NextGen Conversations

What does it mean to welcome people of all ages and abilities in your ministry? Rev. Katrina Drew, senior pastor at Mt. Zion UMC in St. Louis, chats with host Josh Schaller and Rev. Mona Candea about starting Embrace, a women's ministry for moms of kids with medical challenges or disabilities, and the impact is has had on both the community and the congregation. About NextGen Conversations NextGen Conversations is a podcast that seeks to empower children's, family, youth and college-aged leaders to create dynamic, Christ-centered ministries. Every episode features a conversation with a ministry leader and covers innovative solutions to common problems faced in churches today. We want to give you practical steps to transform the way you do ministry. It's time to get in on the conversation!

When churches work together, everyone wins. In this episode, we chat with Janessa Aston from Platte Woods UMC and Rev. Cory Williams from Liberty UMC about the Northland Fall Retreat, a longstanding connectional event for Kansas City-area youth and churches. Janessa and Cory detail how multiple churches collaborate to pull off a meaningful weekend and share how your region can start a similar event. About NextGen Conversations NextGen Conversations is a podcast that seeks to empower children's, family, youth and college-aged leaders to create dynamic, Christ-centered ministries. Every episode features a conversation with a ministry leader and covers innovative solutions to common problems faced in churches today. We want to give you practical steps to transform the way you do ministry. It's time to get in on the conversation!

What happens when a growing church decides to completely rethink its Sunday mornings? At New McKendree in Jackson, two campuses came together to create one united Sunday morning experience. Executive Director Amanda Bond and Family Ministries Director Paige Turner share how a children's ministry challenge sparked a full-scale reimagining of discipleship, worship and community. In this conversation we discuss data-driven decisions, building consensus, and the bold move that strengthened engagement across all generations. About NextGen Conversations NextGen Conversations is a podcast that seeks to empower children's, family, youth and college-aged leaders to create dynamic, Christ-centered ministries. Every episode features a conversation with a ministry leader and covers innovative solutions to common problems faced in churches today. We want to give you practical steps to transform the way you do ministry. It's time to get in on the conversation!

In this episode of NextGen Conversations, join the Missouri Conference NextGen Ministries staff as they dive deep into our new program called Big Worship, Little Disciples. Hear the "why" behind the program, the desired outcomes and how your church can get involved in 2026. Resources Big Worship, Little Disciples Webpage About NextGen Conversations NextGen Conversations is a podcast that seeks to empower children's, family, youth and college-aged leaders to create dynamic, Christ-centered ministries. Every episode features a conversation with a ministry leader and covers innovative solutions to common problems faced in churches today. We want to give you practical steps to transform the way you do ministry. It's time to get in on the conversation!

Hiring for NextGen ministry roles is no small task. And once you've found the right person, how do you set them up for success? In this episode, Rev. Diannah White, executive pastor at Good Shepherd UMC in Kansas City, shares about the challenges of hiring, the expectations placed on new staff and how churches can better support their employees. About Rev. Diannah White Diannah's role at Good Shepherd allows her to be involved in operations for both of Good Shepherd's campuses and to serve as a campus pastor for the N Oak location. Providing strategy, encouraging staff culture and ensuring financial integrity are only a few of the ways she gets to take care of the business of the church. However, her greatest love is to connect with people and hear the story of God alive in their life. Prior to joining the staff team in 2012, Diannah spent 19 years working for Special Olympics Missouri where she fell in love with bringing out the best in people. She and her husband Jeff have one adult daughter, Jenna, and two dogs. They love spending time at Lake of the Ozarks, adding stamps to their passports and traveling to Mizzou for sporting events. Resources Lead Like Jesus Contact Diannah at dwhite@goodshepherdkc.com Good Shepherd KC About NextGen Conversations NextGen Conversations is a podcast that seeks to empower children's, family, youth and college-aged leaders to create dynamic, Christ-centered ministries. Every episode features a conversation with a ministry leader and covers innovative solutions to common problems faced in churches today. We want to give you practical steps to transform the way you do ministry. It's time to get in on the conversation!

