Grow Your Ministry Podcast

Welcome to Episode 27 of the Grow Your Ministry Podcast with Danny Sugimoto.In this episode, Danny explores how families in your ministry can celebrate Advent in simple, meaningful, and spiritually formative ways. Christmas isn’t just a day — it’s a season full of anticipation, reflection, and connection. We'll walk through how families can serve together, study Scripture, pray intentionally, tell stories, sing, create, and build traditions that help them focus on hope, peace, joy, and love.What We Cover:Why Advent is such a meaningful season for familiesSimple ways families can celebrate Advent togetherHow the Advent Journey Devotional Cards can help families grow spiritually this seasonFor More:Visit growcurriculum.org/blog for more ministry ideas, helpful tools, and the full show blog from this episode.Looking for an Advent resource to share with your families? Check out the Advent Journey Devotional Cards — a daily card deck from Grow Curriculum designed to help kids, teenagers, and families read Scripture, reflect together, take action, and pray through the season of Advent.Host: Danny SugimotoBe sure to subscribe for more practical training, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

Welcome to Episode 26 of the Grow Your Ministry Podcast with Linda Moon. When you started in ministry, it was because you wanted to help kids and teenagers grow in their faith. But growth doesn’t just happen — it’s shaped by habits, opportunities, and experiences that help kids and students discover who God made them to be. In this episode, Linda walks through how to help your group use their unique gifts to love God, love others, and make a difference in the world. You’ll learn why using our gifts is one of the four key spiritual habits in the Grow Discipleship Strategy, and how two practical resources — Community Care Kits and The After You Service Project — can help your group put those gifts into action. What We Cover:How using our gifts helps kids and teenagers grow spirituallyWays to create opportunities for your group to serve and leadTwo ready-to-go service projects to help your group make an impactFor More:Visit growcurriculum.org/blog for more ministry ideas, helpful tools, and the full show blog from this episode.Ready to help your group start serving others?Check out these two discipleship activities from Grow Curriculum:Community Care Kits: A creative way to help your group notice needs around them and respond with compassion.The After You Service Project: A hands-on experience that helps kids and teenagers learn about food insecurity and serve others with empathy.Host: Linda MoonBe sure to subscribe for more practical training, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! 

Welcome to Episode 25 of the Grow Your Ministry Podcast with Danny Sugimoto. In this episode, Danny talks about one of the biggest challenges every ministry leader faces — finding and keeping great volunteers. From leading games and small groups to setting up and tearing down every week, volunteers make ministry possible. But creating a team that’s motivated, equipped, and excited to serve takes more than a sign-up form. Danny walks through how to build a volunteer culture people love, empower your team to lead well, and develop a strategy that helps volunteers grow all year long.What We Cover:Why it’s important to create a culture volunteers loveHow volunteers make your ministry betterThe steps that can help you recruit, train, and retain volunteersFor More:Visit growcurriculum.org/blog for more ministry ideas, helpful tools, and the full show blog from this episode.Want to build a stronger volunteer team? Check out the Volunteer resources in the Grow Marketplace for handbooks, training guides, and more!Host: Danny SugimotoBe sure to subscribe for more practical training, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! (00:10) - Welcome

Welcome to episode 24 of the Grow Your Ministry Podcast with  Jason Sivewright. If you’ve been following Jesus for a while, you probably have a few spiritual habits that help you grow — things like reading the Bible, praying, or going to church. But for kids and teenagers, those ideas don’t always come naturally. They’re still figuring out what faith looks like in their everyday lives. In this episode, Danny and Jason talk about what spiritual growth really looks like for the next generation and how you can help kids and teenagers develop lifelong spiritual habits that stick.What We Cover:What spiritual growth actually looks like for kids and teenagers.The four spiritual habits that help kids and students build a faith that lasts.Why every kid and teenager’s spiritual journey looks different — and that’s okay.For More: Visit growcurriculum.org/blog for more ministry ideas, tools, and the full show blog from this episode.Host: Jason SivewrightBe sure to subscribe for more practical ministry training, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! (00:10) - Welcome

