Nick Blevins Family Ministry Podcast: Children | Youth | Students | NextGen

Nick Blevins: Church Leader, Speaker and Coach
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  • Christianity
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The Nick Blevins Family Ministry Podcast is where you can hear from top leaders in children’s ministry, student ministry and family ministry. You’ll learn the principles and practices they use to lead families with the goal of helping you maximize the potential in your ministry. For more content and notes, head to nickblevins.com.

  1. 5d ago

    Episode 309: 3 Ways to Draw Kids In and Keep Them There with Corinne Noble

    3 Ways to Draw Kids In and Keep Them There with Corinne Noble How do you create a kids ministry that children don't just attend—but genuinely want to come back to week after week? In this episode, Chris sits down with Corinne Noble to discuss three practical strategies that help churches attract kids, engage them in meaningful relationships, and empower them to grow into lifelong followers of Jesus. From creating unforgettable first impressions to building authentic connections and giving kids opportunities to serve, Corinne shares actionable ideas that leaders of churches of every size can begin implementing right away. Whether you're leading a large children's ministry or serving in a small church, this conversation is packed with practical takeaways to help you create an environment where kids can thrive. Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction and welcoming Corinne Noble back to the podcast 00:43 – Corinne shares ministry updates, curriculum, coaching, and consulting 01:32 – Why attracting kids requires intentionality—not just big events 03:17 – Way #1: Create an unforgettable experience 03:40 – Why environments matter more than we think 04:29 – Creating a great first-time guest experience 05:30 – Avoiding church jargon and insider language 06:01 – The importance of follow-up after a family's first visit 06:42 – Training volunteers to create consistent, high-quality experiences 08:44 – Why we shouldn't assume kids know Bible stories or church terminology 11:55 – Way #2: Engage kids in meaningful relationships 12:13 – Helping kids build friendships with peers their own age 13:31 – Practical ways to encourage connection in churches of every size 14:12 – The value of consistent small group leaders 15:12 – Engaging kids with God and His Word every week 17:24 – Why relationships are key to long-term ministry impact 18:34 – Way #3: Empower kids to grow and lead 19:22 – Asking open-ended questions that invite participation 20:28 – Giving kids opportunities to serve in ministry 21:42 – The two biggest factors that keep kids connected to church long-term 23:29 – What age should kids begin serving? 25:21 – Corinne's own childhood leadership experience and ministry calling 26:12 – Where to connect with Corinne and learn about KMC Ministries 27:36 – Social media, reels, and reaching the next generation of ministry leaders 30:12 – Final thoughts and wrap-up If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another children's ministry leader who would benefit from these practical insights.

    30 min

  2. Jun 23

    Episode 308: Partnering with Empty Nesters with Chris Sasser

    In this episode, Nick sits down with Chris Sasser to talk about a group that often gets overlooked in family ministry: parents of adult children. Chris shares how a hallway conversation with hurting parents at Port City Community Church led to the creation of Hopeful Parents—a ministry designed to support moms and dads navigating broken relationships, prodigal kids, faith struggles, and the emotional complexity of parenting in the empty-nest years. Chris and Nick explore why churches need to think beyond parenting kids and teenagers, how to create meaningful community for parents of adult children, and what it looks like to offer hope, care, and connection in one of the hardest seasons of family life. Timestamps00:00 – Introduction and Chris Sasser’s return to the podcast 01:06 – Chris shares an update on Port City Community Church and the Parent Network 03:42 – Why partnering with parents looks different in every church context 06:25 – The importance of having someone champion parent ministry 08:29 – The story that sparked Port City’s ministry to parents of adult children 10:53 – Launching Hopeful Parents and the unexpected response from families 12:52 – Why parents of adult children often carry hidden pain and uncertainty 16:10 – Helping parents shift from parenting a child to relating adult-to-adult 18:56 – Stories of grief, healing, and hope from parents walking through loss and prodigal seasons 20:26 – How marriage, in-laws, and changing family dynamics affect parent-adult child relationships 22:25 – What Hopeful Parents gatherings actually look like in practice 24:49 – Why community and vulnerability are the real catalysts for healing 26:28 – Chris shares resources for parents and church leaders, including Bags and the Parent Network 27:55 – Final encouragement for churches to care for empty nesters and parents of adult children

