The Kidmin Huddle

After two decades of taking kids to camp, Amber shares some must-haves to add to your packing list and things that will make your week of camp easier. Resources Mentioned in the EpisodeManderley Christian Camp - https://www.manderley.camp/Hair Tinsel - https://amzn.to/4trlmqJPop Up Stool - https://amzn.to/42wmJteSpot It - https://amzn.to/3R4yAMQPuke Bags - https://amzn.to/42A0mTM*This list may contain affiliate links. If you decide to purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra expense to you. I only share things I actually use, love, and endorse!

In this episode, Amber catches up with author friend Joshua Cooley to talk about his new book, Heroes of the Bible Devotional 2. Why do kids need to learn about heroes of the Bible and the faith?How does this book teach the narrative of Scripture?What is moralistic theology, and how does this devotion avoid it?Follow Joshua online at https://joshuacooleyauthor.com/Grab his new devotional: Heroes of the Bible Devotional 2. https://amzn.to/4tqy0qc*Amazon link is an affiliate link. There is no added expense to you. 

Don't let your volunteer meeting get skipped or met with groans. Plan your meeting so it guarantees success! This episode gives you four important planning steps. Resources mentioned in the episode:Episode 156: Planning Your Kidmin Team Training: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-kidmin-huddle/id1533602973?i=1000747943287Bonus Resource: Share this encouragement video with your team!https://youtube.com/shorts/z-aWT77XPE0?feature=share

How do you grow your church from one or two families, or even no families? In this episode, Amber walks you through how you can grow your church and gain families. She shares how she has grown her church from a few families, some of which were ready to leave, to the upcoming problem of where to fit all of the children. Check out the resources mentioned in the episode:Intentional Children's Ministry: https://amzn.to/4ts8eCE Top 50 Bible Lessons About Ordinary People in God's Extraordinary Plan: https://amzn.to/48j3JBUKidmin Coaching: https://familyministry.org/childrens-ministry-coaching/*Some links are affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. 

As leaders in children's ministry, we have a vital role in equipping our kids to recognize the lies of the world and stand firm in the truth. Every day, our children face a spiritual battle. This episode will remind you not to fall asleep on your assignment. Recommended Resources to Check Out:Intentional Children's Ministry: https://amzn.to/4crIyPfPraise Him: A 30 Day Family Devotional: https://amzn.to/48E1p8zRaising Worry Free Girls: https://a.co/d/03e1pCln

Ever had a class of squirrely, disengaged kids? Engaged kids during lesson time starts with your prep. In this episode, Amber teaches you to S.M.I.L.E. and gives practical tips and tricks to help you engage kids better, thus reducing the squirrelyness. Resources Mentioned in the Episode:Classroom Management Live Training in the Family Ministry Community Group on 4/21/2026 - https://www.facebook.com/groups/familyministrycommunityIntentional Children's Ministry Children's Ministry Coaching: https://familyministry.org/childrens-ministry-coaching/ 

If you've ever struggled with feelings of doubt or fear or fallen into the comparison trap as a kidmin leader, then this episode is for you. Discover practical tips for overcoming self-doubt, fear, and comparison in your ministry, as well as how to embrace your unique journey and grow as a leader.Check out what leadership books Amber has been reading: Soundtracks by Jon Acuff - https://amzn.to/4v47a9gRich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki - https://amzn.to/4dRXFnhThe Art of People by Dave Kerpen - https://amzn.to/3O8LRmh*These are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

This episode might step on your toes, but listen in as Amber talks about 10 of her unpopular kidmin opinions and why she has them. Each of her opinions is rooted in the eternal importance of what we do in children's ministry. If you want to learn how to be more intentional in your ministry, grab a copy of her book Intentional Children's Ministry on Amazon (available in audio and ebook as well) or at renewanation.org. 

To protect children at church, policies and procedures must be in place. Who gets access to your children? What policies are being put in place to keep children safe? If no policies are in place, now is the time to get started. 

Are we teaching our kids who God is both at church and at home? 🤔  If not, we need to start! In this episode, Amber shows how understanding God's character is essential for our children. They need to know that He is loving, kind, holy, and just. These attributes shape their trust and faith in Him. Resources in this episode:Blog ArticleRenewaNation Review MagazineWho is God CurriculumPraise Him: A 30 Day Family Devotional

Do you want to make this year's VBS the best yet? Here are 10 tips to make this VBS a discipleship success. 