Welcome to episode 23 of the Grow Your Ministry Podcast with Danny Sugimoto. In kids and youth ministry, procrastination can sneak up on us fast. Maybe you waited too long to plan a big event, realized mid-year you haven’t emailed parents in ages, or found yourself frantically Googling for a no-prep lesson on Saturday night. We’ve all been there — but it doesn’t have to be that way. In this episode, Danny walks through how one well-planned annual meeting can transform your year into something calmer, clearer, and more effective. What We Cover:Why it's so important to do an annual planning meeting every year for your ministry!.How to plan an entire year of ministry in 6 key areas: discipleship, teaching, weekly environments, events, volunteers, and families.How to use the Annual Strategy from Grow Curriculum in your ministry, for free!For More: Grab your Calendar Cards here.Visit growcurriculum.org/blog for more ministry ideas, tools, and the full show blog from this episode.Host: Danny Sugimoto Be sure to subscribe for more practical training, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! (00:10) - Welcome

Welcome to episode 22 of the Grow Your Ministry Podcast with Jason Sivewright. In this episode, Jason dives into one of the most practical (and fun) parts of kids and youth ministry: games. Games aren’t just a way to burn energy. They help kids and teenagers build friendships, connect with leaders, and create memories together. But designing great games takes more than grabbing the first idea that comes to mind. Jason walks through how to choose a theme, build with the right structure, and test your games so they actually work with your group.What We Cover: How to pick a theme for your kids and youth ministry gamesThe four structures you can use to design fun and engaging gamesWhy testing your games before you play them makes all the differenceFor More: Visit growcurriculum.org/blog for more ministry ideas, helpful tools, and the full show blog from this episode. Want even more ready-to-go games for your ministry? Head to the Grow Marketplace for a whole bunch of games!Host: Jason Sivewright Be sure to subscribe for more practical training, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! (00:10) - Welcome

Welcome to Episode 21 of the Grow Your Ministry Podcast with Danny Sugimoto. In this episode, we talk about one of the most practical ways you can build trust with families in your ministry: creating a Parent Handbook. Parents want to know what your ministry is about, how you disciple kids and teenagers, and what they can expect from you. A well-prepared Parent Handbook not only answers their questions but also gives them confidence in your vision and strategy. We’ll walk through what to include, why it matters, and how a clear, accessible handbook can transform the way you partner with parents. What We Cover:Why parents could use a handbook from your ministry!How a parent handbook can help you build trust with parents.The most important things to include in your parent handbook.For More: Visit growcurriculum.org/blog for more ministry ideas, helpful tools, and the full blog from this episode. Want ready-made resources to help you connect with families? Check out our Parent Tools, which include a ready-to-use Parent Handbook and an Annual Parent Survey! It's just one of the resources ready for you over on the Grow Marketplace! Host: Danny SugimotoBe sure to subscribe for more practical training, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! (00:10) - Welcome

Welcome to episode 20 of the Grow Your Ministry Podcast with Brooklyn Lindsey. In this episode, Brooklyn unpacks why one-on-one time with your volunteers is one of the most powerful investments you can make in your ministry. These intentional conversations help you encourage, equip, and even troubleshoot with your team in a way that group meetings can’t. You’ll hear about the four main types of volunteer conversations, practical ways to prepare for each one, and how to approach them with humility, curiosity, and care. What We Cover: The four types of one-on-one conversations every leader should have with volunteersHow to prepare for a conversation so it’s both relational and strategicQuestions to ask that help you evaluate your volunteers—and help them evaluate youFollow-up practices that strengthen relationships and keep volunteers engagedFor More: Visit growcurriculum.org/blog for more kids and youth ministry ideas, helpful tools, and the full show blog from this episode. Grab your free Volunteer Conversations Guide here Want more resources to help you lead your team? Try Grow for freeHost: Brooklyn Lindsey (00:10) - Welcome

