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
311 episodes
24. What I Wish My Senior Pastor Knew with Ben Mandrell
Every year, children’s pastors from across the country gather for the Children’s Pastors Conference—a time to grow, connect, and be reminded of the incredible calling to reach the next generation. This year, our producer Nikki Ogden walked the ...
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33:03
23. Teaching Kids Theology: Mary Wiley on Helping Children Know God Deeply
What if teaching theology to children wasn’t as intimidating as it sounds? What if, instead, it was one of the most natural and essential parts of shaping a child’s faith? In this episode, Mary Wiley joins us to unpack the idea that theology is...
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49:50
22. Parenting and Grandparenting with a Generational Vision with Janie Ortlund
What does it mean to leave a lasting spiritual legacy? In a world filled with challenges and distractions, how can parents and grandparents intentionally invest in the faith of the next generation? In this powerful episode, we’re joined by Jani...
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27:55
21. Old Space, New Perspective with Lynley Mandrell
Have you ever walked into a church space and immediately felt overwhelmed? The environments we create for kids and families can make a powerful first impression, and they play a big role in how people experience church. In this episode, we welc...
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37:56
20. Making Bible Truths Stick with Joel Evrist
How do we take deep, biblical truths and make them come alive for kids in a way that sticks? In this episode, Jana Magruder tackles this topic with Joel Evrist, a passionate kids ministry leader who knows how to bring God’s Word to life through...
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40:30
19. Teaching Scripture Through Music and Worship with Ellie Holcomb
What if the songs we sing and the stories we tell could plant seeds of faith that last a lifetime? In this episode, we’re joined by the incredibly gifted Ellie Holcomb—singer, songwriter, author, and passionate advocate for nurturing children’s...
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40:14
18. Choosing the Right Bible for Kids of All Ages with Mary Wiley
Have you ever wondered if the Bible you’re handing to a child is the right fit for them? As kids grow and develop, so do their needs when it comes to engaging with God’s Word. In this episode, we’re joined by Mary Wiley for an eye-o...
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38:34
17. Fun with Bible Skills with Emily Jennings
One of the greatest gifts we can give children is a deep love for God’s Word. But how do we help them not just hear Bible stories, but truly engage with Scripture and develop lasting Bible skills? In this episode, we’re joined by Emily Jennings...
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44:01
16. 6 Tips for Recruiting the Best Volunteers for VBS
Many churches hesitate to host VBS because they feel they don’t have enough volunteers. But what if we told you that this shouldn't be the obstacle stopping you? What if we told you we have strategies that can help you engage your church and bu...
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38:42
15. 3 Ways to Flip Your VBS to Reach the Next Generation
How can your VBS reach and engage the next generations effectively? What strategies will help you create a welcoming environment that connects with both Gen Z and Gen Alpha? In this episode, we explore how to plan for VBS 2025 using the FLIP st...
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41:14
14. 5 Questions To Ask Before Ordering VBS Materials
Are you ready to take your VBS planning to the next level? What questions should you ask before ordering your materials to ensure a successful and stress-free event? In this episode, Melita Thomas reveals the key considerations for selecting th...
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39:30
13: Distinctives To Consider When Choosing A VBS
What makes a Vacation Bible School truly impactful? Is it the theme, the activities, or something deeper? Join us as we uncover the distinctives that take VBS from just an event to a life-changing ministry for kids, families, and your entire ch...
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36:26
12. Happy New Year!
Happy New Year friends!! As we enter this fresh season, we want to take a moment to reflect on all that we've accomplished in the previous season and look ahead to the exciting opportunities in the season to come!Last season, we had the ...
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6:08
11. You Asked - We Answered! Q&A from ETCH Conference
It’s a Wrap on an Incredible Season! Join us for an exciting and heartfelt finale to this season of Kids Ministry Calling Podcast! In this special Q&A episode, we’re diving into YOUR questions straight from the floor of t...
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39:12
10. All the Hats of Ministry with Lynley Mandrell and Nikki Ogden
Ever feel like you’re juggling a dozen roles at once in kids ministry? Whether you’re organizing holiday programs, managing volunteers, or supporting families in need, the demands can feel endless! In this episode, Jana Magruder, N...
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33:34
9. The Leadership Hat with Stephanie Chase
Live from the ETCH Conference, join us for an exciting conversation with Jana Magruder and Stephanie Chase, Kids Minister at Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, Texas!This season, we’ve been diving into all the different “hats” of...
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23:57
8. The Administrative Hat with John Murchinson
In this engaging conversation, John Murchison shares insights on the importance of administration in children's ministry, discussing how his background in engineering has equipped him with problem-solving skills that are invaluable in ministry....
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36:50
7. The Event Planner Hat with Bill Emeott
Didn't realize you would be a certified event planner when you entered Kids Ministry? We're here for you! In this conversation, Bill Emeott dives into his wealth of experience in children’s ministry, zeroing in on the essentials of impa...
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48:04
6. The Coaching Hat with Heidi Hensley
Ever wondered what it takes to build a thriving kids ministry team?" In this episode, Heidi Hensley shares her insights on the vital roles that shape a successful ministry, with a special emphasis on the coaching element. From purposeful recrui...
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43:10
5. The Counselor Hat with Sam Luce
Stepping into the role of a counselor can feel intimidating, but wearing this hat can be so crucial for creating lasting spiritual impact on the families we serve. On today's show we're putting on the "counselor hat" and tackling one of the mos...
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48:55
4. The Evangelist Hat with Danielle Bell
In this insightful episode, we dive into the vital role of evangelism in children's ministry with special guest Danielle Bell. Together, Jana and Danielle explore how to keep the gospel at the heart of kids' ministry, emphasizing the power of f...
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30:50
3. The Teaching Hat with Kevin Jones
Whether you're wrangling toddlers or leading preteens, wearing the teaching hat is one of the most important (and sometimes most challenging) parts of the ministry. In this episode, Kevin Jones and Jana Magruder are putting on their "teaching h...
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22:59
2. The Creative Hat with Jeff and Abby Land
Whether you're crafting a Bible lesson, planning a fun event, or simply looking for ways to engage young hearts, creativity is your secret weapon in kids ministry!Jeff and Abby Land join us on the show today to explore practical ways to ...
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34:34
1. What Is a Calling and Why Is It Necessary?
Hey friends, welcome to a brand new podcast, Kids Ministry Calling! In the busyness of leading kids ministry, it’s easy to get caught up in the details and lose sight of the bigger picture. But today, your host Jana Magruder and producer Nikki ...
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Season 1
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Episode 1
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28:47
Introducing Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder
Are you feeling over-worked, over-looked, or thinking about leaving ministry? Do you love working with kids and families, but find yourself questioning longevity? When is the last time you recalled your calling to ministry? When's the last time...
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4:25