36. Kids Ministry and Generation Beta: Guiding Families Through Technology, Truth, and Faith with Dr. Shelly Melia

The world our kids are growing up in is changing at lightning speed, and the church must be ready. In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling, Jana Magruder and her guests take us into a forward-looking conversation about the next generation, Generation Beta, and the unique challenges and opportunities that come with discipling their families. As we reflect on the shifting landscape of culture, technology, and faith, we are reminded that our calling as ministry leaders has never been more important.Shelly Melia serves as the Program Director for the Master of Arts in Children's Ministry and the Master of Arts in Family Ministry at Dallas Baptist University. Prior to coming to DBU she served for over 25 years in children's and family ministry in Oklahoma, Florida, and Texas. Dr. Melia is also a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in grief and resilience. She holds an undergraduate degree from Oklahoma Baptist University, two master’s degrees from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Philosophy from B.H. Carroll Theological Institute.This discussion explores how emerging technologies, including AI, are influencing parenting styles and reshaping family life. Special guest Shelly Melia offers deep insights into the challenges Gen Z faces in discerning truth in a digital world saturated with misinformation, emphasizing the church’s vital role in pointing them toward God’s Word as the source of absolute truth. This episode also highlights how discipleship strategies must adapt to focus on authentic relationships, meaningful rituals, and creating space for honest questions and doubts. With intergenerational collaboration, curiosity, and intentionality, ministry leaders can provide the supportive environment children and youth need to grow strong in their faith. If you found this conversation helpful, we’d love for you to rate, review, and share this episode so more ministry leaders can join the conversation. Together, let’s continue building ministries that not only meet the needs of today but also shape the faith of tomorrow.SHOW LINKS: Connect with Dr. Shelly MeliaJoin us for ETCH 2025.  Sign up and get the details HERE. ETCH Conference Connect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!

In today’s world, parenting often feels like navigating a maze of screens, apps, and online dangers - one we didn’t have to face when we were growing up. How do we, as ministry leaders and parents, guide children to not only survive but thrive in a technology-driven culture? In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling, Jana Magruder welcomes Sarah Siegand from Parents Who Fight, an organization committed to equipping parents with the tools, courage, and faith to protect their children in the digital age. This conversation isn’t about fear—it’s about hope, strategy, and building a strong network of support so that our kids can grow into the people God created them to be.Sarah Segan shares how Parents Who Fight began and why its mission is more urgent than ever. Together, Jana and Sarah unpack the growing shift from schools to churches as the frontlines for equipping parents in online safety. They explore how technology impacts children’s spiritual, emotional, and social development—and why the church must step in with wisdom and intentionality.This episode is a call to action—not just for kids ministry leaders and parents, but for anyone who influences the next generation. When we stand together, we can push back against unhealthy digital norms and create a culture that champions our children’s hearts and minds.If this episode encouraged you, please rate, review, and share Kids Ministry Calling so more leaders and families can join the conversation. Together, we can equip the next generation to walk in truth, both online and offline.SHOW LINKS: Parents Who Fight Anxious Generation Join us for ETCH 2025.  Sign up and get the details HERE. ETCH Conference Connect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!

Today’s episode is one that every kids ministry leader, pastor, and parent will want to lean into—because it’s all about one of the most important questions we face in ministry: How do we lead children to salvation?We often celebrate the moment a child makes a decision to follow Jesus—but what about everything that leads up to it? And what comes after? In this episode, we’re joined by Donna Peavey and Karen Kennemur, respected leaders in children’s ministry and co-authors of the brand-new book Children and Salvation.Their heart behind the book is to offer a rich, theologically grounded, and practically helpful resource for those guiding children in their spiritual journey. Whether you’re a seasoned ministry leader or a parent wanting to disciple your child with confidence, this episode is for you.Donna and Karen walk us through the why and how behind their new book Children and Salvation, which was written to equip churches and families to walk faithfully and wisely with kids as they grow in their understanding of the gospel. They also share insights into children’s unique spiritual development and remind us that salvation isn’t a formula—it’s a process that requires patience, discernment, and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit.Whether you’re teaching a classroom of first graders, leading a VBS altar call, or praying with your own child at bedtime, you’ll find wisdom and encouragement in this timely conversation.If this conversation sparked new questions or affirmed your calling in kids ministry, we’d love to hear from you! Please take a moment to rate and review the Kids Ministry Calling podcast on your favorite platform—it helps others discover this encouraging content. And don’t forget to share this episode with your fellow ministry leaders, volunteers, or even the parents in your church community who are walking this journey too.We are so grateful for what God is doing through leaders like you—and we’re cheering you on as you faithfully point the next generation to Jesus.SHOW LINKS: Ages and Stages Levels of Biblical Learning Children and SalvationJoin us for ETCH 2025.  Sign up and get the details HERE. ETCH Conference Connect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!

