Nurturing Faith Collective Podcast

Join us for a new format of the NFC Podcast as we collect nurturing nuggets, find moments of faith, and collect chuckles, and explore strategy behind summer programming with a great interview!

In this episode of the Nurturing Faith Collective podcast, hosts Kelly Hensley and Erica Stricklen introduce their new teammate, Layci Clifford, and discuss the importance of building strong partnerships between church and home for children's discipleship. They explore the challenges and rewards of ministry, emphasizing the significance of intentionality, mentorship, and support networks for both ministry leaders and parents. The conversation highlights personal experiences and practical advice for fostering community and faith development, with insights into the resources available through the Nurturing Faith Collective. The episode underscores the value of collaboration and shared wisdom in nurturing children's spiritual growth.

In the Season 1 finale episode of the Nurturing Faith Collective Podcast, host Andy Berry welcomes Erica Stricklen and Kelly Hensley to discuss their experiences in children's ministry, the importance of pursuing education in this field, and the challenges and joys of engaging with families and children. They share insights on intentional teaching, building community among parents, and strategies for overcoming feelings of guilt when parents miss church. The conversation emphasizes the need for connection and support within the church community, highlighting innovative ideas for fostering relationships among families.00:00:  Introduction and Background of Guests03:04:  Pursuing Education in Ministry05:47:  Current Ministry Contexts08:56:  Engaging with Children and Families12:05:  Intentionality in Teaching and Community Building15:06:  Connecting with Parents and Overcoming Guilt18:07:  Strategies for Ongoing Engagement20:45:  Nurturing Relationships in Ministry23:07:  Creative Communication Strategies for Parents27:54:  Celebrating Wins in Discipleship29:50:  The Importance of Community and Partnership36:00:  Encouragement for Tired Leaders42:06:  Finding Rest and Purpose in Ministry

In this episode, Dee Hansel discusses her role in the Nurturing Faith Collective, focusing on building resources from Bethel graduates to support family ministry. She emphasizes the importance of intergenerational mentorship and creating a team culture within the church. Dee shares insights on celebrating milestones together and the significance of aligning different age groups in ministry. Dee discusses the importance of building a cohesive discipleship pathway from early childhood through high school, emphasizing the need for team alignment and curriculum cohesion. She shares her experiences in fostering team dynamics, building trust with volunteers and parents, and the significance of taking time for rest and family. The conversation highlights practical strategies for ministry leaders to enhance their programs while maintaining a focus on relationships and personal well-being.00:00:  Welcome and Introduction to Dee Hansel05:10:  Role in the Nurturing Faith Collective07:49:  Building Resources from Bethel Graduates10:00:  Quality Resources for Family Ministry15:12:  Intergenerational Mentorship in Ministry17:25:  Dee's Ministry Context and Role20:30:  Building a Team Culture in Ministry22:26:  Building a Discipleship Pathway24:06:  Team Dynamics and Responses25:24:  Aligning Volunteer Teams26:59:  Curriculum Cohesion Across Ages30:35:  Building Trust and Relationships35:02:  Finding Joy in Family39:02:  The Importance of Sabbath Rest42:35:  Resources for Parents and Leaders

In this episode of the Nurturing Faith Collective Podcast, host Andy Berry welcomes guest, Kathleen Jaoudi. They explore the growth of Kathleen's church and how it has become a welcoming space for families. Kathleen shares insights on integrating worship experiences for children and families, the importance of community engagement, and her vision for future events that foster family involvement. Kathleen shares practical insights on how to meet families where they are, capitalize on natural energy around events, and provide support during significant life transitions. The discussion also touches on the importance of not overwhelming families with too many events and the need for ministry leaders to focus on what truly matters.00:00:  Introduction and Setting the Scene02:55:  Kathleen's Role in Children's Ministry06:00:  Growth and Community Engagement at Trinity Church09:06:  Programming and Family Integration in Ministry11:57:   Discipleship Models and Family Involvement15:08:  Creating Inclusive Worship Experiences18:02:  Future Plans and Community Events20:59: Creating Family-Centric Christmas Experiences24:24: Engaging Families in Faith Conversations28:42: Navigating Transitions in Family Life32:01:  Balancing Ministry and Personal Life37:27:  Encouragement for Overwhelmed Ministry Leaders