Christmas comes every year. How do we keep it both fresh and meaningful and welcoming for families? In this episode of NextGen Conversations, Rev. Sarah Jo Adams-Wilson, associate pastor at Missouri UMC in Columbia, share ideas and tips for reimagining church Advent traditions with an intergenerational lens. About Rev. Sarah Jo Adams-Wilson Sarah Jo is a cradle United Methodist born and raised in Mississippi. She previously served at Decatur UMC in Decatur, Mississippi, alongside her clergy husband, Jake. Sarah Jo graduated from Duke Divinity School in 2014 and was ordained an elder in 2017. Her ministry passions include planning and leading worship, supporting students of all ages, and connecting the church and community. Sarah Jo enjoys traveling, reading both theology and fiction, and live music. Resources Sarah Jo's kid-friendly worship bulletins: Christmas Eve Back-to-School Sunday Ash Wednesday Maundy Thursday Pentecost Sunday Glow in the dark candlesticks From the Manger series from Illustrated Ministry Missouri Conference Curriculum Discounts Contact Sarah Jo at sarahjo@moumc.org About NextGen Conversations NextGen Conversations is a podcast that seeks to empower children's, family, youth and college-aged leaders to create dynamic, Christ-centered ministries. Every episode features a conversation with a ministry leader and covers innovative solutions to common problems faced in churches today. We want to give you practical steps to transform the way you do ministry. It's time to get in on the conversation!

On this episode of NextGen Conversations, we chat with Rev. Chandler Landis, associate pastor at First UMC in Sikeston, about the reality of youth ministry in a world packed with sports, activities and extracurriculars. Chandler shares creative, practical ways to build trust with families, partner with parents and make ministry happen beyond the church walls and between touchdowns. About NextGen Conversations NextGen Conversations is a podcast that seeks to empower children's, family, youth and college-aged leaders to create dynamic, Christ-centered ministries. Every episode features a conversation with a ministry leader and covers innovative solutions to common problems faced in churches today. We want to give you practical steps to transform the way you do ministry. It's time to get in on the conversation!

In the final installment of our special pitch episodes of NextGen Conversations, we welcome Emily Pikaard and Madison Westermier as they pitch ways to reveal a newly updated ministry space and raise a few additional funds. Emily dreams up a scavenger hunt-style launch event to help young families explore a newly renovated children's space, complete with unstructured play, classroom introductions and a strategic welcome back to church. Madison pitches a year-round church farm stand stocked with garden goods and homemade jams offered by donation and run in part by kids. It's a creative way to feed the community while supporting children's ministry. About NextGen Conversations NextGen Conversations is a podcast that seeks to empower children's, family, youth and college-aged leaders to create dynamic, Christ-centered ministries. Every episode features a conversation with a ministry leader and covers innovative solutions to common problems faced in churches today. We want to give you practical steps to transform the way you do ministry. It's time to get in on the conversation!

In the final installment of our special pitch episodes of NextGen Conversations, we welcome Rachel Griffith and Rebes Bennett as they pitch ways to reach out and build relationships across generations. Rachel pitches a student-led open mic night designed to give teens a safe space to express their talents, be heard and feel supported. Rebes shares an idea about regular intergenerational programming designed to foster meaningful conversations. About NextGen Conversations NextGen Conversations is a podcast that seeks to empower children's, family, youth and college-aged leaders to create dynamic, Christ-centered ministries. Every episode features a conversation with a ministry leader and covers innovative solutions to common problems faced in churches today. We want to give you practical steps to transform the way you do ministry. It's time to get in on the conversation!

In this special pitch episode of NextGen Conversations, we hand the mic to two new ministry leaders who are imagining creative ways to engage with students and families who both do and don't attend church. Ryan proposes gamifying Bible learning through theater, storytelling and D&D-inspired Sunday school adventures. Micayla shares a vision for turning her church into a "third space" for young families through weekday, chapel-style story time and unstructured play. About NextGen Conversations NextGen Conversations is a podcast that seeks to empower children's, family, youth and college-aged leaders to create dynamic, Christ-centered ministries. Every episode features a conversation with a ministry leader and covers innovative solutions to common problems faced in churches today. We want to give you practical steps to transform the way you do ministry. It's time to get in on the conversation!

