Podcast
129 | The Building Blocks of a Fruitful Kids Minis
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 Podcas
128 | Equipping Families for Summer Discipleship
Summer's are busy, and things can get pushed to the side. In the final episode of the season, the guys discuss how to help families keep discipleship
127 | Incentives: Helpful or Harmful?
Should children's ministries use incentives, rewards, and prizes in ministry, or do they create the wrong motivation for spiritual growth? In this epi
126 | Rethinking Milestones
In this episode, Tim and Hunter discuss ministry milestones and encourage listeners to rethink their purpose. During the conversation, they share how
125 | Systems Matter: How Your Ministry Actually W
You can have great people and a solid structure, but without clear systems, everything can feel harder than it should. In this episode, the guys explo
124 | Who Leads What? Fixing Your Ministry Structu
When ministry feels confusing or overly dependent on one person, the issue may not be people... it may be structure. In this episode, the guys unpack
123 | Theology + Strategy + Practice
Description: In this episode, Ryan and Tim dicuss how your theology should dictate your strategy, and how both should ultimately decide your practice.
122 | Can A.I. Be Christian… and Should We Use It
Description: In this episode, Ryan and Hunter talk with Brandon Maddick (co-founder of Dominion.Chat) to discuss A.I. in ministry. Can A.I. be Christi
121 | Ministry Formats & Outcomes (Part 2)
Description: In part two on ministry formats and outcomes, Ryan and Tim discuss the the formats of church integrated worship, stations and rotations,
120 | Ministry Formats & Outcomes (Part 1)
Description: In part one of two on ministry formats and outcomes, Ryan and Tim discuss the the formats of large group/small group, Sunday School, and
119 | Teaching Your Kids to Share Their Faith
Description: In this episode, Hunter and Tim discuss how you can help your kids share their faith. They take a holistic approach by looking at sharing
118 | Improving Your Leadership (Part 2: Delegatio
Description: In part two of two on improving your leadership, Hunter and Tim discuss the last three areas that all leaders need to consistently grow:
117 | Improving Your Leadership (Part 1: Prayer &
Description: In part one of two on improving your leadership, Hunter and Tim discuss the first two areas that all leaders need to consistently work: p
116 | How to Care for Volunteers
Description: In this episode, Hunter and Tim share how they show care and appreciation for their volunteers. They also provide key principles and prac
115 | Recruiting and Training Volunteers (Part 2)
Description: In part two on recruiting and training volunteers, Hunter and Tim share how they onboard their volunteers and provide examples of how to
114 | Recruiting and Training Volunteers (Part 1)
Description: In part one of two on recruiting and training volunteers, Hunter and Tim share tips and stories to help leaders build their team and effe
113 | The Three C’s of Family Ministry
Description: In this episode, the guys walk through the three C's of Family Ministry. They explain what they are, why they're needed, and practical st
112 | Intentionally Structuring Your Kids Ministry
Description: In this episode, Tim and Hunter describe what they do in their kid's ministry hour and why they do it. Along the way, they drop tips for
111 | What is Intergenerational Ministry? (Part 2)
Description: In part two of this conversation on Intergenerational ministry, Tim and Hunter discuss practical ideas for fostering intergenerationality
110 | What is Intergenerational Ministry? (Part 1)
Description: In part one of two on Intergenerational ministry, Tim and Hunter discuss what Intergenerational ministry is, what it's not, its biblical
109 | Say Hello to Our New Co-Host!
Description: In this episode, we introduce our new co-host to the podcast! We talk about his ministry, and the important topic of hot chips. Connect
108 | 3 Spheres of Child Discipleship [with Tim Be
Description: In this episode, we return to the podcast discussing the three spheres of child discipleship with special guest, Tim Beilharz. He is the
107 | Building a Children’s Ministry from Scratch
Description: In this episode, Ryan and Hunter give a step-by-step process of building a children's ministry from scratch. Connect With Us! If you h
106 | “When Should I Switch Curriculum?”
