Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder

Lifeway Podcasts
  • 4.7 (98)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

The Kids Ministry Calling Podcast is designed to inspire and equip kids ministry leaders in every season of their journey! Join us as we dive into heartfelt discussions, practical tips, and uplifting stories that remind you of the incredible calling God has placed on your life. Tune in to be reminded of your purpose, share in the joys and struggles of ministry, and find renewed strength in your calling. Together, we can remember to have joy in our calling! 

  1. 1D AGO

    Making Large Group Fun with Isaac Kierstead

    In this engaging conversation, Lifeway's Isaac Kirsted shares his journey in kids ministry, discussing the evolution of podcasting, his experiences at Lifeway, and the development of the Hi-Fi curriculum. He emphasizes the importance of energy management in large group settings, preparation for teaching, and the impact of personal experiences on his calling. The discussion highlights practical tips for engaging kids and the significance of mentorship in shaping one's career. Connect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!

    27 min

  2. FEB 12

    51. The Joy of Kids Ministry: Fun with Purpose with Pastor Joel Evrist

    "It's about speaking a language kids can understand. Kids understand fun!" - Joel Evrist Is fun just filler in kids ministry, or is it foundational? In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling, Jana welcomes back pastor, author, and actor Joel Evrist for a joy-filled and practical conversation about why fun is more than entertainment, it’s deeply biblical. Joel unpacks three powerful “whys” behind incorporating fun into ministry: the principle of incarnation, the ministry of hospitality, and the celebration of joy in Christ. Then he gets practical, sharing four “hows” to help leaders create environments where kids feel welcomed, engaged, and excited to grow in their faith. From contagious attitudes and hands-on activities to simple games, music, and creative moments that build confidence, this episode is packed with ideas you can implement right away. You’ll be reminded that fun doesn’t have to be competitive, complicated, or perfectly tied to the lesson to be meaningful, it simply needs to create connection. If you’re ready to rethink fun as a tool for discipleship and create spaces where kids experience both belonging and biblical truth, this conversation will inspire you to lead with joy. SHOW LINKS:  The Gospel Project  Explore the Bible On Location  Next Gen Tech Reset Protecting Kids in a Digital World: Sarah Siegand on Online Safety, Parenting, and Church Partnerships Connect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!

    1h 1m

  3. FEB 5

    Season 5 Trailer

    Remember when kids ministry felt… fun? Not polished. Not perfect. But full of laughter, big questions, messy moments, and holy wonder. Between preparing curriculum, scheduling volunteers, and Sunday morning chaos, it can be easy to forget that kids ministry is one of the most joy-filled callings in the Church. Well, this season on Kids Ministry Calling we’re reclaiming the fun.   So grab your coffee, maybe even a notepad for jotting down new inspiration, and join us next week for the start of a brand new season of Kids Ministry Calling with  Jana Magruder.   SHOW LINKS:  Connect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!

    3 min

  4. JAN 22

    50. Building A Non-Anxious Life with Dr. John Delony

    What if anxiety isn’t a flaw to fix—but a signal inviting you to live differently? In this special bonus episode of Kids Ministry Calling, Jana sits down with Dr. John Delony, mental health expert, author, and counselor, to unpack a healthier, hope-filled way to understand anxiety—especially for ministry leaders carrying heavy emotional loads. Dr. Delony reframes anxiety as a natural alarm system rather than a disorder, offering freedom from shame and practical clarity for those navigating stress, burnout, and constant pressure. Drawing from his book Building a Non-Anxious Life, he walks through six empowering choices that can help leaders move toward peace, connection, and wholeness in both life and ministry. This conversation is especially timely as we enter a new year—inviting leaders to pause, reflect, and choose a different pace rooted in responsibility, reality, and hope. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why anxiety is an alarm—not a personal failureThe six choices that lead to a less anxious lifeHow ministry stress uniquely impacts emotional healthWhy connection and community are essential for healingPractical ways leaders can care for their mental and spiritual well-beingWhether you’re feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or simply longing for a healthier way to lead, this bonus episode offers wisdom, encouragement, and a clear path forward. 🎙️ Listen in and step into the new year with clarity, courage, and peace. SHOW LINKS:  Building A Non-Anxious Life Connect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!

    44 min

  5. 12/18/2025

    49. Protecting Kids in a Digital World: Technology, AI, and the Church’s Role with Chris McKenna

    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 Eyes Anxious Generation  Connect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!

    46 min

  6. 12/11/2025

    48. Empowering Preteen Girls: Identity, Friendship & Faithful Leadership with Amanda Mejias and Dr. Tiff Watson

    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 Fizeek Connect with Lifeway Girls Connect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!

    41 min

  7. 12/10/2025

    47. Building a Ministry of Belonging: Special Needs Ministry wtih Carly Ellis and Ellie Axford

    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!

    45 min

  8. 11/27/2025

    46. Happy Thanksgiving!

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

    4 min
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4.7
out of 5
98 Ratings

About

The Kids Ministry Calling Podcast is designed to inspire and equip kids ministry leaders in every season of their journey! Join us as we dive into heartfelt discussions, practical tips, and uplifting stories that remind you of the incredible calling God has placed on your life. Tune in to be reminded of your purpose, share in the joys and struggles of ministry, and find renewed strength in your calling. Together, we can remember to have joy in our calling! 

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