In this episode of the Nurturing Faith Collective podcast, Dr. Trisha Peach shares her experiences and insights on children's ministry, social media marketing, and the importance of volunteer leadership. She discusses her unique role within the Nurturing Faith Collective, the challenges of adapting to new technologies, and the value of building a supportive community in ministry. Trisha emphasizes the need for passion and purpose in ministry, regardless of whether one is a paid staff member or a volunteer, and encourages leaders to embrace change and seek help when needed.00:00: Introduction02:38: The Nurturing Faith Collective Overview05:58: Social Media Strategy and Challenges09:42: Building a Platform for Ministry09:49: Adapting to New Skills and Technologies13:38: Encouragement for Unpaid Ministry Leaders19:22: Leveraging Congregational Resources 21:02: The Importance of Clear Communication22:47: Transitioning from Staff to Volunteer25:02: Navigating Identity Changes in Ministry27:53: The Value of Volunteer Leadership33:58: Encouragement for Ministry Leaders: 38:20: Final Thoughts and Resources

In this episode of the Nurturing Faith Collective Podcast, host Andy Berry talks with Katie Bliss and Danika Moubayed about their roles within the writing initiative of the Nurturing Faith Collective. They share their personal experiences in children's ministry, aspirations for writing, and the challenges they face in their respective ministries. The conversation emphasizes the importance of starting small in faith practices, the need for resources that address common questions children have about God, and the significance of creating a supportive community for families. The episode concludes with encouragement for leaders and parents to find rest and maintain a consistent rhythm in their ministry and family life.00:00: Introduction to the Nurturing Faith Collective02:56: The Writing Initiative and Its Purpose05:43: Personal Writing Aspirations08:37: Ministry Context and Experience11:47: Diverse Children's Ministry14:45: The Writing Process and Collaboration17:38: Accessing Resources and Content20:48: Ensuring Trustworthy Resources24:48: Preparing Content for the Community26:51: Innovative Strategies for Volunteer Recruitment29:23: Creating Family-Centric Programming30:23: Addressing Children's Big Questions34:02: Embracing the Unknown in Faith39:46: Encouragement for Leaders and Parents41:46: Finding Rest and Rhythm in Ministry

In this episode of the Nurturing Faith Collective Podcast, host, Andy Berry, interviews Kristi Schelhaas, a new member of the collective and Children's Ministry Director at Calvary Baptist in Yankton, South Dakota. Kristi shares her journey into ministry and the challenges and joys of working with children and families in a church setting. The conversation explores the evolution of children's ministry, the importance of engaging families, and the innovative approaches Kristi is implementing to foster faith in the next generation, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a strong followership of Jesus to effectively lead others. She shares personal insights on managing emotional and spiritual health while serving in ministry and highlights the significance of being engaged in daily faith practices. 0:00: Introduction and Name Pronunciation02:05: Family Dynamics and College Transitions05:09: Role in Nurturing Faith Collective07:49: Career Journey and Daily Obedience10:42: Kids Ministry Experience13:24: Wednesday Night Programs and Community Engagement16:15: Engaging Families in Church Activities18:30: Long-term Impact of Serving in Church19:26: Revamping Youth Programs for Engagement21:41: Addressing Doubts and Faith Questions23:26: Encouraging Personal Faith Development24:07: Creating a Culture of Inquiry29:26: Innovative Approaches to Bible Study30:50: Balancing Routine and Excitement in Ministry36:36: Repositioning Attitude and Followership40:38: Conclusion

