The Child Discipleship Podcast
by Awana
The Child Discipleship Podcast is a conversation dedicated to anyone who cares about the future of the faith. Melanie Hester leads listeners through conversations happening within the world of children’s ministry, with insights from thought leaders and front-line servants in the local church and throughout the child advocacy space. We believe this generation of kids can be the greatest generation of disciples this world has ever seen, but they need loving caring adults like you to help make that happen. New episodes drop every Thursday, listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts!
Episodes
-
Teaching Kids About The Wilderness From Exodus 13-17:6 (September 27)
SHOW NOTES To learn more about Brite Curriculum visit britecurriculum.com The post Teaching Kids About The Wilderness From Exodus 13-17:6 (September 27) appeared first on Child Discipleship.
-
Effective Child Discipleship: Looking at Outcomes Rather Than Just Activities
Summary Matt Markins and Mike Handler open with a 2014 Awana research finding that keeps Matt awake: asked how carefully they evaluate and track the impact of their children’s ministry, leaders averaged 2.99 on a five-point scale. A collective shrug. Mike’s analogy is the car with no fuel gauge…
more -
Creating a Culture of Discipleship in the Home
Episode Summary In this episode, Matt Markins and Mike Handler take on a frustration nearly every children’s ministry leader knows: parents aren’t using the resources the church hands them. Their diagnosis is that this isn’t a resource problem or even an implementation problem. It’s a culture...
-
Discipling the Disciplers: Why Your Job Isn’t Just the Kids
Episode Summary In this episode, Mike Handler sits down with Sam Luce to challenge a default assumption in children’s ministry: that a kids or youth pastor’s primary job is to disciple the kids in the room. Sam argues the more faithful and sustainable calling is to disciple the people who…
more -
Defining the Discipleship Stalemate
Episode Summary In this episode of the Child Discipleship Podcast, Matt Markins and Mike Handler tackle one of the most persistent tensions in children’s ministry: who is primarily responsible for discipling kids? Using two imagined gatherings, a late-night circle of kids pastors on the East…
more -
Making Prayer the Foundation of Your Children’s Ministry
Summary This episode of the Child Discipleship Podcast centers on a confession before it becomes a lesson: Matt Markins openly admits he spent years treating prayer as a management failure — something you turned to when leadership wasn’t enough. That honesty drives the whole conversation. Both...
-
Creating Parent Partnerships
Despite decades of effort since George Barna popularized the “parents as primary spiritual influence” framework in 2003, children’s ministry leaders still report that parents aren’t consistently discipling their kids at home. Awana’s 2022 research reveals why: it’s not a motivation problem on...
-
The Love of The Father
On this special Father’s Day episode, co-hosts Matt Markins and Mike Handler explore the complicated emotions the holiday can stir up and the redemptive opportunity it presents for dads. Matt shares the origin story of his new children’s book, Daddy, How Much Do You Love Me? (New Growth Press) —…
more -
Excellence and Experience
Episode Summary In this episode of the Child Discipleship Podcast, host Mike Handler sits down with Sam Luce, director of ChildDiscipleship.com, to discuss a provocative question at the heart of children’s ministry: have we traded authentic discipleship for polished production? Sam unpacks a...
-
Relevance and Relationship
Episode Summary In this episode of the Child Discipleship Podcast, Matt Markins and Mike Handler explore the tension between relevance and relationship in children’s ministry. They argue that while relevance — being culturally connected and contextually appropriate — has its place, the church has...
-
“Are We (Only) Having Fun?”
Summary In this episode, Matt Markins and Mike Handler discuss the role of fun and entertainment in children’s ministry. They are careful to say that fun is good and necessary. Kids should laugh, enjoy church, and want to come back. But the episode asks whether children’s ministry has sometimes...
-
Moving Beyond “Bible Light” to Biblical Literacy
In this episode of the Child Discipleship Podcast, Matt Markins and Mike Handler explore the difference between teaching children “Bible light” and helping them grow in true biblical literacy. They argue that many churches unintentionally teach Bible stories in ways that are accurate, but...
