Kids Ministry Circle Podcast

Today's episode is with some of my favorite former co-workers (& friends). Parker & Ryan make up the Family Ministry team at The Austin Stone St. John Campus in Austin, TX and we chat all about connecting kids from kids ministry to youth ministry. This transition is a big one and how we prepare kids, partner with parents, and plan with intention matters. I can't wait for you to hea...

In this episode, I invited Andrea Goslee, the Kids Ministry Director at Rivers Crossing Church in Ohio to join me as we talk about all things Preteen Ministry. I knew Andrea was the perfect leader to have on this episode because she not only has a huge heart for the preteen age group, but she has intentionally created a space for preteens in her ministry. I love how she has made this age group a p...

I am so excited to introduce you to my friend Lindsy. Lindsy just recently started a brand new job as the Kids Pastor at Plum Creek Church in Castle Rock, CO so in this episode we talk all about how to start a new job well and the importance of a Kids Ministry Coach. Her stories will make you laugh (because they made me laugh!) and leave you feeling so encouraged. I got to know Lindsy through the...

You can't run a Sunday without volunteers and at the same time, recruiting & training volunteers can be the hardest part about leading a Kids Ministry. This episode with Catherine Hwang-Jin is full of incredible tips & tricks for recruiting, onboarding, and celebrating volunteer teams. Catherine is the Pastor of Kids Ministry at Mariners Church in Southern California and they need about 30...

In this episode, I got to chat with two members of the Life. Church kids ministry team. Delaney is the Kids Pastor at Life. Church Colorado Springs and Justin is the Central Ministry Life. Kids Leader. Life. Church is known for planting campuses and so I asked them all the hard questions on how they plant so many churches and how they have learned over the years to do it well. We talk about buildi...

For this episode, I got to sit down with my friends Jenna & Frank from Family Time Training. We could have talked about family discipleship forever--it was so fun! We spend time talking about the many ways kids ministry leaders can partner with parents during the Easter & Lent season and specifically parents who are not sure where to start when it comes to partnering with parents. The East...

In this episode, I was able to chat with my new friend Jennifer Cronk. Jennifer and I met while working together on a writing project and I knew she had to be a guest on the podcast. Jennifer has been in Kids Ministry for many many years and is also a single woman. So many people, both men & women, have similar stories of being single and navigating the ups and downs of ministry. Jennifer offe...

In this episode, I talk to Kim Hanson. Kim is the Kids Ministry Director at Mission Hills Church in Littleton, CO. We dive deep into the planning, preparing, executing, and debriefing process for Mission Hills' Sports Camp! Kim has been leading at Sports Camp for around 15 years and has SO much wisdom to share. If this is your first year leading a VBS or you've been leading for decades, I am sure...

It was SO fun to virtually sit down with David Rausch, the creator of GO! Curriculum. He was so funny and I loved his story of faithfulness and courage. I hope that as you listen to this episode, you feel the freedom to say "no" to things that aren't working anymore so you can say "yes" to all the things God has planned for you.  Resources Mentioned:  The Fabulous Reinvention of Sunday S...

Hooray for Summer! This episode kicks off our summer event series, and I am so excited to introduce you to Linda Moon. Linda is the Director of Grow Kids and the Director of Education at a church in Southern California. She not only knows all the ins and outs about Grow Curriculum & VBS, but you can definitely hear her Kids Ministry leader heart shine through. I hope this episode is helpful fo...

In this episode, I got to chat with my longtime friend & mentor about adding wow moments and wonder fill activities to your classrooms & events. We all know that kids love exciting environments with moments that make them go “wow!” but we can find a balance between the exciting newness & biblical teaching. Connect with Nancy. Email: nmatossian@slingshotgroup.org  Slingshot Group

In this episode, I got to sit down with my longtime friend in ministry, Melanie Fenwick. Melani serves as the Kids Ministry Director at Park Church in Denver, CO. We talk about faithfulness in all seasons of kids ministry and how to build a volunteer team and encourage them to serve in their gifting. Melanie is full of so much wisdom and helpful tips & tricks, you're going to love this convers...

