
Advertise on podcast: Nick Blevins Family Ministry Podcast: Children | Youth | Students | NextGen
Rating
4.5from
This podcast has
311 episodes
Language
EnglishExplicit
No
Date created
2016/05/15
Latest episode
2026/08/04
Average duration
35 min.
Release period
15 days
Description
The Nick Blevins Family Ministry Podcast is where you can hear from top leaders in children’s ministry, student ministry and family ministry. You’ll learn the principles and practices they use to lead families with the goal of helping you maximize the potential in your ministry. For more content and notes, head to nickblevins.com.
Unlock Nick Blevins Family Ministry Podcast: Children | Youth | Students | NextGen podcast Email contact info,
Listeners & Audience details
Email contact information
Direct podcast contact details

Listeners
Audience numbers & engagement insights

Audience details
Podcast Insights

Podcast episodes
Check latest episodes from Nick Blevins Family Ministry Podcast: Children | Youth | Students | NextGen podcast
Episode 313: Building a Kids Ministry Curriculum for Churches with Brian Mosley and Nancy Matossian
2026/08/04
What happens when one of the world's largest Christian streaming platforms turns its attention to children's ministry?
In this episode, Nick Blevins sits down with Brian Mosley and Nancy Matossian from RightNow Media to discuss the launch of RightNow Kids, a brand-new curriculum created to equip churches, volunteers, and parents to disciple kids more effectively. They share the story behind the project, what makes the curriculum different, and why empowering families throughout the week—not just on Sundays—is central to their vision.
Whether you're serving in a large ministry or a small volunteer-led church, this conversation offers practical insights into creating engaging, gospel-centered experiences that help kids grow in their faith.
Timestamps00:00 – Meet Brian Mosley and Nancy Matossian
01:32 – Why RightNow Media entered the kids ministry space
03:13 – Nancy's journey to joining the RightNow Kids team
05:00 – What the RightNow Kids curriculum includes
08:00 – Building a three-year discipleship experience
09:32 – Pricing and making curriculum accessible for churches
11:12 – Supporting volunteers and partnering with parents
14:12 – The parent app and extending discipleship beyond Sunday
17:38 – Why the curriculum was designed with smaller churches in mind
20:45 – The three pillars: God's Family, God's Story, and God's Character
23:22 – Flexible scheduling and customizing the curriculum calendar
25:15 – Early feedback from churches using RightNow Kids
26:50 – Onboarding support and launching successfully
27:55 – Free sample lessons and where to learn more
30:15 – Lessons learned and what's next for RightNow Kids
Episode 312: Shepherding and Discipling Volunteers with Kristi McElheney
2026/07/30
Shepherding and Discipling Volunteers with Kristi McElheney
Healthy children's ministries are built on healthy volunteers—but recruiting volunteers is only the beginning. In this episode, Kristi McElheney shares her memorable "donut" framework for shepherding and discipling volunteers, emphasizing that effective ministry starts with Jesus, grows from a leader's identity in Christ, and flourishes through intentional investment in volunteers.
Kristi explains why leaders must first anchor their own identity in God rather than ministry success, how to build meaningful relationships with volunteers, and practical ways to disciple teams through onboarding, training, observation, and feedback. Whether you're leading a handful of volunteers or an entire ministry team, this conversation will encourage you to move beyond volunteer management and into true spiritual leadership.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Meet Kristi McElheney and her ministry journey
01:32 – The "donut" analogy for discipling volunteers
02:16 – Why Jesus is the foundation of every volunteer strategy
03:37 – The leader's identity: why the glaze comes before the sprinkles
07:02 – The volunteers as the "sprinkles" and the discipleship cycle
07:49 – Avoiding the trap of finding your identity in ministry success
09:38 – Practical tools for discovering your God-given identity and purpose
13:41 – Four steps to disciple volunteers: onboarding, training, observation, and feedback
16:48 – Why observation isn't criticism—it's an investment in growth
19:12 – Having difficult conversations with volunteers through relationship, not authority
22:42 – Moving beyond volunteer management into genuine discipleship
23:14 – Building relationships through prayer, conversations, and intentional follow-up
25:31 – Creating volunteer trainings that foster spiritual growth, not just logistics
26:47 – Why discipleship should be woven into every ministry environment
27:20 – How to connect with Kristi McElheney
If you've ever struggled to recruit, retain, or shepherd volunteers, this episode offers practical wisdom and biblical encouragement to help you cultivate a thriving, spiritually healthy volunteer team.