In this special pitch episode of NextGen Conversations, we hand the mic to two seasoned ministry leaders with bold new ideas for connecting with students and families. Rev. Martin Leathers, students pastor and middle school director at The Gathering UMC, shares a plan for a traveling tailgate tour that brings free food, fun and authentic connection straight to high school football games. Rev. Shelly Nall, NextGen director at First UMC in Blue Springs, pitches a parent prom, a joy-filled night to honor and uplift exhausted moms, dads and caregivers. About NextGen Conversations NextGen Conversations is a podcast that seeks to empower children's, family, youth and college-aged leaders to create dynamic, Christ-centered ministries. Every episode features a conversation with a ministry leader and covers innovative solutions to common problems faced in churches today. We want to give you practical steps to transform the way you do ministry. It's time to get in on the conversation!

Who really has time to wade through all the available curriculums out there or even write your own curriculum? In this episode of NextGen Conversations, Janessa Aston and Mandy Phillips, youth and children's leaders from Platte Woods UMC, share practical tips for finding resources that engage kids, equip leaders and reflect United Methodist values — without overloading already-stretched ministry schedules. Whether you're full-time, part-time or a volunteer, this conversation will help you rethink how curriculum can serve your mission, not the other way around. About Janessa Janessa Aston is the Director of Student Ministry at Platte Woods Church, which is a fancy way of saying she works with students in grades 6-12. Student ministry is her jam! After working in student ministry for close to a decade, Janessa knows that working with teenagers is her life's calling. Her favorite part of her job is seeing students have those "ah-ha" moments when it comes to faith as well as helping students see that church is fun through various special events like retreats, camps and hype nights. In her free time Janessa loves to road trip with her husband, Ty, to national parks and different NHL arenas (Go Kraken!). One of her life goals is to see every national park (so far, she has been to over 20). Janessa's other hobbies include reading and hand embroidery. Janessa and Ty have two cats, Nimbus and Morticia, who complete their family. About Mandy Mandy Phillips is the director of Platte Woods Kids and provides programming for kids from birth through 5th grade. She has worked at Platte Woods Church for well over a decade. She absolutely loves working with kiddos, it is a dream come true! Seeing life through the eyes of kids is the best, even just for a minute or two. Mandy and her husband, Otis, have been married for many years happily. They have two adult children, one son-in-law, and a Black Lab named Lucy. Mandy lived in Omaha, Nebraska, from the time she was born until she was 18 years old. She greatly dislikes coconut, mushrooms, and, worst of all, being cold! Mandy loves to be outside taking walks or training for a triathlon – she has completed several. She also enjoys sewing, reading and family time in general. Related Resources NextGen Curriculum Discounts About NextGen Conversations NextGen Conversations is a podcast that seeks to empower children's, family, youth and college-aged leaders to create dynamic, Christ-centered ministries. Every episode features a conversation with a ministry leader and covers innovative solutions to common problems faced in churches today. We want to give you practical steps to transform the way you do ministry. It's time to get in on the conversation!

Safe Sanctuaries policies can sometimes feel like one more hoop to jump through when planning programming for kids and youth. Yet, with some planning and creative thinking, how your church implements its policy can be a strength. Rev. Shea James, director of youth and outdoor ministries at the West Virginia Conference of The United Methodist Church, shares examples and tips for creating a culture of safety at your local church. Related Resources Safe Sanctuaries Resources for Missouri Conference churches Safe Gatherings  About NextGen Conversations NextGen Conversations is a podcast that seeks to empower children's, family, youth and college-aged leaders to create dynamic, Christ-centered ministries. Every episode features a conversation with a ministry leader and covers innovative solutions to common problems faced in churches today. We want to give you practical steps to transform the way you do ministry. It's time to get in on the conversation!