    29 min

  3. Jun 8

    Episode 307: Solving Common Kids Ministry Problems with Josh Denhart

    What are the biggest challenges kids ministry leaders face today—and how can they solve them before they become major problems? In this episode, Nick Blevins sits down with children's ministry coach and leadership expert Josh Denhart to unpack some of the most common issues he encounters while coaching ministry leaders across the country. From volunteer scheduling headaches and shared-space frustrations to leadership systems, church staffing challenges, and knowing when it's time to leave a ministry role, Josh shares practical solutions that help leaders move from constant crisis management to proactive leadership. Whether you're a children's pastor, family ministry leader, or church staff member, you'll walk away with actionable strategies to build healthier systems, stronger volunteer teams, and greater ministry sustainability. Timestamps00:00 – Introduction and welcome back to Josh Denhart 00:39 – Josh shares his ministry journey, Lead Ministry, and KidMin Science 02:03 – Behind the scenes of the Amazing Chemistry Show and ministry outreach events 03:23 – The most common coaching topics kids ministry leaders bring to Josh 03:35 – Josh's coaching philosophy: balancing urgent problems with long-term growth 08:29 – Why systems and organization are critical for ministry success 09:43 – Solving the shared-space cleanup problem with clear systems and accountability 14:49 – How outside perspectives help leaders solve recurring ministry frustrations 16:05 – The volunteer scheduling crisis every children's pastor knows too well 18:01 – Creating a culture of “switching, not ditching” among volunteers 19:30 – Why volunteer relationships matter more than scheduling tools 21:48 – The psychology behind volunteer ownership and reciprocity 25:06 – The value of an unbiased coaching perspective during seasons of change 25:36 – Navigating church growth and the challenges of adding a new service 27:00 – Why leaders shouldn't make multiple major changes at the same time 28:07 – Coaching through questions versus simply giving advice 30:17 – A difficult reality: helping ministry leaders determine whether it's time to leave 32:37 – Recognizing unhealthy church environments and toxic leadership dynamics 34:30 – A real coaching story about navigating a painful ministry transition 36:08 – Why many children's pastors struggle to find their next ministry opportunity 37:21 – The unique challenges of being “drafted” into kids ministry rather than called to it 38:18 – Finding the right ministry fit and aligning with church culture 39:11 – The personal and family impact of leaving a church staff role 40:10 – Supporting leaders through difficult ministry transitions 41:11 – Final reflections on coaching, leadership, and serving the local church 41:49 – Closing thoughts and where to connect with Josh Denhart Key TakeawaysBuild systems that eliminate recurring ministry frustrations.Create volunteer teams that support one another instead of depending entirely on staff.Avoid implementing multiple major changes simultaneously.Use coaching questions to uncover better solutions and develop stronger leaders.Recognize when a ministry environment has become unhealthy and how to navigate transitions wisely.

    42 min

  4. May 26

    Episode 306: Parenting and Leading with Purpose with Angie Hooie

    In this episode, Nick sits down with David and Angie Hooie from Two Rivers Church to talk about healthy rhythms in ministry, marriage, parenting, and church leadership. Angie shares how their “Purposeful Parenting” group began as an experiment to help busy parents connect and grow spiritually, while David offers a unique perspective as the spouse of someone serving in vocational ministry. Together, they discuss practical ways to maintain a healthy marriage, avoid burnout in ministry, prioritize Sabbath, and create intentional family rhythms that last. Timestamps00:00 – Welcome and introductions 00:42 – Meet David & Angie Hooie and their family 02:14 – Angie’s role at Two Rivers Church and church growth 03:10 – How the “Purposeful Parenting” group started 05:06 – Why parents need connection and community 06:03 – Why traditional small groups don’t work for some families 08:47 – Parenting groups during church services and practical logistics 10:14 – Topics parents are asking about most today 11:21 – Technology, anxiety, discipline, and parenting challenges 13:03 – Healthy marriage rhythms and putting God first 16:31 – Love languages, communication, and understanding your spouse 18:05 – Why couples need to keep dating after marriage 19:15 – The “no talking about the kids” date night challenge 21:00 – Supporting a spouse in vocational ministry 22:57 – Ministry as a calling and learning to embrace the role 25:05 – Worship, Sabbath, and staying spiritually healthy in ministry 26:36 – Lessons from Israel and practicing intentional Sabbath rhythms 28:03 – Ministry burnout and the importance of rest 30:47 – How to connect with David & Angie Hooie 31:09 – Final encouragement for ministry leaders and parents If you’re serving in ministry, raising kids, or trying to build healthier rhythms in your marriage and family, this episode is packed with practical encouragement and honest conversation.

