45. Why Preteen Ministry Matters: Strategies for Ministry, Transitions, and Identity with Keiron Miles and Melissa Whitworth

Screens are everywhere, but are our kids safe? In this urgent episode, Chris McKenna of Protect Young Eyes joins the podcast to tackle one of the most pressing challenges facing families and churches today: children’s exposure to harmful technology and content. From alarming statistics to practical solutions, this conversation is a wake-up call for parents, leaders, and faith communities to take action.Chris compares the dangers of today’s digital landscape to historical threats like cigarettes, emphasizing that without guidance and protection, technology can have lasting negative impacts on children. He also explores the emerging implications of AI and how it intersects with faith, society, and parenting.Start the conversation in your church or home: educate families, implement proactive digital strategies, and consider using tools like parental controls and filtered routers to protect children. Safety starts with awareness and intentional action.SHOW LINKS: Protect Young EyesAnxious Generation Connect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!

What happens when you step into the world of a preteen girl, where friendships feel like everything, emotions run deep, and identity is being shaped moment by moment? In this episode, we dive into that world with Amanda Mejias and Dr. Tiff Watson, uncovering what today’s girls are really facing and how the Church can show up with clarity, compassion, and hope.This conversation pulls back the curtain on the pressures preteen girls carry and why they need leaders who are both bold and empathetic. From navigating “mean girl” moments to cultivating community where every girl feels she belongs, Amanda brings practical wisdom and honest insights that every ministry leader needs.We also tackle the tough stuff—body image, modesty, and self-expression—and explore how to guide preteens through these conversations with grace, truth, and a deep sense of safety. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just stepping into girls ministry, this episode will equip and inspire you to champion the next generation with confidence.SHOW LINKS: Connect with Dr. Tiff Watson Your Unique FizeekConnect with Lifeway GirlsConnect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!

What does it look like for a church to become a place where every individual—regardless of ability—belongs, is valued, and is discipled?In this inspiring episode, we take a deep dive into the heart behind Embrace Ministry at Brentwood Baptist Church and the incredible work happening through the Rowan Glenn Center, a space created to love and serve individuals with special needs and their families.You’ll hear how this ministry didn’t begin with a facility, a strategy, or a perfect plan—it began with a few families and a church willing to step into the calling of true inclusion. Through honest stories and practical wisdom, our guests share how churches of any size can build cultures of advocacy, accessibility, and gospel-centered care.Whether your church is just starting this journey or looking to grow, this episode will challenge and encourage you to take the next step in loving families with special needs well. This episode will remind you that special needs ministry doesn’t require perfection—it requires presence. Whether you’re a Kids Ministry leader, pastor, volunteer, or parent, you’ll walk away with hope, direction, and a clearer vision of what it means to build a church where everyone truly belongs.SHOW LINKS:Lifeway Kids Special Needs Connect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!

We're so grateful for each and every one of you! Happy Thanksgiving!SHOW LINKS:Follow Jana Magruder on InstagramConnect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!

If there’s one age group that keeps leaders on their toes, it’s preteens. In this honest and insightful episode, Melissa and Kieron dive into the messy, complicated, and often intimidating world of preteen ministry, a season filled with different learning styles, big questions, and big emotions. They unpack why this age group matters so deeply and why the conversations we have with them can feel so tough…and so important.From shifting cultural pressures to identity struggles, from friendship drama to the awkward-but-essential bridge between kids ministry and middle school, they explore what it takes to create a supportive, safe, and spiritually formative space for preteens to grow.You’ll hear practical strategies for engaging this in-between age, learn why VBS can be a powerful transition moment, and be encouraged by both Melissa and Kieron’s personal calling stories, reminders that God meets us in the hard moments and uses them to shape the next generation.Preteen ministry isn’t easy…but it is worth it. And this conversation will help you lead with clarity, courage, and compassion.SHOW LINKS: Levels of Biblical Learning Connect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!