Whether you call it Launch Sunday, Promotion Sunday or something else, this special day is more than just a date on the calendar. It's an opportunity to energize your church, engage families and set the tone for the season ahead. In this episode of NextGen Conversations, Morgan Scott, youth director at Cameron UMC, and Rachel Whitmire-Griffith, director of nextgen ministry at North Cross UMC, help us break down how to make a successful transition, whether it's from second to third grade or moving up from children's to youth ministry. Related Resources NextGen Leaders Academy Nine-Square About NextGen Conversations NextGen Conversations is a podcast that seeks to empower children's, family, youth and college-aged leaders to create dynamic, Christ-centered ministries. Every episode features a conversation with a ministry leader and covers innovative solutions to common problems faced in churches today. We want to give you practical steps to transform the way you do ministry. It's time to get in on the conversation!

In ministry, we talk about discipleship pathways, but what does that practically look like for our youngest disciples? In this episode of NextGen Conversations, Chris Wilterdink from UMC Discipleship Ministries discusses how churches can create intentional discipleship pathways that engage all ages, celebrate spiritual growth and build stronger faith communities. Plus, Chris shares about the faith-formation resources that are available to every United Methodist Church through Discipleship Ministries. About Chris Wilterdink Chris is the Executive Director of Congregational Vitality and Intentional Discipleship and the Director of Young People's Ministries. Chris's roles in ministry were based at the local church for more than 12 years, where his bachelor's degree in English education and master's degree in non- profit management shaped his approach to ministry. Father of two awesome kids, husband to an amazing wife and an outdoor enthusiast, he was written several books, including Building Spiritual Muscle, Everyday Discipleship: Covenant Discipleship with Youth, and most recently the eBook series, Crash Courses in Youth Ministry. Related Resources 2026 Global Young People's Convocation UMC Discipleship Ministries Crash Courses in Youth Ministry eBook Mind the Gap game Just One game About NextGen Conversations NextGen Conversations is a podcast that seeks to empower children's, family, youth and college-aged leaders to create dynamic, Christ-centered ministries. Every episode features a conversation with a ministry leader and covers innovative solutions to common problems faced in churches today. We want to give you practical steps to transform the way you do ministry. It's time to get in on the conversation!  

Intergenerational ministry seems like it should happen naturally, but building strong connections between generations takes intentionality and work. In this episode of NextGen Conversations, Rev. Arden Ratcliff-Mann, associate pastor at Liberty UMC, shares how churches can break down ministry silos and make church a place for all generations. Whether your church is large or small, this conversation will challenge you to rethink how all ages can worship, serve and grow together. About Arden Originally from Franklin, Tennessee, Arden lives in Liberty with her husband, Biff, and their three sons Teddy, Arthur and Calvin. In 2012 she graduated Candler School of Theology with a Master of Divinity. Before joining the staff of Liberty UMC in March 2016, she served as the Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministries at First Presbyterian Church of Palo Alto, California. She is an ordained deacon in The United Methodist Church who is passionate about making the Bible come alive for children (and people of all ages!) and helping them learn how to apply its ancient teachings to their lives today. Related Resources Liberty UMC website Find Arden on Instagram To Light Their Way: A Collection of Prayers and Liturgies for Parents Major Event Notebook Template by Ministry Architects About NextGen Conversations NextGen Conversations is a podcast that seeks to empower children's, family, youth and college-aged leaders to create dynamic, Christ-centered ministries. Every episode features a conversation with a ministry leader and covers innovative solutions to common problems faced in churches today. We want to give you practical steps to transform the way you do ministry. It's time to get in on the conversation!

