74. Every Kid Needs Someone: Building a Culture of Belonging with Mark Dance

Kids may remember the games, the lessons, and the events—but they'll never forget the people who made them feel like they belonged.In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling, Jana sits down with Mark Dance to talk about one of the most powerful tools in children's ministry: relationships. Together, they explore why belonging is essential to discipleship and how every church leader—from the senior pastor to the kids ministry volunteer—plays a role in helping children and families feel seen, known, and loved.Mark shares practical wisdom on creating a church culture where relationships are intentional, pastors are present in the lives of children, and families experience genuine connection. The conversation also reflects on the lasting impact of childhood church experiences and why investing in the next generation is one of the greatest opportunities the church has.Think about one child or family in your ministry who could use a deeper connection. This week, take one intentional step—a conversation, a handwritten note, a prayer, or simply learning a name. Small moments of connection can have an eternal impact.Because at the heart of every healthy kids ministry is a simple truth: children grow best in a community where they know they belong, are deeply loved, and are consistently pointed to Jesus.SHOW LINKS: Check out Lifeway Kids CurriculumConnect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!Join us at ETCH 2026

The stories we place in a child's hands have the power to shape the truths they carry in their heart.In this special episode of Kids Ministry Calling, Jana spotlights two incredible children's authors whose books deserve a place on every kids ministry bookshelf and in every family's home.First, Blaire Linne shares the heart behind Yara the Brave, a beautifully written story that helps children understand anxiety, process worry, and discover the peace that comes from trusting God. Drawing from her own journey through anxiety, Blaire offers practical encouragement for ministry leaders and parents who want to help kids navigate big emotions with biblical truth.Then, Kyle Worley joins the conversation to introduce The Dragon Slayer and His Super Special Suit, an imaginative retelling of the gospel that weaves together the story of redemption and the armor of God. Kyle explains why storytelling and imagination are powerful discipleship tools and how theology can come alive for children through memorable stories.Whether you're building your ministry library, looking for resources to recommend to parents, or searching for meaningful gifts for kids, this episode will introduce you to two books that help children grow in both faith and understanding.SHOW LINKS:Yara the Brave and the Swirling Worry  The Dragon Slayer and His Super Special Suit Check out Lifeway Kids CurriculumConnect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!Join us at ETCH 2026

SHOW LINKS: HyfiCheck out Lifeway Kids CurriculumConnect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!Join us at ETCH 2026

Some of the biggest moments in a child's faith journey begin long before they can read a Bible on their own.In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling, we're continuing our Summer Dreamin' series by dreaming about one of the most foundational ministries in the church—preschool ministry.Jana is joined by Todd Villemont and Renee Blaine, two passionate preschool ministry leaders who share why these earliest years are some of the most influential in a child's spiritual development. Together, they discuss how churches can create environments where preschoolers experience God's love, begin building biblical foundations, and develop a sense of belonging that lasts for years to come.This week, take a fresh look at your preschool ministry through the eyes of a first-time family. Ask yourself, "What would help this child and their parents feel known, welcomed, and connected to Jesus?" Then make one intentional change that creates a stronger first impression and a deeper opportunity for discipleship.Because when we dream bigger about preschool ministry, we're investing in the very first chapters of a child's faith story—and those chapters matter more than we often realize.SHOW LINKS: Check out Lifeway Kids CurriculumConnect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!Join us at ETCH 2026

The best holiday ministry moments don't happen in December—they begin with intentional planning long before the season arrives.In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling, we're continuing our Summer Dreamin' series by looking ahead to the holidays and exploring how churches can create meaningful experiences that go beyond events and help families grow in their faith together.This conversation is packed with practical ideas for planning Christmas, Easter, and more with purpose. You'll hear creative ways to engage families, equip parents, and create opportunities for discipleship that extend beyond your church walls. From prayer resources and family worship to community outreach and memorable events, you'll walk away with fresh inspiration for your ministry calendar.Most importantly, this episode is a reminder that holiday ministry isn't just about filling the schedule—it's about creating moments that point kids and families to Jesus.Choose one upcoming holiday and ask this question: "How can we help families continue this experience after they leave our church?" Then create one simple resource, conversation starter, or prayer guide that encourages discipleship at home.Because when we plan holidays with intentionality, we're not just creating great events—we're creating opportunities for kids and families to experience the hope of the gospel together.SHOW LINKS: Check out Lifeway Kids CurriculumConnect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!Join us at ETCH 2026

What if worship became more than just the singing portion of your kids ministry?In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling, Jana sits down with Kirk Kirkland, Director of Worship at Lifeway, to explore how churches can help kids understand that worship is far more than music—it's a lifelong response to who God is.Kirk shares practical ways to create meaningful worship experiences for children by incorporating Scripture, prayer, and community alongside music. He also offers wisdom on choosing biblically sound songs, leading kids with intention, and helping them understand why they worship—not just how.This week, take a fresh look at your worship time. Ask yourself, "What are we teaching kids about worship beyond the music?" Look for one intentional way to incorporate Scripture, prayer, or a moment of reflection that helps children understand worship as a response to God's character and His love.Because when we teach kids why we worship, we're equipping them with a foundation that can shape their relationship with God for years to come.SHOW LINKS: Check out Lifeway Kids CurriculumConnect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!Join us at ETCH 2026

