26. PreK graduation to Kindergarten with Delanee Williams and Kimba Campbell

Welcome to our July Book Club Series! In this episode, Nikki Ogden sits down with author, host, and ministry leader Jana Magruder to talk about her powerful and timely book, Kids Ministry That Nourishes. If you’ve ever felt the weight of numbers, pressure to perform, or the fatigue of ministry burnout - this conversation is for you.Together, Nikki and Janna unpack what it means to lead a kids ministry that truly nourishes - not just kids, but the leaders who serve them. They reflect on how to pursue a kingdom-expanding mindset, prioritize relationships over metrics, and find rhythms of Sabbath that protect your soul and your calling. This episode is full of honesty, encouragement, and practical wisdom for anyone who wants to lead with purpose and sustainability in today’s fast-paced ministry world.Thanks for joining us for this meaningful conversation in our July Book Club Series. If you’re longing to lead from a place of health and purpose, we hope Jana’s words reminded you that nourishing others starts with nourishing your own soul. If today’s episode encouraged or challenged you, would you take a moment to rate and review the podcast? Your feedback helps more ministry leaders discover these valuable conversations. And don’t forget to share this episode with a friend, teammate, or fellow leader - you never know who might need this reminder today. Keep showing up, keep resting, and keep pointing kids to Jesus.SHOW LINKS:Kids Ministry That NourishesETCH Conference Connect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!

Welcome to our July Book Club Series! This month, we’re diving into the ingredients that make kids ministry not just effective - but truly life-giving. In this episode, host Jana Magruder and producer Nikki Ogden, reflect on what it means to nourish both children and leaders spiritually in today’s culture.In this rich and reflective conversation from our July Book Club Series, Nikki and Jana explore the "essential nutrients" every thriving kids ministry needs, from Jana's book, Kids Ministry That Nourishes. They emphasize the urgency of raising spiritually strong kids in today’s ever-changing world, highlighting the importance of heart transformation over simple behavior management. The episode dives into how leaders can nurture their own spiritual health, and why that matters for leading children well. They also discuss how to create a culture-shaping environment in ministry and equip parents to be partners in their child’s faith journey. Full of wisdom, encouragement, and practical takeaways, this episode is a powerful reminder that healthy ministry starts with healthy leaders. Thanks for being part of our July Book Club Series! We hope this episode encouraged you to reflect on your own spiritual health and how it impacts the kids you lead. If something in today’s conversation resonated with you, would you take a moment to rate and review the podcast? Your feedback helps us grow and reach more leaders just like you. And don’t forget to share this episode with your ministry team or a fellow leader—it might be the encouragement they need this week. Keep showing up, keep growing, and keep pointing the next generation to Jesus.SHOW LINKS:Kids Ministry That NourishesETCH Conference Connect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!

We’re continuing our Milestone Series this summer with one of the most pivotal seasons in a child’s spiritual journey: the preteen years. In this episode, Danielle Bell and Jeremy Carroll dive deep into the unique challenges and opportunities that come with walking alongside preteens as they begin to form their own faith identity and prepare for the transition into student ministry.These aren’t just “in-between” years—they’re milestone moments that matter. From conversations about purity and identity to creating space for honest questions and peer relationships, preteen ministry is where lasting faith often takes root. Danielle and Jeremy reflect on their personal ministry callings, share practical strategies for empowering preteens through service and leadership, and explore how intergenerational relationships in the church can fuel spiritual growth and connection.Thanks for joining us for this meaningful conversation on the importance of preteen milestones. If you found this episode helpful or inspiring, we’d love for you to rate and review the podcast—it helps us reach more ministry leaders and parents who are walking this journey, too. And don’t forget to share this episode with your ministry team or someone who works with preteens—they’ll be encouraged by the wisdom and heart in this conversation. Let’s keep showing up for this generation, one milestone at a time!SHOW LINKS:ETCH Conference Connect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!

