The KidzMatter Podcast

Is fun a distraction from real ministry — or the doorway into it? Hannah sits down with Kayla Fowler (Team Lead for Hyfi, Lifeway's next-gen curriculum) to unpack why fun isn't optional in kids' ministry — it's foundational. If you've ever wondered whether the games and goofiness "count" as real ministry, this conversation will change how you see it. Visit KidsGo...

If you've ever stood in front of a room full of kids and felt the chaos creeping in, this episode is for you. Hannah Augustine sits down with Steve Bloom, executive producer of The Park Curriculum , to talk through practical strategies for large group ministry — from classroom management and behavior challenges to putting the right leaders in the right seats. Steve brings 16 years of kids min...

What if the real problem in your kids' ministry isn't a lack of volunteers — it's that you can't keep the ones you have? In this episode of the KidzMatter Podcast, Hannah Augustine shares a sneak peek inside a KidzMatter PRO April coaching call featuring three KidMin Academy students: Dave, Rose, and Christi. All three are dedicated kids' ministry leaders at their local ch...

How do you build a children's ministry from scratch — or step into one and make it better? In this special collaboration between the KidzMatter Podcast and the Cross Formed KidMin Podcast, hosts Hannah Augustine, Hunter Williams, and Tim Beilhartz give you a practical, theology-grounded roadmap for starting strong. Whether you're brand new to kids ministry or a veteran who needs to get b...

The 2026 KidzMatter Conference is launching its first-ever Youth Pastor Track, and in this episode, Charlie Alcock explains what you'll learn and how it differs from traditional conference teaching. Instead of copying tactics, you'll discover the biblical principles that unify all ministries and practical ways to implement them in your unique context. Use the code YOUTH2KM for up to five...

Just signed up to serve in kids' ministry? This is the essential starter episode. Hannah Augustine and Corey Jones walk through everything new volunteers need to know—from building authentic relationships with kids to safety protocols that protect everyone. Learn why your role matters, how to show up powerfully, and what it really takes to disciple the next generation. Perfect for your first...

Hannah Augustine and Sarah Carroll share the hard-won lessons they wish they'd known when they started leading, as well as some of the biggest mistakes young leaders make in ministry. If you're a young leader, a kids pastor, or you're mentoring emerging leaders, this conversation will help you navigate the unique challenges of ministry leadership at any age and set you up for sustai...

If you’re a kids' pastor who has ever ever felt overwhelmed by the sheer volume of Scripture or unsure how to make it stick, this conversation is your clear path forward. In this episode, Hannah Augustine welcomes Mark Campbell and Steph Bradac from Awana to reveal simple, impactful strategies for equipping children in your kids' ministry with a lifelong understanding of the Bible. Visit...

Most kids are leaving church and faith behind because they’re starving for a balanced, genuine encounter with God—not just education or entertainment. But what if you could change that in your ministry—and see lives transform? In this eye-opening episode, David Rausch of GO! Curriculum reveals the secret sauce for cultivating lifelong faith in children. Get 25% off your KidMin Academy tuition with...

Join Hannah Augustine as she connects with Christy and Jonathan Hooper, the creative minds behind "P.R.A.Y. Pals," an interactive children's book designed to teach kids the power of prayer. Discover how the P.R.A.Y. acronym—Praise, Repent, Ask, Yield—can transform prayer into a meaningful practice for children and families. Get your copies of P.R.A.Y. Pals at thegoodbook.com/pray-pa...

Over half of America's children are growing up without close contact with their biological fathers, and more than 670,000 kids pass through foster care each year. But what if the church saw this crisis as the greatest mission field right in our neighborhoods? In this powerful episode, Hannah Augustine and Dr. Alan Bixler from COMPACT delve into the heartbreaking statistics and reveal how fost...

There's a common stereotype that serving with a kids' ministry is predominantly a female role. However, as Curt Nelson and Hannah Augustine discuss in this podcast episode, boys and girls must see godly men serving in the church. Think outside the box and help the men of your church find their place in KidMin! Visit OrientalTrading.com/faith and use the code KIDZMATTER26 to get FREE ship...

