Episodes
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Episode 247: Building Identity Before Middle School with Janna Widdifield
Middle school is full of change, pressure, and unpleasant surprises. But what if we could help girls build a strong foundation in Christ before they ever get there? In this episode, Hannah Augustine sits down with Janna Widdifield, founder of VESSELS, to talk about why third through sixth grade…
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Episode 246: Why Parents (and KidMin Leaders!) Don't Need to Have All the Answers with Jess Wolstenholm
In this episode of the KidzMatter Podcast, Jess Wolstenholm and Hannah Augustine discuss how kids develop faith over time, why curiosity matters, and how parents and KidMin leaders can support spiritual growth without carrying the whole burden themselves. There can be a tension between…
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Episode 245: Safety First—Prevention and Protection in Ministry with Jeff Dalrymple
Safety isn't about living in fear—it's about stewardship. Jeff Dalrymple with the Evangelical Council of Abuse Prevention and Hannah Augustine discuss how to partner with parents, talk to kids about appropriate touch, and watch for warning signs both online and in person. Learn why a secure...
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Episode 244: Dealing with Conflict in Ministry with Kurt Goble
If parent pressure, unreliable volunteers, or staff conflict is draining your energy in children’s ministry, this conversation gives you the clarity and boundaries you need. Kurt Goble, Creative Director for Lift Curriculum, shares hard-won wisdom from 25+ years in kids' ministry on how to handle...
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Episode 243: Pack Your Bags for The KidzMatter Conference with Kendon and Madi Hackworth
Get ready for The KidzMatter Conference! 🎉 In this episode, we share essential packing tips and must-haves for an unforgettable experience. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned attendee, our guests Kendon and Madi Hackworth reveal what to bring, how to dress for theme days, and why this...
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Episode 242: Still Loved. Still Called. Navigating Ministry Transitions with April Raver
In this episode, we dive deep into the emotional journey of ministry transitions and loss. Join Hannah Augustine and April Raver as they discuss April's new book, "Still Loved, Still Called: Finding Healing and Hope When Ministry Changes." This heartfelt conversation explores how to navigate the...
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Episode 241: Why Next Gen Worship Matters with Smith House Worship
Discover the power of multi-generational worship! In this episode, we chat with Tyler and his daughter Selah from Smith House Worship about breaking down barriers in worship experiences for kids, teens, and adults. Learn how to create an inclusive environment where all ages can encounter Jesus...
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Episode 240: Build Intergenerational Impact—Teens Serving in Kids' Ministry
When youth and kids ministries work in isolation, you're missing a goldmine of discipleship. Teens don't just fill volunteer slots—they grow spiritually by serving. This episode with Cameron Cole and Danny Kwon from Rooted Ministry gives you the framework to partner with your youth pastor…
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Episode 239: Reach Kids from Hard Places—Trauma-Informed Ministry Strategies
The kids in your children's ministry who are experiencing trauma need more than a lesson plan. They need safe adults and healing spaces. This conversation with Dr. Robert and Lori Crosby from Reach Hurting Kids Institute unpacks what trauma actually is, why two kids respond so differently to the...
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Episode 238: First Impressions in Children's Ministry—Welcoming Families Back with Martha Harvey
What if your kids' ministry environments told your theology before you ever opened your mouth? Martha Harvey from WITH Families believes that first impressions aren't shallow—they're spiritual. When a family walks through your doors, they're experiencing your values in real time: Is my child…
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Episode 237: Feeling Alone in Kids Ministry? The Conference That Changes Everything with Ryan and Beth Frank
If you're a children's pastor feeling alone, overwhelmed, or questioning whether you can keep going, Ryan and Beth Frank want to meet you at The KidzMatter Conference. This conversation isn't just about breakout sessions (though there are 170+ of those). It's about sacred space. It's about...
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Episode 236: Accurate, Goal-Oriented, Engaging Kids' Ministry with Curt Hale
Sunday is always coming, and it's easy for kids' ministry to run on autopilot. The same games, the same songs, week after week. But what if there was a simple framework to help you evaluate every element of your large group ministry and ensure it's moving kids toward lasting spiritual impact? In...
