173: Recognizing & Connecting With Hurting Kids: Broken Families, Shifting Realities, & Small Churches | with Melissa J. MacDonald

In this powerful episode of the Small Church Ministry Podcast, host Laurie Graham sits down with Melissa MacDonald to explore the critical role of recognizing and connecting with hurting kids in small church settings. Melissa shares her personal experiences as a foster parent, after-school program director, and ministry leader, offering practical insights on how to love, support, and disciple children from challenging backgrounds. Learn how to shift your ministry mindset from lesson completion to heart connection, and discover why every child matters - regardless of church size or resources. Perfect for volunteers, ministry leaders, and anyone passionate about making a difference in children's lives.Connect with Melissa J. MacDonald:www.melissajmacdonald.comGet your free ticket to the Small Church KidMin + Youth Ministry Conference:www.smallchurchsummits.comJoin our free Facebook Community: www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministryRESOURCES MENTIONEDGet your FREE ticket to the Women Reaching Women Conference! smallchurchsummits.comSupport the showSUBSCRIBE & REVIEWIf you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more people -- just like you -- in small churches who need to hear this.🎙 Thanks for tuning in to Small Church Ministry Podcast! See you next week!FOLLOW US:➡️  Website: smallchurchministry.com➡️  Instagram: instagram.com/smallchurchministry➡️  Facebook: facebook.com/smallchurchministry➡️  Creative Solutions for Small Churches Facebook Community: facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministry➡️  Small Church Network: smallchurchministry.com/membership