Kids Ministry Collective

Kids Ministry Collective S2 Ep 32- Tools That Make Kids Ministry Leaders Stronger

You weren't meant to lead kids ministry alone — and this episode is your wake-up call to stop trying.

In Part 2 of our "Tools for Kids Ministry Leaders" series, Tom, Cole, Ben, and Vickie get real about the tools that aren't apps or calendars — they're people. If you caught Part 1 (featuring the legendary Jim Wideman), you already know the power of systems and AI. Now we're going deeper into the human side of leading well.

The conversation kicks off with Ben sharing what he's learned at his new church — a place where volunteers don't just show up, they own their roles. The team unpacks why so many leaders fall into the trap of believing "nobody wants to help," and Tom delivers a passionate challenge: stop saying no for people before you even ask them. Cast the vision, make the invite specific, and watch what God does.

From there, Vickie breaks down her coaching philosophy — why every ministry, regardless of size, needs leaders of leaders. Whether you call them coaches, team leads, or area leads, these higher-capacity volunteers are the key to multiplying your impact without multiplying your exhaustion.

The crew also gets personal about burnout, sharing how finding mentors and coaches transformed their ministries and extended their longevity. Ben talks about Dan, his longtime sounding board. Tom opens up about nearly burning out 15 years in. And the team offers practical advice on what to look for when hiring or choosing a coach — credentials, experience, and a heart for developing others, not just giving advice.

Finally, they round out with systems — Planning Center, Google Drive, OneNote, voice memos, email folders, and even AI tools that help you work smarter so you can be more relational.

Ready to stop leading alone? Join the KMC community on Facebook or level up at kidminplus.net for leadership-level conversations, live coaching, and round table discussions with all four coaches. Email tom@tombump.com for a free 14-day preview. And if this episode encouraged you, leave a review, share it with a fellow kids ministry leader, and keep the conversation going!

Kids Ministry Collective S2 Ep31- How to Lead, Delegate & Last in Kids Ministry with Jim Wideman

What does it really take to lead in children's ministry for the long haul — and actually enjoy it?

In this episode of the KMC Collective Podcast, the team sits down with legendary children's ministry leader Jim Wideman, who brings more than 50 years of hands-on experience to the conversation. From his early days watching Bozo's Circus for programming ideas to introducing children's ministry concepts to Australia, Jim has seen — and shaped — virtually every era of modern kids ministry.

 

Want to learn more? Need a Coach? Kidsministrycollective.com is where you find it all! 

Kids Ministry Collective S2 Ep.30- Best Tools for Kids Ministry Leaders: Work Smarter, Not Harder!

What are the best tools for kids ministry leaders to save time and reduce stress? In this episode of the KMC Collective Podcast, Tom, Ben, and Vickie share the practical, everyday tools that make children's ministry leadership easier — from calendar time blocking and AI for curriculum writing to Canva for church design and Bible study resources like Logos and BibleProject.

We break down how to use your calendar as a strategic tool, why AI tools like ChatGPT and Goblin Tools can be your creative sidekick (without replacing your voice or theology), and why Canva is a must-have for any church without a graphic designer on staff. Plus, we share our favorite Bible study tools for kids ministry prep — including Logos, Blue Letter Bible, BibleProject, and the Gen Z Bible.

This is Part 1 — stay tuned for Part 2! And if you met us at D6 Conference, welcome to the KMC family. We're glad you're here.

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Kids Ministry Collective S2. Ep 29 Getting Families Engaged in Discipleship at Home

Are you struggling to get families engaged in discipleship? You've planned the events, sent the resources, and set up the opportunities — and still heard crickets. You are not alone.

In this episode of the KMC Collective Podcast, Tom, Cole, Ben, and Vicki unpack the real reasons behind low family discipleship engagement — from parents feeling spiritually inadequate to overwhelmed schedules — and share practical, proven strategies that are working in children's ministries of every size.

Discover simple, repeatable approaches like one-on-one family meetups, kid-led Bible challenges, worship playlists, and age-appropriate Bibles that help kids pastor leaders build a faith at home culture that actually sticks.

Whether you lead a small church or a multi-site ministry, this episode will help you shift your perspective, engage more families, and grow your discipleship culture — starting today.

🎧 Subscribe, leave a review, and join the Kid Ministry Collective community at kidministrycollective.com — because we are better together!

Kids Ministry Collective Podcast S2 Ep28-Easter is NOT the Finish Line: How To Plan You Kidmin Summer

Easter Sunday is over — but your job as a kids ministry leader is just getting started.

If you're tempted to check out, coast for a few weeks, and then panic when summer stares you in the face, this episode is exactly what you need to hear. The KMC Collective team — Tom, Cole, and Vicki — sit down to tackle one of the most overlooked disciplines in kids ministry leadership: the post-event debrief and the strategic shift into summer planning.