Welcome to Episode 19 of the Grow Your Ministry Podcast with Brooklyn Lindsey. In this episode, Brooklyn shares what to do when attendance in your ministry isn’t where you hoped it would be. Whether it’s a random dip or a trend that’s got you worried, Brooklyn offers practical and honest steps to help you respond without panicking. You’ll walk away with encouragement, a new way to evaluate what’s really going on, and a fresh perspective on what healthy growth really looks like. What We Cover: How to not panic when your attendance fluctuates!7 problems that might be hurting your attendance.Why quick fixes can't create healthy, sustainable growth (and what can).For More: Visit growcurriculum.org/blog for more ministry ideas, helpful tools, and the full show blog from this episode. Looking to strengthen the health of your ministry long-term?Try Grow for free Host: Brooklyn Lindsey Be sure to subscribe for more practical training, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! (00:10) - Welcome

Welcome to Episode 18 of the Grow Your Ministry Podcast with Danny Sugimoto.In this episode, Danny walks through one of the simplest and most impactful events you can host for families in your ministry—a Parent and Small Group Leader Breakfast. If you’ve ever struggled to get parents more involved or wanted to show them what small group leaders are really about, this is an event you’ll want to try. You’ll hear why this strategy works, how to plan it, and how to turn it into a yearly rhythm that strengthens your ministry.What We Cover:Why it’s so hard to get parents involved—and what to do about itHow to host a meaningful Parent & Small Group Leader BreakfastTips to make your space (and your leaders!) feel welcoming and personalFor More: Visit growcurriculum.org/blog for more ministry ideas, helpful tools, and the full show blog from this episode. Looking for more family engagement events? Check out Episode 7 to hear about our Annual Family Strategy, including how to host an Open House and Parent Workshop. Want to get started right now? Try Grow for free!Host: Danny SugimotoBe sure to subscribe for more practical training, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! (00:10) - Welcome

Welcome to episode 17 of the Grow Your Ministry Podcast with Danny Sugimoto. In this episode, Danny shares how you can better support kids and teenagers when they experience a crisis. Whether it’s something serious like abuse or something that feels serious to them (like a falling out with a friend), crises show up in all kinds of ways, and it’s our job to be ready. From recognizing what counts as a crisis to knowing when to refer for help, you’ll walk away with five clear steps you can take to care for the kids and teenagers you serve.Content Warning: This episode includes sensitive topics like abuse, suicide, and self-harm. Please listen with care.What We Cover:How to understand a crisis from a kid or teenager’s perspective5 ways you can help them in a crisis situation3 resources for more training, tools, and tips for making a safety planFor More:Visit growcurriculum.org/blog for more ministry ideas, helpful tools, and the full show blog from this episode. Here are a few resources mentioned:Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741Self-Injury Outreach & Support: sioutreach.orgNeed more help navigating tough conversations and crisis planning in your ministry? Grow Curriculum includes volunteer training guides, parent communication tools, and response strategies to help you lead with confidence. Try a free month at growcurriculum.org/free-trial.Host: Danny SugimotoBe sure to subscribe for more practical training, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! (00:10) - Welcome

Welcome to Episode 16 of the Grow Your Ministry Podcast with Danny Sugimoto! In this episode, Danny shares four essential tips to help small group leaders feel more confident and equipped—whether they’re leading kids, teenagers, or both. Being a small group leader is a big deal, but it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. From understanding your role to building spiritual habits with your group, this episode is packed with practical advice for leading meaningful conversations and building lasting relationships. What We Cover: Why small group leaders are so important to your ministry.How small group leaders lead and facilitate discipleship4 helpful tips to become a better small group leader For More: Visit growcurriculum.org/blog for more ministry ideas and strategies. Check out the full blog posts:  4 Tips for Leading Kids in Small Groups 4 Tips for Leading Teenagers in Small Groups Looking to train your small group leaders or become a better one yourself? Grow Curriculum includes training materials, leader guides, discussion questions, and habit-building activities to help small groups thrive. Try a free month of Grow Curriculum at growcurriculum.org/free-trial. Host: Danny Sugimoto Be sure to subscribe for more practical training and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!  (00:10) - Welcome

