Kids Ministry Collective

In this episode of the KMC Collective Podcast, Tom, Cole, Vicki, and Ben continue their “Called or Confused” conversation, responding to a listener's question about whether being “called to ministry” applies only to pastors. They emphasize that every follower of Jesus shares the same calling to follow Christ, love God and others, and make disciples through the Great Commission, regardless of job or title. The team distinguishes calling from spiritual gifting and vocation, warning against overthinking calling, equating identity with a ministry role, or letting labels and titles define worth. Ben shares his burnout and transition out of church work into pest control and YouTube, describing how rediscovering identity as God’s child restored clarity and freedom. They encourage leaders to remain faithful, stay open-handed, and keep calling from twisting under cultural pressure.  

Have you ever confused your calling with your job title? You're not the only one — and it may be doing more damage than you think. In this heartfelt and eye-opening episode, Tom, Cole, and Vicki sit down to tackle one of the most important — and most overlooked — conversations in ministry leadership: understanding the difference between your calling, your identity, and your vocation. With raw personal stories, honest laughs, and practical wisdom from a combined decades of kids ministry experience, this conversation is for every ministry leader who has ever felt confused, burned out, or blindsided — and wondered what it all means for their future in ministry. What we dig into: The real reason so many kids pastors and ministry leaders are walking away How blurring the lines between calling, identity, and vocation can quietly destroy you What it actually means to be called — and why it's simpler than you might think How to get grounded in who God says you are, not just what you do Why your calling is b

Sharing the gospel with kids sounds simple, but one wrong word can create confusion that lasts for years. In this episode, Tom, Cole, Ben, and Vicki tackle the tough questions: Are you using too many Christian terms? Is your "hand raise" invitation actually clear? And what happens after kids say yes? These children's ministry leaders dig into why clarity matters, how to avoid confusing language like "ask Jesus into your heart," and why following up is just as important as the initial invitation. You'll hear real stories from Easter egg hunts and church camps where kids didn't actually understand what they were committing to—and practical strategies to prevent it. Whether you're presenting the gospel at a big event or every Sunday, this conversation will challenge how you share Jesus with the next generation. Discover why consistency, clear language, and discipleship are the keys to helping kids truly understand and remember the gospel. Join the conversation in the KMC Collective Facebook group and share your

Do you ever feel like you’re one tiny package of Goldfish away from a meltdown? You aren't alone. This week on the Kids Ministry Collective, Tom, Cole, and Vicki are getting real about the things they are officially "over" in children’s ministry. From the frustration of being labeled "childcare" instead of a discipleship powerhouse, to the struggle of managing drop-off chaos, the team vents so you don't have to. But we aren’t just complaining—we’re finding the "positive spin" and leading with vision. Tune in for a rapid-fire episode filled with laughs, relatable rants, and practical shifts to help you move from babysitting to true ministry. Want a SAFE place to talk things through? Set up a 30 minute Conversation with a KMC Coach! Want to learn more about the Kids Ministry Collective one of the Original Places for Childrens Ministry Leaders!

  In this weeks Kids Ministry Collective Podcast, Our conversation asked the question: What if the biggest threat to your child's faith isn't what you think? Matt Markins, CEO of Awana, sits down with Tom and Ben to expose the counterfeit narratives quietly shaping kids' identities—often before they even turn 13. From screens to peers to well-meaning but watered-down Bible teaching, kids are absorbing stories that compete with the gospel every single day. In this conversation, Matt reveals his own battle with false narratives from childhood trauma, unpacks why "Bible light" moralism backfires, and shares practical tools to anchor children in the true story of Scripture: creation, fall, redemption, and restoration. If you're a parent, pastor, or ministry leader who wants to equip kids to stand firm in a culture of confusion, this episode is a must-listen. Mentioned on Episode:  Child Discipleship Forum BRITE Curriculum Kids Ministry Collective THE PLACE FOR KIDMIN!

Every children's ministry leader — whether brand new or battle-tested — wrestles with the same thing: building a healthy volunteer team. In this episode, Tom, Cole, Ben, and Vicki tackle real questions from real leaders about structuring teams for single and multi-service churches, the "serve one, attend one" philosophy, why giving your team scheduled breaks actually prevents burnout and grows your roster, how to gracefully release a volunteer who isn't the right fit (with raw, real stories from their own ministries), and what to do when a volunteer wants to throw out your curriculum and go rogue on a Sunday morning. If you've ever thought, "I'll never have enough volunteers" or "I'm afraid to give my team a break because they won't come back" — This episode will change how you lead. Book a free Clarity Call at kmccoach.net and join the conversation in the KMC Facebook Group. To learn about the Kids Ministry Collective Click HERE

