Episodes
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Policy and Procedures Basics
A well-developed Policies and Procedures Handbook is more than a document that sits on a shelf to gather dust - it is a living, breathing resource for your volunteers. Providing responsibilities, establishing expectations, and communicating best practices with clear and consistent guidelines, a...
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Bridging Resiliance: An Interview with Dr. Mary Ann McMillian
Dr. Val and Dr. Virginia are excited to welcome Dr. Mary Ann McMillan to the podcast. According to recent statistics, there are more than 330,000 children currently in foster care in the United States. Research on adverse childhood experiences continues to demonstrate that early trauma and family...
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Building a Healthy Volunteer Culture: Part 2
Volunteers are the heart of children's ministry - but recruitment and retention of volunteers can be a very stressful part of a children's ministry leader's responsibilities. In Part 2 of this conversation, Dr. Val and Dr. Virginia talk about the leadership skills needed to build relationships…
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Building a Healthy Volunteer Culture: Part 1
Volunteers are the heart of children's ministry - but recruitment and retention of volunteers can be a very stressful part of a children's ministry leader's responsibilities. In Part 1 of this conversation, Dr. Val and Dr. Virginia talk about how to begin a relationship with volunteers to create…
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Building a Biblical Foundation from Infancy
In this episode, Dr. Val and Dr. Virginia discuss the importance of creating infant classrooms that not only meet the needs of babies and their families, but begin to lay a biblical foundation - starting at infancy - that will carry them into a lifelong relationship with God's Word. They share...
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Season 5 Biblical Literacy Project
It's the start of Season 5 and Dr. Val and Dr. Virginia are excited for the topics, guests, and adventures to come this year! Although they will be talking about everything KidMin, a recurring topic through this season will be Biblical Literacy. Listen in as Dr. Val and Dr. Virginia explain why...
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How to Scale VBS for Growth
It is exciting when we have a successful Vacation Bible School (or other event) that brings new families into our church! And even though growth is something we look for - it can be challenging to plan for new space and additional volunteers. In this episode, Dr. Val and Dr. Virginia discuss...
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Ask the Experts: Words of Encouragement for Difficult Days
In our final installment of the Ask the Experts series for this season, Dr. Val and Dr. Virginia asked our experts to give a few words of encouragement for our ministry leaders. We know from experience, there are difficult days that come when you are not sure how your will continue in your…
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Teenage Volunteers
As children's ministry leaders, we are always recruiting volunteers, those extra hands to help in a classroom with the kids. Teenagers attending your church's student ministry are often willing to volunteer and that can be a blessing, not just for the kids in your ministry, but for the teenagers…
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Ask the Experts: How to Lead During Seasons of Change
Sometimes we face major changes within our church - it may be a staff member change, a new building, or a major change in a program that can cause conflict or concern for the entire church family. In this episode of our Ask the Expert series, Dr. Val and Dr. Virginia ask guests visiting the…
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Should Our Church Start a Weekday Ministry?
Weekday Ministries can be a wonderful way to serve families, build relationships in your community, and create opportunities for discipleship - but how do you know it is the right ministry for your church? In this episode, Dr. Val and Dr. Virginia discuss the questions ministry leaders need to…
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Ask the Experts: Ministering to Kids from Hard Places
In this installment of our Ask the Expert series Dr. Val and Dr. Virginia talk with our experts about how we can better minister to kids that come from hard places, are in difficult situations, and have big behaviors. #kidmin #childrensministry #preschoolministry #trauma #classroommanagement...
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Teaching Tips for Large Multi-Age Groups
After an unintended break, we are back this week with a new episode! Sometimes we find ourselves teaching a large group of kids with a wide variety of ages. Whether it is children's worship, chapel, or a special event - it can be difficult to keep the attention of kids when you have to prepare…
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Recruiting Volunteers for Weekly Prep
In Children's Ministry there is always something to prepare, organize, set up, or clean! There are so many potential new volunteers in your church family that have just the skills to help lighten the load. In this episode, Dr. Val and Dr. Virginia share some tasks they have learned to delegate…
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Ministering to Families on Easter
Easter Sunday is one of the most attended days of the year for our churches. Dr. Val and Dr. Virginia discuss some of the options we have for services on Easter Sunday morning, special Easter events, and how we can make our visitors feel welcome. As a bonus, Virginia shares information about the...
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Ask the Experts: Partnering with Parents
In this episode of the Ask the Experts series Dr. Val and Dr. Virginia ask the question "How can we partner with and equip parents to disciple their children?" If you are interested in Hope Has Come: The Family Advent Adventure that Virginia spoke about in this episode, it is available for…
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Resources for Trauma-Informed and Disability Ministries
One of the most challenging responsibilities ministry leaders have is to find resources to help us better serve our children and families. This week Dr. Virginia shares some current resources that she has found to help leaders create policies and practices for Trauma-Informed and Disability...
