Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder
The Kids Ministry Calling Podcast is designed to inspire and equip kids ministry leaders in every season of their journey! Join us as we dive into heartfelt discussions, practical tips, and uplifting stories that remind you of the incredible calling God has placed on your life. Tune in to be reminded of your purpose, share in the joys and struggles of ministry, and find renewed strength in your calling. Together, we can remember to have joy in our calling!
Episodes
363 episodes
74. Every Kid Needs Someone: Building a Culture of Belonging with Mark Dance
Kids may remember the games, the lessons, and the events—but they'll never forget the people who made them feel like they belonged.In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling, Jana sits down with Mark Dance to talk about one...
73. Two Children's Books Every Kids Ministry Leader Should Own: Featuring Blaire Linne & Kyle Worley
The stories we place in a child's hands have the power to shape the truths they carry in their heart.In this special episode of Kids Ministry Calling, Jana spotlights two incredible children's authors whose books deserve ...
71. Dreaming Bigger About Preschool Ministry: Building a Foundation for Lifelong Faith with Todd Villemont & Renee Blaine
Some of the biggest moments in a child's faith journey begin long before they can read a Bible on their own.In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling, we're continuing our Summer Dreamin' series by dreaming about one of th...
70. Dreaming Ahead: Holiday Planning in Kids Ministry with Danielle Bell
The best holiday ministry moments don't happen in December—they begin with intentional planning long before the season arrives.In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling, we're continuing our Summer Dreamin' series by looki...
69. Raising Worshipers: Helping Kids Develop a Lifelong Heart for Worship with Kirk Kirkland
What if worship became more than just the singing portion of your kids ministry?In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling, Jana sits down with Kirk Kirkland, Director of Worship at Lifeway, to explore how churches can help...
68. Dreaming of a Stronger Partnership: How Senior Pastors and Kids Ministers Can Lead Together with Jay Hardwick & Melissa Whitworth
What could happen if your senior pastor and kids ministry leader were fully aligned around one mission?In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling, we're continuing our Summer Dreamin' series by dreaming about one of the mos...
67. 5 Ways to Keep the Gospel Centered in Kids Ministry with Aaron Wilson
The greatest gift we can give kids isn't a great program—it's a clear picture of Jesus.In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling, Jana sits down with Aaron Wilson, team leader for The Gospel Project at Lifeway, to t...
66. Dreaming Beyond Sunday: Equipping Parents for Everyday Discipleship with Tristan Meza
What if the greatest impact of your kids ministry didn't happen in your classrooms—but in your families' living rooms?In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling, we're continuing our Summer Dreamin' series with a conversati...
65. Start a Kids Ministry Podcast with Nikki Ogden and Donnie Gordon
What if one of the most effective tools for discipling families and encouraging volunteers is something you can create yourself?In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling, we're continuing our Summer Dreamin' series by expl...
64. Actionable Goals For Kids Ministry Leaders - Part 2 with Chuck Peters
Big ministry vision is exciting until you try to turn it into Tuesday’s to-do list. We sit down with Chuck Peters to get practical about goal setting for kids ministry leaders, especially when you’re planning for the next season and trying to b...
63. Goal Setting That Builds Real Spiritual Growth In Kids with Chuck Peters
You can run an excellent kids ministry and still aim at the wrong target. That sounds harsh, but it is also freeing because it means you do not need more activity, you need clearer purpose. In the first episode of our Summer Dreamin...
Summer Dreamin' - New Season Coming Up!
We're so excited about a new season of Kids Ministry Calling: Summer Dreamin'! Now full video podcast on Youtube! Check us out at the Lifeway Channel.
62. Kids Ministry Fun Starts With You: How to Create an Engaging & Joyful Ministry Culture with Stephanie Chase
Fun doesn’t just happen in kids ministry, it’s led.In this season finale of Kids Ministry Calling, Jana sits down with Stephanie Chase, Kids Minister at Champion Forest Baptist Church, for a high-energy and honest conversation a...
61. Teaching Kids to Worship with Miss PattyCake
In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling, Jana sits down with Miss PattyCake (Jean Thomason), a beloved leader in children’s ministry, to talk about helping kids connect with God through music, movement, and Scripture. Fr...
60. Midweek That Matters: Fun, Connection & Belonging in Kids Ministry with Kayla Fowlers and Jeremy Carroll
In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling, we explore practical ways to make midweek kids ministry both fun and meaningful. From creating a relaxed, engaging environment to balancing teaching with relationship-building, this conversation ...
59.Designing Fun: Creating Engaging Kids Ministry Spaces with Joey Kiker
Fun in kids ministry doesn’t happen by accident—it’s designed.In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling, Jana sits down with Joey Kiker, Lifeway’s Creative Director, to talk about how intentional design can transform the w...
58. Building a Thriving Volunteer Culture: Fun, Training & Mentorship with Crystal Mazzuca
What if the secret to a stronger kids ministry… is creating a volunteer culture people actually enjoy being part of?In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling, Jana sits down with Crystal Mazzuca to talk about how fun, connection,...
57. Church Highlight: Inside First Orlando Kids Ministry | Building Gospel-Centered Fun That Reaches Kids
In this special church highlight episode, we take a closer look at First Orlando Kids Ministry and the heart behind what makes it so impactful. Conversations from Metro reveal that kids ministry is both deeply intentional and joyfully en...
56. What Sounds Fun in Kids Ministry? Live from CPC
This episode features insights from kids ministry leaders at CPC Orlando, sharing innovative ways to keep children engaged and foster a fun, faith-filled environment. Topics include encouraging curiosity through questions, making ministry f...
55. Bringing Joy Back to Kids Ministry with Kelley Pekarek
In this episode of the Kids Ministry Calling Podcast, we sit down with longtime kids ministry leader Kelly Pekarek to talk about something every ministry leader needs more of....joy.With more than 21 years of experience ...
54. Engaging the Community with Creative Events with Steve Hample
Kids ministry has never been just about filling a room or filling time. It’s about building disciples—starting with the youngest hearts in our churches and extending outward to families and communities.In this conversation, Steve Hampel ...
53. VBS 2026: How to Plan a Gospel-Centered Vacation Bible School with Melita Thomas
VBS isn’t just a week on the calendar, it’s a gospel opportunity.In this episode, we dive into the heart behind this year’s VBS theme, Illumination Station, and explore how every activity, lesson, and moment is designed to help ki...
52.Making Large Group Fun with Isaac Kierstead
In this engaging conversation, Lifeway's Isaac Kirsted shares his journey in kids ministry, discussing the evolution of podcasting, his experiences at Lifeway, and the development of the Hi-Fi curriculum. He emphasizes the importance of...