-
It Might Be Time to End Children’s Ministry
In this episode, Matt Markins and Mike Handler tackle a provocative idea: what if the church needs to move from a children’s ministry mindset to a child discipleship mindset? Matt explains that after years of Awana research, one of the clearest insights is that many churches are still building...
-
The Discipleship Deadline Is Sooner Than We Think
Episode Summary In this episode of the Child Discipleship Podcast by Awana, hosts Matt Markins and Mike Handler dig into one of the most important — and often overlooked — realities in children’s ministry: the deadline of worldview formation. Drawing on research from the Barna Group, they unpack...
-
Discipling Kids on Mars
Episode Summary In this episode, Matt Markins and Mike Handler explore what it means to raise children and disciple the next generation in today’s rapidly shifting cultural landscape — a world they liken to raising kids on Mars. Inspired by a lyric from Elton John’s Rocket Man, Matt shares the...
-
Carrying the Fire: Why Child Discipleship Matters More Than Ever
The Child Discipleship Podcast is built around one central burden: lasting faith in Jesus for every child. This opening episode introduces Matt Markins and Mike Handler as hosts for the new season and sets the direction for the conversations ahead. The podcast itself is designed to equip parents,...
-
Resilience in Discipleship, with Glenn Packiam
In this episode, recorded live at the 2024 Child Discipleship Forum, Glenn Packiam emphasizes the importance of nurturing faith in children. He reflects on his own experiences growing up in Malaysia and the impact of early faith encounters. The conversation explores the challenges faced by church...
-
Transforming Young Hearts Through the Gospel, with Trevin Wax
In this episode, recorded live at the 2024 Child Discipleship Forum, Trevin Wax emphasizes the importance of imparting old truths to awaken the hearts of the next generation. Drawing from his experiences and biblical teachings, he discusses how the gospel can transform young minds and hearts,...
-
Understanding the Role of Fathers in Discipleship, with Blair Linne
In this episode, recorded live at the 2024 Child Discipleship Forum, Blair Linne discusses the profound impact of fatherlessness on children and families. Drawing from her personal experiences and statistics, she highlights the importance of fatherhood in shaping lives and communities. Blair...
-
Navigating Child Discipleship in a Digital World, with Jay Kim
In this episode, recorded live at the 2024 Child Discipleship Forum, Jay Kim discusses the challenges and opportunities presented by technology in ministry, particularly for emerging generations. Drawing parallels between the evolution of art and the digital age, he emphasizes the need for church...
-
Empowering the Next Generation: The Role of Apologetics with Sean McDowell
In this episode, recorded live at the 2024 Child Discipleship Forum, Sean McDowell discusses the critical role of apologetics in children’s ministry, emphasizing the need to equip kids with the ability to understand and defend their faith. He highlights the cultural shifts and challenges that...
-
Empowering Families for a Resilient Future
In this episode of the Child Discipleship Podcast, Melanie Hester and Dee Dee Meyer discuss the importance of family connection and the challenges faced by today’s parents. They explore the role of the Boone Center for the Family in supporting families, the impact of social media and technology…
more -
Creating Discipleship Moments at Home This Easter
In this conversation, Melanie Hester speaks with Kenneth Padgett, the director of Dwell Kids, about the importance of discipleship, family engagement with scripture, and the role of storytelling in shaping children’s faith. Kenneth shares his journey into family discipleship and emphasizes the…
more -
Embracing the Call to Discipleship, with Diane Comer
In this episode, recorded from the 2024 Child Discipleship Forum, Diane Comer dives into the heart of church ministry, unpacking its challenges, rewards, and deep spiritual significance. She shares candid reflections on the emotional toll of leadership, the inevitability of conflict, and the...
-
Finding Peace in an Anxious World, with Mark Sayers
In this live episode from the 2024 Child Discipleship Forum, Mark Sayers unpacks the rising anxiety epidemic among today’s youth, tracing its cultural roots and the amplifying role of technology. He discusses the shift from community to individualism, the confusion of the “gray zones” between…
more -
The Crucial Middle, with Sean Sweet
In this episode of the Child Discipleship Podcast, Sean Sweet, speaking from the 2024 Child Discipleship Forum, explores how to empower preteens to take ownership of their faith. Sean highlights the unique developmental stage of preteens, explaining how their growing ability to question, wrestle...