    31 min

  5. May 19

    Episode 305: How to Raise Kids with a Faith That Sticks with David Rausch

    What makes a child’s faith last beyond high school? In this conversation, Nick Blevins sits down with children’s ministry leader and Go Curriculum founder David Rausch to talk about the growing number of young adults walking away from church—and what churches and parents can do differently. David shares the heart behind his book Feeding Faith: The Discipleship of Kids That Last, the story behind launching Go Curriculum, and the practical “EAT Strategy” for building lasting faith in kids through education, application, and transformation. This episode is packed with practical ministry insights, encouragement for parents and church leaders, and actionable ways to help kids develop a real relationship with Jesus that sticks. Timestamps04:08 – David Rausch’s ministry journey and children’s ministry background 06:06 – The origin story of Go Curriculum 13:00 – Why David wrote Feeding Faith 13:45 – The alarming reality of kids leaving church after high school 16:03 – Why this is a children’s ministry issue, not just a youth ministry issue 17:01 – The “EAT Strategy”: Education, Application, and Transformation 18:02 – Why biblical education alone isn’t enough 19:00 – Putting application in the right place within lessons 20:15 – The missing piece: spiritual transformation 21:00 – Helping kids build a real relationship with God 23:20 – Practical ways to create transformational moments in ministry 24:00 – Making the gospel central in every lesson 25:00 – Teaching kids how to respond to the gospel 26:20 – Using response stations, prayer, journaling, and reflection with kids 27:50 – Why so many young adults leave church after graduation 29:30 – The critical role parents play in lasting faith formation 30:40 – Why churches need spiritual parenting strategies 32:00 – How culture has shifted parenting responsibility onto the church 33:00 – Why lead pastors must champion family discipleship 34:10 – Where to get Feeding Faith and Go Curriculum resources 35:00 – David’s hope for helping more kids develop faith that lasts

    37 min

  6. May 12

    Episode 304: Why Child Discipleship Matters More Than Ever with Matt Markins

    What stories are shaping the faith and worldview of today’s kids? In this episode, Nick sits down with Matt Markins, CEO of Awana, to talk about child discipleship, biblical worldview formation, and the core message of his new book, The Story We Tell Our Children. Matt shares his personal story, the research behind Awana’s child discipleship focus, and why churches need to move beyond “Bible-lite” teaching toward helping kids understand the full story of Scripture. They discuss: The three biggest factors that shape lasting faith in childrenWhy many churches unintentionally teach moralism instead of the gospelThe difference between teaching Bible stories and teaching the story of the BibleHow screen culture and modern media shape kids’ worldviewWhy parents and churches both play critical roles in faith formationHow Awana’s Bright curriculum approaches Scripture and discipleshipIf you care about helping kids develop resilient, lasting faith in Jesus, this conversation is packed with practical insight and theological depth. Timestamps00:00 Intro and Welcome 00:24 Matt Markins’ Personal Story and Journey into Ministry 03:40 How Awana Has Changed Over the Years 05:20 Why Midweek Kids Ministry Is Growing Again 07:15 The Three Biggest Factors That Shape Lasting Faith 09:20 The Story We Tell Our Children 11:00 Counterfeit Stories Shaping Today’s Kids 13:10 The Role Parents and Churches Play in Faith Formation 15:30 What “Bible-Light” Teaching Looks Like 18:45 Moralism vs the Gospel in Kids Ministry 20:00 Bible Stories vs the Story of the Bible 23:15 How Much Bible Content Kids Can Actually Absorb 25:35 Measuring Child Discipleship Effectiveness 31:20 Can Churches Really Measure Spiritual Growth? 32:20 The Vision Behind Bright Curriculum 34:15 How Bright Approaches Bible Teaching and Discipleship 36:10 Final Thoughts and Resources