Episode 311: Spiritual Warfare Within Your Ministry with Beth Guckenberger
2026/07/21
Spiritual Warfare Within Your Ministry with Beth Guckenberger
What if one of the biggest challenges in ministry isn't what you can see- but what you can't?
In this episode, Beth Guckenberger shares practical, biblical wisdom on recognizing and responding to spiritual warfare in ministry. Drawing from decades of missionary work, leading an international orphan care organization, and her experience serving as an interim senior pastor during the pandemic, Beth explains why ministry leaders should stop living defensively and start leading with spiritual confidence.
Together, Nick and Beth discuss how children's ministry leaders can identify the enemy's tactics, build stronger relationships with church leadership, cultivate authentic community, and equip the next generation to understand spiritual warfare without fear. If you've ever felt discouraged, isolated, or overwhelmed in ministry, this conversation offers hope, encouragement, and practical tools for standing firm in Christ.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction and welcoming Beth back to the podcast
00:27 – Beth's ministry journey, family, and recent updates
01:53 – The story behind Throw the First Punch
02:10 – Why spiritual warfare is often overlooked in the church
02:55 – Leading a church through the pandemic and a life-changing staff meeting
04:30 – Shifting from a defensive mindset to spiritual offense
05:33 – Lessons from serving as an interim senior pastor
08:47 – Building empathy and stronger relationships with church leadership
11:15 – Finding a balanced biblical view of spiritual warfare
12:04 – Why children's ministry leaders are significant spiritual targets
12:55 – Confession, community, and staying spiritually healthy
14:23 – The importance of authentic relationships and accountability
15:11 – Overcoming loneliness in ministry through intentional community
17:00 – Teaching children about spiritual warfare without creating fear
17:57 – Beth's children's book series and equipping families
20:05 – Helping kids understand God's victory over evil
21:09 – Living with confidence because Christ has already won
22:06 – Bringing God's light into dark places
23:49 – Spiritual warfare on the mission field versus everyday ministry
26:52 – Recognizing discouragement and conflict as ministry leaders
28:29 – Where to connect with Beth and learn more about her ministry
29:19 – Final encouragement and closing remarks
Episode 310: Intergenerational Ministry with Christina Embree
2026/07/14
Intergenerational Ministry with Christina Embree
What does it take to build a church where every generation grows together in faith? In this episode, Christina Embree, founder of Refocus Ministry, shares how churches can move beyond simply having multiple generations under one roof to creating meaningful relationships that lead to lifelong discipleship.
Christina unpacks the difference between multigenerational and intergenerational ministry, explains why authentic relationships are essential for passing on faith, and offers practical ways churches can cultivate stronger connections through prayer, service, and intentional community. She also discusses how churches can better equip parents, empower volunteers, and create a culture where every generation learns from one another.
Whether you're a children's ministry leader, pastor, volunteer, or parent, this conversation is filled with practical ideas to help your church become a place where faith is shared across generations.
Timestamps00:00 – Introduction to Christina Embree and Refocus Ministry
02:10 – What is intergenerational ministry?
03:48 – Why intergenerational discipleship matters
05:18 – Moving from connection to meaningful relationships
07:16 – Practical ways churches can build intergenerational ministry
08:42 – Small groups, volunteers, and deeper relationships
10:30 – Creating church-wide opportunities across generations
12:13 – Serving together as a pathway to discipleship
12:42 – Thin vs. thick intergenerational ministry
15:29 – How different cultures approach intergenerational relationships
17:26 – Equipping parents and caregivers for discipleship at home
20:29 – Helping volunteers strengthen family discipleship
22:25 – Practical ways to encourage parents every week
23:50 – How to connect with Christina and Refocus Ministry
Episode 309: 3 Ways to Draw Kids In and Keep Them There with Corinne Noble
2026/07/08
3 Ways to Draw Kids In and Keep Them There with Corinne Noble
How do you create a kids ministry that children don't just attend—but genuinely want to come back to week after week?
In this episode, Chris sits down with Corinne Noble to discuss three practical strategies that help churches attract kids, engage them in meaningful relationships, and empower them to grow into lifelong followers of Jesus. From creating unforgettable first impressions to building authentic connections and giving kids opportunities to serve, Corinne shares actionable ideas that leaders of churches of every size can begin implementing right away.