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Children's Pastor's Conference 2026 Recap
Dr. Val and Dr. Virginia started off the new year attending a wonderful conference! The Children's Pastor's Conference, held by the International Network of Children's Ministry (INCM), was in Orlando, FL the first week of January and they had a great time. Listen in as they discuss the…
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Hope Has Come
The Christmas season can be so busy with everything we have planned for our children's ministry and all the things we want to do with our families. In the last podcast episode for 2025, Dr. Val and Dr. Virginia discuss finding hope in God's Word when we feel overwhelmed and share their plans for…
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Bible Skills Programs and Resources
As children's ministry leaders, we are always looking for ways to intentionally incorporate Bible skills into our programs. In today's episode, Dr. Val and Dr. Virginia discuss ways we can help families instill a love of the Word of God and help our kids to learn more about the truth of the Bible...
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Our Favorite Christmas Activities
!! Parental Advisory: This episode includes a faith-based discussion about the use of Santa Claus and the meaning of Christmas. Parent are encouraged to listen with discretion if children are present. Christmas time is here! And with it comes all of the excitement of sharing the birth of Christ...
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How to Stay Steadfast - Part 2
Everyone has those days where they question whether or not God has actually called them into this ministry or ask if there is the energy to continue. In Part 2 of this discussion, Dr. Val and Dr. Virginia share practical habits and practices you can put into place - not for only on those days you...
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How to Stay Steadfast - Part 1
Everyone has those days where they question whether or not God has actually called them into this ministry or ask if there is the energy to continue. Listen in on the first part of this discussion, as Dr. Val and Dr. Virginia talk about what the Bible says about steadfastness. And not for only on...
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Planning for Multi-Age Classrooms
At some point, all churches will have groups of kids with a wide variety of ages in one classroom. Whether it is for a large worship service or an individual Bible study, teaching multi-age groups effectively can be a challenge. Today, Dr. Val and Dr. Virginia answer a listener's question about...
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Ask the Experts: How do we avoid burnout?
In our second installment of our Ask the Experts series, Dr. Val and Dr. Virginia ask a very important question about how to avoid or at least mitigate burnout. So many of us have faced seasons of running on empty, being overwhelmed, and feeling unsure of our effectiveness. We feel guilt and...
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Special Church Services
Throughout the year churches will often have events or special services where the children's ministry may have to provide additional children's programming for the week. Whether it is a special music service, marriage conference, or revival services, these events are more than childcare - they…
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Ask the Experts: When the Church is Resistant to Change
Today Dr. Val and Dr. Virginia introduce a new series of episodes for this season called Ask the Experts! During our interview with our guests last season, we asked a few "extra" questions and received some wisdom, insight, and advice on how to handle some of children's ministry's most difficult...
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Camp Recap
Join Dr. Val and Dr. Virginia as they discuss Virginia's week of camp! We talk about why we love camp, the pros and cons of different types of camps, how to plan, how to prepare your kids, and leadership struggles! #kidmin #childrensministry #camp #summer #administration #planningcamp #ministry
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Next Level Kidmin: Interview with David Reneau
This week Dr. Val and Dr. Virginia welcome back David Reneau to the podcast!! David has written a great new book, Next Level Kidmin: The Children's Pastor's Practical Guide to Building a Thriving Ministry. Val and David discuss practical information that he gives in his new book for every leader…
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Jumping into Season 4
Welcome to Season 4 friends!! It’s time for back to school prep, promotion Sunday, and buying new school supplies. (My favorite part!) Join us and listen in on our conversation covering a summer recap, VBS reflection, and how we are handling the overwhelm of ministry! We also offer a little bit…
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Two Truths and a Lie: Balancing Life and Ministry
Continuing the series "Two Truths and a Lie" - Dr. Val and Dr. Virginia talk about Balancing Life and Ministry. A really challenging topic but an important one! This discussion covers time management, the expectations of ministry, planning, and spiritual growth. #kidmin #childrensministry...
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Proactive Classroom Management with David Reneau
Can rules be beneficial in children's ministry? Dr. Val and Dr. Virginia talk with David Reneau about having a discipline plan that works. David shares how being prepared with classroom rules and expectations can help with classroom management. #kidmin #preschoolministry #childrenministry...
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How to Teach Theology to Kids with Sam Luce and Hunter Williams
In today's episode, Dr. Val and Dr. Virginia have a great conversation with Sam Luce and Hunter Williams about how to effectively teach kids the Word of God. In their new book, How to Teach Kids Theology: Deep Truths for Growing Faith, Sam and Hunter take the deep truths of the Christian faith…
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VBS Safety and Security Part 2
VBS is one of the largest, most exciting events of the year. Churches should do everything possible to keep children safe while they are learning about Jesus. In Part 2, Dr. Val and Dr. Virginia discuss recreation safety, training for volunteers, allergy policies, and much more! #kidmin...
