Let’s be honest—talking about the hard stuff with little ones isn’t easy. In this powerful episode, Tracy McElhattan opens up about the real challenges of tackling tough topics in early childhood ministry. From behavioral struggles and special needs to the lingering impact of COVID-19, Tracy shares how parents, teachers, and ministry leaders can step into hard conversations with grace, patience, and purpose. Drawing from her background in education and ministry, Tracy introduces her pra...

What can a chicken sandwich teach us about leadership in ministry? In this insightful and energizing episode, Brett Buckland joins the conversation to share how lessons from his time at Chick-fil-A have shaped the way he leads in ministry and life. Brett dives into the power of value-driven leadership, the importance of being present with your team, and how simple, consistent habits can build a culture where both volunteers and families thrive. Through real stories and practical wisdom,...

What if a child’s behavior on Sunday isn’t misbehavior, but a message? In this powerful and practical episode of Kids Ministry Calling, Kim Botto shares wisdom from her decades in children’s ministry, helping leaders understand how trauma impacts kids’ emotions, behavior, and connection. She unpacks what it means for the church to become trauma-informed, offering insight into the real statistics surrounding children with trauma and special needs. Kim brings hope and hands-on strategies to the...

What if one of the most overlooked leadership skills could transform the way you serve kids, partner with parents, and lead volunteers? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Michelle Hicks to talk about the power of Emotional Intelligence (EQ) in ministry, and why it may be the secret ingredient to healthy leadership that lasts. Dr. Hicks breaks down the five components of EQ: self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, social skills, and motivation - and shows how each one shapes the way we co...

We’ve all heard the phrase “stranger danger”, but the sobering truth is that nearly 90% of child abuse cases involve someone the child already knows and trusts. As ministry leaders, it’s our sacred responsibility to ensure that the church is a safe place for every child who walks through the doors. In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling, host Jana Magruder is joined by Kris Buckman for a timely and practical conversation on abuse prevention in kids ministry. Kris shares her own ministry jou...

Get ready for a heart-filled and practical conversation! In today's episode, Jana Magruder sits down with Taylor Johnson, who wears two hats as a Next Generation and Children’s Minister, to unpack what truly makes a kids ministry thrive. Taylor shares his journey of calling, how God led him into ministry, and the mentors who shaped his path. Then, we dive into the nuts and bolts of effective children’s ministry: Safety – Why it’s non-negotiable and how it builds trust with families.Communicat...

Every child is created in the image of God and deserves a place to belong in the church. In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling, Jana Magruder sits down with Sandra Peoples to explore the vital role of disability ministry. With warmth and wisdom, Sandra shares both her personal journey and her passion for helping churches become places where every child, and every family, feels seen, supported, and embraced. Sandra Peoples unpacks the heart behind disability ministry, showing why incl...

Have you ever stopped to think about how different generations view the world, the church, and even the gospel? In kids ministry, we often focus on reaching the next generation—but understanding where they've come from and who’s come before them is just as important. Every generation brings its own values, challenges, and perspectives to the table, and as ministry leaders, we have the opportunity—and responsibility—to bridge those gaps. Chuck Peters and Jana Magruder unpack the unique charact...

The world our kids are growing up in is changing at lightning speed, and the church must be ready. In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling, Jana Magruder and her guests take us into a forward-looking conversation about the next generation, Generation Beta, and the unique challenges and opportunities that come with discipling their families. As we reflect on the shifting landscape of culture, technology, and faith, we are reminded that our calling as ministry leaders has never been more impor...

In today’s world, parenting often feels like navigating a maze of screens, apps, and online dangers - one we didn’t have to face when we were growing up. How do we, as ministry leaders and parents, guide children to not only survive but thrive in a technology-driven culture? In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling, Jana Magruder welcomes Sarah Siegand from Parents Who Fight, an organization committed to equipping parents with the tools, courage, and faith to protect their children in the dig...