Here's what we dig into together:

• Why evaluation is the most important step you skip after every big event — and how to make it so simple you'll actually do it
• What to measure beyond attendance — from new family experience and volunteer care, to check-in flow, large group, small group, and your follow-up plan
• How to gather fast, actionable feedback from your team using a simple two-wins-and-one-improvement text or email
• Why you should start planning kids camp and VBS months before most leaders ever think to — and how backward calendar planning kills overwhelm before it starts
• The power of anchor events — how mapping your Easter, VBS, summer camp, and school kickoff across your year keeps you proactive, not reactive

Whether you're a solo kids ministry director, a lead pastor, or a volunteer stepping into leadership, this conversation will challenge you to pause, evaluate with intention, and build momentum into every season — not just survive them.

🎯 Ready to stop doing ministry alone? Schedule a FREE 30-minute clarity call with the KMC coach team at kmccoach.net — they'll meet you where you are. Want ongoing community and training? Join kidminplus.net or hop into the Kid Ministry Collective Facebook group and keep the conversation going!

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Kids Ministry Collective Ep27 - Called or Confused? Your Calling vs. Identity vs. Vocation (Part 2)

In this episode of the KMC Collective Podcast, Tom, Cole, Vicki, and Ben continue their “Called or Confused” conversation, responding to a listener's question about whether being “called to ministry” applies only to pastors.

They emphasize that every follower of Jesus shares the same calling to follow Christ, love God and others, and make disciples through the Great Commission, regardless of job or title.

The team distinguishes calling from spiritual gifting and vocation, warning against overthinking calling, equating identity with a ministry role, or letting labels and titles define worth. Ben shares his burnout and transition out of church work into pest control and YouTube, describing how rediscovering identity as God’s child restored clarity and freedom. They encourage leaders to remain faithful, stay open-handed, and keep calling from twisting under cultural pressure.

 

Kids Ministry Collective Podcast S2 Ep26 Called or Confused: How to Know the Difference Between Your Calling, Identity & Vocation

Have you ever confused your calling with your job title? You're not the only one — and it may be doing more damage than you think. In this heartfelt and eye-opening episode, Tom, Cole, and Vicki sit down to tackle one of the most important — and most overlooked — conversations in ministry leadership: understanding the difference between your calling, your identity, and your vocation.

With raw personal stories, honest laughs, and practical wisdom from a combined decades of kids ministry experience, this conversation is for every ministry leader who has ever felt confused, burned out, or blindsided — and wondered what it all means for their future in ministry.

What we dig into:

• The real reason so many kids pastors and ministry leaders are walking away

• How blurring the lines between calling, identity, and vocation can quietly destroy you

• What it actually means to be called — and why it's simpler than you might think

• How to get grounded in who God says you are, not just what you do

• Why your calling is bigger than any role, church, or season of life

Whether you're brand new to ministry or have been serving for years, this episode will meet you right where you are. So grab your coffee, open your journal, and let's get into it — this is a conversation that could change everything.

🎙️ Kid Ministry Collective — equipping and encouraging kids ministry leaders, one conversation at a time.

👥 Join the Kid Ministry Collective Facebook community and keep the conversation going. We want to hear your story!

Kids Ministry Collective Podcast- How to Share the Gospel With Kids Without Confusing Them S2 Ep.25

Sharing the gospel with kids sounds simple, but one wrong word can create confusion that lasts for years. In this episode, Tom, Cole, Ben, and Vicki tackle the tough questions: Are you using too many Christian terms? Is your "hand raise" invitation actually clear? And what happens after kids say yes?

These children's ministry leaders dig into why clarity matters, how to avoid confusing language like "ask Jesus into your heart," and why following up is just as important as the initial invitation. You'll hear real stories from Easter egg hunts and church camps where kids didn't actually understand what they were committing to—and practical strategies to prevent it.

Whether you're presenting the gospel at a big event or every Sunday, this conversation will challenge how you share Jesus with the next generation. Discover why consistency, clear language, and discipleship are the keys to helping kids truly understand and remember the gospel.

Join the conversation in the KMC Collective Facebook group and share your gospel presentation strategies.

Want help with getting clarity: Set up a 30 Minute Clarity call with a KMC Coach

Kids Ministry Collective- I'm Over It In Childrens Ministry- Season2 Ep.24

Do you ever feel like you’re one tiny package of Goldfish away from a meltdown? You aren't alone. This week on the Kids Ministry Collective, Tom, Cole, and Vicki are getting real about the things they are officially "over" in children’s ministry.

From the frustration of being labeled "childcare" instead of a discipleship powerhouse, to the struggle of managing drop-off chaos, the team vents so you don't have to. But we aren’t just complaining—we’re finding the "positive spin" and leading with vision. Tune in for a rapid-fire episode filled with laughs, relatable rants, and practical shifts to help you move from babysitting to true ministry.

