Simple Kids Ministry

In this episode, Jeremy sits down with Dan Pollak, Kids Ministry Director at Flatirons Church in Colorado. They dig into what kids ministry can learn from youth culture, how to challenge kids without losing them, and the critical role a consistent small group leader plays in a child's spiritual growth. They also get surprisingly honest about the real cost — financial and otherwise — of building original curriculum from scratch.This one is full of gems. Don't miss it.Quick Links:Join the Simple Kids Ministry community

Kids ministry gets chaotic — that's a given. But how you respond when things go sideways is what separates good leaders from great ones. In this solo episode, Jeremy introduces a framework from KIDMIN U called poise — the ability to stay calm and composed when things don't go as planned. He shares three practical ways to develop this skill: experience, perspective, and preparation. This episode is designed to share with your team — check the show notes for a free discussion guide to use at your next staff meeting.Quick Links:KIDMIN UHOW TO VBS BookSign up for HOW TO VBS Live on April 10Poise Discussion Guide for Teams

In this episode, we sit down with Andy, Global Kids Ministry Ambassador for OneHope — the organization behind the Bible App for Kids and the Kids Bible Experience on YouVersion. Andy unpacks what OneHope's latest research on Gen Z and Gen Alpha is revealing — including the alarming gap between how many young people identify as Christian versus how many actually engage their faith. He also dives into why parents are the missing piece in faith formation, why less than 10% of churches are resourcing them, and what it looks like practically to bridge that gap on a Sunday. Quick Links:Simple Kids Ministry communityOneHopeThe Bible App for KidsKids Bible ExperienceKidmin Collective

What does it look like to build a kids ministry curriculum completely from scratch — original songs, music videos, lesson plans, and more? In this episode, Jeremy sits down with Kelli Ayotte, who spent 10 years in children's ministry co-leading a creative team alongside her husband Jordan at Sandals Church. Kelli shares how they identified the "gap" that drove their decision to create original content, what it was like to lead a collaborative team as a married couple, and how COVID became an unexpected turning point for family engagement. She also opens up about partnering with parents, the power of authentic storytelling, and lessons learned from years of ministry. Plus, hear about her new book, I Am Kelphaba, and what life looks like after stepping away from vocational ministry.Quick Links:Sandals Kids YouTubeKelli’s new book, I Am KelphabaHOW TO VBSVBS Vault

In this episode, Jeremy sits down with Kirsten Hitchcock to explore one of the most overlooked—but critical—topics in kids ministry: understanding ages and stages.From cognitive development to spiritual formation, Kirsten shares how kids actually learn over time—and why that should shape everything from your teaching to your environments. Together, they unpack what it looks like to distill truth without diluting it, why “God is” statements matter more than behavior-focused lessons, and how to build a discipleship strategy that grows with kids instead of overwhelming them.You’ll also hear an honest conversation about what really matters most in ministry (hint: it’s not your building), how to think about curriculum and spiritual growth roadmaps, and why relationships will always outperform aesthetics.Whether you’re leading in a large church or a small, set-up-and-teardown environment, this episode will help you rethink how you disciple kids in a way that’s both practical and deeply intentional.Quick Links:HOW TO VBS Luke StorybookWonder Ink

How do you measure success in kids ministry?For many leaders, talking about numbers feels uncomfortable. Ministry is about people, not metrics. But ignoring the numbers can actually make it harder to serve families well.In this episode, Jeremy sits down with longtime kids pastor turned lead pastor David Reneau to talk about the role data can play in healthy ministry. David shares how tracking the right metrics can help leaders identify what’s working, spot problems early, and steward their ministry more effectively.They discuss practical things like attendance trends, visitor return rates, spiritual milestones, and why dashboards can help you tell the story of your ministry to senior leadership. They also talk about the balance between numbers and the heart behind ministry. As David explains, numbers shouldn’t replace the mission, but they can reveal whether the mission is actually being accomplished. If you’ve ever wondered how to evaluate your ministry without turning it into a business, this conversation will give you practical tools and a healthier perspective.Quick Links:David RenaultNext Level Kidmin BookHOW TO VBS Book

