PODCAST · religion
Five Smooth Stones
by Daniel Watts
The Five Smooth Stones weekly podcast features an innovative, biblical look at Transformational Children’s Ministry. Join Daniel Watts the founder of Every Generation Ministries and forty-year children’s ministry worker and learn about a new way of thinking about and doing children’s ministry that leads to life change for boys and girls.
Episodes
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Jonah: A Story About Relationship, Not a Fish
God’s work in our lives is deeply relational, and the story of Jonah offers an opportunity to reflect on that truth. In this episode of the Five Smooth Stones series, we explore the importance of relationship in spiritual growth and children’s ministry. Through the biblical account of Jonah, we...
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Where Truth Meets Real Life — Leading Transformationa Discussion
Discussion is where God’s Word meets the real lives of children. In this episode of the Five Smooth Stones series, we look at what it takes to create open, honest small-group environments where boys and girls feel safe enough to share what is actually on their hearts. From group size and careful...
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Don’t Ask Questions — Inviting Children Into Honest Discussion
What if the best way to get children talking… is to stop asking questions? In this episode of the Five Smooth Stones series, we explore a powerful approach to discussion that replaces traditional question-and-answer patterns with invitations to share. Because children are often conditioned to...
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No Right Answers — Helping Children Discuss God’s Word Honestly
Transformational children’s ministry requires more than asking kids to repeat the “right” answers. In this episode of the Five Smooth Stones series, we explore the importance of honest discussion—creating space for children to share what they really think, ask real questions, and connect God’s…
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Making God’s Word Come Alive — Teaching Truth with Creativity
Teaching God’s Word to children is more than sharing Bible facts—it’s helping Scripture come alive in ways that children can understand, remember, and apply. In this episode of the Five Smooth Stones series, we focus on creative Bible teaching and practical storytelling. From props, movement,...
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More Than Just Fun — Guidelines for Using Experiential Activities
Experiential teaching can make God’s Word more real, memorable, and transformational—but it must be done with wisdom. In this episode of the Five Smooth Stones series, we look at practical guidelines for using experiential activities in children’s ministry. From a puzzle activity that helped...
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What Children Remember — The Lifeblood of Relational Ministry
What do children remember years after Sunday school, VBS, or children’s church? Usually not the perfect lesson plan, the funniest game, or the most creative activity—they remember the person who loved them. In this episode of the Five Smooth Stones series, we continue exploring relational...
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Teaching Without Words — Modeling Relational Children’s Ministry
Children learn more than what we say—they learn from what they see. In this episode of the Five Smooth Stones series, we explore how relational children’s ministry is shaped through modeling and teamwork. From honest discussion around Jesus as the Good Shepherd to the unforgettable realization…
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The Moment of Decision — Helping Children Respond to God
Truth is meant to lead somewhere. In this episode of the Five Smooth Stones series, we return to Exodus 3–4 and see how God’s entire interaction with Moses moves toward one clear goal: response. God builds relationship, reveals truth, uses experience, and engages Moses’ questions—but all of it is...
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The God Who Listens — Discussing God’s Word and Real Life
God doesn’t dismiss Moses’ questions—He listens, answers, and guides him toward obedience. In this episode of the Five Smooth Stones series, we look at Exodus 3–4 and see how God Himself models the power of discussion. Moses brings his fears, doubts, and practical concerns before the Lord, and…
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Truth Changes Everything — God’s Truth and the Calling of Moses
What we believe is true shapes how we live—and that matters deeply in children’s ministry. In this episode of the Five Smooth Stones series, we return to Exodus 3 and see how God placed truth at the center of His calling of Moses. God revealed His compassion for the suffering Israelites, His...
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Learning by Experience — God’s Experiential Teaching with Moses
Experience is a powerful teacher—and God knows it. In this episode of the Five Smooth Stones series, we return to Exodus 3–4 and look at how God used experiential teaching in the calling of Moses. Before Moses stepped into ministry, God gave him more than information to think about; He gave him...
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The God of Relationships — Five Smooth Stones and the Calling of Moses
Relationship is not just a ministry strategy—it reflects the very nature of God. In this episode of the Five Smooth Stones series, we look at Exodus 3 and the calling of Moses to see how God builds ministry on a relational foundation. God speaks to Moses personally, promises to be with him, and...
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When Truth Becomes Action - Paul’s Final Step in Transformational Ministry
Bible knowledge is important—but Paul never treated truth as information alone. In this episode we explore Smooth Stone #5 in Paul’s ministry: Response. Through Ephesians, we see how Paul first teaches the gospel—our reconciliation with God and with one another—and then calls believers to live in…
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More Than Right Answers - Paul’s Model of Discussion-Based Ministry
Paul wasn’t only a preacher—he was a reasoner, a dialoguer, and a teacher who connected God’s truth to real life. In this episode we explore Smooth Stone #4 in Paul’s ministry: Discussion. From Acts 17 to Colossians 2, we see Paul reasoning from Scripture, engaging people’s questions, correcting...
