63. Goal Setting That Builds Real Spiritual Growth In Kids with Chuck Peters

You can run an excellent kids ministry and still aim at the wrong target. That sounds harsh, but it is also freeing because it means you do not need more activity, you need clearer purpose. In the first episode of our Summer Dreamin' series, Jana Magruder sits down with Chuck Peters, LifeWay’s Next Gen director and host of the ETCH NextGen Ministry Podcast, to talk about goal setting that moves beyond busywork and toward real spiritual growth for kids and families.  Chuck tells the true Olympic story of Matt Emmons, who hit a perfect bullseye yet lost because he shot the wrong target. It is the perfect picture of ministry life: calendars fill up, events go well, volunteers hustle, and we still wonder why lasting discipleship feels elusive. We unpack how to define success before you plan, how to resist comparison with the church next door, and how to step off the treadmill long enough to see the bigger picture.  From there, we get practical with two powerful goal-setting lenses. First, use the right lens: ministry goals are not “my goals,” they are goals for the church we serve, aligned with the overall mission, vision, and values. Second, use a long lens: begin with the end in mind and plan for kids to become godly adults, not just better-behaved children. We also talk tangible targets that support that long game, like building a culture of Bible reading and ensuring every child is known by name.If you are ready to move from activity to impact, press play, then share this with a teammate and subscribe so you do not miss part two!Check out Lifeway Kids CurriculumConnect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!Join us at ETCH 2026