Kids Ministry Answers

Stuff You Can Use

5.0 (1)
CHRISTIANITY

You ask the questions, and we help you find the answers. Kids Ministry Answers is hosted by Dr. Linda Moon and Jason Sivewright from Stuff You Can Use! Every episode features a question about kids ministry submitted by ministry leaders, kids pastors, and volunteers! Got a question about leading your kids ministry or training volunteers? Visit kma.show to send it in — your question might be featured in an upcoming episode!

FEB 17

012: How to Stretch Your Curriculum Over 2 Weekly Programs

Trying to plan two weekly gatherings can leave leaders feeling stretched thin—worried about being repetitive, running out of energy, or needing to use a variety of curriculum. In this episode of Kids Ministry Answers, Mallory from Wisconsin has a question about using one curriculum for both midweek and weekend services. So we asked Linda Moon and Jason Sivewright to share practical ways to stretch a single lesson across multiple gatherings—no matter what curriculum you use—without doubling your workload. QUESTION: “How can I use my Grow Kids subscription for both midweek and weekend services?” — Mallory, Wisconsin ANSWER:In this episode, we’ll talk about how to build sustainable rhythms by intentionally dividing one lesson across two environments in ways that play to their strengths. Main Points: Understand your program structure by identifying what each gathering does best.Understand your lesson format so you know where to place setup, teaching, and application moments.Divide your lesson strategically by splitting it evenly, by vibe, or by purpose—depending on your context.Evaluate what’s working by testing one approach, getting volunteer feedback, and adjusting as needed. Ask a Question:Have a kids ministry question you want us to talk about? Send it in at KMA.show and your question might be featured in a future episode! Subscribe & Review:Subscribe to Kids Ministry Answers on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen for practical ideas, leadership tips, and ministry tools you can use right away. If this episode was helpful, leave a quick review to help other leaders find the show. Resources Mentioned: Grow Lesson Builder

36 min
FEB 3

011: An Event to Help your Team Connect

Building a strong kids ministry team doesn’t start with training—it starts with connection. In this episode of Kids Ministry Answers, Jason Sivewright and Dr. Linda Moon respond to a great question from Pastor Elton about hosting intentional, quarterly gatherings that help volunteers connect, grow, and enjoy ministry together. This episode walks through practical ways to set the vibe, spark conversation, and create meaningful shared experiences for your team. You’ll walk away with ideas you can scale up or down to fit your ministry context and help your specific team. What We Cover: How to set the vibe with music, food, and a warm environmentEasy ways to help volunteers connect and start talkingGames and activities that build teamwork (not stress)Strategic conversations that strengthen your ministry cultureHow to help volunteers stay connected outside of churchAsk a Question:Have a kids ministry question you want us to talk about? Send it in at KMA.show and your question might be featured in a future episode! Subscribe & Review:Subscribe to Kids Ministry Answers on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen for practical ideas, leadership tips, and ministry tools you can use right away. If this episode was helpful, leave a quick review to help other leaders find the show. Resources Mentioned: Planning ViewVolunteer Kick-Off EventFamily Open HouseVolunteer CelebrationsVolunteer ToolsVolunteer Discussion GroupsVolunteer Bundle

49 min
JAN 27

010: How to Get Some Rest!

Rest can feel surprisingly difficult in ministry—especially when the work never really slows down. In this crossover episode, Brooklyn from Youth Ministry Answers joins Jason and Dr. Yulee Lee from the Stuff You Can Use team to talk about why rest often feels risky for kids and youth pastors, and how unrest can show up beneath exhaustion, overwhelm, or transition. Ask a Question: Have a kids or youth ministry question you want us to talk about? Send it in at KMA.show and your question might be featured in a future episode! Subscribe & Review: Subscribe to Kids Ministry Answers on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen for practical ideas, leadership tools, and conversations you can use right away. If this episode was helpful, leave a quick review to help other leaders find the show.