In this powerful episode of the Kids Ministry Collective Podcast, our panel tackles a challenging situation many children's ministry leaders face: operating with severely restricted budgets and canceled events. Join hosts Tom, Cole, Ben, and Vicki as they share practical wisdom for thriving in ministry when traditional programming isn't an option. Key Discussion Points: How to reframe budget cuts as opportunities for innovation Creative alternatives to traditional VBS and holiday events Building community without big programming Leveraging existing resources and volunteer talents Ways to maximize Sunday morning impact Strategies for neighborhood-based ministry Practical Solutions Discussed: Popup neighborhood events Interest-based connection clubs Community partnerships Prayer-focused initiatives Family engagement strategies No-cost fellowship opportunities Want Help? Go To kidsministrycollective.com and you can find Coaching, Community, Resources and More!!!

What does a real "win" look like for your Easter outreach? In this episode of The KMC Collective Podcast, Tom, Cole, Ben, and Vicki discuss how children's ministry leaders can plan Easter with the end in mind—focusing on lasting discipleship rather than just attendance numbers or egg hunts. Discover how to define success for both church families and first-time visitors, equip parents with tools to talk about the meaning of Easter at home, and create a welcoming environment that invites families to return. Plus, learn how to avoid the dreaded post-Easter "letdown" by keeping your ministry energy consistent and planning an intentional comeback weekend. Packed with practical follow-up ideas—from postcards with discussion questions to texting families before the next service—this episode will help you turn one Sunday into a launchpad for year-round family engagement. In this episode, you'll learn: How to define what a "win" looks like for Easter outreach Strategies to help church families discuss Easter's meanin

Join The KMC Collective Team as they invite David Rausch from Go! Curriculum to the virtual table. This week's conversation is all about what children's ministry leaders can do to help children and parents deepen their faith with Jesus.  Many Kidmin leaders struggle with how to use Sundays to effectively disciple children, and David shares from his new book, "Feeding Faith, A Children's Ministry Recipe for Rescuing a Lost Generation.   You don't want to miss this conversation! Want to get Davids Book? Find it HERE Check out GO! Curriculum  Want to get some help with your discipleship strategy? Schedule a 30-Minute Clarity Call with a KMCCoach!

In this episode of the KMC Collective Podcast, the KMC team, including Tom, Cole, Ben, and Vicky, shares practical insights and strategies for engaging children in worship. They discuss the challenges of getting children, especially fourth and fifth-graders, to participate in worship and explore various methods, such as live lyric videos, interactive stations, and incorporating different music styles and age groups in worship leadership. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the culture and community of your ministry, the significance of explaining the 'why' behind worship to children, and the value of variety in worship practices to maintain engagement. Tune in to discover actionable tips and resources that can transform your children's ministry worship experience. Need Help? Set up your 30-Minute Clarity call with a KMC Coach Want a deeper community to learn from, grow with and be pushed forward? Join the Kidminplus.net leadership community. 

Should I use teens in children's ministry? Can't they be big distractions or unreliable?  Join Tom, Cole, Vickie, and Ben, the KMC Coaches, as they have this week's conversation about the ins and outs of utilizing teens in kidmin.  Sometimes leaders just don't know where to start or even why they should, so take a listen to this week's episode and see how each of us has benefited from having students in our kids' ministries.  Want some help? Set up a free 30-minute clarity call with one of the coaches - kmccoach.net Want some community where you can be pushed forward to grow? Join Kidminplus.net

Are you drowning in kids ministry ideas, resources, and expectations—and not sure what to actually say “yes” to? In this episode of the KMC Collective Podcast, Tom, Cole, and Ben talk honestly about moving from overwhelmed to focused by sorting “good stuff” from “God stuff” in children’s ministry. Fresh off the Children’s Pastors Conference and its jam‑packed resource rooms, they unpack: How to handle conference overload and come home with a clear plan A simple filter for deciding which ideas, tools, and curriculums fit YOUR church Why mission, vision, and values must drive your calendar (not trends or pressure) Practical ways to plan VBS, Easter, and summer without burning out How to use systems (folders, notes, digital tools) to capture ideas and fight overwhelm Why some long‑standing events might need to end—and how to evaluate them How coaching and community can help you stop leading alone If you’re a kids pastor, children’s director, or key volunteer staring at a packed ministry calendar and feeling th

Join the KMC Collective team as they have a continued conversation about how the power of one word changed them as children's ministry leaders and how it can impact you, too.  This episode will help you grow your teams and your ministry as you grow closer to God and develop your kidmin leadership skills.   

