Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder

What could happen if your senior pastor and kids ministry leader were fully aligned around one mission?In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling, we're continuing our Summer Dreamin' series by dreaming about one of the most influential relationships in the church—the partnership between the senior pastor and the kids minister.Jana is joined by Senior Pastor Jay Hardwick and Kids Ministry Melissa Whitworth for an honest conversation about what it takes to build trust, collaboration, and a shared vision for reaching the next generation. They unpack practical ways pastors can champion children's ministry, how kids ministry leaders can strengthen relationships with church leadership, and why unity at the leadership level creates healthier ministry for everyone.You'll also hear why creating a culture where kids are known, valued, and belong starts long before they enter a classroom—it starts with a church that believes children matter.Whether you're a kids minister hoping to build a stronger relationship with your pastor or a church leader looking to better support your next generation team, this episode offers practical wisdom and plenty of encouragement.Take one intentional step this week to strengthen your partnership with your senior pastor or ministry leadership. Schedule a conversation, share a win from your ministry, ask how you can better support one another, or spend time praying together for the next generation.Because when church leaders dream together, serve together, and champion the same mission, kids and families experience a church where they truly belong—and where the gospel is passed faithfully to the next generation.SHOW LINKS:Check out Lifeway Kids CurriculumConnect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!Join us at ETCH 2026

The greatest gift we can give kids isn't a great program—it's a clear picture of Jesus.In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling, Jana sits down with Aaron Wilson, team leader for The Gospel Project at Lifeway, to talk about what it truly means to keep the gospel at the center of children's ministry.Aaron unpacks what the gospel is, why it's more than just the message of salvation, and how every Bible story ultimately points to Jesus. He shares practical ways to consistently teach the gospel in age-appropriate ways and challenges ministry leaders to evaluate whether Jesus is truly at the center of everything they do.The conversation also takes a personal turn as Aaron shares his calling story and offers encouragement to leaders who may be tempted to find their identity in ministry success rather than in Christ.Whether you're teaching preschoolers, leading elementary kids, or equipping volunteers, this episode is a timely reminder that when Jesus is the focus, everything else finds its proper place. When the gospel becomes the foundation—not just a lesson we teach, but the lens through which we lead—we don't just create better ministry. We help kids discover the life-changing hope of Jesus.SHOW LINKS: The Gospel Project Check out Lifeway Kids CurriculumConnect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!Join us at ETCH 2026

What if the greatest impact of your kids ministry didn't happen in your classrooms—but in your families' living rooms?In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling, we're continuing our Summer Dreamin' series with a conversation that challenges kids ministry leaders to think beyond Sunday mornings. Tristan Meza shares her passion for equipping parents to embrace their God-given role as the primary disciplers of their children and offers practical ways churches can partner with families for lasting spiritual impact.Together, Jana and Tristan explore what it looks like to dream intentionally about family discipleship, helping parents see that faith isn't confined to church programs—it can be woven into the everyday moments of life.If you've been wondering how your ministry can move from simply serving families to truly equipping them, this conversation is full of practical encouragement and fresh vision.This week, identify one simple way your ministry can encourage parents outside of Sunday morning. Whether it's a conversation, a text message, a take-home resource, or a prayer guide, look for one practical step that empowers families to continue discipleship at home.Because the goal of kids ministry isn't simply to create great church experiences—it's to help families build a faith that lasts long after they leave the church building.SHOW LINKS:Check out Lifeway Kids CurriculumConnect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!Join us at ETCH 2026

What if one of the most effective tools for discipling families and encouraging volunteers is something you can create yourself?In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling, we're continuing our Summer Dreamin' series by exploring how podcasting can become a powerful extension of your kids ministry. Whether you've thought about starting a podcast or have no idea where to begin, this conversation will give you the confidence and practical steps to get started.Jana is joined by Video and Sound Engineer Donnie Gordon and Podcast Producer Nikki, who share how podcasting can help you connect with parents throughout the week, equip volunteers beyond Sunday mornings, and strengthen communication across your ministry. They also tackle common fears, simplify the technology, and explain why you don't need a professional studio to make a meaningful impact.If you're looking for a fresh way to reach families, encourage your team, and extend your ministry beyond the church walls, this episode will inspire you to dream bigger.Take 30 minutes this week to dream about how your ministry could connect with families outside of Sunday mornings. Maybe a podcast is the next step. Start by brainstorming three topics your parents or volunteers would love to hear about.Whether you're ready to hit record tomorrow or simply exploring what's possible, this episode will help you see that your voice can be a valuable resource for the families you serve!Check out Lifeway Kids CurriculumConnect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!Join us at ETCH 2026

Big ministry vision is exciting until you try to turn it into Tuesday’s to-do list. We sit down with Chuck Peters to get practical about goal setting for kids ministry leaders, especially when you’re planning for the next season and trying to bring volunteers along with you.We talk about why “actionable, incremental goals” beat giant vague targets every time, and how to build a pathway your team can actually follow. We also dig into Bible engagement goals that move from aspiration to practice, including modeling Scripture use, helping kids own a Bible, and building repeatable habits week by week.If you’re doing summer planning, fall promotion prep, or volunteer training, this gives you a clear framework to simplify and move forward with confidence. Subscribe, share with a ministry friend, and leave a review so more leaders can find the show.Check out Lifeway Kids CurriculumConnect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!Join us at ETCH 2026

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

We're so excited about a new season of Kids Ministry Calling: Summer Dreamin'! Now full video podcast on Youtube! Check us out at the Lifeway Channel.Check out Lifeway Kids CurriculumConnect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!Join us at ETCH 2026

Fun doesn’t just happen in kids ministry, it’s led.In this season finale of Kids Ministry Calling, Jana sits down with Stephanie Chase, Kids Minister at Champion Forest Baptist Church, for a high-energy and honest conversation about what it really takes to build a culture of fun that kids (and volunteers) want to be part of.Stephanie shares why the leader sets the tone, how your energy and attitude shape the environment, and what it looks like to be intentional about bringing joy into every space—from classrooms to large group gatherings.This episode is both a celebration of everything we’ve learned this season about fun in kids ministry and a challenge to step into your role as the one who leads it.Because when leaders show up with purpose, presence, and joy—kids don’t just attend… they engage, belong, and grow.If you’re ready to stop waiting for fun to happen and start leading it, this episode will give you the clarity and encouragement to do just that.And as we close out this season, remember: fun isn’t extra—it’s a powerful part of how kids experience the love of Jesus! SHOW LINKS: Bible Stories for Life HyfiExplore the Bible for Kids The Gospel Project for KidsSHAPE: Spritual gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality, ExperiencesCheck out Lifeway Kids CurriculumConnect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!Join us at ETCH 2026