Kids Ministry Answers

When you’re starting out in kids ministry, it’s easy to feel like you need to have everything figured out—while simultaneously feeling unprepared. In this episode of Kids Ministry Answers, we got a question about what experienced ministry leaders wish they had known before starting in ministry. So we asked a variety of Stuff You Can Use team members to share honest, practical insights, and Linda and Jason respond to their thoughts while reflecting on lessons they’ve learned along the way.QUESTION:What’s one thing you wish you knew before you got started in ministry?ANSWER:In this episode, we’ll talk about how to...Let go of the pressure to have it all figured out and embrace growth through experienceTrust your voice and discernment, even when you feel inexperiencedBuild healthy structure and rhythms that support sustainable ministry and personal well-beingRemember that people are the ministry—including your team, your leaders, and yourselfAsk a Question:Got a question you want answered? Send it in at kma.show — your question might be featured in a future episode!Subscribe & Review:Subscribe to Kids Ministry Answers on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you look for kids ministry ideas, volunteer strategies, and ministry tools you can use right away.If this episode was helpful, leave a quick review to help other leaders find the show.

When planning events, it’s easy to focus on what sounds the most unique or creative—but not every event should be trying to accomplish the same goal. In this episode of Kids Ministry Answers, someone from our Facebook Group asked a question about favorite kids ministry event ideas. So Linda and Jason break down different types of events and share practical ideas to help you choose and plan events that build relationships, welcome families, and create meaningful ministry moments.QUESTION:What are your favorite event ideas?ANSWER:In this episode, we’ll talk about how to...Plan just-for-fun events that help kids build friendships and positive associations with churchLeverage holiday events like Christmas and Easter to connect with families and share the story of JesusCreate outreach and family events that make it easy for new families to engage and feel welcomedMaximize big opportunities like VBS to combine fun, discipleship, and outreach into one powerful experienceAsk a Question:Got a question you want answered? Send it in at kma.show — your question might be featured in a future episode!Subscribe & Review:Subscribe to Kids Ministry Answers on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you look for kids ministry ideas, volunteer strategies, and ministry tools you can use right away.If this episode was helpful, leave a quick review to help other leaders find the show.Resources Mentioned:Opposite DayTie Dye EverythingMerry Mini GolfGolden Ticket TourCrazy Craft DayGrow With God ExperienceCrossway StationFamily FestVBSKMA Episode 008: Let's Prep for VBS!

When a few kids hang back, avoid activities, or seem uninterested, it can feel discouraging and tempting to push harder for participation. In this episode of Kids Ministry Answers, Allegra Collins has a question about how to engage kids who don’t want to participate during small group or Bible teaching time. So we asked Christina Paiva to join Linda and Jason to share practical strategies for building trust, creating emotional safety, and gently inviting every child to engage at their own pace.QUESTION:“What are your tips on engaging kids who don’t want to participate or who struggle to engage during small group time and Bible teaching time?” — Allegra CollinsANSWER:In this episode, we’ll talk about how to:Recognize that engagement looks different for every childFocus on relationships first, knowing trust and safety often lead to natural engagementWelcome and invite kids with low-pressure options that meet them where they areHelp kids find relationships with peers, leaders, and families to help connections grow over timeAsk a Question:Got a question you want answered? Send it in at kma.show — your question might be featured in a future episode!Subscribe & Review:Subscribe to Kids Ministry Answers on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you look for kids ministry ideas, volunteer strategies, and ministry tools you can use right away.If this episode was helpful, leave a quick review to help other leaders find the show.