David Rausch, from GO! Curriculum joins Amber to talk about his new book, Feeding Faith, and how we can truly disciple boys and girls during lesson time. Get David's new book here: https://amzn.to/4rDq2d9

Kids need to be taught theology and doctrine, not a watered-down version of the Bible. In this episode, Amber goes over 10 tools you can use to help teach theology and doctrine to the kids in your ministry, helping to give them a firm faith. Resources mentioned in the episode:Mavalus Tape: https://amzn.to/4arWeZmPointer Hand: https://amzn.to/4bV2E5RHula Hoops: https://amzn.to/4qEIh0kPosters: https://amberpike.org/shop/ols/categories/teaching-aidsPredicting Crayon trick: https://youtu.be/um4pOHO9BtM?si=R-3fKRpeqtiCHx4uRenewaNation Curriculum: https://familyministry.org/The Family Ministry Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/familyministrycommunity

Have you ever thought about starting a preschool choir at your church? The benefits of choir for kids are huge! Brenda from Little Jam Sessions shares with us not only the benefits of kids' choir, but also about her choir curriculum. Find out more at: https://littlejamsessions.com/

If you haven't placed a volunteer training on the calendar yet this year, then this episode is for you. Amber walks you through the why of training, plus practical tips to get you started. Recommended resources mentioned in the episode:Intentional Children's Ministry: https://shop.renewanation.org/products/intentional-childrens-ministry-how-your-church-can-disciple-children-with-a-lifelong-faith-in-jesus-pre-order-to-be-released-january-2025Bring in a Speaker: https://familyministry.org/speaking/

Children's ministry is awesome, but corporate worship is biblical. When are children worshipping with mom and dad and the whole church family? How are kids and parents being trained on this?Recommended resources:Parenting in the Pew by Robbie Castleman - https://amzn.to/3Z7vJDsFamily Ministry by Dr. Josh Mulvihill - https://shop.renewanation.org/products/family-ministry-how-your-church-can-shepherd-parents-and-grandparents-to-make-disciples-pre-order-to-be-released-january-2025

Listen and find out about the new Easter family devotional, Wondering to Jerusalem, by Vanessa Myers from Family Faith Builders. Learn more about Family Faith Builders at: https://www.familyfaithbuilders.org/Order your copies of Wondering to Jerusalem at: https://amzn.to/3LTCoy0

Whose job is it to disciple boys and girls? Are you leading your ministry in such a way that you are fulfilling your biblical command for discipleship?Check out the resources mentioned in the episode: The Family Ministry AcademyIntentional Children's MinistryFamily MinistryPraise Him: A 30 Day Family Devotional

It's the start of a new calendar year. If discipleship is your goal, you need to be asking these 3 questions. Grab the resources mentioned in the episode:Praise Him: A 30 Day Family Devotional Proverbs Bile Reading Scratch Off Challenge

In this episode, Amber shares her top 25 things of 2025, from things for the home, favorite books, to kidmin products you can't live without. Check out the links to the products mentioned:Intentional Children’s Ministry - https://amzn.to/4pHZ6baPraise Him - https://amzn.to/4qfsMw5Plastic Envelopes - https://amzn.to/3XUEiRxConfetti Streamers - https://amzn.to/4oTq925Timeline Poster – https://amberpike.org/shop/ols/products/bible-timeline-posterKidmin Swag – https://kidmin-corinne-merch-store.printify.me/Ducks – https://amzn.to/3MxB83PHair Tinsel – https://amzn.to/4oVTsRqPuke Bags - https://amzn.to/3MMJqoiMavalus Tape – https://amzn.to/4akN8zwLegos (off brand) - https://amzn.to/4q7pxXnChairs - https://amzn.to/45cOrNfThe Read Aloud Family – https://amzn.to/48Rt2dzOverwhelmed Mom – https://amzn.to/453GyK1The Wingfeather Saga – https://amzn.to/4qaEic7  Matilda – https://amzn.to/45cPdK9How to Train Your Dragon - https://amzn.to/4j3f3X1The God Contest – https://amzn.to/48XJskTStorage Drawers - https://amzn.to/4ajKMkdHokas - https://amzn.to/3L6pLPLBack Brace - https://amzn.to/4iZcFjPRecording Studio – https://amzn.to/44zEcCCEpson 3850 Printer – https://amzn.to/4iXJHRjSanta Cookie Elf Cany Snowman Game – https://amzn.to/48DZG3CPapermate Pens – https://amzn.to/4j3fUHd Some links are Amazon affiliate links. Amber may earn a small commission if you buy through them.

