In this weeks Kids Ministry Collective Podcast, Our conversation asked the question: What if the biggest threat to your child's faith isn't what you think?

Matt Markins, CEO of Awana, sits down with Tom and Ben to expose the counterfeit narratives quietly shaping kids' identities—often before they even turn 13. From screens to peers to well-meaning but watered-down Bible teaching, kids are absorbing stories that compete with the gospel every single day. In this conversation,

Matt reveals his own battle with false narratives from childhood trauma, unpacks why "Bible light" moralism backfires, and shares practical tools to anchor children in the true story of Scripture: creation, fall, redemption, and restoration. If you're a parent, pastor, or ministry leader who wants to equip kids to stand firm in a culture of confusion, this episode is a must-listen.

Mentioned on Episode: Child Discipleship Forum

BRITE Curriculum

Kids Ministry Collective THE PLACE FOR KIDMIN!

Every children's ministry leader — whether brand new or battle-tested — wrestles with the same thing: building a healthy volunteer team.

In this episode, Tom, Cole, Ben, and Vicki tackle real questions from real leaders about structuring teams for single and multi-service churches, the "serve one, attend one" philosophy, why giving your team scheduled breaks actually prevents burnout and grows your roster, how to gracefully release a volunteer who isn't the right fit (with raw, real stories from their own ministries), and what to do when a volunteer wants to throw out your curriculum and go rogue on a Sunday morning.

If you've ever thought, "I'll never have enough volunteers" or "I'm afraid to give my team a break because they won't come back" —

This episode will change how you lead. Book a free Clarity Call at kmccoach.net and join the conversation in the KMC Facebook Group. To learn about the Kids Ministry Collective Click HERE

In this powerful episode of the Kids Ministry Collective Podcast, our panel tackles a challenging situation many children's ministry leaders face: operating with severely restricted budgets and canceled events. Join hosts Tom, Cole, Ben, and Vicki as they share practical wisdom for thriving in ministry when traditional programming isn't an option.

Key Discussion Points:

• How to reframe budget cuts as opportunities for innovation
• Creative alternatives to traditional VBS and holiday events
• Building community without big programming
• Leveraging existing resources and volunteer talents
• Ways to maximize Sunday morning impact
• Strategies for neighborhood-based ministry

Practical Solutions Discussed:

• Popup neighborhood events
• Interest-based connection clubs
• Community partnerships
• Prayer-focused initiatives
• Family engagement strategies
• No-cost fellowship opportunities

Want Help? Go To kidsministrycollective.com and you can find Coaching, Community, Resources and More!!!

What does a real "win" look like for your Easter outreach? In this episode of The KMC Collective Podcast, Tom, Cole, Ben, and Vicki discuss how children's ministry leaders can plan Easter with the end in mind—focusing on lasting discipleship rather than just attendance numbers or egg hunts.

Discover how to define success for both church families and first-time visitors, equip parents with tools to talk about the meaning of Easter at home, and create a welcoming environment that invites families to return. Plus, learn how to avoid the dreaded post-Easter "letdown" by keeping your ministry energy consistent and planning an intentional comeback weekend.

Packed with practical follow-up ideas—from postcards with discussion questions to texting families before the next service—this episode will help you turn one Sunday into a launchpad for year-round family engagement.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How to define what a "win" looks like for Easter outreach
• Strategies to help church families discuss Easter's meaning at home
• Tips for making visitors feel known, welcomed, and invited back
• How to maintain momentum and avoid the post-Easter dip
• Creative follow-up ideas that actually work

Learn More at Kidsministrycollective.com

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/xVtsT4zz8-w

Join The KMC Collective Team as they invite David Rausch from Go! Curriculum to the virtual table. This week's conversation is all about what children's ministry leaders can do to help children and parents deepen their faith with Jesus.

Many Kidmin leaders struggle with how to use Sundays to effectively disciple children, and David shares from his new book, "Feeding Faith, A Children's Ministry Recipe for Rescuing a Lost Generation.

You don't want to miss this conversation!

Want to get Davids Book? Find it HERE

Check out GO! Curriculum

Want to get some help with your discipleship strategy? Schedule a 30-Minute Clarity Call with a KMCCoach!

In this episode of the KMC Collective Podcast, the KMC team, including Tom, Cole, Ben, and Vicky, shares practical insights and strategies for engaging children in worship. They discuss the challenges of getting children, especially fourth and fifth-graders, to participate in worship and explore various methods, such as live lyric videos, interactive stations, and incorporating different music styles and age groups in worship leadership.

The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the culture and community of your ministry, the significance of explaining the 'why' behind worship to children, and the value of variety in worship practices to maintain engagement.

Tune in to discover actionable tips and resources that can transform your children's ministry worship experience.

Need Help? Set up your 30-Minute Clarity call with a KMC Coach

Want a deeper community to learn from, grow with and be pushed forward? Join the Kidminplus.net leadership community.

Should I use teens in children's ministry? Can't they be big distractions or unreliable? Join Tom, Cole, Vickie, and Ben, the KMC Coaches, as they have this week's conversation about the ins and outs of utilizing teens in kidmin.

Sometimes leaders just don't know where to start or even why they should, so take a listen to this week's episode and see how each of us has benefited from having students in our kids' ministries.

Want some help? Set up a free 30-minute clarity call with one of the coaches - kmccoach.net

Want some community where you can be pushed forward to grow? Join Kidminplus.net

Are you drowning in kids ministry ideas, resources, and expectations—and not sure what to actually say “yes” to? In this episode of the KMC Collective Podcast, Tom, Cole, and Ben talk honestly about moving from overwhelmed to focused by sorting “good stuff” from “God stuff” in children’s ministry.

Fresh off the Children’s Pastors Conference and its jam‑packed resource rooms, they unpack:

• How to handle conference overload and come home with a clear plan
• A simple filter for deciding which ideas, tools, and curriculums fit YOUR church
• Why mission, vision, and values must drive your calendar (not trends or pressure)
• Practical ways to plan VBS, Easter, and summer without burning out
• How to use systems (folders, notes, digital tools) to capture ideas and fight overwhelm
• Why some long‑standing events might need to end—and how to evaluate them
• How coaching and community can help you stop leading alone

If you’re a kids pastor, children’s director, or key volunteer staring at a packed ministry calendar and feeling the weight of it all, this conversation will help you breathe, refocus, and take your next right step.

Connect with KMC Collective:

• Join the KMC Collective Facebook Group to keep the conversation going
• Learn more about Kidminplus.net and coaching at KMC Coach (clarity calls, support, and resources for kids ministry leaders)