The Sunday School Junkie!

There’s a space every ministry worker knows—the moment God calls… and your confidence hasn’t caught up yet. That tension? That hesitation? That “I’m not ready” feeling? You’re not alone. And more importantly—you’re not disqualified. In this episode, I dive into the very real gap between calling and confidence, unpacking: Why this gap shows up in every calling How even lesser-known Bible figures li...

In this episode, we tackle one of the biggest conversations in creative and ministry spaces right now: AI. Is it a helpful tool? A threat to creativity? A shortcut? A steal? This conversation digs into the tension many people feel as artificial intelligence becomes more common in writing, teaching, content creation, and communication. We talk honestly about the hesitation people now have when they...

What happens when God places something inside you that won’t let go? In this episode, we explore the life of Bezaleel—a young man called, filled, and gifted by God to build and teach. His name means “in the shadow of God,” and his story reminds us that calling isn’t about age, experience, or confidence—it’s about what God has placed within you. From passion that can’t be satisfied to purpose that...

Episode Summary Children’s ministry is one of the most meaningful callings in the church — but sometimes it feels like we’re juggling a dozen things at once. In this episode of Sunday School Junkie, Brother Booker joins the conversation to talk about the realities of balancing ministry, family, responsibilities, and the constant demands of life. Together we explore practical principles for managin...

If Part 1 was the why , this episode is the how . We open cold with a powerful dramatization of creation from Childlike Media and explore a simple but weighty truth: God created with words. “Let there be light.” And there was. If His words created environments, atmosphere, culture, and momentum — and we are made in His image — what are ours creating? This episode moves from theology to practicalit...

Words feel small—but they shape everything that comes next. In this episode of Sunday School Junkie , James sits down with Chris Bradshaw to unpack a phrase many have heard him say for years: Words matter. Not as a slogan, but as a steering wheel. Together, they explore how the language we use in children’s ministry forms identity, influences behavior, and quietly becomes a child’s inner voice. Fr...

What if the story you’ve told a hundred times still has something new to teach you? In this episode of Sunday School Junkie , we’re joined by children’s pastor and author Eric Stender to explore the power of perspective —in Scripture, in ministry, and in everyday KidMin moments. Eric shares how a chaotic Sunday School class unexpectedly gave birth to one of his most effective teaching tools: retel...

What happens when people who’ve worked together for years finally sit in the same room for the first time? In this special bonus episode of Sunday School Junkie , recorded on New Year’s Day in Branson, Missouri, James & Kimberly Pelletier sit down in person with Jason & Kim Ashley from Growing Up With Pawpaw for an unscripted, real-time conversation about kids ministry, creativity, calling...

What if the biggest problem in kids ministry isn’t behavior—but how we interpret behavior? In this Season 2 kickoff episode of Sunday School Junkie , we dive deep into the principle of assuming positive intent —a leadership mindset that has the power to reduce conflict, strengthen teams, and radically improve how we minister to children, parents, and volunteers. The episode opens with a real-life,...

Life’s full of questions — from “Why?” to “Where’s the ketchup?” to “What in the world is God doing?” In this laugh-filled yet deeply thoughtful episode, James, Jorge, and Manny explore the power of questions — from silly ones to sacred ones. Starting with Chris Rice’s classic song Questions for Heaven , they reflect on how curiosity shapes our faith and how even God asked questions from Genesis t...

Wow! 11 of us gather round the big table and review what God did this past weekend in Union City, Tennessee... WPF Kids Hosted a Children's Ministry Conference that started off with a FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) gathering at a local elementary school where we had around 300 students attend. Then we kicked off the seminar with a powerful general session and capped off the first night wit...

This episode was an absolute BLAST to record. Honestly, our audio leveler muted a lot of the laughter, and our editor cut out about five minutes of pure, ridiculous frivolity. Hopefully, you’ll still catch the spirit and fun that carried through the whole conversation. We’re back! One of my goals for Sunday School Junkie is that it’s not just my voice you hear every-other week. I want you to hear...

This episode brings together Sunday School Junkie , Truism , and For Generations To Come for an unforgettable conversation with Pastor Daniel McKillop , host of Kingdom Speak and a leading voice in the Apostolic world today. Recorded in a humble nursery during camp meeting (yes—there were squeaky toys & squeaky chairs), this raw and rich dialogue dives deep into the purpose of Apostolic conten...

