Deep Roots Leadership

Summer isn’t just a break from school — it can be a beautiful opportunity for kids to grow deeper in their faith. In this episode of the Deep Roots Leadership Podcast, Jerry Welch talks with Gretchen Mahan about why summer is such an important season for spiritual development in kids ministry. They discuss upcoming opportunities like Kids Camp, Vacation Bible School, Day Camp, Kindergarten Kickoff, Move Up Sunday, and summer Wednesday nights — along with practical encouragement for parents and volunteers to use the slower rhythms of summer for discipleship, relationships, and lasting spiritual investment.

Sometimes the biggest ministry moments happen in the middle of playground conversations, long preschool stories, and ordinary summer days. In this episode of the Deep Roots Leadership Podcast, Jerry Welch sits down with preschool minister Emily Barber to talk about why summer matters so much in the spiritual development of preschoolers. From camping-themed Wednesday nights and space-inspired music camp to simple “play days” for moms and kids, Emily shares how meaningful discipleship often happens through connection, conversation, and everyday moments. The conversation also takes a heartfelt turn as Emily shares about her transition from Colonial Heights to a new role at Harbor Day School — a ministry serving preschoolers with unique needs through free Christian education. She reflects on seven and a half years of loving families, building trust with little ones, and walking alongside parents during one of life’s most formative seasons.

Caring for people isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about showing up.   In this episode, Jerry Welch sits down with Drew Baum to explore the real, everyday needs of adults in the church — from spiritual encouragement to emotional support and practical care. From the “ministry of presence” to building a culture of shared responsibility in life groups, this episode offers practical wisdom for leaders who want to care deeply without burning out. It’s a reminder that real ministry happens not just in teaching, but in walking alongside others.

Students do not need more noise — they need relationships strong enough to hold real questions, real struggles, and real growth. In this episode of the Deep Roots Leadership Podcast, Jerry Welch talks with student minister Ford Rigney about what it really looks like to care well for students and their families. From the importance of meaningful relationships to the growing need for emotional and spiritual support, this conversation highlights how student ministry goes far beyond programming. Ford shares why trust, presence, and intentional discipleship matter so deeply in the lives of middle school, high school, and college students — and how the church can come alongside families in ways that are personal, practical, and rooted in Christ.

What do kids really need from the church—and are we giving it to them? In this episode, Jerry Welch talks with Gretchen Mehan about what it means to truly care well for kids in ministry. From creating environments of safety and belonging to consistently speaking truth into young lives, they unpack the foundational needs every child carries. This conversation is a reminder that kids don’t just need fun—they need stability, connection, and truth they can trust. And when the church shows up consistently, those seeds can shape a lifetime of faith.

What does it really look like to “care well” for preschoolers—and the families raising them? In this episode, Jerry Welch sits down with Emily Barber to unpack the real, everyday needs of preschool ministry. From safety and emotional support to discipleship and consistency, they explore how caring for young children goes far beyond the classroom. It’s about partnering with parents, creating a culture of grace, and building a church community that truly functions like family. Because when we care well for parents, we care well for their kids—and that impact lasts for eternity.

Different stories. One calling. One mission. In this special fifth-week episode, the whole Deep Roots Leadership team comes together for a more personal conversation. From salvation stories to God’s call into ministry, each team member shares a bit of their story and reflects on the joy of serving together on church staff. Along the way, the team talks about how the Lord uses different backgrounds, personalities, and experiences to accomplish His purposes in the church. It’s a fun and encouraging look at the people serving across preschool, kids, students, and adult ministries.

Serving in adult ministry can feel overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, Drew Baum walks through what it actually looks like to serve in an adult Life Group, from a typical Sunday morning rhythm to preparing to teach and leading meaningful discussion. Along the way, we talk about shared leadership, why you don’t have to do everything on your own, and how healthy teams help prevent burnout. Whether you’re considering teaching, already leading, or simply want to better understand how adult ministry works, this conversation offers practical guidance and encouragement to help you lead with confidence and faithfulness.

Know the word, dive into it... but don't be afraid to say "I Don't Know"

Serving kids and families out of the overflow of walking with Jesus.

Discipleship doesn’t stop when life gets busy — it gets deeper. This week, Drew Baum talks about helping adults grow steady, rooted faith through community, consistency, and everyday obedience. We discuss Life Groups, leadership development, and how the church becomes family as we walk with one another through every season of life. Because mature faith grows best together.

Students don’t just need answers — they need adults who care. This week, Ford Rigney talks about leading students who are asking hard questions about faith, identity, culture, and doubt. We explore why consistent adult connection is essential and how meaningful relationships in the church help students stay rooted in Christ long after graduation. Because students may forget a lesson — but they won’t forget who showed up for them.

Why does teaching kids at church really matter? This week, Gretchen Mahan explores the heart behind kids ministry and why these foundational years are so important in a child’s walk with Christ. We talk about shaping faith early, partnering with parents, and creating environments where kids don’t just learn Bible stories — they begin to know and trust the God of the Bible. Because when faith takes root young, it grows strong for a lifetime.

The earliest years matter more than we think. This week, Emily Barber shares how discipleship begins long before kids can read a Bible or sit through a lesson. From partnering with parents to creating safe, joyful environments, we talk about what it looks like to plant the very first seeds of faith in preschoolers and their families. Because deep roots don’t start later — they start small.