Welcome to Episode 15 of the Grow Your Ministry Podcast with Brooklyn Lindsey! In this episode, Brooklyn shares how to market your church events beyond the basics. Getting the word out is critical for a great turnout, but traditional methods like flyers and church announcements can only go so far. By using inclusive language, leveraging digital tools, and engaging with local businesses, you can create more opportunities for people to connect with your ministry.What We Cover:How inclusive language can expand your reach and make everyone feel welcome.Why social media, email, and texts are essential for effective event promotion.How partnering with local businesses can boost your event’s visibility.For More:Visit growcurriculum.org/blog for more ministry ideas and strategies. Check out the full blog post: How to Nail Event Marketing: Your Comprehensive Guide to SuccessLooking for a better way to engage your community? Grow Curriculum provides a full strategy for planning and promoting events, including communication templates, social media graphics, and volunteer coordination tools. Try a free month of Grow Curriculum at growcurriculum.org/free-trial.Host: Brooklyn LindseyBe sure to subscribe for more practical training and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! (00:10) - Welcome

Welcome to Episode 14 of the Grow Your Ministry Podcast with Dr. Linda Moon! In this episode, Dr. Linda Moon explores how we can make Scripture memorization an engaging and meaningful experience for kids. From simple verses like John 11:35 to creative techniques that keep kids motivated, we’re diving into practical strategies that help children internalize God’s Word in ways that stick.What We Cover: Why memorizing Scripture should be easier for kids.How to keep kids motivated to memorize Scripture.Fun and practical ways to help kids memorize Bible verses.Read the full blog for more!Bonus Resource: Want to make Scripture memorization even easier? Grow Curriculum provides engaging resources, memory verse activities, and worship songs to help kids connect with God’s Word. Try a free month of Grow Curriculum at growcurriculum.org/free-trial.Host: Dr. Linda MoonBe sure to subscribe for more practical training and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! (00:10) - Welcome

Welcome to Episode 13 of the Grow Your Ministry Podcast with Danny Sugimoto, Executive Director of Product Strategy!In this episode, Danny shares how to plan parent meetings that families actually want to attend. Too often, parent meetings feel like a formality—packed with information but lacking connection. But when done right, these meetings can build trust, create opportunities for partnership, and help parents feel more engaged in their kids’ spiritual growth. Learn how to schedule, structure, and lead parent meetings that are effective, efficient, and valuable.What We Cover:Why parent meetings matter (and when to have them).The four types of parent meetings every ministry needs.How to schedule meetings strategically so they serve a purpose.For More:Visit growcurriculum.org/blog for more ministry ideas and strategies. Check out the full blog post:How to Plan Parent Meetings Families Will AttendBonus Resource:Looking for done-for-you parent meeting resources? Grow Curriculum provides a full strategy for connecting with families, including meeting guides, discussion questions, family events, and more. Try a free month of Grow Curriculum at growcurriculum.org/free-trial.Host: Danny SugimotoBe sure to subscribe for more practical training and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! (00:10) - Welcome

Welcome to Episode 12 of the Grow Your Ministry Podcast with Jason Sivewright, Creative Lead! In this episode, Jason walks through a step-by-step guide to planning ministry events that are fun, meaningful, and stress-free. Whether you’re organizing a small gathering or a large-scale event, you’ll learn how to set clear goals, create engaging themes, and manage logistics to ensure everything runs smoothly. What We Cover:The four key phases of event planning.How to clarify your event’s goal and structure it for maximum impact.Creative ways to develop an engaging theme and immersive environment.And more!For More:Visit growcurriculum.org/blog for more ministry ideas and strategies. Check out the full blog posts:How to Plan a Youth Ministry EventHow to Plan a Kids Ministry Event Bonus Resource:Want to make event planning even easier? Grow Curriculum provides ready-to-go event guides, graphics, themes, and planning tools to help you create amazing experiences. Try a free month of Grow Curriculum at growcurriculum.org/free-trial. Host: Jason Sivewright Be sure to subscribe for more practical training and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! (00:10) - Welcome