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Truth That Sets Them Free - Paul’s Model for Teaching God’s Word
Kids can hear a Bible story and still walk away with a “tanks and missiles” version if no one helps them grasp what’s actually true—and why it matters. In this episode we explore Smooth Stone #3 in Paul’s ministry: Truth. Paul consistently emphasized that he was teaching the truth of the gospel,...
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Experiencing God's Word - What Paul Teaches Us About Transformational Ministry
Paul may not be known for flashy object lessons, but he championed one experiential practice that shaped the early church—and still shapes us today: the Lord’s Supper. In this episode we trace how Passover functioned as an embodied learning experience for Israel (Exodus 12), how Jesus elevated it...
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Paul's Relational Ministry: The Foundation for Transformational Ministry
After exploring the Five Smooth Stones in Deuteronomy 6—and seeing them modeled in the ministry of Jesus—we now turn to the Apostle Paul. Often remembered as a theologian and writer, Paul was also a deeply relational pastor whose ministry was marked by genuine love. In this episode we unpack why...
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Smooth Stone #5 — Jesus and Response
Knowing God’s Word isn’t the finish line—responding to it is the foundation. In this episode we wrap up the “Five Smooth Stones” journey by looking at Smooth Stone #5 through the ministry of Jesus: response that shows up as love and obedience. From Jesus’ warning about leaders who “do not…
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Smooth Stone #4 — Jesus and Discussion
For many kids, church is where you sit quietly and listen—but Jesus built a different kind of learning environment. In this episode we explore Smooth Stone #4: Discussion—helping children talk about God’s Word and how it connects to real life. From Jesus’ conversations about wealth (Mark 10),...
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Smooth Stone #3 — Jesus and the Truth
Kids can memorize spiritual words and still miss what they mean—“Howard be thy name,” anyone? In this episode we explore Smooth Stone #3: Truth, and why Jesus didn’t just teach truth—He is the Truth (John 14:6). From correcting misunderstandings through the Good Samaritan to the gospel of John’s...
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Smooth Stone #2 — Jesus and Experiential Teaching
Some lessons don’t stick until we feel them. In this episode we explore Smooth Stone #2—experiential teaching—and how Jesus used unforgettable moments to imprint truth on hearts. From feeding the 5,000 before declaring “I am the bread of life,” to filling Peter’s empty nets before calling him to...
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Easter, Emmanuel, and the Promise of New Life
A newborn baby was found abandoned in Southwest Uganda and given a name that carries hope: Emmanuel—“God with us.” In this episode, that unforgettable moment becomes a lens for Easter. From Mary Magdalene hearing Jesus speak her name at the empty tomb (John 20:11–18) to a child’s story of rescue...
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Smooth Stone #1: Jesus and Relational Ministry
A five-year-old was asked to draw a picture of the church—and he drew a person. That moment captures a truth we can’t afford to miss: for many kids, “church” becomes real through relationships. In this episode we launch a new focus on the Five Smooth Stones through the ministry of Jesus, starting...
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The Fifth Smooth Stone — Helping Children Respond to God’s Word
Children don’t just hear God’s Word—they can respond to it, often with a faith adults forget is possible. In this episode we explore Smooth Stone #5: response (Deuteronomy 6:8–9). From a child’s life-shaping call to stay and serve, to a simple, unforgettable act of generosity, we’ll see how Moses...
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The Fourth Smooth Stone — Discussing God’s Word and Real Life
Teaching kids Bible facts isn’t the finish line—transformation happens when truth meets real life. In this episode we explore Smooth Stone #4 from Deuteronomy 6:7: “talk about them.” Moses calls leaders to move beyond lecture-style ministry into genuine conversation—at home, on the road, at...
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The Third Smooth Stone – Equipping Children with Truth
Kids are surrounded by “giant lies” about worth, identity, and relationships—and they need the freedom that only truth brings. In this episode we explore Smooth Stone #3 from Deuteronomy 6: God’s Word must be impressed on children through faithful, repeated teaching. From a childhood…
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The Second Smooth Stone — Experiential Teaching Matters
Why do so many kids grow up with “head knowledge” that never becomes heart-level faith? Because truth was taught as information, not interpreted through lived experience. In this episode we explore the second smooth stone of children’s ministry: experiential teaching. From a hilarious (and…
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The First Smooth Stone — Why Relationship Comes First in Children’s Ministry
David didn’t need Saul’s armor—he chose five smooth stones. In the same way, children’s ministry doesn’t start with programs, polish, or the “latest model.” It starts with something simpler and stronger: relationship. In this episode we unpack Deuteronomy 6:1–9 and the first “smooth stone” for...
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Five Smooth Stones: A Life-Changing Children’s Ministry Model
In this foundational episode of The Five Smooth Stones, we step back to see the full picture of transformational children’s ministry. Just as David faced the giant with five smooth stones, God has given children’s ministry leaders five essential tools to help boys and girls face the spiritual...
