The KidzMatter Podcast

New year’s health resolutions got you down? Tune in for this conversation with Alicia Summerlin, pastor’s wife and RN. It’s daunting to try to care for yourself physically in the middle of ministry chaos and family responsibilities - but it’s both possible and worth it. With twenty years of ministry experience combined with an understanding of the health field, Alicia brings a unique perspective t...

Planning for 2026 isn’t pressure—it’s stewardship. In this episode with KidzMatter Founder Ryan Frank, we help kids ministry leaders gain clarity, confidence, and a practical path forward so the future doesn’t sneak up on them. We start with vision clarity, because most ministries don’t lack passion—they lack focus. You’ll be challenged to define what “winning” looks like for your kids, families,...

Ready for a sneak peek of KidzMatter PRO? In this week’s episode of the KidzMatter Podcast, host Hannah Augustine and KidzMatter’s Chief Growth Officer Sarah Carroll dive into an engaging conversation on culture and ministry.  Kids today are saturated by culture. As KidMin leaders, we can’t change that, and it’s not our job to tell them what to do or how to think. However, in our ministry environm...

We’re going back into the archives! In this episode of the KidzMatter Podcast, filmed at the 2024 KidzMatter Conference, host Jordan Davis interviews Pastor Nate Nupanga from Mercy Road Church. Nate has a unique perspective from his current seat as a lead pastor, but also from his previous roles in other ministry areas within the local church. As they’ll share in this conversation, Jordan and Nate...

What is theology, really? It’s not complicated - it’s the study of God! In today’s conversation with Pastors Randy Allison and Drew Hage, host Hannah Augustine helps to uncover some of the important theological truths found within the Christmas story. You’ll also learn how important it is to continue to deepen your own knowledge of God and His Word as you listen to this week’s encouraging episode!...

Looking to make the most of the Christmas season in your ministry? Today’s conversation with Lauren Jackson from Kids Ministry Circle will give you tips and tricks for how to do that! Lauren has extensive experience in KidMin and a heart for discipling kiddos in every season, and her thoughts will inspire you as you plan to celebrate with your church.  Whether you have a Christmas tree in your lob...

If you don't know the name Jean Thomason, you may know her by another name - Miss PattyCake! In this week's episode, host Hannah Augustine has a heart-warming conversation with Miss PattyCake about the importance of investing in our kids from a young age. From toddler to teen, what our kids take into their minds and hearts matters. Miss PattyCake, and Christian content creators like her,...

Christmas is, for many, the most wonderful time of the year. But how can we effectively balance family, church, and everything in between during such a busy season?  In this week’s episode with Bob and Amy Bender, host Hannah Augustine leads a conversation on how to make the most of every moment during the Christmas season. Bob and Amy share ideas on how to create memories and experiences with you...

Jesus’ ministry was marked by outreach. He and His disciples were consistently healing, feeding, and loving the people around them - and the church has the responsibility to do the same! Join Hannah Augustine and guests Scott and Debbie Wells for an inspiring conversation on outreach, discipleship, and the church. Along the way, Scott and Debbie share powerful stories and practical tips on how to...

Gratitude is a commonly used word during the month of November in both church and secular circles. How do we take the idea of thankfulness beyond listing things we are grateful for? In this conversation with KidzMatter co-founder Beth Frank, host Hannah Augustine helps unpack how we can choose gratitude in every season of life: at home and at church. As you’ll discover, gratitude is a muscle, so l...

If you’ve ever felt like you can’t figure out social media, you’re not alone! In today’s conversation with KidzMatter’s Madi Hackworth, host Hannah Augustine leads a discussion on the whys behind social media. With tips on how to find content and ideas on who can help run your page, this episode is practical and encouraging. As Madi reminds us, it’s not about the numbers - it’s about influence and...

In this week’s episode with Josh Zello from Jesus Loves Preschoolers, host Hannah Augustine asks a question many preschool KidMin leaders have asked: how do we address separation anxiety? While this is a very normal phase for the youngest kids in our care, we can feel at a loss on how to lead them through it. Using his experience as a preschool pastor, Josh shares helpful tips and strategies for h...