1h 7m
JAN 20

009: 5 Tips for Recruiting Parent Volunteers

If you’ve ever looked at your volunteer schedule and thought, We need more help, you’re not alone. In this episode, Linda and Jason sit down with Kegan DeWitt to walk through five simple, practical ways to recruit parent volunteers for kids ministry. Ask a Question: Have a kids ministry question you want us to talk about? Send it in at KMA.show and your question might be featured in a future episode! Subscribe & Review: Subscribe to Kids Ministry Answers on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen for practical ideas, leadership tips, and ministry tools you can use right away. If this episode was helpful, leave a quick review to help other leaders find the show.

53 min
JAN 6

008: Let's Prep for VBS!

VBS season has a way of sneaking up on you. In this episode, we’re joined by Emily Nguyen to talk through how to prep for VBS in a way that’s thoughtful, strategic, and actually doable. Together, we walk through how to set clear goals for your VBS, simplify your planning, recruit and care for volunteers, and make sure families actually hear about it. We also talk about partnering with parents, other churches, and your community so VBS isn’t just a fun week—but something that sticks. Ask a Question: Have a kids ministry question you want us to talk about? Send it in at KMA.show and your question might be featured in a future episode! Subscribe & Review: Subscribe to Kids Ministry Answers on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen for more practical ideas, creative activities, and ministry tools you can use right away. If this episode was helpful, leave a quick review to help other leaders find the show. Resources Mentioned: What's Cookin'? Free VBS —A 4-day VBS for children's ministry from Grow Curriculum!

47 min
12/23/2025

007: Merry Christmas from KMA!

Merry Christmas from the Kids Ministry Answers team! In this short holiday episode, Linda and Jason take a moment to say thank you, wish you a merry Christmas, and share a quick preview of what’s coming up next on the podcast. Whether you’re wrapping up a busy season of ministry or finally getting a chance to rest, we hope you’re able to slow down, celebrate, and enjoy time with the people you love. We’ll be back soon with more practical conversations and ideas for kids ministry leaders. Ask a Question: Have a kids ministry question you want us to talk about? Send it in at KMA.show and your question might be featured in a future episode! Subscribe & Review: Subscribe to Kids Ministry Answers on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen for more practical ideas, creative activities, and ministry tools you can use right away. If this episode was helpful, leave a quick review to help other leaders find the show.

2 min
12/08/2025

006: Our 10 Best Christmas Ideas

Christmas is a huge moment in kids ministry, and sometimes you just need a few fresh ideas to keep things fun, meaningful, and memorable. In this episode, Linda and Jason share ten creative Christmas ideas from the Stuff You Can Use team—simple, affordable, and totally doable no matter your ministry size. From cozy events to high-energy games to activities that bring families together, this episode is packed with inspiration for the season. Ask a Question: Have a kids ministry question you want us to talk about? Send it in at KMA.show and your question might be featured in a future episode! Subscribe & Review: Subscribe to Kids Ministry Answers on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen for more practical ideas, creative activities, and ministry tools you can use right away. If this episode was helpful, leave a quick review to help other leaders find the show. Resources Mentioned: Christmas Bundles from Grow Kids — Each bundle includes a teaching series, an event, and an original Christmas song from Grow Music. Available at growcurriculum.org

43 min
11/25/2025

005: Creative Ways to Celebrate Your Team

Volunteers are the heart of your kids ministry — but celebrating them consistently (and creatively) can be tough. In this special crossover episode, Elle Campbell, co-founder of Stuff You Can Use, joins Linda and special co-host Damean Easter of the Youth Ministry Answers podcast to share practical and meaningful ways to appreciate your team all year long. You’ll learn how to celebrate volunteers for what they do and for who they are — without breaking your budget or burning yourself out. What We Cover: How to celebrate volunteers annually, monthly, and weeklyCreative ideas that build culture (not just hype)Why “boring but consistent” matters more than big gesturesAsk a Question: Got a question you want answered? Send it in at kma.show — your question might be featured in a future episode! Subscribe & Review: Subscribe to Kids Ministry Answers on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen for children’s ministry ideas, volunteer care tips, and Sunday School strategies you can use right away. If this episode was helpful, leave a quick review to help other leaders find the show. Resources Mentioned: Volunteer Kick-OffVolunteer ToolsVolunteer & Parent Celebrations

