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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! KidminCoach.net KidsMinistryCollective.com Kidminplus.net

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.  

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!

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

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!

  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 BRITE Curriculum Kids Ministry Collective THE PLACE FOR KIDMIN!

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

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!!!

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

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!

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. 

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

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. 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)

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.   

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