In this episode of the Nurturing Faith Collective Podcast, host, Andy Berry, invites Tina Wallace and Tania Kopplin to discuss the launch of a coaching initiative aimed at supporting parents, ministry leaders, and faith influencers. They celebrate personal milestones, including the birth of Tina's grandchild, and delve into the importance of coaching in ministry. The conversation covers the structure of their coaching sessions, the target audience, and the significance of listening and asking the right questions. They also share insights from practice sessions and discuss navigating transitions in ministry, encouraging those feeling burnt out to seek God's guidance. The episode concludes with excitement for the future of their coaching initiative and the impact it will have on families and communities.For more information on scheduling a coaching session with the Nurturing Faith Collective, ⁠click here⁠. To purchase the book, Partnering Church and Home: Discipleship for the Next Generation, ⁠click here⁠. 00:00:  Introduction and Context02:48:  Celebrating Milestones and Family Dynamics05:15:  Coaching Initiative Overview07:38:  Target Audience for Coaching10:05:  Coaching Process and Structure12:18:  The Importance of Coaching in Parenting and Leadership15:18:  Coaching Insights: Enhancing Parent Connections18:45:  Mutual Learning: The Coaching Experience22:16:  Listening: The Key to Effective Ministry25:06:  Navigating Burnout: Finding New Paths in Ministry27:49:  Embracing Change: New Opportunities in Ministry32:23:  Looking Ahead: Exciting Future Initiatives

In this episode, hosts Danelle Schlichenmayer and Andy Berry chat with Paula Mazza, Director of Children's and Preteen Ministries at Solana Beach Presbyterian Church, Founder of the Grace in Real Time Podcast and PreteenMentalHealth.com.Paula shares her journey in ministry, emphasizing the importance of focusing on preteens and addressing mental health issues among youth. She discusses her educational pursuits at Bethel Seminary and the need for trained leaders in children's ministry. The conversation highlights the significance of building community resources for mental wellness and offers encouragement for leaders facing burnout. Paula also shares creative approaches to ministry that empower kids to take ownership of their faith.Chapters:00:00 Introducing Paula Mazza: Life and Family02:54 Transitioning to Ministry: A Journey of Faith05:58 The Importance of Preteen Ministry09:55 Education and Growth in Ministry12:52 Innovative Approaches in Children's Ministry14:47 Understanding Persistent Depressive Disorder15:43 Navigating Mental Health Resources for Preteens18:58 The Importance of Early Intervention in Mental Health22:46 Building Community Awareness and Resources26:47 Creating Safe Spaces for Preteens29:54 Self-Care for Leaders in Ministry31:55 Celebrating Creativity and Ownership in MinistryHelpful Links:preteenmentalhealth.comnami.orgThe Nurturing Faith Collective⁠⁠⁠⁠ is a partnership between ⁠⁠⁠⁠Bethel Seminary⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠GrowthRings⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠Entre Niños⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode, Jamie Lane shares his journey from being a pastor's kid to becoming a family ministries director at a larger church. He discusses the challenges and joys of transitioning to a new ministry context, the importance of empowering others in leadership, and the need for intentional engagement with families. Jamie emphasizes the significance of celebrating small wins in ministry and encourages leaders to persevere, even when the results are not immediately visible.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background of Jamie Lane01:58 Transitioning to a Larger Ministry Context04:16 Shifting Leadership Philosophy06:40 Developing Leadership Skills08:59 Empowering Others in Ministry11:22 Learning from Mistakes and Growth13:57 Encouraging Risk-Taking in Leadership17:54 Parenting and Leadership18:07 Ministry Highlights and Growth25:21 Engaging Families in Ministry31:53 Perseverance in MinistryThe Nurturing Faith Collective⁠⁠⁠ is a partnership between ⁠⁠⁠Bethel Seminary⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠GrowthRings⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠Entre Niños⁠⁠⁠.