What could happen if your senior pastor and kids ministry leader were fully aligned around one mission?In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling, we're continuing our Summer Dreamin' series by dreaming about one of the most influential relationships in the church—the partnership between the senior pastor and the kids minister.Jana is joined by Senior Pastor Jay Hardwick and Kids Ministry Melissa Whitworth for an honest conversation about what it takes to build trust, collaboration, and a shared vision for reaching the next generation. They unpack practical ways pastors can champion children's ministry, how kids ministry leaders can strengthen relationships with church leadership, and why unity at the leadership level creates healthier ministry for everyone.You'll also hear why creating a culture where kids are known, valued, and belong starts long before they enter a classroom—it starts with a church that believes children matter.Whether you're a kids minister hoping to build a stronger relationship with your pastor or a church leader looking to better support your next generation team, this episode offers practical wisdom and plenty of encouragement.Take one intentional step this week to strengthen your partnership with your senior pastor or ministry leadership. Schedule a conversation, share a win from your ministry, ask how you can better support one another, or spend time praying together for the next generation.Because when church leaders dream together, serve together, and champion the same mission, kids and families experience a church where they truly belong—and where the gospel is passed faithfully to the next generation.SHOW LINKS:Check out Lifeway Kids CurriculumConnect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!Join us at ETCH 2026

The greatest gift we can give kids isn't a great program—it's a clear picture of Jesus.In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling, Jana sits down with Aaron Wilson, team leader for The Gospel Project at Lifeway, to talk about what it truly means to keep the gospel at the center of children's ministry.Aaron unpacks what the gospel is, why it's more than just the message of salvation, and how every Bible story ultimately points to Jesus. He shares practical ways to consistently teach the gospel in age-appropriate ways and challenges ministry leaders to evaluate whether Jesus is truly at the center of everything they do.The conversation also takes a personal turn as Aaron shares his calling story and offers encouragement to leaders who may be tempted to find their identity in ministry success rather than in Christ.Whether you're teaching preschoolers, leading elementary kids, or equipping volunteers, this episode is a timely reminder that when Jesus is the focus, everything else finds its proper place. When the gospel becomes the foundation—not just a lesson we teach, but the lens through which we lead—we don't just create better ministry. We help kids discover the life-changing hope of Jesus.SHOW LINKS: The Gospel Project Check out Lifeway Kids CurriculumConnect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!Join us at ETCH 2026

What if the greatest impact of your kids ministry didn't happen in your classrooms—but in your families' living rooms?In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling, we're continuing our Summer Dreamin' series with a conversation that challenges kids ministry leaders to think beyond Sunday mornings. Tristan Meza shares her passion for equipping parents to embrace their God-given role as the primary disciplers of their children and offers practical ways churches can partner with families for lasting spiritual impact.Together, Jana and Tristan explore what it looks like to dream intentionally about family discipleship, helping parents see that faith isn't confined to church programs—it can be woven into the everyday moments of life.If you've been wondering how your ministry can move from simply serving families to truly equipping them, this conversation is full of practical encouragement and fresh vision.This week, identify one simple way your ministry can encourage parents outside of Sunday morning. Whether it's a conversation, a text message, a take-home resource, or a prayer guide, look for one practical step that empowers families to continue discipleship at home.Because the goal of kids ministry isn't simply to create great church experiences—it's to help families build a faith that lasts long after they leave the church building.SHOW LINKS:Check out Lifeway Kids CurriculumConnect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!Join us at ETCH 2026

What if one of the most effective tools for discipling families and encouraging volunteers is something you can create yourself?In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling, we're continuing our Summer Dreamin' series by exploring how podcasting can become a powerful extension of your kids ministry. Whether you've thought about starting a podcast or have no idea where to begin, this conversation will give you the confidence and practical steps to get started.Jana is joined by Video and Sound Engineer Donnie Gordon and Podcast Producer Nikki, who share how podcasting can help you connect with parents throughout the week, equip volunteers beyond Sunday mornings, and strengthen communication across your ministry. They also tackle common fears, simplify the technology, and explain why you don't need a professional studio to make a meaningful impact.If you're looking for a fresh way to reach families, encourage your team, and extend your ministry beyond the church walls, this episode will inspire you to dream bigger.Take 30 minutes this week to dream about how your ministry could connect with families outside of Sunday mornings. Maybe a podcast is the next step. Start by brainstorming three topics your parents or volunteers would love to hear about.Whether you're ready to hit record tomorrow or simply exploring what's possible, this episode will help you see that your voice can be a valuable resource for the families you serve!Check out Lifeway Kids CurriculumConnect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!Join us at ETCH 2026