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Episode 235: Emotionally Intelligent KidMin Leadership with Shelby Honeycutt
Conflict is part of ministry — you can't avoid it, but you can lead through it well. In this episode, Hannah sits down with certified coach, speaker, and DISC behavioral analyst Shelby Honeycutt for a sneak peek of her upcoming KidzMatter Conference breakout on emotional intelligence. Whether...
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Episode 234: Kids' Ministry on a Budget with Melanie Ringle
Big budget or no budget — what matters is how you steward it. In this episode, Hannah Augustine sits down with Melanie Ringle, a 10+ year KidMin veteran and self-proclaimed "thrifting" expert, to talk about stewarding your kids' ministry budget with creativity and intention. Melanie shares her…
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Episode 233: Crawl, Walk, Run - Growth as a Ministry Leader with Charlie Alcock
Comparison is a thief of joy — and so is trying to run before you've learned to crawl. Charlie Alcock (Good Days with Eddy and Charlie, youth pastor track leader at this year's KidzMatter Conference) and Hannah Augustine dig into how leaders can grow at their own pace, help their teams do the…
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Episode 232: Bringing Real-Life Faith Heroes to Your Kids' Ministry with Ellen Vaughn
Kids are hungry for heroes — and too often, culture hands them fictional ones instead of the real, flesh-and-blood believers whose stories can shape their faith for a lifetime. In this episode, Hannah Augustine sits down with New York Times best-selling author Ellen Vaughn to talk about her...
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Episode 231: Why Fun is Essential in Kids' Ministry with Kayla Fowler
Is fun a distraction from real ministry — or the doorway into it? Hannah sits down with Kayla Fowler (Team Lead for Hyfi, Lifeway's next-gen curriculum) to unpack why fun isn't optional in kids' ministry — it's foundational. If you've ever wondered whether the games and goofiness "count" as real...
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Episode 230: Read the Room | Engaging Your Large Group in Kids' Ministry with Steve Bloom
If you've ever stood in front of a room full of kids and felt the chaos creeping in, this episode is for you. Hannah Augustine sits down with Steve Bloom, executive producer of The Park Curriculum, to talk through practical strategies for large group ministry — from classroom management and...
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Episode 229: What Actually Keeps Children's Ministry Volunteers Coming Back
What if the real problem in your kids' ministry isn't a lack of volunteers — it's that you can't keep the ones you have? In this episode of the KidzMatter Podcast, Hannah Augustine shares a sneak peek inside a KidzMatter PRO April coaching call featuring three KidMin Academy students: Dave, Rose,...
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Episode 228: Start Here | The Building Blocks of a Fruitful Kids Ministry
How do you build a children's ministry from scratch — or step into one and make it better? In this special collaboration between the KidzMatter Podcast and the Cross Formed KidMin Podcast, hosts Hannah Augustine, Hunter Williams, and Tim Beilhartz give you a practical, theology-grounded roadmap…
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Episode 227: From Copycat to Context - Your Ministry Doesn't Have to Look Like Theirs with Charlie Alcock
The 2026 KidzMatter Conference is launching its first-ever Youth Pastor Track, and in this episode, Charlie Alcock explains what you'll learn and how it differs from traditional conference teaching. Instead of copying tactics, you'll discover the biblical principles that unify all ministries and...
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Episode 226: A Volunteer’s Guide to Kids’ Ministry with Corey Jones
Just signed up to serve in kids' ministry? This is the essential starter episode. Hannah Augustine and Corey Jones walk through everything new volunteers need to know—from building authentic relationships with kids to safety protocols that protect everyone. Learn why your role matters, how to…
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Episode 225: How to Avoid Mistakes Young Leaders Make in Ministry with Sarah Carroll
Hannah Augustine and Sarah Carroll share the hard-won lessons they wish they'd known when they started leading, as well as some of the biggest mistakes young leaders make in ministry. If you're a young leader, a kids pastor, or you're mentoring emerging leaders, this conversation will help you...