Today, we're taking you behind the scenes of the Conclave Conference in Texas, where next generation ministry leaders from across the country gathered to learn, grow, and be challenged in their callings. In this episode, our conversation centers around something deeply relevant to every church leader: understanding and reaching the next generation—and the pivotal role that kids ministry leaders play in doing just that.Here’s the truth: kids ministry leaders are some of the most strategic leaders in the entire church. Why? Because they reach every generation—kids, parents, grandparents, volunteers—and they’re shaping the spiritual foundation of our future leaders right now. But if we want to truly reach today’s kids, we have to start by understanding how they see the world. In this episode, Jana Magruder shares a timely and powerful message about generational differences, cultural pressures, and how we can train kids not just to be good—but to be reachers for the Kingdom.Jana helps us unpack the critical importance of teaching a counter-cultural gospel message—one that boldly tells kids who God is and who they are in Him. As she explains, kids today are growing up in a world that bombards them with confusion around identity and belonging. But the church has the answer—and it starts in the kids ministry. Whether you're leading in a small church or a large ministry, this episode will inspire you to think deeply, lead strategically, and invest boldly in the next generation.If you found this conversation helpful, please rate and review the show on your favorite podcast platform—it helps us reach even more ministry leaders like you. And don’t forget to share this episode with a fellow kids or next gen leader who could use a boost of encouragement today.Thanks for listening—and as always, keep answering your calling with passion, prayer, and purpose.SHOW LINKS:Join us for ETCH 2025.  Sign up and get the details HERE. ETCH Conference Connect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!

As summer winds down and we wrap up our July Book Club series, we’re closing with a conversation that brings the heart of kids ministry into full focus. In this episode we reflect on Kids Ministry That Nourishes by Jana Magruder—a book that has reminded us not just why we lead, but how we lead with purpose.If you’ve ever found yourself wondering how to make a lasting spiritual impact in the lives of the kids and families you serve, today’s episode is for you. We’re diving deep into the three essential nutrients of a thriving ministry—kingdom expanding, heart transforming, and culture shaping—and how each of them work together to build ministries that truly nourish.In this thoughtful and inspiring conclusion to our July series, we explore what it means to lead a culture shaping ministry that equips kids to share their faith and serve others with confidence. We dig into the importance of shaping a culture where kids are not just protected from the world, but prepared to engage it with truth, grace, and boldness.As we close this series, we hope you’re walking away refreshed and reminded that what you do truly matters. Kids ministry isn’t about filling time or checking boxes—it’s about cultivating faith that lasts for eternity.If this episode encouraged you, would you take a moment to rate and review the podcast? And better yet—share this episode with someone in ministry who might need the reminder that they’re making a difference.SHOW LINKS:Join us for ETCH 2025.  Sign up and get the details HERE. ETCH Conference Connect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!

Welcome back to our Summer Book Club Series on Kids Ministry Calling! In this episode, our producer and guest host Nikki Ogden sits down with Jana Magruder to explore one of the most foundational principles of a truly nourishing kids ministry: focusing on heart transformation over behavior modification.It’s easy in ministry to celebrate good behavior, memorized verses, or quiet participation—but Jesus calls us to something deeper. Jana reminds us that our goal isn’t to raise well-behaved kids; it’s to raise gospel-transformed hearts that truly know and follow Jesus. Together Nikki and Jana discuss what it means to align ministry philosophy with the heart of Jesus and why simply teaching children to “be good” misses the deeper purpose of discipleship. Jana shares practical strategies for weaving the gospel into every aspect of kids ministry, stories from her own experience, and insights into how leaders can partner with families to nurture lasting spiritual growth. If you’ve ever wondered how to move beyond surface-level lessons and into life-changing discipleship, this episode will both challenge and encourage you.Thanks for joining us for another episode in our Summer Book Club Series! If this conversation with Jana Magruder helped you rethink how you're discipling kids—or encouraged you to refocus your ministry on what truly matters—we’d love for you to take a moment to rate, review, and share the podcast. Your support helps more ministry leaders discover these important conversations. Don’t forget to pass this episode along to your team or a fellow leader—it just might be the spark they need.SHOW LINKS: The Gospel Project The Levels of Biblical LivingJoin us for ETCH 2025.  Sign up and get the details HERE. ETCH Conference Connect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!

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 NourishesJoin us for ETCH 2025.  Sign up and get the details HERE. ETCH 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 NourishesJoin us for ETCH 2025.  Sign up and get the details HERE. ETCH 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:Join us for ETCH 2025.  Sign up and get the details HERE. 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 ChristianJoin us for ETCH 2025.  Sign up and get the details HERE. ETCH Conference Connect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!