Feeling like you don't know where to start when it comes to training your team? We've got your back! In this episode with KidMin Leader Kris Smoll, we'll unpack how to make training a part of your ministry DNA. Whether you realize it or not, consistent training your team is critical to ministry health and effectiveness. Discipleship is at stake, so don't wait - take an action s...

If you feel like you have too much on your plate, then this episode is for you! Join Hannah Augustine and guest Christine Sowers for an impactful conversation on layered leadership. Ephesians 4:11-13 makes it clear that, as ministry leaders, we’re called to equip God’s people to do His work - not just do all the work ourselves. Learn how to delegate and empower your team to use their gifts and tal...

Accepting Jesus is the most important decision a child can make - and that’s why it’s important to steward that decision well. In today’s podcast episode, host Hannah Augustine and guest Shelby Colman will unpack strategies and frameworks for how to best disciple and care for kids who are making this important decision.  From follow-up to follow-through, and altar calls to baptism, this episode is...

Are you ministering within a small church? You’re not alone - and you are making a bigger impact than you might think. In today’s conversation with Trennon Roye, Emily Smith, and Laurie Graham, host Hannah Augustine will lead you through a series of questions designed to tackle classic issues that small churches face. Our desire is that this episode will leave you feeling more confident than ever...

In this episode, we sit down with Ken Ham from Answers in Genesis to explore the heart behind their ministry and the impact it’s having on children’s ministry leaders. You’ll hear his personal journey into ministry, what drives their passion for equipping churches, and a sneak peek into the breakout session they’ll be leading at the upcoming conference. To wrap things up, Ken offers an encouraging...

Mental health is a hot topic these days - and for good reason. The strain and stress of occupations, school, and responsibilities pile up and are exacerbated by trauma and painful circumstances. Our kids are not exempt from this, and neither are we.  This is why we've invited LPC Breanne Stevens and LMHC Georgia Peckett to the podcast. In response to the need in our world, KidzMatter's K...

In this episode, we sit down with Stephen “Doc” Hunsley, the Executive Director and Founder of SOAR Special Needs Ministry, to explore how churches can better serve families impacted by disabilities. Doc shares his personal story, the vision behind SOAR, and practical ways ministries can create environments where every child feels valued and included. Whether you’re a children’s pastor, volunteer,...

In this episode, we highlight the incredible global impact of Operation Christmas Child through the story of Alex Nsengimana, a shoebox recipient from Rwanda. Alex shares how a simple gift delivered through Operation Christmas Child brought hope during one of the darkest seasons of his life. His testimony reflects the heart of the ministry: reaching children in need with the love of Jesus Christ t...

Have you ever felt like you can't stop the curve balls from coming? Are you a planner who is tired of having your plans, well, changed? Today's conversation with KidzMatter Conference host Brandon Rushin and host Hannah Peckett Augustine is centered on staying flexible in ministry. The reality is that ministry changes faster than we'd like it to, and we are constantly being bombarde...

Have you ever felt blindsided by transition? Have you found yourself uncertain whether to leave or to stay?  Ministry transitions are not easy. In response to several posts in our I Love KidMin Facebook group, host Hannah Peckett Augustine and KidzMatter Founder Ryan Frank sit down for a conversation on this difficult and often painful topic. Our desire is that this conversation will encourage and...

Have you ever struggled to make space for prayer and fasting? Ever wondered how it fits into your life, or why it's so important? In today's conversation with Anvita Elder, host Hannah Peckett Augustine explores the importance of prayer and fasting in the life of a KidMin leader. These disciplines weren't just for Bible times - they're meant for us to participate in today! Want...

Looking to make your KidMin better? Planning Center may be your best next step! In today's episode, host Hannah Peckett Augustine and guest Scott Myers dive into the benefits of Planning Center for kidmin leaders. From check-ins and services to workflows and lists, this is an amazing tool to keep your families safe and cared for. Learn more at planningcenter.com . 📌 SUBSCRIBE for weekly chil...

Not sure why you should come to The KidzMatter Conference? Then this episode is for you! Join Hannah Peckett Augustine and Ryan Frank as they have an insightful conversation on why this conference is a must-attend for kidmin leaders. With powerful worship, practical breakouts, and interactive community, this is a conference (and an episode!) that you won't want to miss. Want to learn more? Vi...