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Episode 224: 3 Ways to Build Biblical Literacy in Kids Ministry with Steph Bradac and Mark Campbell
If you’re a kids' pastor who has ever ever felt overwhelmed by the sheer volume of Scripture or unsure how to make it stick, this conversation is your clear path forward. In this episode, Hannah Augustine welcomes Mark Campbell and Steph Bradac from Awana to reveal simple, impactful strategies…
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Episode 223: How to Help Kids Truly Encounter God with David Rausch
Most kids are leaving church and faith behind because they’re starving for a balanced, genuine encounter with God—not just education or entertainment. But what if you could change that in your ministry—and see lives transform? In this eye-opening episode, David Rausch of GO! Curriculum reveals…
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Episode 222: P.R.A.Y. Pals for KidMin with Christy Hooper and Jonathan Hooper
Join Hannah Augustine as she connects with Christy and Jonathan Hooper, the creative minds behind "P.R.A.Y. Pals," an interactive children's book designed to teach kids the power of prayer. Discover how the P.R.A.Y. acronym—Praise, Repent, Ask, Yield—can transform prayer into a meaningful…
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Episode 221: Foster-Friendly KidMin with Dr. Alan Bixler
Over half of America's children are growing up without close contact with their biological fathers, and more than 670,000 kids pass through foster care each year. But what if the church saw this crisis as the greatest mission field right in our neighborhoods? In this powerful episode, Hannah...
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Episode 220: KidMen with Curt Nelson
There's a common stereotype that serving with a kids' ministry is predominantly a female role. However, as Curt Nelson and Hannah Augustine discuss in this podcast episode, boys and girls must see godly men serving in the church. Think outside the box and help the men of your church find their...
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Episode 219: Summer Ready with Ryan Frank
Get ready for summer in KidMin with strategic planning tips and practical tools. Hannah Augustine and Ryan Frank discuss how to embrace the unique season of summer, turn challenges into opportunities, and prepare your team and environment for a successful summer outreach. To sign up for...
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Episode 218: A Masterpiece-Minded Kids' Ministry with Brian Dollar
Unlock the secret to transforming children's lives by building a vibrant identity rooted in Christ—it's easier than you think! In this episode, Hannah Augustine teams up with Brian Dollar, a seasoned Kids' Pastor and founder of High Voltage Kids Ministry Resources, to reveal the three powerful...
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Episode 217: Holy Week in KidMin with Christen Clark
Don't let the busy interrupt the holy! In this episode, Hannah Augustine and Christen Clark discuss the importance of preparing for Holy Week. With a little intentionality, KidMin leaders can engage families and kids alike in understanding the story of Jesus' resurrection through hands-on...
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Episode 216: Expectant for Easter with Brittany Nelson
Most KidMin leaders underestimate how crucial Easter planning is, and often miss the opportunity to serve with purpose amidst the busy chaos. In today's conversation with Brittany Nelson from Deeper KidMin, we'll discover how a strategic, faith-centered approach to Easter can turn a hectic…
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Episode 215: Beyond the Bunny with Corinne Noble
When it comes to KidMin Easter egg hunts, we seem to be doing the same things, the same way, for the same reasons - but without the same effectiveness. This week's conversation with Corinne Noble will have you laughing, nodding in agreement, and taking notes on how to reach families effectively,...
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Episode 214: Next Gen Ready KidMin with Chuck Peters
In this episode with Chuck Peters from Lifeway Next Gen, we explore five enormous needs facing today’s kids and students in Gen Z and Gen Alpha. If you want to better understand and disciple the next generation, this conversation will help you focus on what matters most. To access Chuck's latest...
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Episode 213: Bridging the Gap | The Future of Kids and Youth Ministry with Ryan Frank and Rev. Dr. Charlie Alcock
Join us as we kick off Global KidMin Week with an exciting announcement! This episode with Ryan Frank and Rev. Dr. Charlie Alcock explores the vital bridge between children's and youth ministry, highlighting new initiatives designed to strengthen leadership collaboration and resource development...
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Episode 212: What Volunteers In KidMin Are Actually Asking with Ryan Frank
Ever wonder if your KidMin volunteers truly feel valued and connected? This episode uncovers the three pivotal questions every leader should be answering to boost volunteer satisfaction and retention. Discover how to help your volunteers feel like their work truly matters, build their confidence...
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Episode 211: The Most Important Person You'll Ever Lead with James Duvall
In this episode, Hannah Augustine interviews leadership coach and pastor James Duvall to explore the essential skills of self-leadership, time management, and personal growth. Whether you're volunteering, bi-vocational, or part of a larger team, you'll gain actionable insights to develop your...