Are you evaluating every resource in your ministry through the lens of Scripture? No lesson should be taught or resource sent home unless it's been previewed and vetted against God's Word. 

Are you a detailed or a big-picture person? No matter how you are wired, if you are being intentional about your discipleship opportunities in kidmin, you've got to start planning the big picture of your year. Grab the Kidmin Planner, here. Plus, check out Amber's blog to get the free big-picture overview planner. 

Listen to Amber's top 10 list of things she is thankful for. You'll receive ideas and encouragement, enabling you to continue striving for intentionality in your ministry. Links to products mentioned: Dan Nixon PuppetsTinsel TreeTaste and See Family EventMagic Trick YouTube Channel

Tis the season to start planning your Christmas volunteer appreciation. But what do they want? How do you make it personal?Check out Amber's Kidmin Volunteer Gift Guide for more. 

Are you using podcasts to equip your parents, families, or volunteers? Have you ever thought about starting your own? You can and should!Check out Christen's podcast: The Collide Kids Podcast and 7 Minute Devotions for Busy Parents. And sign up for her podcasting workshop: https://subscribepage.io/nGKK4E#podcasts #equipyourteam #equipyourparents #discipleship #kidmin #collidekidspodcast

Your weekly kidmin to-do list is full. It might even feel overwhelming. But it doesn't have to. Consider the 3 P's of Kidmin Time Management. For more, check out the Time Management Training in the Family Ministry Community on Facebook. Grab Amber's Kidmin Planner, here. 

Joined by guest Dave Ray from Doorpost Kids Worship, this episode dives into the heart behind teaching kids worship. What should worship look like for kids in the church and in the home?Grab great worship resources at https://doorpostsongs.com/.Make sure to order your copy of Dave's book, Kids Worship: Awakening the Church of Today. It's a must-read resource for every kidmin leader and parent!

Whether you teach in a multi-aged classroom or have a separate preschool classroom, knowing how to engage that age group is important. This episode will give you some tips and tricks to engage preschoolers in lesson time.#preschoolers #kidmin #intentionalchildrensministry #lessontime

Is Bible literacy important to your children's ministry? It needs to be. Not only will this episode equip you with the why of teaching good Bible literacy skills, it will give you practical how-tos. Check out the Books of the Bible challenge Amber talks about here. 

What do you do when service runs long? Or the kids are wired and don't listen? Are you prepared for all those kidmin emergencies that will inevitably happen so that intentional discipleship can happen? You need to be. For more intentional encouragement and resourcing, don't forget to grab your copy of Intentional Children's Ministry. For sub lessons, screen games, and intentional extra time activities, make sure to check out my online store: https://amberpike.org/shop

Meet Michelle from Mud Hen Mama, and join us as we discuss how to help parents choose quality resources. Use code "Amber" to get a special discount from mudhenmama.com.

Sometimes we assume things in children's ministry. These 3 assumptions can inhibit faith and discipleship from happening, though. 

After the assassination of Charlie Kirk, many Christians are fired up for the Kingdom. What should our role in the spiritual battle be as kidmin leaders?This passion-filled episode will challenge you to stand on the Word and give you some next steps and encouragement. Be warned... if you cry with friends, you might need a tissue. #standontheauthorityoftheword #intentionalchildrensministry #beintentional

Kidmin Confession Time! Hear why Amber no longer does kids' events and how a family discipleship event mentality can be a win for you. Make sure to check out some of Amber's family events like: the Lego and Lunch, Taste and See Family Praise Event, Family Time Sticky Faith, or the Special Delivery Cookie Christmas Event. All of these and more can be found at: amberpike.org and church.renewanation.orgPlus... learn more about The Family Ministry Academy by RenewaNation and how it can change your ministry!

Are you training your kidmin team regularly? You need to be. But how do you train them? And on what?This episode will help you plan your next kidmin training. 