    37 min

  7. Apr 21

    Episode 303: Church Assimilation Now with Greg Curtis & Tommy Carreras

    What does it actually take to help families move from attending to fully engaged? In this episode, Nick sits down with Greg Curtis and Tommy Carreras to talk about the real challenges churches are facing right now when it comes to assimilation and next steps. They unpack what’s changed over the last few years, why many church assimilation strategies are no longer working, and what they’re experimenting with right now to better connect people into community and serving. You’ll hear: Why most churches are running outdated inherited programsThe shift from information to connection and why that matters more than everThe pros and cons of 7 week, 4 week, and 1 week next step modelsWhy volunteering is often the best first step for engagementA brand new approach Greg is testing that could reshape assimilation strategiesIf you want to help people take real next steps toward Jesus, not just attend, this conversation will challenge how you think about assimilation. 00:00 Intro and Guest Welcome 01:00 Greg and Tommy Backgrounds 03:00 The Evolution of Assimilation at Eastside 06:00 From 7 Weeks to 4 Weeks to 1 Week 09:30 Why Most Church Assimilation Strategies Fail 12:00 The Power of Connection over Information 14:30 Why Volunteering Is the Best First Step 18:30 Rethinking Discipleship and Small Groups 22:00 What Most Churches Are Doing Wrong Right Now 24:30 The “Window” for Getting People Engaged 27:00 How Long It Actually Takes to Get Connected 29:30 Why Timing and Targeting Matter 32:00 Stop Overloading People with Information 35:00 Just-in-Time vs Just-in-Case Communication 37:30 The One Week Model Explained 41:00 New Trends Post-COVID in Church Engagement 43:30 A Bold New Assimilation Strategy 46:00 Interest Meetings Instead of Classes 48:30 Creating “Hot Leads” Instead of Cold Leads 50:00 The Role of Follow-Up and “Knownness” 52:00 Practical Ideas Churches Can Try Right Now 54:00 Climbing the Assimileas and Sherpa Tribe 56:00 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

    55 min

  8. Mar 18

    Episode 302: How to VBS with Jeremy O'Neill

    What makes a great VBS, and how do you pull one off without burning yourself out in the process? In this episode, Nick sits down with Jeremy O'Neill to talk all things VBS, from big-picture planning and promotion timelines to volunteer leadership, programming strategy, registration questions, and what actually makes a VBS successful. Jeremy shares lessons from years in local church kids ministry, why he wrote How to VBS, and how church leaders can think more clearly about whether their event is primarily about evangelism, discipleship, or both. They also talk through practical issues every ministry leader faces: when to start planning, whether VBS should be free or paid, how to reduce no-shows, how to measure if your event is really reaching new families, and how to use summer events to build your volunteer team for the rest of the year. Jeremy also shares creative ideas like staggered promotion plans, invite-day strategy, planning grids that reduce stress, and how VBS leadership roles can become a training ground for future ministry leaders. Whether you’re leading a traditional VBS, a summer camp, or any large kids ministry event, this conversation is full of practical wisdom to help you plan smarter, lead better, and make the most of one of the biggest ministry opportunities of the year. In this episode, you’ll hear about: Why Jeremy wrote How to VBSA realistic VBS planning timelineSave the date vs theme reveal vs registration launchFree vs paid VBS and the pros and cons of eachHow to think about attendance, outreach, and follow-upEvangelism vs discipleship in VBS strategyA smart registration question every church should askHow to use VBS to recruit and develop future leadersPlanning grids and systems that reduce overwhelmJeremy’s new projects: Simple Kids Ministry, KidmenU, and the VBS VaultLinks mentioned: Howtovbs.comSimpleKidsMinistry.comKidminU.com Chapters 00:00 Intro and welcome 00:07 Why this is the right time to talk about VBS 00:54 Jeremy O'Neill update and what he’s doing now 01:25 Family update, adoption, and life with two little ones 03:01 Why Jeremy wrote How to VBS 06:10 What makes this book different from publisher guides 07:13 The structure of the book: planning, programming, and people 09:11 When should you start planning VBS? 12:03 Save the date, theme reveal, and registration strategy 13:15 Should VBS be free or paid? 17:43 How pricing affects commitment and no-shows 18:35 What actually makes a VBS successful? 21:37 Practical ways to reach more new families 22:24 The power of an invite day 24:29 Is VBS more about evangelism or discipleship? 31:53 A must-have registration question for every VBS 34:08 Programming tip: planning grids that reduce stress 42:54 People tip: use VBS to identify and develop leaders 47:44 Jeremy shares about Simple Kids Ministry and KidmenU 48:53 Book release, VBS Vault, and where to find everything 51:10 Final thoughts and wrap-up

    52 min
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4.5
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87 Ratings

About

The Nick Blevins Family Ministry Podcast is where you can hear from top leaders in children’s ministry, student ministry and family ministry. You’ll learn the principles and practices they use to lead families with the goal of helping you maximize the potential in your ministry. For more content and notes, head to nickblevins.com.

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