When you think about a 1,200-kid VBS, it’s easy to assume it’s all hype and high energy. But what actually makes an event like that work?In this episode, Jeremy sits down with Amanda Peck, Children’s Director at The Grove Community Church, to pull back the curtain on what it takes to execute VBS at a high level year after year. From leadership structure and volunteer empowerment to signage, registration systems, and follow-up strategy, Amanda shares practical insights that churches of any size can apply immediately.You’ll hear:Why “less is more” has become their guiding philosophyHow to decide between writing your own VBS or using a kitThe power of branding (and why they call it Summer Splash)How to create a smooth day-one experience for familiesWhy handwritten postcards still matterThe leadership structure that keeps a massive event running smoothlyWhether you’re launching VBS for the first time or refining a long-standing tradition, this conversation will help you simplify, sharpen your focus, and remember what matters most.Because at the end of the day, if even one child meets Jesus — it’s worth it.Quick Links:HOW TO VBS BookThe Grove Community Church

Kids ministry is facing a leadership crisis—and most churches aren’t prepared for it.In this conversation, Vance Martin from Slingshot shares what he’s learned from helping hundreds of churches hire and develop NextGen leaders. He explains why kids pastor roles are some of the hardest to fill, why many leaders struggle to gain support, and what separates those who burn out from those who last.More importantly, Vance reveals the leadership shift that changes everything: moving from being a doer to becoming a developer. You’ll learn how to build trust with your pastor, lead up effectively, and create a ministry that grows beyond your personal capacity.If you want to lead with greater clarity, influence, and longevity, this episode will show you how.Quick Links:KIDMIN USlingshot Group

In this episode, we sit down with Kim Botto to talk about what it really looks like to build kids ministry environments where every child and every family feels seen, safe, and supported. Drawing from decades of experience as a kids pastor, adoptive mom, and advocate, Kim shares powerful insights on foster care, adoption, trauma-informed ministry, and disability inclusion. Together, we unpack why so many families feel overlooked by the church and how kids ministry leaders have a unique opportunity to change that. Kim offers practical, approachable steps for churches of any size to become more inclusive, whether that means supporting foster families, training volunteers to understand trauma, or creating environments where kids with disabilities can truly belong—not just be accommodated.This conversation is both deeply personal and incredibly practical. If you want to build a ministry that reflects the heart of Jesus by welcoming every child and empowering every family, this episode will give you the vision and the tools to start.QUICK LINKSVBS Freebie FestBoundless Hope for Every Child by Kim BottoKim Botto's Website

In this episode, Corinne Noble shares her journey into kids ministry — feeling called at age 10, earning a degree in children’s ministry, and stepping into a full-time kids pastor role at just 21. She reflects on leading young, building confidence, and navigating the internal barriers many leaders face.The conversation dives deep into kids ministry environments: whether churches should compete with Disneyland, how flexible design supports growth, and why environments may draw kids in. They also tackle capacity limits, safety, volunteer experience, and how to lead up effectively — coming to senior leadership with both clarity and solutions.If you’re wrestling with space, growth, or how to advocate for your ministry, this episode offers practical insight and grounded leadership wisdom.Key topics include:Overcoming age and confidence barriers in leadershipEnvironments vs. engagement: what actually keeps kidsDesigning flexible, growth-ready kids spacesCapacity limits, safety, and when to add servicesLeading up and getting buy-in from senior leadershipCreating welcoming, clutter-free environments that communicate careQuick Links:KIDMIN U (next session starts February)Kidmin Corinne

Brittany Nelson from Deeper Kidmin joins us to talk about planning a kids ministry year with purpose.We dive into how to start with clear goals, filter events through real value (not just tradition), and build a meaningful ministry calendar. Brittany shares practical insights on evaluating events, planning around family rhythms, collaborating with staff, and creating space for both structure and flexibility.If you want a more intentional, sustainable approach to your ministry year, this episode will help you think differently about your calendar.QUICK LINKS:KIDMIN U (next session starts February)Deeper Kidmin

