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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!

In episode 40 of season two of the KMC Collective Podcast, Tom, Ben, Vickie, and Ron celebrate passing 375 episodes and major growth milestones, including nearly 180,000 downloads, 25,000 listeners across 100 countries, and early YouTube traction. Tom shares his ministry background, including decades of pastoral work and a passion for supporting burned-out leaders through Restoring Leaders, while Ron recounts his 30 years in kids ministry and his ongoing behind-the-scenes role in KMC. Ron highlights his ministry resources, including the “Kids Guide to Christianity” workbooks and the “Dewey the Dragon” book series. The team reminisces about KMC’s origins in internet radio via CM Connect and Blog Talk Radio, their early tech mishaps and memories, and the core mission of community—helping children’s ministry leaders not do ministry alone—as they prepare to launch season three. Links: https://pastorronbrooks.com/ https://deweythedragon.com/ https://Kidsministrycollective.com

What if your kids worship time was doing far more than filling a slot in your service? In this episode, we sit down with Dylan Arms — kids worship songwriter, worship director at Springwell Church, and creator of Dylan Arms Kids Worship — to talk about how worship is one of the most powerful discipleship tools you have in children's ministry. Dylan shares why he believes kids were made to worship just like the rest of us — and how the biggest misconception in the Church is treating kids worship as entertainment rather than formation. When you shift that mindset, everything changes: your song selection, your preparation, and the culture you're intentionally building. We dig into: How to define the why behind your worship culture before you change anything else Why engaging the fifth grade boy is your secret weapon for reaching the whole room Practical ways to extend worship beyond Sunday morning — including the power of a playlist What it means to lead the room, not just lead the song How Dylan's newest release, Hello God, teaches kids to pray through worship Whether you're leading with a full live band or a lyric video on a screen, this conversation will give you real, practical steps you can take this week to raise the bar in your kids worship experience. Dylan also opens up about how identity has shaped his writing journey — and why music that's genuine, theologically rich, and just plain good will follow kids home, into the car, and into their hearts for a lifetime. Connect with Dylan: Visit dylanarmskidsworship.com | Instagram @DylanArms | YouTube: Dylan Arms Kids Worship | Streaming: Spotify, Apple Music, and all major platforms. 📲 If this episode encouraged you, subscribe to the KMC Collective Podcast and share it with a fellow kids ministry leader who needs it today!

Nobody tells you what you're actually signing up for when you say yes to kids ministry. The confetti, the costumes, and the camp stories look great from the outside — but what happens behind the curtain? In this episode, Tom, Cole, and Vicky get refreshingly honest about their calling, their biggest ministry mistakes, and the lessons that shaped them into the leaders they are today. From Cole's leap from volunteer to multi-site programming director before finishing college, to Tom's life-changing encounter with a six-year-old girl in Detroit who didn't know who God was, to Vicky's unexpected pivot from aspiring special ed teacher to children's pastor — every story is proof that the calling to kids ministry is deeply personal, rarely predictable, and always worth saying yes to. The team also shares their most cringe-worthy "what was I thinking?" moments — including an indoor pyrotechnic object lesson that sent 300 kids running for their lives and a camp tornado watch that turned into a real-time safety scramble. You'll laugh, maybe tear up, and definitely feel seen. Whether you're brand new to kids ministry leadership or you're in a hard season wondering if you made the right call, this episode is your reminder: God's not done writing your story. This Week's Better Together Challenge: Write your personal ministry calling statement. Answer these four questions — What do you believe about your calling? Why does it matter to you? How has God wired and prepared you? And what future do you want to help create? Share your answers in the Kid Ministry Collective Facebook Group at kidministrycollective.com. 🎧 Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and join us on YouTube so you never miss an episode. We'd love to hear where you're tuning in from!

Should kids be in the main worship service — or not? It's one of the most emotionally charged questions in kids ministry, and the KMC Collective team is diving in headfirst. In this episode, Tom, Cole, Ben, and Vickie unpack the real conversation happening inside the Kids Ministry Collective Facebook group around kids in big church — and they're not here to hand you one right answer. Because honestly? There isn't one. The team walks through the three primary models churches use — full kids church, kids in the entire service, and the hybrid dismissal model — and explores the honest benefits and real challenges of each. From the powerful discipleship moment of a parent worshiping beside their child, to the logistical chaos of safely dismissing kids mid-service, no stone is left unturned. Want some help? Head to our Website for all the info: KidsMinistryCollective.com

When was the last time you took a Sunday off? If the honest answer is never — this episode is for you. In this candid and deeply practical conversation, Tom, Cole, Ben, and Vicki get real about one of the most common traps in kids ministry: building a ministry that only runs when you show up. They share their own confessions, their burnout stories, and the mindset shifts that changed everything. Here's what's covered in this episode: The team dives into why kids ministry leaders struggle to step away — from the lie that "nobody can do this but me," to the fear of taking advantage of volunteers. They unpack the difference between a ministry that's healthy and one that's secretly dependent on a single person showing up 52 weeks a year. You'll hear practical, scalable strategies for raising up volunteer leaders at every church size — from small churches with fewer than 10 volunteers, to multi-site ministries with 40-plus team members. Whether you're looking for your first right-hand person or building out a full coach model, this episode meets you where you are. The crew also tackles one of the biggest mental hurdles in volunteer recruitment: "don't say their no." Stop disqualifying people before you even ask. Give the Holy Spirit room to work — and be surprised by who steps up. Finally, the team issues a Find Your One challenge: ask God to show you the one person you can begin pouring into today. Then come share that name in the Kids Ministry Collective Facebook group or YouTube comments so the community can pray with you. You don't have to do this alone. A healthy kids ministry never depends on just one person. We are better together.  Join the conversation in the Kids Ministry Collective Facebook Group and share the name of the one person you're going to invest in this week! Need a Coach: Kidmincoach.net Learn about what the KMC offers YOU!: KidsMinistryCollective.com