Handling behavioral issues can feel like walking a tightrope—wanting kids to feel loved and welcomed while also maintaining a safe and fun environment for everyone. In this episode of Kids Ministry Answers, Jonathan has a question about how to respond to behavioral challenges in a way that focuses on positive outcomes. So Linda and Jason share a simple, grace-filled framework to help leaders and volunteers correct behavior with clarity, consistency, and care.QUESTION:“How do you handle behavioral issues in a graceful way that focuses less on consequences and more on positive outcomes, while keeping the environment safe and fun?” — JonathanANSWER:In this episode, we’ll talk about how to:Protect the environment so every child and volunteer feels safe and supportedUse a clear “Redirect, Remove, Refer” framework to respond calmly and consistentlyPartner with families to support long-term growth, not just short-term complianceAsk a Question:Got a question you want answered? Send it in at kma.show — your question might be featured in a future episode!Subscribe & Review:Subscribe to Kids Ministry Answers on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you look for kids ministry ideas, volunteer strategies, and ministry tools you can use right away.If this episode was helpful, leave a quick review to help other leaders find the show.Resources Mentioned:Volunteer HandbookParent Conversations - Behavioral Problems

When ministry projects pile up, it’s easy to unintentionally let your volunteer team building take a back seat—leaving even great teams feeling under-equipped or under-engaged. In this episode of Kids Ministry Answers, Amanda Holt has a question about how to empower volunteers to lead in kids ministry. So we asked Elle Campbell, co-founder of Stuff You Can Use, to join Linda and Jason to share practical ways to recruit, train, support, and inspire volunteers to lead with confidence and ownership.QUESTION:"How can I help my volunteers step into leadership and take initiative?" — Amanda HoltANSWER:In this episode, we’ll talk about how to:Ask big by casting a compelling vision that helps volunteers see the meaningful impact of their roleRecruit well by inviting the right people into the right roles and structuring teams intentionallyTrain them with clear expectations, vision resets, and ongoing leadership developmentSupport them emotionally, relationally, and practically so they feel valued, equipped, and inspired to keep leadingAsk a Question:Have a kids ministry question you want us to talk about? Send it in at KMA.show and your question might be featured in a future episode!Subscribe & Review:Subscribe to Kids Ministry Answers on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen for practical ideas, leadership tips, and ministry tools you can use right away. If this episode was helpful, leave a quick review to help other leaders find the show.Resources Mentioned:Volunteer Handbook

Trying to plan two weekly gatherings can leave leaders feeling stretched thin—worried about being repetitive, running out of energy, or needing to use a variety of curriculum. In this episode of Kids Ministry Answers, Mallory from Wisconsin has a question about using one curriculum for both midweek and weekend services. So we asked Linda Moon and Jason Sivewright to share practical ways to stretch a single lesson across multiple gatherings—no matter what curriculum you use—without doubling your workload.QUESTION: “How can I use my Grow Kids subscription for both midweek and weekend services?” — Mallory, WisconsinANSWER:In this episode, we’ll talk about how to build sustainable rhythms by intentionally dividing one lesson across two environments in ways that play to their strengths.Main Points:Understand your program structure by identifying what each gathering does best.Understand your lesson format so you know where to place setup, teaching, and application moments.Divide your lesson strategically by splitting it evenly, by vibe, or by purpose—depending on your context.Evaluate what’s working by testing one approach, getting volunteer feedback, and adjusting as needed.Ask a Question:Have a kids ministry question you want us to talk about? Send it in at KMA.show and your question might be featured in a future episode!Subscribe & Review:Subscribe to Kids Ministry Answers on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen for practical ideas, leadership tips, and ministry tools you can use right away. If this episode was helpful, leave a quick review to help other leaders find the show.Resources Mentioned:Grow Lesson Builder

Building a strong kids ministry team doesn’t start with training—it starts with connection. In this episode of Kids Ministry Answers, Jason Sivewright and Dr. Linda Moon respond to a great question from Pastor Elton about hosting intentional, quarterly gatherings that help volunteers connect, grow, and enjoy ministry together. This episode walks through practical ways to set the vibe, spark conversation, and create meaningful shared experiences for your team. You’ll walk away with ideas you can scale up or down to fit your ministry context and help your specific team.What We Cover:How to set the vibe with music, food, and a warm environmentEasy ways to help volunteers connect and start talkingGames and activities that build teamwork (not stress)Strategic conversations that strengthen your ministry cultureHow to help volunteers stay connected outside of churchAsk a Question:Have a kids ministry question you want us to talk about? Send it in at KMA.show and your question might be featured in a future episode!Subscribe & Review:Subscribe to Kids Ministry Answers on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen for practical ideas, leadership tips, and ministry tools you can use right away. If this episode was helpful, leave a quick review to help other leaders find the show.Resources Mentioned:Planning ViewVolunteer Kick-Off EventFamily Open HouseVolunteer CelebrationsVolunteer ToolsVolunteer Discussion GroupsVolunteer Bundle