Description: In this episode, Ryan and Hunter give advice on when a church needs to switch its children's ministry curriculum. Connect With Us! If
105 | Leaders Are Readers: Books to Help You Grow
Description: In this episode, Hunter and Sam discuss various books that have helped them in Kid's Ministry, leadership development, and more. Connec
104 | How to Be a Better Communicator
Description: In this episode, Sam and Hunter walk through Aristotles three principles of rhetoric and give tips on how to apply them in your communica
103 | How to Create a Kids’ Sermon Illustration
Description: In this episode, the guys share practical tips and creative ideas for crafting good illustrations for kids' sermons Connect With Us! If
102 | How to Start a Local Kidmin Meet Up
Description: In this episode, Ryan and Hunter discuss the why, what, and how of starting a local kidmin meet up. You'll learn best practices, potentia
101 | The Two Sides of Planning
Description: In this episode, Hunter and Sam discuss the two sides of planning in ministry and provide suggestions to help you in each. Connect Wit
100 | Flipping the Switch
Description: In their 100th episode, the guys look back in order to look forward. They discuss the switch that needs to flip for the future of kidmin
099 | How to Teach Kids Theology
Description: In this episode, the guys discuss what theology is, why it matters, and how to teach it to kids in faithful, age-appropriate ways. Res
098 | Christ, Narnia, and Santa Slapping Heretics
Description: In this episode replay, the guys discuss the doctrine of Christ and Santa's role in the Narnia books, along with a supposed knockout punc
097 | “Wait… How Simple?”
Description: In this episode, Hunter and Ryan answer a follow up question from last week's episode about simplifying ministry. Resources: Episode 48
096 | How to Simplify Everything
Description: In this episode, the guys discuss how to simplify 4 key areas of ministry. Resources: Episode 48: Simplifying Everything Connect With
095 | All Things Advent
Description: In this episode, Hunter and Sam discuss the importance of the advent season and recommend a variety of resources for you and the families
094 | Case Study: Activating Families [with Jean P
Description: In this episode, Hunter and Ryan talk with Jean Paul Molyneux about his exerience with activating families in his church for discipleship
093 | The Bible Tells Me So: How Scripture Shapes
Description: In this episode, the guys discuss how a ministry's view of Scripture impacts its direction and confidence. Resources: How to Teach Kids T
092 | How to Implement Catechisms into Every Spher
Description: In this episode, the guys give practical steps to implementing catechisms into various avenues of ministry. Connect With Us! If you hav
091 | Rethinking How You Teach the Bible
Description: In this episode, Sam and Hunter help listeners rethink their approach to teaching the Bible and provide three steps for improving biblica
090 | How to LAND Volunteers
"How do I effectively recruit and develop volunteers?" Many children's ministry leaders struggle with this question. In this popular episode, the guys
089 | 4 Stages of Next Gen Discipleship [with Nick
Description: In this episode, Hunter and Sam talk with Nick Judd about the grading scale he created for his children's ministry called the "4 Stages o
088 | How to Establish Strong Leadership
Description: In this episode, Ryan and Sam discuss how to establish strong leadership in children's ministry. Connect With Us! If you have any ques
087 | The State of Kidmin
Description: In this episode, Ryan and Hunter discuss the state of kidmin as it relates to programming, family discipleship, and more. Connect With
086 | Levels of Leadership: Opportunities and Chal
Description: In this episode, Ryan and Sam explore the beauties and challenges of leadership at different sizes and levels of ministry. Connect With
085 | You’re Doing It Wrong
Description: In this episode, Hunter and Ryan explore various aspects of children's ministry that you might be approaching incorrectly—or at least in
084 | Kidmin Wisdom (Part 2) [with Jim Wideman]
Description: In this episode, Sam and Hunter continue their conversation with Jim Wideman to discuss coaching and children's ministry tips. Resource
083 | Kidmin Wisdom (Part 1) [with Jim Wideman]
Description: In this episode, Sam and Hunter bring on good friend and coach, Jim Wideman, to discuss his top advice for children's ministry leaders.
082 | Why Not Both? Making Family Worship and Chil
Description: In this episode, Ryan and Hunter intervew Anne Eby about family worship and kids church. She is a wife, homeschool mom of three, and Kids
81: 081 | Policies & Procedures
Description: In this episode, the guys discuss the importance of clear policies and expectations. They walk through things to consider from the time f
80: 080 | Our DREAM Conference
Description: In this episode, the guys discuss what their DREAM conference would be like. Connect With Us! If you have any questions or suggestions
79: 079 | What Bible Should I Get for My Kids?