We’re so excited to continue our summer series, Milestones. We're focusing on the key spiritual moments that shape a child’s faith. These milestones aren’t just checkboxes; they’re opportunities for deep connection, discipleship, and celebration within the church and at home.In this powerful episode, Jeremy Carroll and Danielle Bell explore the importance of celebrating and supporting spiritual milestones in children’s lives. They discuss how the church can better partner with families during key moments like baptism and the Lord’s Supper by equipping parents with gospel-centered resources, conversation guides, and follow-up tools. The episode emphasizes the value of building relationships, using curriculum that reinforces faith, and creating church-wide celebrations that affirm a child’s spiritual growth. From workbooks to one-on-one discipleship, this episode provides practical ways to engage both kids and their parents in meaningful faith conversations that leave a lasting impact.If today’s conversation helped you think differently or sparked new ideas for your ministry, please take a moment to rate and review the podcast—it helps more leaders like you find us and join in the mission. And don’t forget to share this episode with your ministry team or a parent you know—it could open the door to their next faith conversation. Thanks for joining us—we can’t wait to continue this series with you all summer long!SHOW LINKS: Hyfi MinistryThree Circles The Gospel: God's Plan for MeThe ABC's of Becoming a ChristianETCH Conference Connect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!

We’re thrilled to be in our brand-new series, Milestones, a month-long journey designed to help ministry leaders and parents celebrate and support the spiritual milestones that shape a child’s faith journey. In this second episode, we’re diving into one of the most foundational stages: the preschool years.Join preschool ministry experts Delanee and Kimba as they unpack the key transitions that happen in early childhood—moving from nursery to preschool, and eventually to “big church.” Through engaging stories and practical advice, they remind us that spiritual growth is just as essential as physical and emotional development. Whether you’re a kids ministry leader or a parent, this conversation will help you walk alongside families with intentionality and grace during these early, formative years. If this episode encouraged you or gave you practical next steps for your ministry or parenting, we’d love for you to rate and review the show. Your feedback helps others discover the podcast and join in the journey. And be sure to share this episode with fellow leaders, volunteers, or parents who are navigating the preschool season.SHOW LINKS:Ages and StagesLevels of Biblical Learning Bible Studies for LifeFlip the ScriptBible Skills for KidsETCH Conference Connect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!

Hey friends! We’re kicking off a brand-new season with something truly special: the Milestone Series for this summer! Over the next few months, we’ll dive into some of the most significant moments in a child’s spiritual journey and how the church can walk alongside families every step of the way. In this first episode, we’re starting where it all begins—preschool ministry and parent-child dedication.In this kickoff episode of the Milestone Series, the we'll dive into the powerful ministry of preschool years and the importance of parent-child dedications in the life of the church. Kimba Campbell and Delanee Williams unpack the heart behind these special moments, offering practical tips on how to structure dedication ceremonies, prepare parents, and follow up in meaningful ways. With heartfelt personal stories and ministry insights, this episode highlights how the church can create lasting impact by coming alongside families from the very start of their faith journey. It’s a conversation full of wisdom, encouragement, and a reminder that even the earliest years in a child’s life matter deeply in God’s bigger story.If this episode encouraged you or gave you fresh ideas for your ministry, would you take a moment to rate and review the podcast? Your support helps others discover the show and grow in their own ministry journeys. And be sure to share this episode with a friend or teammate in children’s ministry—especially someone preparing for parent-child dedications. We can’t wait to walk through these milestones together this summer. Let’s keep leading with purpose and pointing families to Jesus!SHOW LINKS:Ages and StagesLevels of Biblical Learning Bible Studies for LifeETCH Conference Connect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!