What if the volunteer shortage isn’t a people problem, but a systems problem?In this episode, I sit down with Nick Blevins, one of the most trusted voices in kids ministry when it comes to building healthy volunteer teams. Nick shares his story and unpacks what actually works when it comes to recruiting, retaining, and caring for volunteers over the long haul.We talk about why having too many volunteers isn’t the goal, how raising the bar can increase commitment, and why culture matters more than clever recruiting tactics. Nick also shares practical strategies for setting clear expectations, handling hard conversations, and leveraging moments like Easter, VBS, and campus launches to jumpstart your team.If you’re tired of scrambling every weekend or carrying the weight of your ministry alone, this episode will help you lead your volunteer team with clarity and confidence.QUICK LINKS:⁠KIDMIN U⁠ (next session starts in February)⁠The Volunteer Playbook ⁠by Nick Blevins⁠KIDMIN.COM⁠

In this episode, Jeremy sits down with Christen Clark (host of the Collide Kids Podcast and Seven Minute Devotions for Busy Parents) to talk about what real partnership with parents actually looks like in kids ministry. You’ll hear why encouragement matters more than information, what parents are truly looking for right now, and how to build simple, sustainable rhythms that help families grow spiritually without feeling overwhelmed.Plus, Christen shares super practical ways kids ministry leaders can support parents through social media, parent emails, and easy “next steps” that actually work.If you want to pastor families better and make your kids ministry more effective long-term, this one’s for you. Quick Links:KIDMIN U (Next session starts in February)

In this episode, we’re joined by Lauren Jackson, founder of Kids Ministry Circle, for a practical conversation about one of the most overlooked parts of building a healthy kids ministry: volunteer onboarding.Lauren shares her origin story in kids ministry, what she wishes she knew in year one, and why onboarding isn’t just paperwork — it’s leadership, discipleship, and protection. We talk through the full process from “someone raised their hand to serve” to helping them feel confident on their first Sunday, including safety screening, setting expectations, avoiding the “desperation trap,” and how to handle situations like weird vibes, ghosting, and student volunteers.If you want volunteers who stick, a team culture that stays healthy, and a kids ministry that runs with excellence, this one’s for you.In this episode, we cover:Why casting a bigger vision attracts better volunteersWhat a strong onboarding process actually looks likeHow to set new volunteers up for a great first dayHow to handle awkward conversations (and ghosting) with clarity and graceBest practices for student volunteers serving in kids ministryQuick Links:KIDMIN U (Next session starts February 2026)nextgenministrynetwork.com

What does it take to lead in kids ministry for decades… and still love it?In this very first episode, we sit down with kids ministry legend Jim Wideman to talk about the stuff that actually makes leaders last.Jim shares how he accidentally got started in kids ministry over 50 years ago, what he wishes he knew in his early years, and why the key to sustainable ministry isn’t doing more; it’s building the right team, protecting your margins, and learning to break overwhelming seasons into manageable pieces.We also dive into what it really means to shepherd people well (not just teach), why follow-up is a form of care, how ministry has shifted in today’s culture, and why Jim believes the future of kids ministry depends on making room for the Holy Spirit again.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, stretched too thin, or like you’re carrying the whole ministry on your back… this conversation will bring clarity, encouragement, and a better way forward.Quick Links:KIDMIN U (Next session starts February 2026)Authentic Leadership That Lasts by Jim WidemanStretch by Jim Wideman

We're excited to kick off the Simple Kids Ministry podcast in January 2026! We've got a killer lineup of guests like Jim Wideman, Lauren Jackson, Brittany Nelson, Nick Blevins, Corinne Noble and lots more! Go to kidminu.com to get VIP Access to the live recordings months before they air and ask questions at the end of each episode.