Creating a Culture of Rest in Ministry by Jonathan Holmes

What makes a great VBS, and how do you pull one off without burning yourself out in the process?In this episode, Nick sits down with Jeremy O'Neill to talk all things VBS, from big-picture planning and promotion timelines to volunteer leadership, programming strategy, registration questions, and what actually makes a VBS successful. Jeremy shares lessons from years in local church kids ministry, why he wrote How to VBS, and how church leaders can think more clearly about whether their event is primarily about evangelism, discipleship, or both.They also talk through practical issues every...

In this episode, Sean Sweet shares insights on the evolution and importance of preteen ministry, drawing from his transition from church staff to leading a nonprofit focused on preteen resources. He highlights the unique developmental needs of preteens, the value of intentional programming, and how preteen ministry can effectively bridge children’s and youth ministries through engaging, community-building experiences. Sean Sweet Connect with Sean and find resources at the following sites: Sean's Email FourFiveSix.org The Volunteer Playbook My first book is out! Buy the book by visiting volunteerplaybook.com or by visiting Amazon.  Episode Notes Key Takeaways Preteen ministry is essential for addressing the unique developmental needs of preteens. Creating intentional spaces for preteens is crucial for their growth and engagement. Events specifically for preteens help them take ownership of their faith and friendships. The evolution of preteen ministry has led to more resources and awareness in churches today. Leadership structure matters; preteen ministries can thrive under either children's or youth ministry, depending on context. Preteens are at a stage where they begin to question and explore their faith more deeply. Distinct experiences for preteens help them transition smoothly into youth ministry. The importance of community and relationship-building in preteen ministry cannot be overstated. Preteen ministry should not mimic youth ministry but rather cater to the specific needs of preteens. The age of 12 is significant in faith development, marking a transition in maturity. Watch it on YouTube Ministry Boost Coaching Click here to check out the amazing benefits of coaching groups with Ministry Boost. Get An Email When Each New Episode Comes Out Use the form below to subscribe to my email list where you’ll get an email each Tuesday when a new podcast comes out. Subscribe | Share | Rate | Comment To make sure you never miss a post, hit the subscribe button in iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or Tune In radio. Keep your friends and co-workers up-to-date as well by sharing it with them via email or social media. Special Sponsor: Clearstream This episode is sponsored by Clearstream. Clearstream.io works with thousands of churches worldwide and integrates with tools your church already uses such as MailChimp, Church Community Builder, Rock RMS, Planning Center, and more. You can get started on a free-trial, and if you're with a new church plant under 1 year old can use Clearstream free for 12 months.

In this episode, Jen Edwards explores how to measure health in kids ministry beyond attendance and numbers. She emphasizes evaluating milestones, building trust with families, and understanding long-term impact while navigating the pressure of performance metrics in ministry. Jen Edwards Connect with Jen and find resources at the following sites: Jen Edwards Website Jen Edwards IG The Volunteer Playbook My first book is out! Buy the book by visiting volunteerplaybook.com or by visiting Amazon.  Episode Notes Key Takeaways Jen Edwards has a decade of experience in kids ministry. Measuring success should go beyond just head counts. Milestones like baptisms and dedications are key indicators of health. Trust is built through consistent relationships with leaders. Attendance numbers can be misleading and should be contextualized. It's important to track engagement and partnership with families. The long-term impact of ministry is often unseen but significant. Ministry work requires patience and a focus on relationships. Leaders should not tie their worth to attendance numbers. Engagement metrics can provide a more accurate picture of success. Watch it on YouTube Ministry Boost Coaching Click here to check out the amazing benefits of coaching groups with Ministry Boost. Get An Email When Each New Episode Comes Out Use the form below to subscribe to my email list where you’ll get an email each Tuesday when a new podcast comes out. Subscribe | Share | Rate | Comment To make sure you never miss a post, hit the subscribe button in iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or Tune In radio. Keep your friends and co-workers up-to-date as well by sharing it with them via email or social media. Special Sponsor: Clearstream This episode is sponsored by Clearstream. Clearstream.io works with thousands of churches worldwide and integrates with tools your church already uses such as MailChimp, Church Community Builder, Rock RMS, Planning Center, and more. You can get started on a free-trial, and if you're with a new church plant under 1 year old can use Clearstream free for 12 months.

In this episode, Jessica Bealer shares insights from her experience in family ministry, focusing on volunteer management and building healthy team cultures. She highlights the importance of clear communication, volunteer care and appreciation, and layered leadership to effectively support and retain volunteers in today’s church environment. Jessica Bealer Connect with Jessica and find resources at the following sites: Jessica Bealer IG Jessica Bealer at Generis The Volunteer Playbook My first book is out! Buy the book by visiting volunteerplaybook.com or by visiting Amazon.  Episode Notes Key Takeaways Jessica Bealer has 23 years of experience in family ministry. The church must adapt to technology, including AI, for efficiency. Multi-use strategies for church buildings can bridge community gaps. Communication methods must evolve as people are less responsive to emails. Healthy volunteer culture is crucial for church growth and retention. Clarity, empowerment, and appreciation are key to volunteer longevity. Personalized communication fosters deeper connections with volunteers. Layered leadership is essential for managing larger volunteer teams. Creative appreciation strategies can enhance volunteer morale. Understanding volunteer retention rates helps in effective recruitment. Watch it on YouTube Ministry Boost Coaching Click here to check out the amazing benefits of coaching groups with Ministry Boost. Get An Email When Each New Episode Comes Out Use the form below to subscribe to my email list where you’ll get an email each Tuesday when a new podcast comes out. Subscribe | Share | Rate | Comment To make sure you never miss a post, hit the subscribe button in iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or Tune In radio. Keep your friends and co-workers up-to-date as well by sharing it with them via email or social media. Special Sponsor: Clearstream This episode is sponsored by Clearstream. Clearstream.io works with thousands of churches worldwide and integrates with tools your church already uses such as MailChimp, Church Community Builder, Rock RMS, Planning Center, and more. You can get started on a free-trial, and if you're with a new church plant under 1 year old can use Clearstream free for 12 months.