Every year, children’s pastors from across the country gather for the Children’s Pastors Conference—a time to grow, connect, and be reminded of the incredible calling to reach the next generation. This year, our producer Nikki Ogden walked the halls with one question in mind: “What’s the one thing you wish your senior pastor knew about your ministry?” The answers were honest, heartfelt, and deeply insightful. In this episode, we’re joined by Ben Mandrell, president and CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources—and a former senior pastor himself—to explore that very question from the other side of the conversation. Ben offers a powerful perspective on how senior leaders can champion children’s ministry in meaningful ways, showing up with presence, purpose, and passion. If you’ve ever longed for stronger support from your church leadership—or wondered how to build that bridge—this episode is for you.If this episode encouraged you or gave you a new perspective on the role of leadership in kids ministry, we’d love for you to take a moment to rate and review the podcast. Your feedback helps us reach more ministry leaders and make a greater impact. And don’t forget to share this episode with your pastor, leadership team, or anyone passionate about seeing children’s ministry thrive. Thanks for listening—and keep showing up for the next generation with purpose and heart.SHOW LINKS:ETCH Conference Connect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!

What if teaching theology to children wasn’t as intimidating as it sounds? What if, instead, it was one of the most natural and essential parts of shaping a child’s faith? In this episode, Mary Wiley joins us to unpack the idea that theology is simply learning about God—and that kids are not only capable of learning it, but eager to! With warmth and wisdom, Mary shares how parents and ministry leaders can make big truths about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and the church both accessible and engaging for young hearts. In this episode, Mary Wiley dives into the heart of why teaching theology to children matters deeply. She reminds us that theology is simply learning about who God is—and that every child deserves to know Him personally and deeply. Mary offers practical tools, insights, and encouragement for both parents and ministry leaders as they teach kids about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and the church. With a focus on making theology engaging and understandable, she shows how we can help children build a strong foundation of faith that lasts. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about helping the next generation grow in their understanding of and love for God. If this episode gave you fresh ideas or encouraged you in your role as a parent or leader, we’d love for you to take a moment to rate and review the podcast—it helps us reach even more people who are passionate about discipling the next generation. And don’t forget to share this episode with a friend, ministry partner, or fellow parent who’s walking the same journey. Let’s keep growing together as we teach kids the beautiful truths about who God is!SHOW LINKS:Everyday TheologyAges and StagesBig Picture Questions and AnswersBible Skills for KidsOur Highest GoodDiscovering the BibleETCH Conference Connect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!

What does it mean to leave a lasting spiritual legacy? In a world filled with challenges and distractions, how can parents and grandparents intentionally invest in the faith of the next generation? In this powerful episode, we’re joined by Janie Ortlund, an author and passionate advocate for generational faith. Drawing from her book To the Tenth Generation, Janie shares her heart for passing down faith through practical traditions, intentional parenting, and a deep reliance on God’s promises. She reminds us that it’s never too late to influence our children and grandchildren for Christ, no matter what stage of life we’re in. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or ministry leader, this conversation will inspire you to think about your spiritual legacy and how to build a foundation of faith that endures for generations to come.We’re so grateful you joined us and would love for you to share this episode with parents, grandparents, or anyone who desires to pass down their faith to future generations. Thanks for listening, and keep building a legacy of faith that will impact generations to come!SHOW LINKS: To the Tenth GenerationConnect with Janie OrtlundETCH Conference Connect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!

Have you ever walked into a church space and immediately felt overwhelmed? The environments we create for kids and families can make a powerful first impression, and they play a big role in how people experience church. In this episode, we welcome back Lynley Mandrell to dive into the importance of thoughtfully designed spaces in children’s ministry. Lynley shares her passion for creating environments that are both inviting and functional, offering practical tips for evaluating, updating, and organizing ministry spaces. From balancing thematic decor with neutral elements to making signage clear and welcoming, Lynley highlights how intentional design can enhance hospitality and outreach. Plus, she emphasizes the value of involving the community in renovation projects, making the process collaborative and meaningful. Whether your church is looking to refresh a room or completely overhaul your kids’ ministry area, this episode is packed with insights to help you create a space where families feel at home!If you found today’s episode helpful, we’d love for you to take a moment to rate and review the podcast. Your feedback helps us reach more leaders who are passionate about making a difference in children’s ministry. And don’t forget to share this episode with your team or anyone involved in creating ministry environments—they’ll thank you for it! Thanks for listening, and keep making your space a welcoming place for families to grow in faith.SHOW LINKS: ETCH Conference Connect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!