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Unlock the untapped potential of grandparents in shaping your child's faith journey! In this episode, Tom, Cole, Ben, Vickie from the KMC Team are  joined by children's ministry expert Jim Wideman, who shares eye-opening insights from his new book, "Grandparenting on Purpose." Discover how you can turn grandparents into vital partners in children's ministry, providing a support system that greatly enhances the faith development of kids. Jim reveals transformative strategies that redefine grandparenting beyond cookie-baking and visits. You'll discover: How to engage grandparents as essential allies in nurturing children's faith Practical steps to involve them in your ministry and community Insights on the biblical role of grandparents in faith transmission The importance of intergenerational relationships in a child’s spiritual growth To get Jim's Book: jimwideman.com

Anxiety in children is on the rise, and parents often feel helpless. In this episode of the KMC Collective podcast, Tom Bump, along with Ben, Cole, and special guest Katie Robinson, as they dive deep into the transformative insights from her book, "The Long Game." Discover practical strategies that can empower both parents and children to navigate anxiety effectively. This episode is essential if you're a parent looking for guidance on how to help your child navigate anxiety in today's world. Don't miss out on these invaluable insights that can change lives and foster emotional resilience. Tune in now and equip yourself with the tools to support your family through the long game of anxiety management. Links Mentioned:  https://www.portcity.church/walkingtogether

Ever wondered what truly makes a team culture healthy? In this episode of the KMC Collective Podcast, Tom Bump, Cole Rice, and Ben F dive deep into the essentials of building a thriving team culture in kids' ministry. They discuss practical strategies that transform volunteers into engaged leaders, highlighting the importance of ownership and connection. If you're looking to create a supportive environment that fosters growth and engagement, this episode is a must-listen!   Need Someone To Talk To? Set Up a 30 Min Conversation at Kidsministrycollective.com

Feeling overwhelmed by self-doubt? In this episode, Ben, Tom, Vicki, and Cole dive deep into the pervasive challenge of imposter syndrome that many leaders face. They share personal anecdotes that reveal how self-doubt can creep in unexpectedly, leaving you questioning your worth and effectiveness.   Let us walk with you; Set up a 30-Min Conversation Go to Kidsministrycollective.com

In this episode of the KMC Collective Podcast, Join the KMC Team and guest Dr. Ben Birdsong as they discuss the importance of slowing down in a fast-paced world. They explore the pressures of time management, the value of relationships, and the need for ministry leaders to be present with those around them. Dr. Birdsong shares insights from his TED Talk, emphasizing the significance of living at a different pace and learning from global perspectives. The conversation highlights the challenges of balancing tasks with meaningful connections and encourages listeners to reflect on their own relationship with time. In this conversation, the speakers explore the differences in church practices across cultures, emphasizing the relational nature of ministry over transactional approaches. They discuss the importance of slowing down to foster deeper connections and the challenges faced by ministry leaders in managing their time and relationships. The introduction of a 20-day challenge aims to help individuals reflect on their pace of life and ministry, encouraging them to prioritize relationships and create space for the Holy Spirit to work. Links Mentioned: TEDX Talk- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pprZtjETjQ&list=LL Bens Website: https://www.benbirdsong.com Ben's Book: https://a.co/d/0hYhZJJy Kids Ministry Collective- https://kidsministrycollective.com

When was the last time you checked on the health of your heart—not just your children's ministry? In Episode 10, Tom, Cole, Ben, and Vicki talk honestly about ministry burnout: the warning signs, why it happens even to faithful leaders, and five practical ways to stay spiritually and emotionally healthy for the long haul—going vertical, staying in the Word, not doing ministry alone, setting real boundaries, and remembering why you were called. Plus three reflection questions to take with you this week. Resources mentioned: RestoringLeaders.org- free burnout assessment Valleys Over Mountains by Tom Bump Replenish by Lance Witt Leading on Empty by Wayne Cordero, Soul Detox by Craig Groeschel  Didn't See It Coming by Carey Neiuhoff Because the goal isn't just to survive ministry—it's to finish well.

Are you feeling overwhelmed in your ministry, crashing every Sunday? Join Tom Bump, Cole Rice, and Vicki Abbott on this episode of the KMC Collective Podcast as they unpack the critical conversation about maintaining a sustainable pace in ministry. Discover how to transform that dreaded Sunday crash into a powerful momentum for your calling, ensuring you’re not just surviving but thriving in your role. In this episode, Tom shares his personal experiences of crashing after each Sunday service and how many leaders face the same struggle. They dive deep into the concept of a godly sustainable pace (GSP) — a framework that helps leaders manage their energy and responsibilities without burning out. You’ll hear: Tom’s insights on the importance of pacing in ministry and how Jesus modeled this through His own ministry. Cole’s reflections on the pitfalls of key person dependency and why it’s vital to delegate responsibilities. Vicki’s take on building systems that enhance personal relationships rather than hinder them. The stakes are high: without understanding how to manage your energy, you risk burnout and losing your passion for ministry. This episode not only highlights the importance of pacing but also presents an opportunity to rethink your approach to leadership and service. Perfect for ministry leaders feeling the pressure of constant demands, this episode will equip you with actionable insights to shift from a sprint mentality to a marathon mindset. Tune in now and learn how to sustain your calling for the long haul — because eternity is at stake. Need someone to talk to? Set up a 30-min conversation with a Experienced and trained mentor: kidsministrycollective.com