54 min
11/07/2025

004: 4 Fun Ways to Memorize Scripture

Scripture memorization doesn’t have to feel boring or forced. In this episode, Jason and Linda share fun and practical ways to help kids memorize Bible verses — and actually enjoy it. You’ll learn how to make Scripture stick through creativity, repetition, and play. What We Cover: Setting realistic expectations for Scripture memorizationTurning Bible memory into a game kids loveBuilding repetition into your rhythm so Scripture lastsAsk a Question: Got a question you want answered? Send it in at kma.show — your question might be featured in a future episode! Subscribe & Review: Subscribe to Kids Ministry Answers on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen for more kids ministry ideas, Bible teaching strategies, and Sunday School resources you can use right away. If this episode was helpful, leave a quick review to help other leaders find the show. Resources Mentioned: Grow Kids Curriculum — Every series includes sign language videos!

37 min
10/27/2025

003: How to Better Connect with Parents

Parents can be the hardest group to engage—and the most important. In this conversation, Linda and Jason share a simple, relational strategy to move from “I hope parents show up” to “we earned their trust.” You’ll get practical ideas you can calendar, repeat, and scale in any context. What We Cover: Why you should host parent-specific eventsHow often to communicate with parentsWhy you should spend time with parents in your ministryAsk a Question: Got a question about parents, volunteers, or teaching? Send it at kma.show—yours might be featured in a future episode! Subscribe & Review: Subscribe to Kids Ministry Answers on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen for practical kids ministry ideas you can use right away. If this helped, a quick review helps other leaders find the show. Resources Mentioned: Parent resources from Grow Curriculum!

28 min
10/27/2025

002: How to Keep Kids' Attention!

In this episode of Kids Ministry Answers, Linda and Jason talk about one of the biggest challenges in kids ministry—keeping kids’ attention. They’ll unpack how to move beyond just entertaining kids and instead help them listen, reflect, and respond to what they’re learning about God. What We Cover: The importance of a structureAdding variety and creativity so kids stay engagedBuilding a weekly rhythm that helps kids listen, reflect, and respondAsk a Question: Got a question about kids ministry, teaching, or volunteers? Send it in at kma.show — your question might be featured in a future episode! Subscribe & Review: Subscribe to Kids Ministry Answers on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen for more kids ministry ideas, Sunday School strategies, and practical tools you can use right away. If this episode was helpful, leave a quick review to help other leaders find the show. Resources Mentioned: Try a Grow Kids Teaching Series for free!

22 min
10/27/2025

001: 4 Ways to Re-Inspire Your Volunteers

Volunteers are the heart of every kids ministry, but how do you get them energized and inspired for serving? On this episode, Linda and Jason share a few a few tips to get your team excited and ready for what's ahead. What We Cover: Why volunteer excitement matters for your kids ministryHow to plan a Volunteer Kick-Off that builds energy and connectionWhat to include so your team leaves inspired and equipped for the year aheadAsk a Question: Got a question about leading your kids ministry or training volunteers? Visit kma.show to send it in — your question might be featured in an upcoming episode! Subscribe & Review: Subscribe to Kids Ministry Answers on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen for more kids ministry ideas, Sunday School strategies, and practical tools you can use right away. If this episode was helpful, leave a quick review to help other leaders find the show. Resources Mentioned: Volunteer Kick-Off Event from Grow Curriculum

25 min

12 Episodes

You ask the questions, and we help you find the answers. Kids Ministry Answers is hosted by Dr. Linda Moon and Jason Sivewright from Stuff You Can Use! Every episode features a question about kids ministry submitted by ministry leaders, kids pastors, and volunteers! Got a question about leading your kids ministry or training volunteers? Visit kma.show to send it in — your question might be featured in an upcoming episode!

Creator

Stuff You Can Use
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

12
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2026 Stuff You Can Use