🌧️ Summary: What do gum in the carpet, stolen vans, and muddy classrooms have to do with revival? According to Bro & Sis Bradshaw—everything. In this candid and powerful Sunday Snippet, they remind us that rain is only an inconvenience to things that don’t want to grow. Ministry gets messy. But if even one soul is reached, it’s worth every inconvenience. 🔑 Key Quotes: “Rain is only an inconve...

In this heartfelt episode, James shares a special collection of wisdom, scriptures, and songs from Sister Donna Cabe—longtime teacher and spiritual mentor. These reflections center on the power of God’s Word, trust in Jesus, and choosing a life filled with faith, joy, and forgiveness. It's a gentle reminder that the right words—God's words—can stick with a child (and an adult!) for life....

On this Pentecost Sunday, we talk about how the Coming of the Lord is near and we can't waste a moment AND we talk about the impact of recognizing Holy Ghost Birthdays!

📋 Episode Summary: In this episode, James and Kimberly recap their church’s annual Promotion Sunday —a one-of-a-kind service where kids are celebrated, volunteers are honored, and the whole church cheers on spiritual and academic growth. From creative awards like On The Ball and Re-Marker-able to scripture memory achievements and school honors, Promotion Sunday is more than just moving up a grade...

Ministry isn’t something you turn on when the mic is live and off when service ends. As a Sunday School leader, you’re always on. In this episode, we’re talking about living in a way that’s worth watching—because kids are always looking. 💡 Key Takeaway: You might be the 67th book of the Bible someone reads. 🎯 Challenge: Live every day in a way that reflects Jesus—even when you think no one’s wat...

Ever feel like your lesson is too much and not enough at the same time? This episode dives into the K.I.S.S. principle—Keep It Simple, Silly!—and why clear, focused teaching is the key to reaching kids (and keeping your sanity).  Key Takeaway: If it’s too complicated to live, it’s too complicated to teach.  Challenge: Cut the clutter, find the one big truth, and teach it simply, clearly, and power...

In this fun and heartfelt episode, James is joined by his favorite person & cohost—Kimberly, for a deep dive into one of the most effective and enduring practices in their Sunday School: Little Things Big. What started over a decade ago with 'Rut Busters' and a timely visit from Bro. Rodney Betts has become a weekly tradition: taking something small and turning it into a joyful, engagi...

Between prep, props, and planning, it’s easy to forget the real reason we’re in ministry: Jesus. In this episode, we walk through five reminders—using the story of Mary and Martha—to help you refocus and keep God first in everything you do.  Key Takeaway: If Jesus isn’t at the center, we’re just doing activity.  Challenge: Take a quiet moment before you serve this week to sit at His feet and make...

This week, we're diving into the sponge analogy—yes, really. You were made to soak in God’s presence, His Word, and spiritual growth... and then pour it out into the lives of your students. 💡 Key Takeaway: You can only release what you’ve absorbed. 🎯 Challenge: 1) Soak intentionally. 2) Pour out completely.

📌 Episode Summary: “If you want to catch beasts you don’t see every day, You have to go places quite out of the way. You have to go places no others can get to. You have to get cold and you have to get wet, too.” — Dr. Seuss, The Lorax In the final part of our Route Ministry Roundtable, we’re digging into the lessons learned in the trenches. What really makes a route successful? What spiritual re...

Abraham Lincoln said "I may walk slowly but I don't walk backwards." EVERY Step matters! I have a feeling this one is going to turn into a full episode one day soon - but for now, here's a Snippet to challenge you to keep going this week!!!! Here's links to the projects mentioned in the episode as well: ACTS In Action - https://www.actscurriculum.com/ SPARK Magazine - https:/...

Instead of a Snippet today - I'm coming at you full force with Part 2 of our "Everyone is worth the effort" series.... Part 3 is scheduled for our regular release date - Tuesday May 6th! 📌 Episode Summary: “You have to go places no others can get to. You have to get cold and you have to get wet, too.”— Dr. Seuss, The Lorax In this second episode of our 3-part Route Ministry series, the gloves com...