Want a SAFE place to talk things through? Set up a 30 minute Conversation with a KMC Coach!

Want to learn more about the Kids Ministry Collective one of the Original Places for Childrens Ministry Leaders!

Kids Ministry Collective- "Culture vs. Gospel: The Battle for Your Child's Worldview | Matt Markins S2 Ep 23

 

In this weeks Kids Ministry Collective Podcast, Our conversation asked the question: What if the biggest threat to your child's faith isn't what you think?

Matt Markins, CEO of Awana, sits down with Tom and Ben to expose the counterfeit narratives quietly shaping kids' identities—often before they even turn 13. From screens to peers to well-meaning but watered-down Bible teaching, kids are absorbing stories that compete with the gospel every single day. In this conversation,

Matt reveals his own battle with false narratives from childhood trauma, unpacks why "Bible light" moralism backfires, and shares practical tools to anchor children in the true story of Scripture: creation, fall, redemption, and restoration. If you're a parent, pastor, or ministry leader who wants to equip kids to stand firm in a culture of confusion, this episode is a must-listen.

Mentioned on Episode:  Child Discipleship Forum

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Kids Ministry Collective We Fired a Volunteer — And Gained 8 More" | How to Build a Healthy Kids' Ministry Team - S2 Ep.22

Every children's ministry leader — whether brand new or battle-tested — wrestles with the same thing: building a healthy volunteer team.

In this episode, Tom, Cole, Ben, and Vicki tackle real questions from real leaders about structuring teams for single and multi-service churches, the "serve one, attend one" philosophy, why giving your team scheduled breaks actually prevents burnout and grows your roster, how to gracefully release a volunteer who isn't the right fit (with raw, real stories from their own ministries), and what to do when a volunteer wants to throw out your curriculum and go rogue on a Sunday morning.

If you've ever thought, "I'll never have enough volunteers" or "I'm afraid to give my team a break because they won't come back" —

This episode will change how you lead. Book a free Clarity Call at kmccoach.net and join the conversation in the KMC Facebook Group.

To learn about the Kids Ministry Collective Click HERE

Creative Solutions for Zero-Budget Children's Programming KMC Collective Podcast S2 Ep 21

In this powerful episode of the Kids Ministry Collective Podcast, our panel tackles a challenging situation many children's ministry leaders face: operating with severely restricted budgets and canceled events. Join hosts Tom, Cole, Ben, and Vicki as they share practical wisdom for thriving in ministry when traditional programming isn't an option.

Key Discussion Points:

• How to reframe budget cuts as opportunities for innovation
• Creative alternatives to traditional VBS and holiday events
• Building community without big programming
• Leveraging existing resources and volunteer talents
• Ways to maximize Sunday morning impact
• Strategies for neighborhood-based ministry

Practical Solutions Discussed:

• Popup neighborhood events
• Interest-based connection clubs
• Community partnerships
• Prayer-focused initiatives
• Family engagement strategies
• No-cost fellowship opportunities

Want Help? Go To kidsministrycollective.com and you can find Coaching, Community, Resources and More!!!

Kids Ministry Collective Podcast S2 Ep.20 One Big Day To Everyday, Rethinking Easter Outreach For Childrens Ministry Leaders

What does a real "win" look like for your Easter outreach? In this episode of The KMC Collective Podcast, Tom, Cole, Ben, and Vicki discuss how children's ministry leaders can plan Easter with the end in mind—focusing on lasting discipleship rather than just attendance numbers or egg hunts.

Discover how to define success for both church families and first-time visitors, equip parents with tools to talk about the meaning of Easter at home, and create a welcoming environment that invites families to return. Plus, learn how to avoid the dreaded post-Easter "letdown" by keeping your ministry energy consistent and planning an intentional comeback weekend.

Packed with practical follow-up ideas—from postcards with discussion questions to texting families before the next service—this episode will help you turn one Sunday into a launchpad for year-round family engagement.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How to define what a "win" looks like for Easter outreach
• Strategies to help church families discuss Easter's meaning at home
• Tips for making visitors feel known, welcomed, and invited back
• How to maintain momentum and avoid the post-Easter dip
• Creative follow-up ideas that actually work

Learn More at Kidsministrycollective.com 

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/xVtsT4zz8-w

Kids Ministry Collective S2 Ep.19- How To Feed A Childs Faith- David Rausch

Join The KMC Collective Team as they invite David Rausch from Go! Curriculum to the virtual table. This week's conversation is all about what children's ministry leaders can do to help children and parents deepen their faith with Jesus. 