After 20+ years of Kidmin, I've tested and used many products. This episode lists some of Amber's favorite day-to-day Kidmin products, activities, and resources. Make sure to check out:amberpike.orghttps://church.renewanation.org/Mavelous TapeIntentional Children's MinistryTop 50 Bible Lessons About Ordinary People in God's Extraordinary Plans

We want to have thriving, successful children's ministries. How do we know if our ministries are healthy or not? What should you watch for and how you can you fix any problems? This episode talks you through for major health areas for your children's ministry. #healthykidmin #intentionalchildrensminsitry #kidmin #doctrine #yourCurriculumMatters

Do kids really need to know the narrative of the Bible? (Spoiler: yes!!!) And how do we teach it? This episode of The Kidmin Huddle will give you practical tools and foundations for teaching the biblical narrative to kids. Resources:Bible TimelineOne Story LessonExploring the Bible Through HistoryBig Story Series by RenewaNationPick and Choose Object Lesson Video

Have you ever struggled to regain control of a talkative class? Do you have a bunch of squirrly kids? Try these simple redirects to quiet and recenter kids so teaching time can be effective. #classroomstruggles #teachingtime #bibleteacher #intentionalchildrensministry

How are you fulfilling Titus 2? Psalm 145:4? How is your older generation pouring into, teaching, and discipling the younger generation? While this can happen organically, with kids, sometimes you need to create opportunities. This episode will give you tried-and-true ideas to see this become a reality in your church. #generationaldiscipleship #titus2 #intergenerationalministry #intentionalkidmin

Have you ever wondered if you can homeschool your kids while serving full or part-time as a kidmin leader? You can!Hear how Amber has balanced homeschooling and leading in kidmin while making the discipleship of her children her priority. #homeschool #discipleship #familyfirstkidmin #intentionalchildrensministry

Part of your role in equipping families often includes a well-stocked and carefully curated resource station. Listen to the conversation with children's ministry veteran Heather Soukup to learn how she plans and stocks her church's resource station. #intentionalchildrensministry #kidmin #familydiscipleship

Have you ever looked at the church down the street or on social media and started comparing what you are doing to their successes? If you've ever compared your numbers or resources to another church and fallen into the comparison trap rabbit hole, this podcast will be a great reminder to stay in your lane and trust in God's sovereignty.Remember, what you do (no matter what size church or how many kids attend) matters. 

Whether you are new to kidmin or at a new church, there's a lot to figure out. Where do you start? What takes priority? This episode will equip you with 5 key first steps. Resources mentioned:Intentional Children's MinistryFamily Ministry Community Facebook GroupFamily Ministry Academy (Training program)Kidmin PlannerKidCheck

Are you struggling with attendance for your midweek services? This episode is packed with practical ideas to shake things up this summer - with discipleship still being the goal. Need the events mentioned in the episode? Check them out at: https://amberpike.org/shop/ols/categories/eventsGrab the Family Cookbook Devotional and The Top 50 Bible Lessons About Ordinary People in God's Extraordinary Plan on Amazon. http://bit.ly/3ZOUiFX#kidminsummer #themedays #intentionalchildrensministry

Have you ever been frustrated that a child isn't saved or that a parent won't lead? This episode reminds us of what is in our control and what we need to let go of. Be encouraged that God is faithful to do all He promises. If this episode has encouraged you, send it to a friend.#intentionalchildrensministry #kidminleader #faithful

The best piece of VBS advice you can get is to start preparing for next year now. This episode gives you 7 tips you can start doing today to prepare for next year's VBS. From decor to prepping for advertising and next year's recruitment, this episode will save you time and energy, setting up next year's VBS for success. #VBS #answersvbs #kidminhuddle #kingdomwork #vbsisdiscipleship

Part of a kidmin leader's job is to equip parents to disciple. Are you using a resource station to help you do so? In this episode, you'll walk through the why of a resource station and how to set it up from location to look to the frequency of restocking. Amber will also walk you through how she stocked a first-time resource center. Make sure to check out these products mentioned in the episode:Episode 122 of The Kidmin Huddle - Training parents. The Family Cookbook DevotionalKidmin Planneramberpike.orgchurch.renewanation.org#intentionalchildrensministry #amberpike #familydiscipleship #renewanation

Over and over in the Bible, we see God's command to parents to pass on their faith. In this episode, Amber talks about the two modes of faith transformation: intentional and unintentional discipleship. How do we get faith to stick? Listen to practical tips on how you can encourage, equip and resource parents. Products mentioned in this episode:The Family Time Sticky Faith Event, available at: https://amberpike.org/shop and https://store.renewanation.org/.The Family Cookbook DevotionalIntentional Children's MinistryFamily Ministry

Sure kids love games. But we shouldn't have games in kidmin that don't have a purpose. Listen to 10 intentional lesson-teaching games you can incorporate. Love the intentionality? Make sure to check out Intentional Children's Ministry.