Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder

Lifeway Podcasts
  • 4.7 (99)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Weekly

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. Apr 30

    62. Kids Ministry Fun Starts With You: How to Create an Engaging & Joyful Ministry Culture with Stephanie Chase

    Fun doesn’t just happen in kids ministry, it’s led. In this season finale of Kids Ministry Calling, Jana sits down with Stephanie Chase, Kids Minister at Champion Forest Baptist Church, for a high-energy and honest conversation about what it really takes to build a culture of fun that kids (and volunteers) want to be part of. Stephanie shares why the leader sets the tone, how your energy and attitude shape the environment, and what it looks like to be intentional about bringing joy into every space—from classrooms to large group gatherings. This episode is both a celebration of everything we’ve learned this season about fun in kids ministry and a challenge to step into your role as the one who leads it. Because when leaders show up with purpose, presence, and joy—kids don’t just attend… they engage, belong, and grow. If you’re ready to stop waiting for fun to happen and start leading it, this episode will give you the clarity and encouragement to do just that. And as we close out this season, remember: fun isn’t extra—it’s a powerful part of how kids experience the love of Jesus!  SHOW LINKS:  Bible Stories for Life  Hyfi Explore the Bible for Kids  The Gospel Project for Kids SHAPE: Spritual gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality, Experiences Connect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback! Join us at ETCH 2026

    41 min

  2. Apr 23

    61. Teaching Kids to Worship with Miss PattyCake

    In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling, Jana sits down with Miss PattyCake (Jean Thomason), a beloved leader in children’s ministry, to talk about helping kids connect with God through music, movement, and Scripture. From her early background in vocal performance to her calling in kids ministry, Jean shares how God has used her gifts to lead children into authentic worship. This conversation is full of encouragement and practical insight for both ministry leaders and parents who want to instill a love for worship early. Jean highlights the importance of engaging kids during their formative years and offers simple, meaningful ways to make worship both fun and foundational. You’ll also hear about her new resource, Storytime with Miss PattyCake, and how tools like this can support families in nurturing faith at home. Because when kids learn to worship, they’re not just singing songs—they’re learning to know, love, and follow Jesus. If you want to lead kids with joy, purpose, and a deeper focus on Jesus, this episode will inspire you to make worship a central—and fun—part of your ministry. SHOW LINKS:  Connect with Miss PattyCake Connect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback! Join us at ETCH 2026

    47 min

  3. Apr 16

    60. Midweek That Matters: Fun, Connection & Belonging in Kids Ministry with Kayla Fowlers and Jeremy Carroll

    In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling, we explore practical ways to make midweek kids ministry both fun and meaningful. From creating a relaxed, engaging environment to balancing teaching with relationship-building, this conversation is packed with ideas to help kids feel like they truly belong—not just attend. We unpack the FLIP model—a simple framework for building connections between kids, leaders, influencers, and pastors—and why those relationships are key to lasting discipleship. You’ll also hear how to use tools like Hi-Fi curriculum and TeamKid to equip volunteers, engage kids, and reinforce identity in Christ in ways that stick. Because at the end of the day, participation isn’t the goal—belonging is. Whether you’re rethinking your midweek strategy or looking for fresh ideas to energize your team, this episode will help you create a space where kids are known, valued, and excited to come back. Listen in and start building a midweek ministry kids don’t just show up to—they belong to. SHOW LINKS: Connect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback! Join us at ETCH 2026

    53 min

  4. Apr 9

    59.Designing Fun: Creating Engaging Kids Ministry Spaces with Joey Kiker

    Fun in kids ministry doesn’t happen by accident—it’s designed. In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling, Jana sits down with Joey Kiker, Lifeway’s Creative Director, to talk about how intentional design can transform the way kids experience ministry. From room layout to lighting to technology, Joey shares how the physical environment can help create spaces where kids feel excited, welcomed, and ready to engage. Joey unpacks the principles behind world building—the idea that every detail in your environment helps tell a story and invite kids into the experience. He also offers practical advice for churches looking to remodel or refresh their kids spaces, no matter the size of their budget. Whether you’re planning a major renovation or simply trying to make your classroom more inviting, this conversation will help you think creatively and strategically about the spaces where discipleship happens. Because when kids walk into a space designed with them in mind, they don’t just notice—it communicates that they matter. Listen in for practical ideas and fresh inspiration to create environments kids can’t wait to come back to. SHOW LINKS: Connect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback! Join us at ETCH 2026