Join The Kids Ministry Collective Team as they have a conversation of how one word can be so impactful for childrens ministry leaders.  So many kidmin leaders get stuck and have no idea how to move forward. Let the KMC Podcast team share how when they focus on one word it can transform everything.  This is part one of a two part episode

Welcome to the Kids Ministry Collective Podcast, your trusted resource for practical strategies, creative ideas, and real conversations designed specifically for children’s ministry leaders. In this special holiday episode, hosts Tom, Cole, Ben, and Vicki share expert tips on managing and executing last-minute holiday events with ease. With Christmas approaching fast, discover how to simplify your ministry’s seasonal programs through stress-free event planning, including ideas like parent shopping nights, easy DIY holiday kits, and streamlined logistics. Whether you lead a busy kids ministry team or volunteer during the holiday rush, this episode offers actionable advice to help your Christmas ministry events run smoothly and joyfully. Tune in for inspiration and proven tactics to create memorable and manageable celebrations for your children’s ministry this season. Need some Community? Come join us in the BEST Community for Childrens Ministry Leaders; kidminplus.net Click Here to learn about Kids Ministry Co

In this episode of the KMC Collective Podcast, Tom, Cole, Ben, and Vicki share practical strategies for children's ministry leaders to effectively wrap up the ministry year. Discover the "4 Rs" framework (Rejoice, Release, Rest, Refocus) for a healthy and hopeful start to January.  Learn how to: Evaluate the past year and celebrate achievements. Let go of unproductive tasks and past frustrations. Ensure adequate rest to avoid burnout. Set a clear vision and annual plan for the upcoming year.  The conversation also covers the importance of capturing stories of impact, inviting feedback from volunteers and families, and taking intentional breaks for overall well-being. This is a must-listen for any kids ministry director looking for an annual planning strategy to finish strong and prepare for new challenges.   Want more resources for your children's ministry? Subscribe to the KMC Collective Podcast and visit our website Kidsministrycollective.com for free downloads and show notes! Follow us on social media @k

Discover practical strategies to cultivate gratitude in children's ministry leadership. In this KMC Collective Podcast episode, hosts Tom, Cole, Vicki, and Ben share proven techniques for building a thankful mindset within your ministry team—even during challenging seasons. Learn how to: ✓ Create intentional spaces for thanksgiving in your ministry ✓ Foster gratitude through authentic storytelling and personal experiences ✓ Build stronger relationships within your leadership team ✓ Maintain positivity and resilience through gratitude practices ✓ Lead with presence and intentionality Whether you're struggling to stay encouraged or looking to inspire your children's ministry team, this heartwarming conversation offers actionable insights on gratitude, leadership, and community building. Perfect for children's ministry leaders, youth pastors, and anyone seeking daily encouragement. Check out The Kids Ministry Collective, where you can learn about coaching, community and murch more for childrens ministry leaders.

In this episode of the KMC Collective Podcast, hosts Tom, Vicki, and Coletake you beyond spreadsheets and line items to talk about what really drives a healthy children’s ministry budget: vision. They unpack the realities of “budget season”—tight funds, hard conversations, and competing priorities—and then offer a practical framework to budget with purpose. Along the way, they share real-life stories from ministry, helpful examples, and creative solutions for churches of all sizes. In this episode, you’ll discover: How to shift from a poverty mindset to a vision-driven approach Key budget line items every children’s ministry should consider (personal development, safety, events, volunteer care, and more) Ways to advocate for your budget with church leadership Practical ideas for doing more ministry with limited resources Why intentional investment in volunteers, safety, and training is essential, not optional Whether you’re a children’s pastor, kids ministry leader, volunteer, or part of a church staff, thi

In this episode of the KMC Collective Podcast, the KMC team—Tom, Cole, Vicki, and Ben—Have a conversation about crucial time management strategies and establishing healthy rhythms for children's ministry leaders. As a special announcement, Vicki Abbott joins the team permanently. Listeners will gain practical insights on prioritizing tasks, delegating responsibilities, and balancing the unexpected challenges that arise in ministry.  Want to learn about the Kids Ministry Collective a Premier Place for Childrens Ministry Leaders.   

In this episode of the KMC Collective Podcast, hosts Tom, Vicki, and Cole discuss essential strategies for children's ministry leaders to avoid burnout and maintain a healthy balance. They dive into practical tips on managing busy seasons, finding meaningful rest, and the importance of delegating leadership roles. The conversation highlights proactive planning, personal spiritual practices, and the need for integrating rest into the ministry calendar. Tune in and discover how to effectively refill your bucket, both physically and spiritually, to lead with renewed energy and purpose. https://kidminplus.net https://kidsministrycollective.com