-
Habits of the Household, with Justin Whitmel Earley
In this episode of the Child Discipleship Podcast, Justin Whitmel Earley, a featured speaker at the 2024 Child Discipleship Forum, unpacks the power of habits in shaping faith and identity within the home. Drawing from his expertise and personal experience, Justin explores how everyday…
more -
Mixtape: The Intentionally Layered Tracks that Form Childhood Faith, with Matt Markins
In this episode of the Child Discipleship Podcast, recorded live at the 2024 Child Discipleship Forum, Awana President and CEO Matt Markins dives into the critical themes shaping childhood faith formation. From the surprising early stages of spiritual development to the layered, intentional…
more -
Empowering Parents and Churches for Intentional Discipleship with Bobby Harrington
In this episode, Bobby Harrington and Matt Markins tackle a pressing challenge in modern church ministry: the disconnect between church leadership and parents in the discipleship of children. Drawing from Scripture, personal experience, and groundbreaking Barna research, they explore the...
-
Discipling the Next Generation: Engaging Kids in a Polarized World with Sean McDowell
In this episode of the Child Discipleship Podcast, Sean McDowell and Matt Markins discuss the critical themes of child discipleship and apologetics in today’s complex landscape. They explore the significant impact of digital technology on children, the challenges of raising kids in a polarized...
-
The Golden Window: Shaping the Next Generation in Africa
In this inspiring episode of the Child Discipleship Podcast, CDF24 main-stage speaker Stephen Maphosah highlights the critical importance of nurturing the next generation through child discipleship in Africa. He shares about the life-changing opportunities within the ‘golden window’ (ages 1-14),...
-
The Intentional Journey: Discipleship, Family, and Formation with Glenn Packiam
Mike Handler and Melanie Hester join Glenn Packiam, lead pastor of Rock Harbor Church, as he unpacks the profound journey of intentional discipleship. In this inspiring podcast, Glenn dives deep into the pillars of encounter, formation, and mission, exploring how they shape both personal faith…
more -
The Importance of Orthodoxy in Children’s Ministry
In this episode of The Child Discipleship Podcast, Matt Markins and Trevin Wax delve into the significant challenges children face in today’s rapidly changing culture. They discuss the effects of technology and the rise of secularism, highlighting the critical need for teaching the true gospel to...
-
Running to the God of All Comfort
In this special edition of the podcast, you’ll hear Elizabeth Mitchell’s mainstage talk from the 2024 Child Discipleship Forum. As she shares her very personal journey of love and loss, she’ll encourage you to run to the God of all comfort for your help and hope. Listen in as she encourages those...
-
Caring for the Vulnerable: Being the Hands and Feet of Jesus
In this heartfelt episode, Blair Linne joins Mike Handler and Melanie Hester to discuss the church’s call to live out pure and undefiled religion by caring for the fatherless, widowed, and vulnerable in our communities. Drawing from Scripture, personal testimony, and practical insights, Blair...
-
Peace in a Fast-Paced Culture
In this episode, Jay Kim, an author and pastor in Silicon Valley, shares his journey and the unique challenges of pastoring and parenting in a fast-paced, achievement-driven culture. He emphasizes the importance of slowing down and following Jesus. Jay encourages listeners to grow good fruit…
more -
Creating a Culture of Discipleship: Language and Community
In the final episode of this four-part series, Mike Handler and Sam Luce stress the significance of language in shaping the values of both church and home, encouraging listeners to prioritize intentional conversations and create dedicated time for discipleship activities. Additionally, the…
more -
Creating a Culture of Discipleship: Vision and Time
In this episode, Sam Luce and Mike Handler explore the vital role of vision and deliberate discipleship in both the church and the home. They emphasize the necessity of a long-term vision for child discipleship and the importance of parents partnering with the church in this journey. The...
-
Navigating Lasting Faith in Children
In the second episode of our Forming Faith series, Matt Markins and Mike Handler tackle the pressing need for a new map in the journey of forming lasting faith in children. They explore the disconnect between the church’s messaging and today’s cultural realities and introduce a fresh approach to...
