Podcast Episodes

Small Church Kids Curriculum Guide

Episode 25

Our church has maybe thirty kids total on good days. Preschool through middle school, one room, budget that's basically my gas money, and volunteers who show up five minutes before service looking co…

Published on 2 weeks, 6 days ago

Engaging Bible Trivia Games for Kids

Episode 24

Tried regular Bible trivia once. Asked "Who was Moses' brother?" Dead silence. One kid raised his hand and said "Abraham?"

That's when I learned that Bible trivia for kids can't just be adult trivia w…

Published on 3 weeks ago

Useful Outreach: Beyond Free Hot Dogs

Episode 23

We spent $347 on hot dogs for our community cookout. Got the fancy ones, expensive bakery buns, checkered tablecloths like we were hosting a Norman Rockwell painting. Fourteen people showed up, most …

Published on 3 weeks, 1 day ago

Retaining Volunteers Long-Term: Building Valued Connections

Episode 22

Sarah comes up to me after service Sunday with that look - you know the one where someone's been chewing on something for weeks.

"I think I need to take a break."

My stomach drops. Sarah IS our 4th and…

Published on 3 weeks, 2 days ago

Simple Strategies for Multimedia Bible Teaching

Episode 21

Sunday morning I'm feeling pretty smug about my David and Goliath lesson. Got slides, perfect YouTube video, everything's ready to impress some seven-year-olds with my technological brilliance.

Walk i…

Published on 3 weeks, 3 days ago

Indoor Games for Energetic Kids on Rainy Days

Episode 20

Raining again this Sunday. Kids trapped inside bouncing off the walls like caffeinated pinballs while I stare at my ruined nature walk plans.

Had this whole outdoor thing planned - collecting leaves, …

Published on 3 weeks, 4 days ago

Kids' Ministry Outreach: Lessons Learned from Event Planning

Episode 19

Published on 3 weeks, 5 days ago

Training Volunteers When You're Clueless

Episode 18

Honestly don't know why anyone trusts me to train volunteers. Half the time I'm figuring it out as I go and praying nobody notices I'm completely winging it.

But I've stumbled across some stuff that a…

Published on 3 weeks, 6 days ago

Inventive Storytelling for Engaged Children's Ministry

Episode 17

My kids know Noah's ark by heart. Also David and Goliath. Asked what they wanted to hear for Sunday school and one kid goes "something where nobody dies and there's no animals."

Well then. Time to get…

Published on 4 weeks ago

Games for Small Spaces and Big Crowds

Episode 16

My living room is ten feet by twelve feet. When my sister brings her three kids plus my two, it's basically a human sardine can where you can't move without stepping on someone's feet or Legos or emo…

Published on 4 weeks, 1 day ago