Are you overwhelmed by a never-ending to-do list? In this episode of the KMC Podcast, Vicki, Tom, Cole, and Ben tackle the pressing question: How do we determine what truly deserves our attention? Join us as we explore the complexities of prioritizing tasks in a ministry setting, where everything feels urgent but not necessarily important. Vicki sets the stage, questioning how we can sift through the chaos of responsibilities. Tom shares his insights on the dangers of letting others dictate our priorities, while Cole reflects on the balance between being prepared and building meaningful relationships. Ben adds a creative perspective, discussing how his urge to design can clutter his focus. You'll discover effective strategies for managing your time, including: The importance of setting boundaries to protect your priorities How to recognize when you’re being pulled into someone else’s fire Tips for assessing what tasks genuinely contribute to your mission This conversation is essential for anyone feeling the pressures of leadership and seeking clarity amidst the noise. Don’t let urgent tasks derail your purpose! Tune in and learn how to focus on what matters most. Perfect for ministry leaders and anyone looking to reclaim their time, this episode is packed with actionable insights and relatable experiences that will inspire you to take control of your calendar and your life. Want someone to talk to: Head to KidsMinistryCollective.com and set up a Call with one of us!!

Your inbox is chaos. Your to-do list never ends. And you're carrying tasks that shouldn't be yours. In this episode, the KMC Coaches get real about neglected tasks, email overload, and procrastination—and why they're actually leadership issues, not character flaws. We share our own struggles, dig into why prioritization feels impossible when you're juggling everything, and walk through practical strategies that actually work. But here's the thing: time management isn't a destination. It's a journey. And the healthiest leaders know when to lead themselves and when to lead their teams through delegation. We talk about the emotional side too—the guilt, the fear of letting go, the boundaries you need to set—so you can move from overwhelm to clarity and focus on what truly matters in your ministry. Ready to stop carrying it all? Tune in. Need Help?? Set up a FREE 30-Minute Conversation with a ministry coach who cares and will listen!  kidsministrycollective.com

Procrastination isn't a character flaw. It's a signal. In this episode, we're getting real about why kids ministry leaders procrastinate—especially when energy is low and the tasks feel endless. Cole Rice opens up about his own procrastination struggles and how they drain his leadership energy. But here's the thing: once you understand why you're avoiding tasks, you can actually do something about it. We explore the real factors behind procrastination: How energy levels directly impact your motivation and focus Why your work environment matters more than you think (yes, lighting and music actually help) The tension between human connection and task completion Practical strategies that work: gamifying tasks, the "Eat the Frog" method, boundary-setting Plus, we share two powerful frameworks: The Red & Green Task System (knowing which tasks drain vs. energize you) The Eisenhower Matrix (so you stop doing busy work and start doing what matters) The big takeaway? You don't need more discipline. You need the right mindset, the right environment, and permission to work the way God wired you. You'll leave this episode with clarity on how to tackle procrastination without burning out—and tools to protect your energy for what truly matters in your ministry.   Want some help breaking through procrastination? Let us have a conversation: pick a coach and schedule a call

What You'll Learn in This Episode You're running your kids ministry on fumes—short-staffed, stretched thin, and wondering where your next volunteer is coming from. This episode is for you. We dig into the real challenges of recruiting and retaining volunteers in children's ministry without burning yourself out in the process. Learn practical strategies Nicole Brutosky and our team use to move from constantly asking for help to actually building a team that stays. Topics covered: Why volunteers quit (and it's probably not what you think) The difference between shadowing and serving (and why it matters) How to build trust with your volunteer team Delegation that actually works Creating safe entry points for new volunteers Fun, food, and feedback: The forgotten retention tools Appreciating volunteers in specific, meaningful ways Want your FREE Call with a KMC Coach? Head to kidsministrycollective.com

In this episode, the KMC Teach discuss the importance of inviting volunteers to serve in children's ministry rather than simply asking them. They explore the ineffectiveness of mass appeals and share research-backed strategies for personal engagement. The conversation includes personal anecdotes and success stories that highlight the positive impact of direct invitations on volunteer participation.  Listen in and get some practical and sustainable ideas to help you get the right people on your childrens ministry teams

In this episode, Tom Bump, Cole Rice, and Vicki Abbott discuss the challenges of volunteer recruitment and retention in church ministries. They emphasize the importance of understanding the difference between recruiting new volunteers and retaining existing ones. The conversation highlights key questions leaders should ask themselves to improve their volunteer culture and the significance of creating a culture of celebration to enhance retention. Want to get some help with your recruitment plan? We want to help you, Go to: kidsministrycollective.com You can get 30 minutes of FREE Mentor/Coaching just by setting up a a clarity call.

Volunteers rarely quit because of the kids — they quit because of what's (or isn't) happening around them. We're getting honest about the real reasons children's ministry volunteers walk away, and what actually builds a team that stays.   Want someone to talk to about this? Kidsministrycollective.com

In this episode, the KMC Team welcomes listeners back to the KMC Collective Podcast for Season 3, discussing their commitment to the kids' ministry community and previewing upcoming topics. They delve into the importance of building confidence in leadership, sharing personal experiences with imposter syndrome and the challenges of people-pleasing. The conversation reflects on highlights from Season 2 and emphasizes the need for community engagement and open dialogue among leaders. In this episode, the hosts discuss their experiences with worship music, the importance of community connections, and the impact of international outreach. They share their excitement for the upcoming season, highlighting new topics and engagement strategies to foster growth in the kids ministry community. The conversation emphasizes the value of learning together and encourages listeners to subscribe and participate in the podcast's journey. Want to sign up for the Better Together Newsletter?  SIGN UP HERE! Want to learn more about the Kids Ministry Collective! CLICK HERE!