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VBS Safety and Security Part 1
VBS is one of the largest, most exciting events of the year. Churches should do everything possible to keep children safe while they are learning about Jesus. Listen in on Part 1 today as Dr. Val and Dr. Virginia discuss insurance policies, check-in systems, and drop off and pick up ideas.…
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Two Truths and a Lie:Curriculum Edition
The next episode in the Two Truths and a Lie series, join Dr. Val and Dr. Virginia as they discuss the common misconceptions about curriculum in children's ministry. The importance of creating a curriculum guide, how to choose the most effective material for your ministry, and the pros and cons…
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Raising Disciples: An Interview with Dr. Teresa Roberts
Join Dr. Val and Dr. Virginia today as they have a discussion with Dr. Teresa Roberts, author of the book Raising Disciples: Guiding Your Kids into a Faith of Their Own. Dr. Roberts shares how to guide children into a deeper understanding of their faith, how to use questions well in our...
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What is Biblical Literacy and Why Does It Matter?
Join Dr. Val today (since the snow storm in Florida left her flying solo on the podcast) as she shares a portion of the breakout she and Dr. Virginia led at the Children's Pastors Conference. Dr. Val discusses the importance of creating a Roadmap to Biblical Literacy in our children's ministries...
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Children's Pastors Conference 2025 Recap
Join Dr. Val and Dr. Virginia today as they discuss their time at the Children's Pastors Conference in Orlando, FL. Hear all about the breakouts, worship time, keynotes, and info that make CPC not only fun but so informative and helpful to children's ministry! #kidmin #childrensministry...
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Celebration! 100th Episode (Part 2)
Join the celebration - part 2!! It's the 100th episode (well technically this is Episode 101) and Dr. Val and Dr. Virginia are talking about 100 things they love about Children's Ministry. There were so many things it had to be broken into two episodes. Listen in as they talk about favorite…
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Celebration! 100th Episode!
Join the celebration!! It's the 100th episode and Dr. Val and Dr. Virginia are talking about 100 things they love about Children's Ministry. Listen in as they talk about favorite games, favorite resources, and so much more that it will take two episodes to get it all in!! #kidmin…
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Two Truths and a Lie: Volunteers and Recruitment
Welcome friends! Join our conversation today as we start a new series we are calling Two Truths and a Lie. There are so many common misconceptions about Children's Ministry and in this series we will be talking about the things people believe about KidMin and discuss how they are not always true....
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Learning Styles: Verbal
In today's podcast, Dr.Val and Dr.Virginia discuss the final topic in their series on Learning Styles. Based on research done many years ago on Multiple Intelligences by Howard Gardner, learning styles help teachers focus on the way children naturally learn. This week they share the…
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Time Management
This week Dr. Val and Dr. Virginia talk about daily Time Management - sharing how they schedule their week to be able to focus on the important and not let the urgent take over their days. #kidmin #preschoolministry #childrensministry #timemanagement #planning #administration
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Building Your Ministry with Bloom's Taxonomy - Part 2
Bloom's Taxonomy is a framework that can help teachers develop educational goals. In Part 2, Dr. Val and Dr. Virginia continue to discuss how Bloom's Taxonomy can help you create goals for your ministry, develop curriculum, choose material, and create a positive learning environment for your...
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Building Your Ministry with Bloom's Taxonomy - Part 1
Bloom's Taxonomy is a framework that can help teachers develop educational goals. In today's episode, Dr. Val and Dr. Virginia discuss how Bloom's Taxonomy can help you create goals for your ministry, develop curriculum, choose material, and create a positive learning environment for your…
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Wisdom in a Busy Season
In Children's Ministry we seem to move from one very busy season to the next - and we are getting ready to head into one of the most busy seasons of the year - not only for our ministry but also with our friends and family. Join Dr. Val and Dr. Virginia as the discuss seeking wisdom while finding...
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Learning Styles: Relational
Welcome friends!! In today's podcast, Dr.Val and Dr.Virginia discuss the next topic in their series on Learning Styles. Based on research done many years ago on Multiple Intelligences by Howard Gardner, learning styles help teachers focus on the way children naturally learn. This week they share...
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Tips for Teaching Challenging Bible Stories
Warning: Just letting you know upfront that this episode might not be suitable to listen to with the kids around. If you have worked with kids for very long in church you know the stories…Rahab, David and Bathsheba, Philip and the Ethiopian, the Virgin Mary. These are the stories with challenging...
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Partnering with Schools
Fall is underway and our schools are fully into the new year. This week Dr. Val and Dr. Virginia discuss ways our churches can partner with the schools in our community and share the love of Jesus with faculty, administration, and our kids! #kidmin #preschoolministry #childrensministry #schools...
About this show
Join the conversation with Dr. Val and Dr. Virginia. We will be talking about all of the surprises and challenges in children’s ministry that no one prepares you for!
Hosted by
KidMinDoctor
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