Get ready for summer in KidMin with strategic planning tips and practical tools. Hannah Augustine and Ryan Frank discuss how to embrace the unique season of summer, turn challenges into opportunities, and prepare your team and environment for a successful summer outreach. To sign up for KidzMatter's free Summer Ready micro-course, visit kidzmatter.com/summer-ready . Get your free preschool or...

Unlock the secret to transforming children's lives by building a vibrant identity rooted in Christ—it's easier than you think! In this episode, Hannah Augustine teams up with Brian Dollar, a seasoned Kids' Pastor and founder of High Voltage Kids Ministry Resources , to reveal the three powerful messages every child must hear to resist the endless tide of culture’s negative messages....

Don't let the busy interrupt the holy! In this episode, Hannah Augustine and Christen Clark discuss the importance of preparing for Holy Week. With a little intentionality, KidMin leaders can engage families and kids alike in understanding the story of Jesus' resurrection through hands-on experiences and intentional conversations. Connect with Christen on socials: @christenclark ,  @coll...

Most KidMin leaders underestimate how crucial Easter planning is, and often miss the opportunity to serve with purpose amidst the busy chaos. In today's conversation with Brittany Nelson from Deeper KidMin , we'll discover how a strategic, faith-centered approach to Easter can turn a hectic weekend into an impactful gospel moment for your church. You can find Brittany on socials at @deep...

When it comes to KidMin Easter egg hunts, we seem to be doing the same things, the same way, for the same reasons - but without the same effectiveness. This week's conversation with Corinne Noble will have you laughing, nodding in agreement, and taking notes on how to reach families effectively, both at Easter and year-round. Get your free Easter lesson from Brite by Awana at britecurriculum....

In this episode with Chuck Peters from Lifeway Next Gen, we explore five enormous needs facing today’s kids and students in Gen Z and Gen Alpha. If you want to better understand and disciple the next generation, this conversation will help you focus on what matters most. To access Chuck's latest book, Flip the Script , for FREE, visit https://utm.io/ujxKw . Check out their new curriculum at h...

Join us as we kick off Global KidMin Week with an exciting announcement! This episode with Ryan Frank and Rev. Dr. Charlie Alcock explores the vital bridge between children's and youth ministry, highlighting new initiatives designed to strengthen leadership collaboration and resource development across generations. Use the code KIDZMATTER26 at OrientalTrading.com/faith for FREE shipping on $2...

Ever wonder if your KidMin volunteers truly feel valued and connected? This episode uncovers the three pivotal questions every leader should be answering to boost volunteer satisfaction and retention. Discover how to help your volunteers feel like their work truly matters, build their confidence with the right training, and create a sense of belonging that keeps burnout at bay. Get your team ready...

In this episode, Hannah Augustine interviews leadership coach and pastor James Duvall to explore the essential skills of self-leadership, time management, and personal growth. Whether you're volunteering, bi-vocational, or part of a larger team, you'll gain actionable insights to develop your KidMin capacity and impact. Use promo code KIDZMATTER at thegoodbook.com for 30% off on It'...

In this episode, Hannah Augustine sits down with Janna Johns for an honest and hope-filled conversation about singleness in church and ministry leadership. Together, they challenge common cultural stereotypes, unpack personal journeys, and offer practical encouragement for thriving — not just surviving — in seasons of singleness. Connect with Hannah, Janna, and the KidzMatter team by emailing supp...

How do we know what parts of God's character to emphasize as we disciple the children in our ministries? For Carl Laferton and The Good Book Company, the answer is His promises. Join us for an encouraging conversation about reminding kids that God is faithful to His promises every single time. Connect with The Good Book Company by emailing hello@thegoodbook.com. You can also get your FREE tic...

Families come in every shape and size, and as KidMin Leaders, it's our responsibility to care for them well. In this heartfelt episode, KidzMatter's Chief Growth Officer, Sarah Carroll, shares her personal journey and insights on supporting blended families and families with incarcerated parents. After delving into the complexities of shame, bullying, and the need for churches to create...

Are you hitting the mark in your children's ministry? Are your stories and activities communicating the most important things - like the truth of the gospel? If you can't answer those questions confidently, you may not be alone. The modern children's ministry movement has seen a wave of "Bible lite" teaching that has become the new norm. The good news is that the change st...