Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder

We’re thrilled to be in our brand-new series, Milestones, a month-long journey designed to help ministry leaders and parents celebrate and support the spiritual milestones that shape a child’s faith journey. In this second episode, we’re diving into one of the most foundational stages: the preschool years. Join preschool ministry experts Delanee and Kimba as they unpack the key transitions that happen in early childhood—moving from nursery to preschool, and eventually to “big church.” Through engaging stories and practical advice, they remind us that spiritual growth is just as essential as physical and emotional development. Whether you’re a kids ministry leader or a parent, this conversation will help you walk alongside families with intentionality and grace during these early, formative years.  If this episode encouraged you or gave you practical next steps for your ministry or parenting, we’d love for you to rate and review the show. Your feedback helps others discover the podcast and join in the journey. And be sure to share this episode with fellow leaders, volunteers, or parents who are navigating the preschool season. SHOW LINKS: Ages and Stages [https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/ages-and-stages-a-discipleship-framework-for-church-and-home-birth-to-high-school-pkg-10-P005827406] Levels of Biblical Learning  [https://www.lifeway.com/en/articles/what-are-the-levels-of-biblical-learning] Bible Studies for Life [https://www.lifeway.com/en/shop/bible-studies-for-life?cmpid=pm:ggl:220919|both|na|ongoing|bsfl|10433797149|ongoing_bible_studies_ppc:lerma_bible_studies_for_life:bible%20studies%20for%20life&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22011149895&gbraid=0AAAAADG5DeusOYURKwhrTybj8V6H-NTeI&gclid=CjwKCAjwr5_CBhBlEiwAzfwYuLp6FLwq165iZgLw5TfPloBhpGsUXsUrjvPalnpvT89mWk943ehemxoCyAsQAvD_BwE] Flip the Script [https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/flip-the-script-P005842461] Bible Skills for Kids [https://www.lifeway.com/en/product-family/bible-skills-for-kids] Connect with Lifeway Kids [https://kidsministry.lifeway.com/] Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback! [https://www.speakpipe.com/KidsMinistryCalling]

Hey friends! We’re kicking off a brand-new season with something truly special: the Milestone Series for this summer! Over the next few months, we’ll dive into some of the most significant moments in a child’s spiritual journey and how the church can walk alongside families every step of the way. In this first episode, we’re starting where it all begins—preschool ministry and parent-child dedication. In this kickoff episode of the Milestone Series, the we'll dive into the powerful ministry of preschool years and the importance of parent-child dedications in the life of the church. Kimba Campbell and Delanee Williams unpack the heart behind these special moments, offering practical tips on how to structure dedication ceremonies, prepare parents, and follow up in meaningful ways. With heartfelt personal stories and ministry insights, this episode highlights how the church can create lasting impact by coming alongside families from the very start of their faith journey. It’s a conversation full of wisdom, encouragement, and a reminder that even the earliest years in a child’s life matter deeply in God’s bigger story. If this episode encouraged you or gave you fresh ideas for your ministry, would you take a moment to rate and review the podcast? Your support helps others discover the show and grow in their own ministry journeys. And be sure to share this episode with a friend or teammate in children’s ministry—especially someone preparing for parent-child dedications. We can’t wait to walk through these milestones together this summer. Let’s keep leading with purpose and pointing families to Jesus! SHOW LINKS: Ages and Stages [https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/ages-and-stages-a-discipleship-framework-for-church-and-home-birth-to-high-school-pkg-10-P005827406] Levels of Biblical Learning  [https://www.lifeway.com/en/articles/what-are-the-levels-of-biblical-learning] Bible Studies for Life [https://www.lifeway.com/en/shop/bible-studies-for-life?cmpid=pm:ggl:220919|both|na|ongoing|bsfl|10433797149|ongoing_bible_studies_ppc:lerma_bible_studies_for_life:bible%20studies%20for%20life&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22011149895&gbraid=0AAAAADG5DeusOYURKwhrTybj8V6H-NTeI&gclid=CjwKCAjwr5_CBhBlEiwAzfwYuLp6FLwq165iZgLw5TfPloBhpGsUXsUrjvPalnpvT89mWk943ehemxoCyAsQAvD_BwE] Connect with Lifeway Kids [https://kidsministry.lifeway.com/] Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback! [https://www.speakpipe.com/KidsMinistryCalling]

