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Kids Ministry Burnout: How to Stay Called Without Running on Empty | Building Thriving Kids Ministry (Part 5 of 5)

Burnout in kids ministry is real. Many leaders only last a few years before the weight of it all becomes too much. So how do you stay in ministry for the long haul without running on empty? In this final episode of Building Thriving Kids Ministry, Jo Hobbis sits down with Hannah Aske from TenFour Ministries [https://tenfourministries.co.uk/] to talk honestly about burnout, calling, and what it really takes to keep going in children’s ministry. Hannah shares openly about the seasons when she felt like quitting (including a time when she was so exhausted she was crying most weeks). But she also shares the lessons God has taught her along the way about rest, community, and remembering why you started in the first place. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, stretched too thin, or wondered how long you can keep doing this work, this conversation will help you breathe again. In this episode you’ll discover: * Why knowing your God-given “why” is essential for staying in kids ministry * The difference between physical rest and spiritual rest (and why both matter) * How trying to carry everything yourself leads to burnout * Why planned retreat days and time with God aren’t luxuries, they’re essential * How mentors, friends, and accountability can sustain you in ministry * The freeing truth that God cares more about your heart than your productivity Hannah also shares the powerful reminder that we can’t pour into children and families if we’re running on empty ourselves. Before we lead others, we need to be filled. If you’re a kids ministry leader who wants to build something that lasts, this episode is for you. Support the show [https://buymeacoffee.com/hopecake] Never miss an episode - follow Hope Cake on socials @hopecakepod

Trailer

What does it take to help the next generation discover the hope of Jesus? Hope Cake is a podcast for Jesus-followers with kids in their lives — parents, children’s ministry leaders, volunteers, and anyone who cares about faith in the next generation. Hosted by Jo Hobbis, mum and volunteer kids’ ministry leader, the podcast brings you warm, honest conversations with leading voices in children’s ministry. Together we explore how to help children know Jesus, grow in faith, and experience the hope of the gospel. Pull up a chair — you’re invited. Follow Hope Cake so you don’t miss upcoming conversations, because just like cake, hope is always better when it’s shared. Support the show [https://buymeacoffee.com/hopecake] Never miss an episode - follow Hope Cake on socials @hopecakepod

Why Kids Ministry Leaders Burn Out (And How to Find Joy Again) | Building Thriving Kids Ministry (Part 4 of 5)

Children’s ministry can be joyful, creative, and deeply meaningful… but it can also be exhausting. In this honest conversation, Jo Hobbis sits down with Hannah Aske from TenFour Ministries [https://tenfourministries.co.uk/] to talk about the challenges many kids ministry leaders face but don’t always say out loud. Why do so many children’s pastors burn out after just a few years? Why can ministry feel harder than people expect? And how do you keep your joy when the pressure, expectations, and volunteer shortages start piling up? Jo and Hannah unpack the hidden realities of kids ministry — from the blurred lines between calling and job, to the struggle of measuring spiritual impact, to the constant challenge of recruiting and supporting volunteers. Along the way, you’ll discover practical strategies, surprising mindset shifts, and encouragement for anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed in ministry. In this episode you’ll discover: *  Why many kids ministry leaders burn out after just a few years  *  The hidden pressures that make children’s ministry harder than it looks  *  Why spiritual growth in kids is so hard to measure (and why that’s okay)  *  Practical ways to recruit and encourage volunteers  *  A mindset shift that helps leaders rediscover joy in their calling If you’ve ever wondered "Am I the only one finding this hard?” this episode will remind you that you’re not alone and help you rediscover the joy of your calling. You’ll come away feeling seen, encouraged, and better equipped to lead kids and families with hope. Support the show [https://buymeacoffee.com/hopecake] Never miss an episode - follow Hope Cake on socials @hopecakepod

Reaching Children & Families Today | Building Thriving Kids Ministry (Part 3 of 5)

Many churches long to see children and families come to faith — but what happens when they’re simply not walking through the doors on Sunday? In this episode, Jo Hobbis talks with Hannah Aske from TenFour Ministries [https://tenfourministries.co.uk/] about why outreach to children and families matters more than ever — and why it doesn’t have to be complicated, expensive, or intimidating. Hannah shares powerful stories from working with children in schools and communities, revealing the deep need many children carry today — from anxiety to isolation — and why the church must be present where they are. Together they explore: *  Why outreach is central to the Great Commission  *  The fears that often hold churches back from starting  *  How simple midweek kids’ clubs can reach families in your community  *  Why confidence (in ourselves and in God) is often the biggest barrier  *  How to create pathways from community activities to the gospel  Hannah also shares practical insights from launching outreach ministries, working with schools, and helping churches discover what they can do — even with limited people, budget, or time. If you're a church leader, children's worker, or volunteer wondering how to connect with families beyond Sunday, this conversation will inspire you to take the first step. Because reaching the next generation often begins with a simple decision: Go where they are. Support the show [https://buymeacoffee.com/hopecake] Never miss an episode - follow Hope Cake on socials @hopecakepod

Why The Church Must Change | Building Thriving Kids Ministry (Part 2 of 5)

What if the biggest barrier to thriving kids ministry… is church culture? In this episode of Building Thriving Kids Ministry, Jo Hobbis continues the conversation with Hannah Aske, founder of TenFour Ministries [https://tenfourministries.co.uk/], about why the Church may need to rethink how it sees children. Many churches say children matter. But do our priorities, structures, and attitudes actually reflect that? Hannah shares what she’s learned from working with churches across the UK—why kids ministry is often undervalued, the cultural shifts needed for it to thrive, and how leaders can begin creating churches where children are genuinely welcomed, discipled, and celebrated. If you care about the future of the Church, this conversation might challenge the way you think about children’s ministry. Because thriving kids ministry isn’t just about better programmes. It’s about a culture that believes children truly belong. Support the show [https://buymeacoffee.com/hopecake] Never miss an episode - follow Hope Cake on socials @hopecakepod