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Episode 210: Single, Not Stuck with Janna Johns
In this episode, Hannah Augustine sits down with Janna Johns for an honest and hope-filled conversation about singleness in church and ministry leadership. Together, they challenge common cultural stereotypes, unpack personal journeys, and offer practical encouragement for thriving — not just...
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Episode 209: Helping Kids Trust a Promise-Keeping God with Carl Laferton
How do we know what parts of God's character to emphasize as we disciple the children in our ministries? For Carl Laferton and The Good Book Company, the answer is His promises. Join us for an encouraging conversation about reminding kids that God is faithful to His promises every single time....
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Episode 208: Minister to Every Family with Sarah Carroll
Families come in every shape and size, and as KidMin Leaders, it's our responsibility to care for them well. In this heartfelt episode, KidzMatter's Chief Growth Officer, Sarah Carroll, shares her personal journey and insights on supporting blended families and families with incarcerated parents....
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Episode 207: The Story We Tell Our Children with Matt Markins
Are you hitting the mark in your children's ministry? Are your stories and activities communicating the most important things - like the truth of the gospel? If you can't answer those questions confidently, you may not be alone. The modern children's ministry movement has seen a wave of "Bible...
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Episode 206: A Healthy Start with Alicia Summerlin
New year’s health resolutions got you down? Tune in for this conversation with Alicia Summerlin, pastor’s wife and RN. It’s daunting to try to care for yourself physically in the middle of ministry chaos and family responsibilities - but it’s both possible and worth it. With twenty years of...
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Episode 205: Mastering 2026 with Ryan Frank
Planning for 2026 isn’t pressure—it’s stewardship. In this episode with KidzMatter Founder Ryan Frank, we help kids ministry leaders gain clarity, confidence, and a practical path forward so the future doesn’t sneak up on them. We start with vision clarity, because most ministries don’t lack...
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Episode 204: Navigating Culture in KidMin with Sarah Carroll
Ready for a sneak peek of KidzMatter PRO? In this week’s episode of the KidzMatter Podcast, host Hannah Augustine and KidzMatter’s Chief Growth Officer Sarah Carroll dive into an engaging conversation on culture and ministry. Kids today are saturated by culture. As KidMin leaders, we can’t change...
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Episode 203: Five Things You Can Do This Week To Help Your Lead Pastor with Nate Nupanga
We’re going back into the archives! In this episode of the KidzMatter Podcast, filmed at the 2024 KidzMatter Conference, host Jordan Davis interviews Pastor Nate Nupanga from Mercy Road Church. Nate has a unique perspective from his current seat as a lead pastor, but also from his previous roles…
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Episode 202: Christmas Theology with Randy Allison and Drew Hage
What is theology, really? It’s not complicated - it’s the study of God! In today’s conversation with Pastors Randy Allison and Drew Hage, host Hannah Augustine helps to uncover some of the important theological truths found within the Christmas story. You’ll also learn how important it is to...
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Episode 201: A Merry KidMin Christmas with Lauren Jackson
Looking to make the most of the Christmas season in your ministry? Today’s conversation with Lauren Jackson from Kids Ministry Circle will give you tips and tricks for how to do that! Lauren has extensive experience in KidMin and a heart for discipling kiddos in every season, and her thoughts…
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Episode 200: Teach Them Young with Miss PattyCake
If you don't know the name Jean Thomason, you may know her by another name - Miss PattyCake! In this week's episode, host Hannah Augustine has a heart-warming conversation with Miss PattyCake about the importance of investing in our kids from a young age. From toddler to teen, what our kids take...
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Episode 199: Christmas Traditions with Bob and Amy Bender
Christmas is, for many, the most wonderful time of the year. But how can we effectively balance family, church, and everything in between during such a busy season? In this week’s episode with Bob and Amy Bender, host Hannah Augustine leads a conversation on how to make the most of every moment...
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Episode 198: Effective Outreach with Scott and Debbie Wells
Jesus’ ministry was marked by outreach. He and His disciples were consistently healing, feeding, and loving the people around them - and the church has the responsibility to do the same! Join Hannah Augustine and guests Scott and Debbie Wells for an inspiring conversation on outreach…
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About this show
Join Ryan Frank each week as he interviews some of the brightest minds in children's ministry on The KidzMatter Podcast. Gain valuable insights and inspiration for your own ministry journey.
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Ryan Frank
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