In this episode, Tom Bump, Cole Rice, and Vicki Abbott discuss the challenges of volunteer recruitment and retention in church ministries.

They emphasize the importance of understanding the difference between recruiting new volunteers and retaining existing ones. The conversation highlights key questions leaders should ask themselves to improve their volunteer culture and the significance of creating a culture of celebration to enhance retention.

Want to get some help with your recruitment plan? We want to help you, Go to: kidsministrycollective.com

You can get 30 minutes of FREE Mentor/Coaching just by setting up a a clarity call.

Procrastination isn't a character flaw. It's a signal.

In this episode, we're getting real about why kids ministry leaders procrastinate—especially when energy is low and the tasks feel endless. Cole Rice opens up about his own procrastination struggles and how they drain his leadership energy. But here's the thing: once you understand why you're avoiding tasks, you can actually do something about it.

We explore the real factors behind procrastination:

• How energy levels directly impact your motivation and focus
• Why your work environment matters more than you think (yes, lighting and music actually help)
• The tension between human connection and task completion
• Practical strategies that work: gamifying tasks, the "Eat the Frog" method, boundary-setting

Plus, we share two powerful frameworks:

• The Red & Green Task System (knowing which tasks drain vs. energize you)
• The Eisenhower Matrix (so you stop doing busy work and start doing what matters)

The big takeaway? You don't need more discipline. You need the right mindset, the right environment, and permission to work the way God wired you.

You'll leave this episode with clarity on how to tackle procrastination without burning out—and tools to protect your energy for what truly matters in your ministry.

Want some help breaking through procrastination? Let us have a conversation: pick a coach and schedule a call

You're running your kids ministry on fumes—short-staffed, stretched thin, and wondering where your next volunteer is coming from. This episode is for you.

We dig into the real challenges of recruiting and retaining volunteers in children's ministry without burning yourself out in the process. Learn practical strategies Nicole Brutosky and our team use to move from constantly asking for help to actually building a team that stays.

Topics covered:

• Why volunteers quit (and it's probably not what you think)
• The difference between shadowing and serving (and why it matters)
• How to build trust with your volunteer team
• Delegation that actually works
• Creating safe entry points for new volunteers
• Fun, food, and feedback: The forgotten retention tools
• Appreciating volunteers in specific, meaningful ways

Want your FREE Call with a KMC Coach? Head to kidsministrycollective.com

In this episode, the KMC Teach discuss the importance of inviting volunteers to serve in children's ministry rather than simply asking them. They explore the ineffectiveness of mass appeals and share research-backed strategies for personal engagement.

The conversation includes personal anecdotes and success stories that highlight the positive impact of direct invitations on volunteer participation.

Listen in and get some practical and sustainable ideas to help you get the right people on your childrens ministry teams

Volunteers rarely quit because of the kids — they quit because of what's (or isn't) happening around them. We're getting honest about the real reasons children's ministry volunteers walk away, and what actually builds a team that stays.

Want someone to talk to about this? Kidsministrycollective.com

In this episode, the KMC Team welcomes listeners back to the KMC Collective Podcast for Season 3, discussing their commitment to the kids' ministry community and previewing upcoming topics. They delve into the importance of building confidence in leadership, sharing personal experiences with imposter syndrome and the challenges of people-pleasing.

The conversation reflects on highlights from Season 2 and emphasizes the need for community engagement and open dialogue among leaders. In this episode, the hosts discuss their experiences with worship music, the importance of community connections, and the impact of international outreach. They share their excitement for the upcoming season, highlighting new topics and engagement strategies to foster growth in the kids ministry community.

The conversation emphasizes the value of learning together and encourages listeners to subscribe and participate in the podcast's journey.

Want to sign up for the Better Together Newsletter? SIGN UP HERE!

Want to learn more about the Kids Ministry Collective! CLICK HERE!

You've been leading hard since September. The end of the ministry year is right there — but finishing well takes more than just surviving.

Join Tom, Cole, Ben, and Vicki as they sit down and get honest about what May actually feels like — the exhaustion, the wins, and the real failures that taught them the most.

Cole shares what it's like to lose a key volunteer mid-season and carry the weight. Ben opens up about a two-year burnout season and why five minutes recalibrating with Jesus can save your ministry. Vicki names her biggest fail: believing that because she was on staff, it all had to fall on her.

You'll hear practical strategies for building seasonal volunteer teams, celebrating your people before summer, chunking your calendar to protect your energy, and knowing when to ask for help instead of white-knuckling it alone.

Topics covered: finishing the ministry year well, volunteer team health, avoiding burnout, seasonal teams, end-of-year priorities, and setting yourself up for a strong fall restart.

We're better together — and you don't have to carry this alone.

👉 Connect with a KMC coach: kidministrycollective.com 👉 Join the community: kidminplus.net 👉 Join the conversation: Kids Ministry Collective Facebook Group