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 halls with one question in mind: “What’s the one thing you wish your senior pastor knew about your ministry?” The answers were honest, heartfelt, and deeply insightful.  In this episode, we’re joined by Ben Mandrell, president and CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources—and a former senior pastor himself—to explore that very question from the other side of the conversation. Ben offers a powerful perspective on how senior leaders can champion children’s ministry in meaningful ways, showing up with presence, purpose, and passion. If you’ve ever longed for stronger support from your church leadership—or wondered how to build that bridge—this episode is for you. If this episode encouraged you or gave you a new perspective on the role of leadership in kids ministry, we’d love for you to take a moment to rate and review the podcast. Your feedback helps us reach more ministry leaders and make a greater impact. And don’t forget to share this episode with your pastor, leadership team, or anyone passionate about seeing children’s ministry thrive. Thanks for listening—and keep showing up for the next generation with purpose and heart. SHOW LINKS: Connect with Lifeway Kids [https://kidsministry.lifeway.com/] Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback! [https://www.speakpipe.com/KidsMinistryCalling]

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 simply learning about God—and that kids are not only capable of learning it, but eager to! With warmth and wisdom, Mary shares how parents and ministry leaders can make big truths about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and the church both accessible and engaging for young hearts.  In this episode, Mary Wiley dives into the heart of why teaching theology to children matters deeply. She reminds us that theology is simply learning about who God is—and that every child deserves to know Him personally and deeply. Mary offers practical tools, insights, and encouragement for both parents and ministry leaders as they teach kids about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and the church. With a focus on making theology engaging and understandable, she shows how we can help children build a strong foundation of faith that lasts.  This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about helping the next generation grow in their understanding of and love for God. If this episode gave you fresh ideas or encouraged you in your role as a parent or leader, we’d love for you to take a moment to rate and review the podcast—it helps us reach even more people who are passionate about discipling the next generation. And don’t forget to share this episode with a friend, ministry partner, or fellow parent who’s walking the same journey. Let’s keep growing together as we teach kids the beautiful truths about who God is! SHOW LINKS: Everyday Theology [https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/everyday-theology-bible-study-book-P005820373] Ages and Stages [https://www.lifeway.com/en/special-emphasis/levels-of-biblical-learning] Big Picture Questions and Answers [https://www.lifeway.com/en/special-emphasis/big-picture-questions-and-answers] Bible Skills for Kids [https://www.lifeway.com/en/product-family/bible-skills-for-kids?vid=bibleskillsforkids%3F] Our Highest Good [https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/our-highest-good-P005846453] Discovering the Bible [https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/discovering-the-bible-P005846539] Connect with Lifeway Kids [https://kidsministry.lifeway.com/] Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback! [https://www.speakpipe.com/KidsMinistryCalling]

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 Janie Ortlund, an author and passionate advocate for generational faith.  Drawing from her book To the Tenth Generation, Janie shares her heart for passing down faith through practical traditions, intentional parenting, and a deep reliance on God’s promises. She reminds us that it’s never too late to influence our children and grandchildren for Christ, no matter what stage of life we’re in. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or ministry leader, this conversation will inspire you to think about your spiritual legacy and how to build a foundation of faith that endures for generations to come. We’re so grateful you joined us and would love for you to share this episode with parents, grandparents, or anyone who desires to pass down their faith to future generations. Thanks for listening, and keep building a legacy of faith that will impact generations to come! SHOW LINKS:  To the Tenth Generation [https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/to-the-tenth-generation-P005846519?cmpid=pm:ggl:241120%7Cacq%7Cna%7Cbooks%7Cto_the_tenth_generation%7Cna%7Cpaid_search:na:na&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwtdi_BhACEiwA97y8BDLmzbD-sBy5GIHUCzh2c-7kGtOazjJlOzaSbCM6rx-VwFNzaSuSORoCAcMQAvD_BwE] Connect with Janie Ortlund [https://renewalministries.com/] Connect with Lifeway Kids [https://kidsministry.lifeway.com/] Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback! [https://www.speakpipe.com/KidsMinistryCalling]