Welcome to Episode 11 of the Grow Your Ministry Podcast with Danny Sugimoto, Executive Director of Product Strategy! In this episode, Danny unpacks the importance of using icebreakers to connect with kids and teenagers in small groups. Whether you’re leading a group of energetic kids or reserved teenagers, you’ll learn how to break the ice, build trust, and ease your group into meaningful conversations.What We Cover:Why icebreakers are essential for small group conversations.How icebreakers can pave the way for deeper discussions about faith.Six creative icebreakers to use with kids and teenagers.For More:Visit growcurriculum.org/blog for more tips and strategies, or try a free month of Grow Curriculum at growcurriculum.org/free-trial. Check out the full blog posts: 5 Icebreakers for Connecting with Kids 5 Icebreakers for Connecting with TeenagersBonus Resource:Want to add more fun to your ministry? Check out the Grow Games App at games.stuffyoucanuse.org for hundreds of ready-to-play games that kids and teenagers will love!Host: Danny SugimotoBe sure to subscribe for more practical training and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! (00:10) - Welcome

Welcome to Episode 10 of the Grow Your Ministry Podcast with Danny Sugimoto, Executive Director of Product Strategy! In this episode, Danny walks through the 13 building blocks we use to help make teaching unforgettable and engaging. You’ll discover practical ways to help kids and teenagers grow spiritually while keeping them engaged and having fun.What We Cover: Why we should think strategically about how we approach teaching.The What? So What? Now What? Teaching structure.13 different building blocks or elements that we use to help create engaging lessons for kids and teenagers.For More: Visit growcurriculum.org/blog for more tips and strategies, or try a free month of Grow Curriculum at growcurriculum.org/free-trial. Check out the full blog posts for kids and teenagers.Host: Danny SugimotoBe sure to subscribe for more practical training and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! (00:10) - Welcome (01:31) - 13 Building Blocks for Teaching (09:24) - Wrap Up

Welcome to Episode 9 of the Grow Your Ministry Podcast with Jason Sivewright, Creative Lead! In this episode, Jason unpacks one of the most important (but often overlooked) parts of hosting an event: the debrief. You’ve pulled off a successful event, taken a nap, and now it’s time to figure out… what would we do differently next time? Jason shares five essential questions to help you and your team learn, grow, and create even better events in the future.What We Cover:Why debriefing your ministry events is essential for growth.Five key questions to ask after every event.How to celebrate wins, identify improvements, and engage your team.Practical tips for reviewing events with your volunteers and ministry families.Visit growcurriculum.org/blog or try a free month of Grow Curriculum at growcurriculum.org/free-trial. And check out the full blog:5 Questions to Ask After Every Ministry EventHost: Jason Sivewright, Creative LeadBe sure to subscribe for more practical training and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! (00:10) - Welcome (01:53) - 5 Questions to Ask After Your Events

Welcome to Episode 8 of the Grow Your Ministry Podcast with Danny Sugimoto, Executive Director of Product Strategy!  In this episode, Danny unpacks the essentials of taking your ministry online and shares practical strategies for engaging kids, teenagers, and families in a digital space. With these tips and formats, you’ll discover how to create meaningful online connections while maintaining the heart of your ministry.What We Cover:Why online ministry matters for kids and teenagers.Two formats for taking your children's ministry online.Three formats for taking your youth ministry online.Key Points:Why Online Ministry Matters: Connecting with families digitally ensures flexibility and accessibility, meeting them wherever they are.Formats for Kids Ministry: Explore live and pre-recorded options for lessons, activities, and worship.Formats for Youth Ministry: Engage teenagers through live streams, interactive small groups, or on-demand content.Practical Steps: Tailor your approach to your group’s needs and ministry goals, and simplify the process with tools like Grow Curriculum.For More:Visit growcurriculum.org/blog or try a free month of Grow Curriculum at growcurriculum.org/free-trial. And check out the full blog:Taking Your Children's Ministry OnlineTaking Your Youth Ministry OnlineHost: Danny SugimotoBe sure to subscribe for more practical training and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! (00:10) - Welcome (01:48) - Taking Your Ministry Online (10:03) - Wrap Up