This episode is designed with the Kids Ministry volunteer in mind! We are talking about 3 ways to be the best small group leader ever and whether you are teaching 5 kids or 200 kids, we can all improve how we lead kids on a Sunday morning (or mid-week). This podcast is short & sweet and perfect to share with volunteer teams as a training resource. This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The eas...

In this episode, I get to introduce you all to my husband, Luke, and talk all about technology in kids ministry. After over a decade in worship & production ministries, Luke is full of wisdom when it comes to adding technology into kids ministry spaces and how to do it well. If you are a small church or a big church, we talk about why tech is important, how to use it well, and what resources a...

In this episode, Lauren talks to Shayleen Smith, the Kids Ministry Director from New Life East in Colorado Springs, CO. Shayleen shares her vision behind the ministry she leads, where she learned it, and how she implements it at her specific congregation. She also shared her tips and tricks for planning intentional events and teaching kids how to engage with the Holy Spirit.  Resources Mentio...

Join Lauren as she interviews Autumn Gardner, the Family Ministry Director at Fellowship Denver in Denver, Colorado. They talk all about how Autumn works alongside the student ministries team and pastoral staff to partner with all parents.  Resources Mentioned: Project 127 Safe Families For Children

In this episode, Lauren talks to Cassie Bryant from Northway Church in Dallas, TX to continue to the mini-series on Partnering with Parents. Cassie shares how she encourages the whole church to partner with parents, what has helped her as she strives to serve parents and families, and the family discipleship strategy she leans on to evaluate and plan.  Resources mentioned: - Family Disciplesh...

Today's episode is with, Josh Navey, the Director of Family Ministries at Storyline Church in Arvada, CO. Josh is only 6 months into this role so I sat down with him to hear how he is working (alongside a great family ministry team) to cast vision, partner with parents, and build relationships. He shares SO much wisdom and may even convince you to jump back on Twitter!   Resources Mentioned J...

Join Lauren as she talks with the Family Ministry Team at Denver Community Church , Nick Elio & Maggie Knight. They share their 0-18 road map and how they work to care for their parents as they disciple their kids and students. Head over to @kidsministrycircle on Instagram to see graphics of their Parent Road Map. Nick Elio: nelio@denverchurch.org Maggie Knight: mknight@denverchurch.org

In this episode, Lauren sits down with Brie Pollard. She is on staff at Wellspring Englewood, an Anglican church outside of Denver, CO. Lauren & Brie talk about integrating written scripture and liturgy into the kids ministry space and why it is important. Brie shares how her church partners with parents and celebrates faith milestones and how they include kids in adult worship.  Here are...

This episode is designed with the Kids Ministry volunteer in mind! We are talking about 4 ways to improve your large group teaching and whether you are teaching to 5 kids or 200 kids, we can all learn and improve the way we teach kids the Gospel. This podcast is short & sweet and perfect to share with volunteer teams as a training resource. 

Join us as we talk with special guest, Brooke Green, about all things Special Needs Ministry. We spend time talking about how to start a special needs ministry, how to recruit volunteers, what resources are available, and how to journey alongside special needs families in your church.  Here is a list of resources mentioned throughout the episode:  Special Needs Registration Form Coaching...

In today's episode, Patty Evans joins us as a special guest! She recently retired after 22 years as a Kids Ministry Director and she shares how she stumbled into her vocational ministry calling, what sustained her after so many years, and how she trusted God to help her finish well. This conversation will be encouraging to kids ministry leaders of any age! 

Conflict will happen--it's inevitable! Hear Becca & Lauren's tips and tricks for handling conflict with in a co-working relationship and even conflict with a boss or direct report. We so deeply want to be kind and humble in all that we do, and that includes how we handle conflict! 

Chelsey Steek joins the podcast to share her experience as a Kids Pastor at Journey Church in Bend, OR. She shares how they create unique events that partner with the church's greater mission and vision, how they think strategically and intentionally about kids and families, and how she balances being a mom while also being called to vocational ministry. We are grateful for Chelsey, her work at Jo...