Rest can feel surprisingly difficult in ministry—especially when the work never really slows down. In this crossover episode, Brooklyn from Youth Ministry Answers joins Jason and Dr. Yulee Lee from the Stuff You Can Use team to talk about why rest often feels risky for kids and youth pastors, and how unrest can show up beneath exhaustion, overwhelm, or transition. Ask a Question: Have a kids or youth ministry question you want us to talk about? Send it in at KMA.show and your question might be featured in a future episode!Subscribe & Review: Subscribe to Kids Ministry Answers on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen for practical ideas, leadership tools, and conversations you can use right away. If this episode was helpful, leave a quick review to help other leaders find the show.

If you’ve ever looked at your volunteer schedule and thought, We need more help, you’re not alone. In this episode, Linda and Jason sit down with Kegan DeWitt to walk through five simple, practical ways to recruit parent volunteers for kids ministry.Ask a Question: Have a kids ministry question you want us to talk about? Send it in at KMA.show and your question might be featured in a future episode!Subscribe & Review: Subscribe to Kids Ministry Answers on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen for practical ideas, leadership tips, and ministry tools you can use right away. If this episode was helpful, leave a quick review to help other leaders find the show.

VBS season has a way of sneaking up on you. In this episode, we’re joined by Emily Nguyen to talk through how to prep for VBS in a way that’s thoughtful, strategic, and actually doable.Together, we walk through how to set clear goals for your VBS, simplify your planning, recruit and care for volunteers, and make sure families actually hear about it. We also talk about partnering with parents, other churches, and your community so VBS isn’t just a fun week—but something that sticks.Ask a Question:Have a kids ministry question you want us to talk about? Send it in at KMA.show and your question might be featured in a future episode!Subscribe & Review:Subscribe to Kids Ministry Answers on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen for more practical ideas, creative activities, and ministry tools you can use right away. If this episode was helpful, leave a quick review to help other leaders find the show.Resources Mentioned:What's Cookin'? Free VBS —A 4-day VBS for children's ministry from Grow Curriculum! 

Merry Christmas from the Kids Ministry Answers team! In this short holiday episode, Linda and Jason take a moment to say thank you, wish you a merry Christmas, and share a quick preview of what’s coming up next on the podcast.Whether you’re wrapping up a busy season of ministry or finally getting a chance to rest, we hope you’re able to slow down, celebrate, and enjoy time with the people you love. We’ll be back soon with more practical conversations and ideas for kids ministry leaders.Ask a Question:Have a kids ministry question you want us to talk about? Send it in at KMA.show and your question might be featured in a future episode!Subscribe & Review:Subscribe to Kids Ministry Answers on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen for more practical ideas, creative activities, and ministry tools you can use right away. If this episode was helpful, leave a quick review to help other leaders find the show.

Christmas is a huge moment in kids ministry, and sometimes you just need a few fresh ideas to keep things fun, meaningful, and memorable. In this episode, Linda and Jason share ten creative Christmas ideas from the Stuff You Can Use team—simple, affordable, and totally doable no matter your ministry size. From cozy events to high-energy games to activities that bring families together, this episode is packed with inspiration for the season.Ask a Question:Have a kids ministry question you want us to talk about? Send it in at KMA.show and your question might be featured in a future episode!Subscribe & Review:Subscribe to Kids Ministry Answers on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen for more practical ideas, creative activities, and ministry tools you can use right away. If this episode was helpful, leave a quick review to help other leaders find the show.Resources Mentioned:Christmas Bundles from Grow Kids — Each bundle includes a teaching series, an event, and an original Christmas song from Grow Music. Available at growcurriculum.org