Laity is essential to the Methodist movement, and volunteers are the lifeblood of a thriving ministry. But how do you find them and keep them? Annette Safstrom, author and Ministry Architects consultant, shares practical strategies for recruiting, equipping and retaining volunteers. Whether you're struggling to build a team or looking for ways to strengthen your volunteer culture, this episode is for you. About Annette Safstrom Annette fell in love with children's ministry in the 1980s and has never looked back. After graduating from Bible college in 1991 with a certification in children's ministry, she earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from Texas A&M University and a master's from SMU. Over the years, she has consistently served in various roles in the church from volunteer to director of children's ministry. Annette has been a member of the Ministry Architects team since January 2012 and co-authored Sustainable Children's Ministry with Mark DeVries in January 2018. She loves to share the joy of children's ministry with others through workshops, trainings and national conferences. She lives in McKinney, Texas, with her husband Kevin and their two children and enjoys traveling, cooking and writing. Related Resources Sustainable Children's Ministry: From Last-Minute Scrambling to Long-Term Solutions by Annette Safstrom and Mark DeVries Contact Annette at annette.safstrom@ministryarchitects.com About NextGen Conversations NextGen Conversations is a podcast that seeks to empower children's, family, youth and college-aged leaders to create dynamic, Christ-centered ministries. Every episode features a conversation with a ministry leader and covers innovative solutions to common problems faced in churches today. We want to give you practical steps to transform the way you do ministry. It's time to get in on the conversation!

Easter is one of the biggest Sundays of the year, but how can local church leaders design meaningful experiences that go beyond the traditional egg hunt? In this episode, Allie Hillman from Waypoint UMC in Waynesville shares how they're reimagining the family Easter experience. You'll hear what Waypoint is planning for Easter 2025, and spoiler alert, it isn't an egg hunt. About Allie Hillman Allie serves as the Family Ministry Director at Waypoint UMC in Waynesville, Missouri. About NextGen Conversations NextGen Conversations is a podcast that seeks to empower children's, family, youth and college-aged leaders to create dynamic, Christ-centered ministries. Every episode features a conversation with a ministry leader and covers innovative solutions to common problems faced in churches today. We want to give you practical steps to transform the way you do ministry. It's time to get in on the conversation!

Join us as we dive into the 2025 summer activity slate and showcase the exciting opportunities for children, youth and United Methodist churches in Missouri. Discover how day camps, overnight adventures, transformative mission trips, and the epic UNITE students conference are shaping faith, fostering relationships, and empowering the next generation. Related Resources Heartland Camps Host a Day Camp Info Cross-Connection Sanctuary Kamp UNITE Students Conference About NextGen Conversations NextGen Conversations is a podcast that seeks to empower children's, family, youth and college-aged leaders to create dynamic, Christ-centered ministries. Every episode features a conversation with a ministry leader and covers innovative solutions to common problems faced in churches today. We want to give you practical steps to transform the way you do ministry. It's time to get in on the conversation!

Explore what it means to create a Culture of Call, an environment where people can discern their God-given gifts and discover their purpose in ministry and beyond. Missouri Conference Recruitment Specialist Brian shares stories of impactful relationships and practical steps to foster meaningful connections in ministry, no matter what age group you work with. About Brian Valentine Brian serves as Recruitment Specialist for the Missouri Annual Conference where he works closely with other Conference leaders in building a system to aid people in discovering their call. His work regularly places him out on the open road in his impeccable but decidedly "vintage" wagon visiting colleges, universities, seminaries, and national youth and college-age events to establish more connections with the Missouri Conference. He recently led work to create a Culture of Call, a sermon series designed to help local churches create an intentional culture of call within their church and build strategies around I-C-N-U conversations. He works closely with the Office of Next Generation Ministries around young adult internships and exploration of vocation events and programming. Brian spent much of his career in the nonprofit sector focusing on community health outcomes, leadership development and grant management. He has a gift for teaching, facilitating and coaching. Brian and his wife and four children live in Jefferson City. Related Resources Culture of Call Teaching Series Developing a Culture of Call Online Course 5 Cups of Coffee Toolkit Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts Online Course Mentoring Toolkit, including how to have an I-C-N-U conversation Let Your Light Speak: Listening for the Voice of Vocation by Parker Palmer Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect By Will Guidara Taylor Swift or Lamentations Game About NextGen Conversations NextGen Conversations is a podcast that seeks to empower children's, family, youth and college-aged leaders to create dynamic, Christ-centered ministries. Every episode features a conversation with a ministry leader and covers innovative solutions to common problems faced in churches today. We want to give you practical steps to transform the way you do ministry. It's time to get in on the conversation!