Description: In this episode, Sam and Hunter discuss kids Bibles, and which ones they suggest for different ages. Resources: Lift the Flap Bible The
78: 078 | Forming Faith (Part 2) [with Matt Markin
Description: In Part 2 of the Forming Faith series, Hunter and Sam speak with Awana Presiedent and CEO, Matt Markins, on the context of faith formatio
77: 077 | Forming Faith (Part 1)
Description: In this episode, Hunter interviews Sam Luce about his upcoming book and the comparison he makes between Mr. Rogers and Walt Disney's appr
76: 076 | Three Aspects of a Healthy Ministry
Description: In this episode, Sam and Hunter discuss the three aspects of a healthy ministry. Connect With Us! If you have any questions or suggesti
75: 075 | Stations & Rotations: The Cheat Code for
Description: In this episode, the guys discuss the benefits of the stations and rotations model, and how it can be implemented in any church, no matte
074 | Case Study: When to Quit
Description: In this episode, Ryan interviews Hunter on his recent decision to leave Awana and become a children's pastor at a local church. Resourc
073 | When to Quit (And When to Stay)
Description: In this episode, Sam and Ryan discuss the challenge of deciding when to continue or leave a ministry position. Connect With Us! If you
72: 072 | Children’s Ministry on a Small Budget
Description: In this episode, Sam and Hunter offer advice on running a children's ministry with a low (or non-existent) budget. Resources: Flying in
71: 071 | Flying in the SKY of Context
Description: In this episode, the guys help churches fly in the SKY of context by discussing what leaders need to consider to serve their community we
70: 070 | Standing on the SHORE of Volunteer Reten
Description: In this episode, Sam and Hunter help you stand on the SHORE of retention by discussing what volunteers need to stick around for the long
69: 069 | Inconsistent Families
Description: In this episode, the guys discuss how one's perspective on the church and structure of ministry can aid in ministering to families who at
68: 068 | Reaching New Families
Description: In this episode, the guys discuss different approaches to outreach and give examples of ways they've connected with new families in their
67: 067 | All Things Camp
Description: In this episode, Sam and Ryan discuss all things camp. They share what to look for in a camp, pros and cons, and more. Resources Life
66: 066 | Developing a Children’s Ministry Discipl
Description: In this episode, Sam and Hunter provide a framework and tips for developing a discipleship strategy for your children's ministry. Conn
65: 065 | All Things VBS
Description: In this episode, the guys discuss planning and promoting VBS. They also discuss hushpuppies - the food... not the shoes. Resources Sw
64: 064 | All Things Midweek
Description: What is midweek, and is it effective? In this episode, Hunter and Sam discuss the pros and cons of midweek ministry and how a church can
63: 063 | All Things Preschool
Description: How do preschoolers learn? What's the best way to teach them? How should a preschool ministry be structured? In this episode, Hunter and
62: 062 | 10 Kidmin Leaders You Should Know [with
Description: In this series, we interview 10 children's ministry leaders you need to know. In this episode, we interview Lori Buck. She is the Global
61: 061 | 10 Kidmin Leaders You Should Know [with
Description: In this series, we interview 10 children's ministry leaders you need to know. In this episode, we interview Courtney Wilson. She is the K
60: 060 | 10 Kidmin Leaders You Should Know [with
Description: In this series, we interview 10 children's ministry leaders you need to know. In this episode, we interview Josh Zello. He is the Directo
59: 059 | 10 Kidmin Leaders You Should Know [with
Description: In this series, we interview 10 children's ministry leaders you need to know. In this episode, we interview Dale Hudson. He is the Childr
58: 058 | 10 Kidmin Leaders You Should Know [with
Description: In this series, we interview 10 children's ministry leaders you need to know. In this episode, we interview Hanna Costello and Angela Ali
57: 057 | 10 Kidmin Leaders You Should Know [with
Description: In this series, we interview 10 children's ministry leaders you need to know. In this episode, we interview Zack Rickards. He is the lead
56: 056 | 10 Kidmin Leaders You Should Know [with
Description: In this series, we interview 10 children's ministry leaders you need to know. In this episode, we interview Joe Mally. He leads the kid's
55: 055 | 10 Kidmin Leaders You Should Know [with
Description: In this series, we interview 10 children's ministry leaders you need to know. In this episode, we interview Rebekah Jones. She is the Kid
54: 054 | 10 Kidmin Leaders You Should Know [with
Description: In this series, we interview 10 children's ministry leaders you need to know. In this episode, we interview Nick Judd. He is the kid's pa
53: 053 | 10 Kidmin Leaders You Should Know [with
Description: In this series, we interview 10 children's ministry leaders you need to know. In this episode, we interview Chris Ammen. He is the pastor
52: 052 | Kidmin Podcast Collaboration [with Tom B
Description: It's our One-Year Annivesary of the podcast! To celebrate, we hosted an epic collaboration episode with two other children's ministry pod
51: 051 | Level Up: Elevate Biblical Literacy
Description: How can you level up your kid's ministry? In the final part of this series, the guys discuss common misconceptions about biblical literac
50: 050 | Level Up: Optimize Volunteers
Description: How can you level up your kid's ministry? In part 3 of this series, the guys discuss two areas of ministry that will optimize your volunt