Let’s be honest—talking about the hard stuff with little ones isn’t easy. In this powerful episode, Tracy McElhattan opens up about the real challenges of tackling tough topics in early childhood ministry. From behavioral struggles and special needs to the lingering impact of COVID-19, Tracy shares how parents, teachers, and ministry leaders can step into hard conversations with grace, patience, and purpose.Drawing from her background in education and ministry, Tracy introduces her practical framework of the Three Ds: Development, Direction, and Discipleship, offering a roadmap for guiding children through life’s big questions while keeping connection and relationship at the center.This episode reminds us that the hardest conversations often lead to the holiest moments, and that God’s faithfulness meets us in every challenge.Whether you’re a kids ministry leader, educator, or parent, you’ll walk away encouraged to face the hard stuff with courage, compassion, and hope.SHOW LINKS: Bible Studies For LifeAges and StagesLifeway Special Needs ResourcesConnect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!

What can a chicken sandwich teach us about leadership in ministry? In this insightful and energizing episode, Brett Buckland joins the conversation to share how lessons from his time at Chick-fil-A have shaped the way he leads in ministry and life. Brett dives into the power of value-driven leadership, the importance of being present with your team, and how simple, consistent habits can build a culture where both volunteers and families thrive.Through real stories and practical wisdom, Brett draws surprising and inspiring parallels between the restaurant world and the church, showing that when leaders serve with purpose and excellence, ministry becomes more than a task; it becomes a movement.This episode is packed with leadership gold for anyone serving in kids, next gen, or family ministry. Whether you lead two volunteers or two hundred, Brett’s practical insights will help you build a culture of excellence, purpose, and joy. The kind that keeps people coming back.Because great ministry isn’t built on programs. It’s built on people.SHOW LINKS:Connect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!

What if a child’s behavior on Sunday isn’t misbehavior, but a message?In this powerful and practical episode of Kids Ministry Calling, Kim Botto shares wisdom from her decades in children’s ministry, helping leaders understand how trauma impacts kids’ emotions, behavior, and connection. She unpacks what it means for the church to become trauma-informed, offering insight into the real statistics surrounding children with trauma and special needs.Kim brings hope and hands-on strategies to the conversation, showing leaders how to build ministries that are not just fun, but healing. From positive communication and calming techniques to the use of fidgets and sensory tools, she equips you with simple, tangible ways to help kids feel safe and supported.Whether you lead a Sunday morning classroom, train volunteers, or oversee next gen ministry, this episode will reshape how you approach behavior, empathy, and belonging in your church.Listen now and be inspired to build a ministry of Boundless Hope.SHOW LINKS:Boundless Hope for Every Child Connect with Kim BottoConnect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!

What if one of the most overlooked leadership skills could transform the way you serve kids, partner with parents, and lead volunteers? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Michelle Hicks to talk about the power of Emotional Intelligence (EQ) in ministry, and why it may be the secret ingredient to healthy leadership that lasts.Dr. Hicks breaks down the five components of EQ: self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, social skills, and motivation - and shows how each one shapes the way we communicate, resolve conflict, lead teams, and love people like Jesus. From navigating emotional moments with grace to creating environments where leaders and kids feel seen, known, and valued, this conversation hits both heart and strategy.This episode will stretch you, encourage you, and equip you to lead with greater wisdom, compassion, and clarity. Because in kids ministry, we don’t just manage programs, we shepherd people. And that starts with leading ourselves well. Thanks for listening and sharing with a friend!SHOW LINKS:Connect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!

We’ve all heard the phrase “stranger danger”, but the sobering truth is that nearly 90% of child abuse cases involve someone the child already knows and trusts. As ministry leaders, it’s our sacred responsibility to ensure that the church is a safe place for every child who walks through the doors.In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling, host Jana Magruder is joined by Kris Buckman for a timely and practical conversation on abuse prevention in kids ministry. Kris shares her own ministry journey and offers valuable insights into:Why training, screening, and effective policies are essential safeguardsHow to build and implement a clear response plan for potential incidentsThe vital role volunteers play in creating a safe environmentHow to engage and equip youth volunteers for sensitive situationsWhether you’re a seasoned leader or new to kids ministry, this episode will encourage and equip you to strengthen safety measures in your church and create an environment where children can truly flourish.Listen now and discover practical steps you can take to protect kids and empower your team.SHOW LINKS: Protect My Ministry Ministry Safe Essentials CurriculumConnect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!