-
Walking Upstream: Navigating Children’s Ministry in a Post-Christian Culture
In this thought-provoking podcast, we dive into the urgent need for a fresh approach to children’s ministry as we grapple with the realities of an increasingly secular world. Join Matt Markins and Mike Handler as they unpack the limitations of outdated church growth and entertainment models,...
-
The Child Discipleship Podcast: Season 5
Welcome to the Child Discipleship Podcast! Listen to this short update to learn what’s new and what you can expect from season 5. Show Notes: Check out resources for your children’s ministry at ChildDiscipleship.com. The post The Child Discipleship Podcast: Season 5 appeared first on Child...
-
Jared Kennedy: Four Things Every Children’s Ministry Should Be About
Jared Kennedy and Melanie Hester walk through Jared’s life that has been centered around intentional family discipleship. Jared also shares four things he believes ever children’s ministry should be about. SHOW NOTES SUBSCRIBE wherever you get your podcasts today so you never miss an episode.…
more -
Julie Lowe: Safeguards for Kids
Julie Lowe, Melanie Hester and Shawna Murlin sat down to discuss Julie’s book Safeguards: Shielding our Homes and Equipping Our Kids. SHOW NOTES SUBSCRIBE wherever you get your podcasts today so you never miss an episode. Looking for more ways to keep your kids safe? Check out the following...
-
Santosh Swamidass: Continual Spiritual Conversations of Substance
Santosh Swamidass sat down with Ross Cochran and Melanie Hester live at the 2023 Child Discipleship Forum to dig into what parents need to be equipped to disciple their kids, and how church leaders can effectively partner with parents who are overwhelmed and parents who don’t yet have a...
-
Phil and Diane Comer: Parenting out of Relationship
Phil and Diane Comer are leaders in family discipleship, and they share their passion and vision for all churches to equip all parents for discipleship of their kids with Kellie Bartley. SHOW NOTES SUBSCRIBE wherever you get your podcasts today so you never miss an episode. Watch Today’s...
-
Clayton Greene: Creating Family Discipleship Habits at Home
Clayton Greene sat down with Melanie Hester to dig into how we can build family discipleship habits at home. SUBSCRIBE wherever you get your podcasts today so you never miss an episode. Ready for more? Childdiscipleship.com is your one-stop shop for resources dedicated to helping kids form…
more -
Caleb Brown: Recruiting and Retaining Volunteers
The post Caleb Brown: Recruiting and Retaining Volunteers appeared first on Child Discipleship.
-
Carl Trueman: How Did We Get Here? (REPLAY)
Carl Trueman, Professor of Biblical & Religious Studies at Grove City College, helps us understand how to develop generations of Jesus followers during the rise of the modern self, cultural amnesia, expressive individualism, and sexual revolution. SHOW NOTES See the original documentary that was...
-
Pastor Shawn Thornton: The Power of a Loving Caring Adult for Every Child (REPLAY)
Senior Pastor Shawn Thornton returns to the podcast to share how his life was impacted by loving caring adults, and how that fuels his passion for child discipleship today. SHOW NOTES This episode was originally released on February 10th, 2022 Learn more about Shawn Thornton and Calvary Westlake...
-
Robby Gallaty: Child Discipleship That is Dependent on the Holy Spirit
Robby Gallaty sat down with Kellie Bartley and Ross Cochran at the 2023 Child Discipleship Forum to connect how discipleship is the ministry of his church, not an additional ministry in his church. He also shared how he sees the fruit of discipleship increase when it’s more dependent on the Holy...
About this show
The Child Discipleship Podcast is a conversation dedicated to anyone who cares about the future of the faith. Melanie Hester leads listeners through conversations happening within the world of children’s ministry, with insights from thought leaders and front-line servants in the local church and throughout the child advocacy space. We believe this generation of kids can be the greatest generation of disciples this world has ever seen, but they need loving caring adults like you to help make that happen. New episodes drop every Thursday, listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts!
Hosted by
Awana
Categories