Today’s episode is one that every kids ministry leader, pastor, and parent will want to lean into—because it’s all about one of the most important questions we face in ministry: How do we lead children to salvation? We often celebrate the moment a child makes a decision to follow Jesus—but what about everything that leads up to it? And what comes after? In this episode, we’re joined by Donna Peavey and Karen Kennemur, respected leaders in children’s ministry and co-authors of the brand-new bo...

Today, we're taking you behind the scenes of the Conclave Conference in Texas, where next generation ministry leaders from across the country gathered to learn, grow, and be challenged in their callings. In this episode, our conversation centers around something deeply relevant to every church leader: understanding and reaching the next generation—and the pivotal role that kids ministry leaders play in doing just that. Here’s the truth: kids ministry leaders are some of the most strategic lea...

As summer winds down and we wrap up our July Book Club series, we’re closing with a conversation that brings the heart of kids ministry into full focus. In this episode we reflect on Kids Ministry That Nourishes by Jana Magruder—a book that has reminded us not just why we lead, but how we lead with purpose. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering how to make a lasting spiritual impact in the lives of the kids and families you serve, today’s episode is for you. We’re diving deep into the three...

Welcome back to our Summer Book Club Series on Kids Ministry Calling! In this episode, our producer and guest host Nikki Ogden sits down with Jana Magruder to explore one of the most foundational principles of a truly nourishing kids ministry: focusing on heart transformation over behavior modification. It’s easy in ministry to celebrate good behavior, memorized verses, or quiet participation—but Jesus calls us to something deeper. Jana reminds us that our goal isn’t to raise well-behaved kid...

Welcome to our July Book Club Series! In this episode, Nikki Ogden sits down with author, host, and ministry leader Jana Magruder to talk about her powerful and timely book, Kids Ministry That Nourishes. If you’ve ever felt the weight of numbers, pressure to perform, or the fatigue of ministry burnout - this conversation is for you. Together, Nikki and Janna unpack what it means to lead a kids ministry that truly nourishes - not just kids, but the leaders who serve them. They reflect on how t...

Welcome to our July Book Club Series! This month, we’re diving into the ingredients that make kids ministry not just effective - but truly life-giving. In this episode, host Jana Magruder and producer Nikki Ogden, reflect on what it means to nourish both children and leaders spiritually in today’s culture. In this rich and reflective conversation from our July Book Club Series, Nikki and Jana explore the "essential nutrients" every thriving kids ministry needs, from Jana's book, Kids Ministry...

We’re continuing our Milestone Series this summer with one of the most pivotal seasons in a child’s spiritual journey: the preteen years. In this episode, Danielle Bell and Jeremy Carroll dive deep into the unique challenges and opportunities that come with walking alongside preteens as they begin to form their own faith identity and prepare for the transition into student ministry. These aren’t just “in-between” years—they’re milestone moments that matter. From conversations about purity and...

We’re so excited to continue our summer series, Milestones. We're focusing on the key spiritual moments that shape a child’s faith. These milestones aren’t just checkboxes; they’re opportunities for deep connection, discipleship, and celebration within the church and at home. In this powerful episode, Jeremy Carroll and Danielle Bell explore the importance of celebrating and supporting spiritual milestones in children’s lives. They discuss how the church can better partner with families durin...

We’re thrilled to be in our brand-new series, Milestones, a month-long journey designed to help ministry leaders and parents celebrate and support the spiritual milestones that shape a child’s faith journey. In this second episode, we’re diving into one of the most foundational stages: the preschool years. Join preschool ministry experts Delanee and Kimba as they unpack the key transitions that happen in early childhood—moving from nursery to preschool, and eventually to “big church.” Through...

Hey friends! We’re kicking off a brand-new season with something truly special: the Milestone Series for this summer! Over the next few months, we’ll dive into some of the most significant moments in a child’s spiritual journey and how the church can walk alongside families every step of the way. In this first episode, we’re starting where it all begins—preschool ministry and parent-child dedication. In this kickoff episode of the Milestone Series, the we'll dive into the powerful ministry of...