    36 min

  5. Apr 2

    58. Building a Thriving Volunteer Culture: Fun, Training & Mentorship with Crystal Mazzuca

    What if the secret to a stronger kids ministry… is creating a volunteer culture people actually enjoy being part of? In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling, Jana sits down with Crystal Mazzuca to talk about how fun, connection, and intentional training can transform the way you recruit, equip, and retain volunteers. Crystal shares practical and creative strategies to make volunteer experiences engaging—from hands-on training and shared meals to building meaningful community across your team. She also unpacks how mentorship across generations can strengthen your ministry and help develop future leaders. You’ll hear how to balance video and in-person training, why appreciation matters more than you think, and how to spot and call out potential in the people God has placed around you. This episode is full of encouragement and actionable ideas to help you build a team that doesn’t just serve—but thrives together. 🔑 What You’ll Learn  How fun can transform volunteer recruitment and retention  Creative, practical ways to train volunteers effectively  The power of food, community, and shared experiences  Why mentorship is key to long-term ministry health  How to balance digital and in-person training  Simple ways to show appreciation and build loyalty 💬 Quote to Remember “People don’t just stay where they’re needed—they stay where they’re known, valued, and connected.” 💡 Challenge of the Week Choose one way to invest in your volunteers beyond the role—whether it’s a meal, a handwritten note, or a more interactive training moment. Small steps build strong culture. If you’re ready to move from filling volunteer spots to building a thriving, connected team, this conversation will give you the tools—and the vision—to lead with joy and intention. SHOW LINKS: Hyfi Connect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback! Join us at ETCH 2026

    53 min

  6. Mar 26

    57. Church Highlight: Inside First Orlando Kids Ministry | Building Gospel-Centered Fun That Reaches Kids

    In this special church highlight episode, we take a closer look at First Orlando Kids Ministry and the heart behind what makes it so impactful. Conversations from Metro reveal that kids ministry is both deeply intentional and joyfully engaging—where fun isn’t just noise, but a meaningful tool for connection and discipleship. It’s a reminder that what may look like organized chaos is actually Kingdom work with eternal impact!  SHOW LINKS: Connect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback! Join us at ETCH 2026

    1 hr

  7. Mar 18

    56. What Sounds Fun in Kids Ministry? Live from CPC

    This episode features insights from kids ministry leaders at CPC Orlando, sharing innovative ways to keep children engaged and foster a fun, faith-filled environment. Topics include encouraging curiosity through questions, making ministry fun with bright colors and music, and involving kids in leadership roles. Connect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback! Join us at ETCH 2026

    25 min

  8. Mar 12

    55. Bringing Joy Back to Kids Ministry with Kelley Pekarek

    In this episode of the Kids Ministry Calling Podcast, we sit down with longtime kids ministry leader Kelly Pekarek to talk about something every ministry leader needs more of....joy. With more than 21 years of experience in kids ministry, Kelly shares practical and encouraging insights on how leaders can cultivate fun, build meaningful relationships with kids and families, and create a ministry culture where volunteers feel excited to serve. From creative volunteer recruitment to simple tools that help busy families stay engaged in discipleship, this conversation is packed with ideas you can start using right away. Kelly reminds us that while kids ministry can feel busy and demanding, it should also be life-giving, relational, and full of joy. In This Episode, We Talk About: Why joy and fun are essential to a healthy kids ministry cultureHow relational ministry changes the way kids experience churchCreative and practical ways to recruit and retain volunteersWhy families today are busier than ever—and how the church can support themSimple strategies for helping parents disciple their kids at homeHow small ideas can create big moments of connection and communityKelly also shares some practical and creative ideas that help bring energy and connection to kids ministry: Bible Bingo – a fun and interactive way to help kids engage with ScriptureSummer Scoreboards – tracking participation, Scripture memory, and engagement throughout the summerCommunity-building activities that help kids and volunteers feel connectedFresh ways to make ministry environments welcoming, energetic, and memorableKelly’s wisdom and experience will leave you encouraged, inspired, and reminded that joy is one of the most powerful tools we have in ministry. If this episode encouraged you, consider sharing it with another kids ministry leader who could use some fresh ideas and encouragement in their calling. SHOW LINKS:  Sign up for ETCH Conference 2026 Connect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback! Join us at ETCH 2026

    32 min
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4.7
out of 5
99 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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