49: 049 | Level Up: Activate Families
Description: How can you level up your kid's ministry? In part 2 of this series, the guys discuss families and why activating them for discipleship ca
48: 048 | Level Up: Simplify Everything
Description: How can you level up your kid's ministry? In part 1 of this series, the guys discuss the power of simplifying everything and how it can c
47: 047 | UNPOPULAR OPINIONS: The Only New Year’s
Description: What do Shark Tank, Zip Strings, and Jonathan Edwards have to do with Kid's Ministry in the New Year? You'll have to listen to Sam's unpo
46: 046 | Christ, Narnia, and Santa Slapping Here
Description: In this episode, the guys discuss the doctrine of Christ and Santa's role in the Narnia books, along with a supposed knockout punch he de
45: 045 | The Bible Tells Me So: How Scripture Sh
Description: In this episode, the guys discuss how a ministry's view of Scripture impacts its direction and confidence. Resources: The Westminster Con
44: 044 | “You’re Not God” – How the Doctrine of G
Description: In this episode, Sam and Hunter discuss how our understanding of God changes the way we view ourselves and others. Connect With Us! If yo
43: 043 | Wow vs. Wonder: Why Creation Theology is
Description: In this episode, Ryan and Hunter discuss how the doctrine of Creation impacts children's ministry and helps cultivate a lasting wonder of
42: 042 | How to Be a Mentor to Others [with Jim W
Description: In part 2 of this conversation on mentorship, Jim Wideman shares what good mentors do and how you can be one to others. Connect With Us!
41: 041 | Why You Need a Mentor [with Jim Wideman]
Description: "Everybody does better with a coach." In this episode, Sam interviews veteran coach and mentor, Jim Wideman. In part one of this conversa
40: 040 | What Does Classical Education Have To Do
Description: In this episode, Ryan and Hunter discuss how principles from classical education can take your children's ministry to the next level. Co
39: 039 | Fruitful Kidmin: Planning Your Meetings
Description: For many, meetings are tedious, boring, and downright annoying. But they don't have to be! In this episode, the guys share tips for plann
38: 038 | Fruitful Kidmin: Planning Your First Yea
Description: Your first year of children's ministry can be hard. In this episode, the guys share 4 things you need to consider when planning your firs
37: 037 | Fruitful Kidmin: Planning Your Week
Description: There is so much to do every week in kid's ministry. How do you accomplish it all and do so fruitfully? In this episode, the guys provide
36: 036 | Curriculum: Understanding the Curriculum
Description: The number of curriculum options for kidmin leaders can be overwhelming. In this episode, Hunter and Ryan survey the curriculum landscape
35: 035 | UNPOPULAR OPINIONS: The MUST HAVE Event
Description: In this episode, Ryan shares his opinion about a children's ministry event, but Sam and Hunter are skeptical. Will Ryan be able to change
34: 034 | Firing Volunteers: ‘Cause Breaking Up Is
Description: In this episode, Ryan and Sam consider the challenges of firing difficult volunteers and discuss preventative measures that can be taken
33: 033 | Curriculum: How to select your next Kidm
Description : In this episode, Ryan interviews Sam to unpack the process his church pursued to select their new Kidmin curriculum. Resources: The Ul
032 | Contemporary Challenges in Children’s Minist
Description: "Who am I?" Everyone is seeking to answer this question, including kids. In this episode, the guys discuss identity, its modern challenge
031 | Contemporary Challenges in Children’s Minist
Description: The rapid advancement and power of technology can lead to various challenges in children's ministry. In this episode, the guys discuss so
030 | Classroom Management: How to Handle Disrupti
Description: When serving kids, disruptions are bound to happen, but how should they be handled? In this episode, Ryan and Hunter answer common questi
029 | The BEST Way to Teach Kids Is…
Description: What is the best way to teach kids? Should the goal be comprehension, attention, or retention? In this episode, Ryan and Hunter pick thei
028 | Children’s Ministry Environments: What Are T
Description: What role do the design and structure of your children's ministry space play in the discipleship of your kids? In this episode, the guys
027 | How NOT to Burn Bridges in Ministry
Description: Disagreements happen. There are moments when co-workers or fellow believers need to be confronted, but how do we do this well? How do we
026 | Ministry Events: How to Evaluate and Follow-
Description: Summer in children's ministry is usually a season of events. VBS. Camps. Block Parties. After all is said and done, how do you know if yo
025 | Check-In Systems: The Why, What, and How
Description: Whether you serve in a small or large church, having a check-in system is important. But with so many options and features to consider, h
024 | How to Effectively Train Children’s Ministry
Description: The best leaders are equipped leaders, but what should training look like? In this episode, the guys walk through 4 elements of training
023 | How to Share the Gospel with Kids
Description: Everything we do in children's ministry is done to proclaim the gospel and disciple children in its truth. But how? How do we share the g
022 | Catechisms: The Game Changer for Your Childr
Description: How can we teach our kids biblical truth in a way that is faithful and memorable? In this episode, the guys discuss catechisms and how th
021 | “I’m New to Children’s Ministry… Now What?”