Danelle Schlichenmayer and Andy Berry welcome Dr. Luz Galvez De Figueroa, the founder of Entre Niños, to discuss her extensive work in Latino ministry and child discipleship. Dr. Luz shares her journey in developing a certificate program for Latino leaders, the importance of training and resources, and the impact of the book she co-authored, Partnering Church and Home: Discipleship for the Next Generation. The conversation emphasizes the significance of building relationships within communities, the transformative nature of spiritual formation, and the need for collaboration between church and home. Dr. Luz also reflects on her personal experiences in ministry and the challenges leaders face today.To purchase a copy of Partnering Church and Home: Discipleship for the Next Generation in English, click here. To purchase a copy of Partnering Church and Home: Discipleship for the Next Generation in Spanish, ⁠click here⁠. The Nurturing Faith Collective⁠⁠ is a partnership between ⁠⁠Bethel Seminary⁠⁠, ⁠⁠GrowthRings⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠Entre Niños⁠⁠.

SummaryIn this engaging episode, Jeff Weldon, Next Gen Pastor and Church Planter at Belonging Community Church in Urbanna, MD, shares his journey of planting a new church with his wife, discussing the challenges and joys of family involvement in ministry. He emphasizes the importance of establishing core values, engaging children in the church's mission, and the necessity of community support. Jeff offers valuable insights for new leaders in ministry, highlighting the significance of partnerships and the need for grace in the face of challenges. The conversation concludes with reflections on finding strength in faith and community amidst the trials of church planting.TakeawaysJeff and his wife planted a church called Belonging Community Church.Their family is actively involved in the church planting process.Establishing core values is crucial for guiding the church's mission.Engaging children in the church's vision fosters a sense of ownership.Challenges in ministry can be viewed through a spiritual lens.Partnerships with families enhance the effectiveness of ministry.New leaders should prioritize relationships over control.It's important to allow others to contribute in their own way.Finding strength in community and faith is essential for perseverance.Ministry doesn't have to be perfect; grace is key.Chapters00:00:  Jeff's Ministry Journey and Church Planting04:56:  Family Involvement in Ministry08:14:  Values and Vision for the Church10:13:  Partnership in Family Ministry12:17:  Challenges of a New Church Plant13:14:  Engaging Kids in Church Planting15:14:  Next Steps for Kids and Parental Involvement16:04:  Navigating Challenges in Ministry18:07:  Transformative Moments in Ministry20:50:  Advice for Young Leaders22:47:  Building Partnerships with Parents25:56:  Encouraging Ownership in Ministry28:23:  Perseverance in Ministry ChallengesThe Nurturing Faith Collective⁠ is a partnership between ⁠Bethel Seminary⁠, ⁠GrowthRings⁠, and ⁠Entre Niños⁠.

In this episode, Andy and Dr. Denise Muir-Kjesbo discuss the launch of the Nurturing Faith Collective, insights from the book she's co-authored, Partnering Church and Home: Discipleship for the Next Generation, and why family ministry leaders and faith influencers should remain committed to the vision to partner the family and the local church in the discipleship of children. Dr. Denise Muir-Kjesbo is the Program Director for the Master's of Arts in Children, Youth and Family Ministry at Bethel Seminary, Director of the Cory Center for Children's Ministry, and serves on the Executive Team for the Nurturing Faith Collective. To purchase the book, Partnering Church and Home: Discipleship for the Next Generation, click here. For more information on Bethel Seminary, click here.

Join hosts Danelle Schlichenmayer and Andy Berry for the teaser episode of the new podcast, The Nurturing Faith Collective Podcast, a conversation with innovative ministry leaders, parents and faith influencers who are fostering a strong partnership between the church and the home. Danelle and Andy share the why behind the podcast, how they came to be the hosts, and what you can expect to hear as you listen along this season! The Nurturing Faith Collective is a partnership between Bethel Seminary, GrowthRings, and Entre Niños.