Volunteers are the heart of your kids ministry — but celebrating them consistently (and creatively) can be tough. In this special crossover episode, Elle Campbell, co-founder of Stuff You Can Use, joins Linda and special co-host Damean Easter of the Youth Ministry Answers podcast to share practical and meaningful ways to appreciate your team all year long. You’ll learn how to celebrate volunteers for what they do and for who they are — without breaking your budget or burning yourself out. What We Cover:How to celebrate volunteers annually, monthly, and weeklyCreative ideas that build culture (not just hype)Why “boring but consistent” matters more than big gesturesAsk a Question: Got a question you want answered? Send it in at kma.show — your question might be featured in a future episode!Subscribe & Review: Subscribe to Kids Ministry Answers on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen for children’s ministry ideas, volunteer care tips, and Sunday School strategies you can use right away. If this episode was helpful, leave a quick review to help other leaders find the show.Resources Mentioned:Volunteer Kick-OffVolunteer ToolsVolunteer & Parent Celebrations

Scripture memorization doesn’t have to feel boring or forced. In this episode, Jason and Linda share fun and practical ways to help kids memorize Bible verses — and actually enjoy it. You’ll learn how to make Scripture stick through creativity, repetition, and play. What We Cover:Setting realistic expectations for Scripture memorizationTurning Bible memory into a game kids loveBuilding repetition into your rhythm so Scripture lastsAsk a Question: Got a question you want answered? Send it in at kma.show — your question might be featured in a future episode!Subscribe & Review: Subscribe to Kids Ministry Answers on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen for more kids ministry ideas, Bible teaching strategies, and Sunday School resources you can use right away. If this episode was helpful, leave a quick review to help other leaders find the show.Resources Mentioned:Grow Kids Curriculum — Every series includes sign language videos!

Parents can be the hardest group to engage—and the most important. In this conversation, Linda and Jason share a simple, relational strategy to move from “I hope parents show up” to “we earned their trust.” You’ll get practical ideas you can calendar, repeat, and scale in any context. What We Cover:Why you should host parent-specific eventsHow often to communicate with parentsWhy you should spend time with parents in your ministryAsk a Question: Got a question about parents, volunteers, or teaching? Send it at kma.show—yours might be featured in a future episode!Subscribe & Review: Subscribe to Kids Ministry Answers on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen for practical kids ministry ideas you can use right away. If this helped, a quick review helps other leaders find the show.Resources Mentioned: Parent resources from Grow Curriculum!

In this episode of Kids Ministry Answers, Linda and Jason talk about one of the biggest challenges in kids ministry—keeping kids’ attention. They’ll unpack how to move beyond just entertaining kids and instead help them listen, reflect, and respond to what they’re learning about God.What We Cover:The importance of a structureAdding variety and creativity so kids stay engagedBuilding a weekly rhythm that helps kids listen, reflect, and respondAsk a Question: Got a question about kids ministry, teaching, or volunteers? Send it in at kma.show — your question might be featured in a future episode!Subscribe & Review: Subscribe to Kids Ministry Answers on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen for more kids ministry ideas, Sunday School strategies, and practical tools you can use right away. If this episode was helpful, leave a quick review to help other leaders find the show.Resources Mentioned: Try a Grow Kids Teaching Series for free!

Volunteers are the heart of every kids ministry, but how do you get them energized and inspired for serving? On this episode, Linda and Jason share a few a few tips to get your team excited and ready for what's ahead. What We Cover:Why volunteer excitement matters for your kids ministryHow to plan a Volunteer Kick-Off that builds energy and connectionWhat to include so your team leaves inspired and equipped for the year aheadAsk a Question: Got a question about leading your kids ministry or training volunteers? Visit kma.show to send it in — your question might be featured in an upcoming episode!Subscribe & Review: Subscribe to Kids Ministry Answers on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen for more kids ministry ideas, Sunday School strategies, and practical tools you can use right away. If this episode was helpful, leave a quick review to help other leaders find the show.Resources Mentioned:Volunteer Kick-Off Event from Grow Curriculum