Description: In this episode, the guys discuss what new children's ministry leaders need to know in their first year of ministry. Resources: • Kid
020 | Kidmin Seminary: History of Children’s Minis
Description: Welcome to the Kidmin Seminary! In this class, friend and kidmin legend Jim Wideman comes on the show to share a history of kid's ministr
019 | Kidmin Seminary: Leadership [with Lauren Jac
Description: Welcome to the Kidmin Seminary! In this class, Lauren Jackson comes on the show to discuss the key characteristics needed to lead well in
018 | Kidmin Seminary: Child Development [with Eli
Description: Welcome to the Kidmin Seminary! In this class, Elizabeth Smith comes on the show to discuss child development and its impacts on how we r
017 | Kidmin Seminary: Cultural Studies [with Jani
Description: Welcome to the Kidmin Seminary! In this class, Janine McNally comes on the show to discuss Generation Alpha and how ministry leaders can
016 | Kidmin Seminary: Theology 101 [with Phylicia
Description: Welcome to the Kidmin Seminary! In this class, Phylicia Masonheimer comes on the show to discuss what theology is and how children's mini
015 | Kidmin Seminary: What If?
Description: What would a seminary for children's ministry leaders look like? What classes would be offered? Who would teach them? In this episode, th
014 | How to Write a Book [Special Guest: Champ Th
Description: Have you ever wanted to write a book but didn't know where to start? In this episode, the guys talk with Champ Thornton (author and Acqui
013 | Comparing Children’s Ministry Conferences
Description: In this episode, Sam and Hunter evaluate different children's ministry conferences, giving the pros and cons of each one. They also discu
012 | Comparing Children’s Ministry Models (Part 2
Description: In part two of this two-part series, the guys continue evaluating different children's ministry models, giving the pros and cons of each
011 | Comparing Children’s Ministry Models (Part 1
Description: In part one of this two-part series, the guys evaluate five different children's ministry models, giving the pros and cons of each one.
010 | The Kidmin Sandbox: Developing and Assessing
Description: In this episode, the guys discuss the need for a well-defined ministry philosophy along with practical steps to develop and assess yours
009 | Swimming in the WAATR of Delegation
Episode Description Developing leaders within a Children's ministry requires thoughtful delegation. In this episode, the guys walk through a process c
008 | How to Talk to Kids about Sorrow and Death [
Episode Description: When tragedy strikes, knowing what to say to kids can be hard. In this episode, the guys have a powerful conversation with specia
007 | How to LAND Volunteers
Episode Description "How do I effectively recruit and develop volunteers?" Many children's ministry leaders struggle with this question. In this episo
006 | How to Teach the Bible to Kids
Description: How do you prepare a Bible lesson or sermon for kids? In this episode, the guys provide principles and tips for teaching the Bible to kid
005 | The Importance of Biblical Literacy in Child
Description: In this episode, the guys discuss the importance of biblical literacy and provide practical ideas for increasing the biblical literacy of
004 | Equipping Families to Faithfully Disciple Th
Episode Description: In this episode, the guys discuss how Children's ministry leaders can equip parents for family discipleship. Resources: Cross
003 | Leading Up: How to Lead Those Who Lead You
Episode Description As a Children's ministry leader, God has called you to lead your ministry faithfully. This calling not only includes leading the v
002 | Beyond Microwave Methods: How to Evaluate Yo
"If we want crockpot results in our children's ministries, then we need to move beyond microwave methods. In this episode, the guys provide helpful ti
001 | Why are They Leaving When They Grow Up?
For the past decade, Barna and Lifeway research has shown that 2/3 of kids who attend church regularly end up leaving the church after they graduate h
000 | Who are These Guys??
So... Who are these guys? In this episode, you'll get to know the show hosts and why they're still passionate about raising the next generation of lif
COMING SOON | The Cross Formed Kidmin Podcast
Welcome to the Cross Formed Kidmin podcast. A weekly children's ministry podcast made for kidmin pastors, leaders, and volunteers. The first episode
New Episodes Coming Soon!
Mark your calendars! New episodes of the Cross Formed Kidmin podcast are coming, starting January 6, 2026!