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Turning Bible Lessons Into Real-Life Response
In this episode of The Five Smooth Stones, we focus on the final—and often missing—element of transformational children’s ministry: Response. Hearing God’s Word is essential, but transformation begins when children are given the opportunity to act on what they’ve learned. Through a moving story...
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When Scripture Meets Real Life
In this episode of The Five Smooth Stones, we explore why biblical truth must be more than something children hear—it must shape how they live. Rooted in Deuteronomy 6:4–9, this reflection challenges common children’s ministry models that emphasize correct answers and memory verses without…
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Don’t Just Teach the Bible—Share It from the Heart
In this episode of The Five Smooth Stones, we focus on the third essential element of transformational children’s ministry: Truth. But not just teaching truth—sharing it. we unpack the difference between presenting Bible lessons as information and communicating them as personal transformation....
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When Kids Experience God’s Word—Not Just Hear It
In this episode of The Five Smooth Stones, we explore the second essential element of transformational children’s ministry: Experience. Teaching God’s Word isn’t just about explaining it—it’s about helping kids live it. Experiential teaching invites children to feel, move, and engage with…
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Like a Mother Among You: Building Relationships That Transform
In this episode of The Five Smooth Stones, we explore the first essential element of transformational children’s ministry—Relationship. Drawing from 1 Thessalonians 2:7–8, we look at how the Apostle Paul modeled a nurturing, maternal kind of leadership—one marked by affection, compassion, and...
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The Five Smooth Stones Every Children's Ministry Needs
Welcome to The Five Smooth Stones, a new podcast series exploring the foundations of transformational children’s ministry. In this opening episode, we uncover how Deuteronomy 6:4–9 outlines five key elements—Relationship, Experience, Truth, Discussion, and Response—that shape the way we lead...
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So What – Responding to God (Deuteronomy 11)
The way a child responds to God's word, is what really makes a difference in his or her life. You can find out more about Response in Children's Ministry by reading this week's blog or listening to the podcast.
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Smooth Stone #4 – Discussion and the Art of Listening (Deuteronomy 11)
There is no Children's Ministry without Discussion! Check out this week's blog or podcast to learn more about transformational children's ministry
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Smooth Stone #3 – Truth and Narcissism (Deuteronomy 11)
To learn more about truth, and teaching children how to avoid becoming self-centered in a world that promotes narcissism, listen to this week's episode!
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Smooth Stone #2 – The Family, The Church, and Experiential Teaching (Deuteronomy 11)
To learn more about experiential teaching in children's ministry by looking at Deuteronomy 11, listen to this week's episode!
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Smooth Stone #1 – Relational Ministry and Bible Memorization (Deuteronomy 11)
To learn more, please visit www.egminstitute.org
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Relational Ministry and Modeling (Deuteronomy 11)
In this episode, we are going over the first Smooth Stone, Relationship, and it's importance in modeling children's lives. To find out more, you can read the blog on www.egminstitute.org.
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Repeat for Emphasis (Deuteronomy 6 and 11)
To learn more about the emphasis of Deuteronomy 6 and 11, listen to the podcast, part of a new Deuteronomy 11 series.
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Advent: He’ll Be Back
Advent is about Jesus first coming at Bethlehem and his second coming in glory. Good news for children!
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Advent: The Names of Christ
To learn more, please visit www.egminsitute.org.
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Response (Jesus and Peter)
To learn more about the importance of RESPONSE in Children's lives by looking at Jesus' and Peter's example, listen to this week's podcast.
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Discussion (Jesus and Peter)
To learn more about DISCUSSION teaching in children's ministry by looking at Jesus' and Peter's example.
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Truth (Jesus and Peter)
Jesus guides conversations towards the integration of truth and real life. We should do the same in our children’s ministry. To learn more about teaching TRUTH using Jesus' and Peter's example, listen to this week's podcast!
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Experience (Jesus and Peter)
Experience, a powerful teacher, is evident in Jesus teaching ministry and is crucial in life changing children’s ministry. Listen to this week's episode to find out more!
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Relationship - Jesus and Peter -
Learn more about the experiential element by looking at Jesus and Peter. To learn more, please visit www.egminstitute.org
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Five Smooth Stones weekly podcast features an innovative, biblical look at Transformational Children’s Ministry. Join Daniel Watts the founder of Every Generation Ministries and forty-year children’s ministry worker and learn about a new way of thinking about and doing children’s ministry that leads to life change for boys and girls.
HOSTED BY
Daniel Watts
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Five Smooth Stones have?
Five Smooth Stones currently has 71 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Five Smooth Stones about?
The Five Smooth Stones weekly podcast features an innovative, biblical look at Transformational Children’s Ministry. Join Daniel Watts the founder of Every Generation Ministries and forty-year children’s ministry worker and learn about a new way of thinking about and doing children’s ministry that...
How often does Five Smooth Stones release new episodes?
Five Smooth Stones has 71 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Five Smooth Stones?
You can listen to Five Smooth Stones on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Five Smooth Stones?
Five Smooth Stones is created and hosted by Daniel Watts.
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