Many Kidmin leaders struggle with how to use Sundays to effectively disciple children, and David shares from his new book, "Feeding Faith, A Children's Ministry Recipe for Rescuing a Lost Generation.  

You don't want to miss this conversation!

Want to get Davids Book? Find it HERE

Check out GO! Curriculum 

Want to get some help with your discipleship strategy? Schedule a 30-Minute Clarity Call with a KMCCoach!

S2 Ep 18 Kids Ministry Collective-Effective Worship Strategies for Children's Ministry

In this episode of the KMC Collective Podcast, the KMC team, including Tom, Cole, Ben, and Vicky, shares practical insights and strategies for engaging children in worship. They discuss the challenges of getting children, especially fourth and fifth-graders, to participate in worship and explore various methods, such as live lyric videos, interactive stations, and incorporating different music styles and age groups in worship leadership.

The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the culture and community of your ministry, the significance of explaining the 'why' behind worship to children, and the value of variety in worship practices to maintain engagement.

Tune in to discover actionable tips and resources that can transform your children's ministry worship experience.

Need Help? Set up your 30-Minute Clarity call with a KMC Coach

Want a deeper community to learn from, grow with and be pushed forward? Join the Kidminplus.net leadership community. 

S2 Ep.17 How To Utilize Teens in Childrens Ministry?

Should I use teens in children's ministry? Can't they be big distractions or unreliable?  Join Tom, Cole, Vickie, and Ben, the KMC Coaches, as they have this week's conversation about the ins and outs of utilizing teens in kidmin. 

Sometimes leaders just don't know where to start or even why they should, so take a listen to this week's episode and see how each of us has benefited from having students in our kids' ministries. 

Want some help? Set up a free 30-minute clarity call with one of the coaches - kmccoach.net

Want some community where you can be pushed forward to grow? Join Kidminplus.net

Kids Ministry Collective S2 Ep 16-From Overwhelmed to Focused in Kids Ministry (Good Stuff vs God Stuff)

Are you drowning in kids ministry ideas, resources, and expectations—and not sure what to actually say “yes” to? In this episode of the KMC Collective Podcast, Tom, Cole, and Ben talk honestly about moving from overwhelmed to focused by sorting “good stuff” from “God stuff” in children’s ministry.

Fresh off the Children’s Pastors Conference and its jam‑packed resource rooms, they unpack:

• How to handle conference overload and come home with a clear plan
• A simple filter for deciding which ideas, tools, and curriculums fit YOUR church
• Why mission, vision, and values must drive your calendar (not trends or pressure)
• Practical ways to plan VBS, Easter, and summer without burning out
• How to use systems (folders, notes, digital tools) to capture ideas and fight overwhelm
• Why some long‑standing events might need to end—and how to evaluate them
• How coaching and community can help you stop leading alone

If you’re a kids pastor, children’s director, or key volunteer staring at a packed ministry calendar and feeling the weight of it all, this conversation will help you breathe, refocus, and take your next right step.

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Connect with KMC Collective: 

• Join the KMC Collective Facebook Group to keep the conversation going
• Learn more about Kidminplus.net and coaching at KMC Coach (clarity calls, support, and resources for kids ministry leaders)

Kids Ministry Collective Podcast S2 Ep15 - The Power of ONE Word For Ministry Leaders Part 2

Join the KMC Collective team as they have a continued conversation about how the power of one word changed them as children's ministry leaders and how it can impact you, too. 

This episode will help you grow your teams and your ministry as you grow closer to God and develop your kidmin leadership skills. 

 

Kids Ministry Collective S2 Ep 14- What One Word Can Do For Ministry Leaders Part 1

Join The Kids Ministry Collective Team as they have a conversation of how one word can be so impactful for childrens ministry leaders. 

So many kidmin leaders get stuck and have no idea how to move forward. Let the KMC Podcast team share how when they focus on one word it can transform everything. 

This is part one of a two part episode

Kids Ministry Collective S2 Ep.13 Keep It Simple- Last Minute Kidmin Wins!

Welcome to the Kids Ministry Collective Podcast, your trusted resource for practical strategies, creative ideas, and real conversations designed specifically for children’s ministry leaders. In this special holiday episode, hosts Tom, Cole, Ben, and Vicki share expert tips on managing and executing last-minute holiday events with ease.

With Christmas approaching fast, discover how to simplify your ministry’s seasonal programs through stress-free event planning, including ideas like parent shopping nights, easy DIY holiday kits, and streamlined logistics.

Whether you lead a busy kids ministry team or volunteer during the holiday rush, this episode offers actionable advice to help your Christmas ministry events run smoothly and joyfully. Tune in for inspiration and proven tactics to create memorable and manageable celebrations for your children’s ministry this season.

Need some Community? Come join us in the BEST Community for Childrens Ministry Leaders; kidminplus.net

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