parents. Todd Hixenbaugh Connect with Todd on Facebook | Twitter | Insta...

In this episode, I talk with Dan Doerksen about team structure and aligning your Next Gen and family ministry teams. Dan talks about the different approaches leaders take to their teams, and what has happened on his team since he started taking a structural approach. We also have a conversation about how most church ministries and teams are built on age groups, and he walks through how he has re-s...

In this episode, I talk with my friend, Michelle Suarez, about two bold risks her church has taken to engage kids who aren't a part of any church. First, she walks us through the theme-days or special Sundays they do and how these are great invites for kids. Second, she talks about the sports camps they run during the summer, and how they leverage these as invites back to church or to VBS. Michell...

In this episode, I talk with Kurt Brodbeck about his church's family framework for partnering with parents through transitions and milestones. Kurt walks through the different components of their framework, the vision behind each step, and how they set parents up to have conversations with their kids. Kurt Brodbeck Connect with Kurt on Facebook and Instagram Northview Church Links Mentioned in thi...

In this episode, I talk with Amber Lappin about building faith in babies. In the first few years of a child's life, they are learning so much and growing so fast. Amber talks about how to combine that with the wonder of faith and how we can begin to help them understand faith, hope and love at a young age. Amber Lappin Connect with Amber on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram AmberLappin.com TrainedUp...

In this episode, I talk with my friend Will Hutcherson about his new organization, Youth Leadership Collective . This non-profit was born out of a desire to help educators and parents heal despair in teenagers. They are all about bringing hope to students in youth ministries, in schools, and in our communities through relationships and teaching. Whether you work with kids or students, these princi...

In this episode, I talk with Beth Guckenberger about Back2Back Ministries , the story and vision behind it, and how church leaders can help kids and students have a heart for the nations. We also talk about her unique communication style and how she seamlessly weaves stories, vision, and a call to action together. Beth Guckenberger Connect with Beth on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Email: bgucken...

In this episode I talk with Shane Sanchez all about student ministry – what they do at his church, how they structure middle and high school ministries, when they meet, and their different formats and environments. He also talks about what they've done to create a different experience for juniors and seniors in high school and shares helpful questions we can be asking ourselves as we seek to re-en...

In this episode, I talk with Becky Rydman about how to reach your community by partnering with schools. Becky shares what is at the core of this partnership – relationships – and talks about how she got plugged into her local school and how churches in her area have made an impact in the school system. Becky Rydman Connect with Becky on Facebook  and  Twitter Email:  sayhello@beckyrydman.com Becky...

In this episode, I talk with Preteen Pastor, Zach Matchett about creating environments for preteens. Zach talks about his vision for creating spaces for preteens to be in awe of who God is. He also talks about the importance of creating community for preteens, combining their spiritual and social lives in the late elementary/early middle school. Zach also walks through the program and structure at...

In this episode, I talk with Jason Tilley about creativity in ministry. Jason walks through seven steps he uses to solve problems, create things from scratch, or improve something that already exists. He then takes us through practical examples and gives tips for each of the steps to help you be more successful in the process. Jason Tilley Connect with Jason on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Email...

In this episode, I talk with Steven Knight about how to recruit volunteers . Steven talks about some boosts they do throughout the year and then gets really practical with the steps we need to be taking each week to build relationships and connect with potential volunteers. We then dive into what it looks like to create a great culture to serve in and how to retain those volunteers. Steven Knight...

In this episode, I talk with Matt Morgan about milestones and transition events for families. Matt shares the 6 milestones that his church not only celebrates with parents, but equips them for. Essentially, at each milestone, they offer a seminar style class to equip parents for the next phase ahead, and have a ceremony to celebrate the child. Matt walks us through the classes, seminars, and resou...

In this episode, I break down the 5-part strategy my church uses to partner with parents . I walk through these five steps, talk about what they look like practically – week to week, and month to month – for us. I also draw a roadmap, detailing how churches can begin to take steps toward partnering with parents, while not doing it all at once. The ultimate goal of parent partnership is to help par...