Whether you're leading a large children's ministry or serving in a small church, this conversation is packed with practical takeaways to help you create an environment where kids can thrive.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction and welcoming Corinne Noble back to the podcast
00:43 – Corinne shares ministry updates, curriculum, coaching, and consulting
01:32 – Why attracting kids requires intentionality—not just big events
03:17 – Way #1: Create an unforgettable experience
03:40 – Why environments matter more than we think
04:29 – Creating a great first-time guest experience
05:30 – Avoiding church jargon and insider language
06:01 – The importance of follow-up after a family's first visit
06:42 – Training volunteers to create consistent, high-quality experiences
08:44 – Why we shouldn't assume kids know Bible stories or church terminology
11:55 – Way #2: Engage kids in meaningful relationships
12:13 – Helping kids build friendships with peers their own age
13:31 – Practical ways to encourage connection in churches of every size
14:12 – The value of consistent small group leaders
15:12 – Engaging kids with God and His Word every week
17:24 – Why relationships are key to long-term ministry impact
18:34 – Way #3: Empower kids to grow and lead
19:22 – Asking open-ended questions that invite participation
20:28 – Giving kids opportunities to serve in ministry
21:42 – The two biggest factors that keep kids connected to church long-term
23:29 – What age should kids begin serving?
25:21 – Corinne's own childhood leadership experience and ministry calling
26:12 – Where to connect with Corinne and learn about KMC Ministries
27:36 – Social media, reels, and reaching the next generation of ministry leaders
30:12 – Final thoughts and wrap-up
If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another children's ministry leader who would benefit from these practical insights.
Episode 308: Partnering with Empty Nesters with Chris Sasser
2026/06/23
In this episode, Nick sits down with Chris Sasser to talk about a group that often gets overlooked in family ministry: parents of adult children. Chris shares how a hallway conversation with hurting parents at Port City Community Church led to the creation of Hopeful Parents—a ministry designed to support moms and dads navigating broken relationships, prodigal kids, faith struggles, and the emotional complexity of parenting in the empty-nest years.
Chris and Nick explore why churches need to think beyond parenting kids and teenagers, how to create meaningful community for parents of adult children, and what it looks like to offer hope, care, and connection in one of the hardest seasons of family life.
Timestamps00:00 – Introduction and Chris Sasser’s return to the podcast
01:06 – Chris shares an update on Port City Community Church and the Parent Network
03:42 – Why partnering with parents looks different in every church context
06:25 – The importance of having someone champion parent ministry
08:29 – The story that sparked Port City’s ministry to parents of adult children
10:53 – Launching Hopeful Parents and the unexpected response from families
12:52 – Why parents of adult children often carry hidden pain and uncertainty
16:10 – Helping parents shift from parenting a child to relating adult-to-adult
18:56 – Stories of grief, healing, and hope from parents walking through loss and prodigal seasons
20:26 – How marriage, in-laws, and changing family dynamics affect parent-adult child relationships
22:25 – What Hopeful Parents gatherings actually look like in practice
24:49 – Why community and vulnerability are the real catalysts for healing
26:28 – Chris shares resources for parents and church leaders, including Bags and the Parent Network
27:55 – Final encouragement for churches to care for empty nesters and parents of adult children
Episode 307: Solving Common Kids Ministry Problems with Josh Denhart
2026/06/08
What are the biggest challenges kids ministry leaders face today—and how can they solve them before they become major problems?
In this episode, Nick Blevins sits down with children's ministry coach and leadership expert Josh Denhart to unpack some of the most common issues he encounters while coaching ministry leaders across the country.
From volunteer scheduling headaches and shared-space frustrations to leadership systems, church staffing challenges, and knowing when it's time to leave a ministry role, Josh shares practical solutions that help leaders move from constant crisis management to proactive leadership.
Whether you're a children's pastor, family ministry leader, or church staff member, you'll walk away with actionable strategies to build healthier systems, stronger volunteer teams, and greater ministry sustainability.
Timestamps00:00 – Introduction and welcome back to Josh Denhart
00:39 – Josh shares his ministry journey, Lead Ministry, and KidMin Science
02:03 – Behind the scenes of the Amazing Chemistry Show and ministry outreach events
03:23 – The most common coaching topics kids ministry leaders bring to Josh
03:35 – Josh's coaching philosophy: balancing urgent problems with long-term growth
08:29 – Why systems and organization are critical for ministry success
09:43 – Solving the shared-space cleanup problem with clear systems and accountability
14:49 – How outside perspectives help leaders solve recurring ministry frustrations
16:05 – The volunteer scheduling crisis every children's pastor knows too well
18:01 – Creating a culture of “switching, not ditching” among volunteers
19:30 – Why volunteer relationships matter more than scheduling tools
21:48 – The psychology behind volunteer ownership and reciprocity
25:06 – The value of an unbiased coaching perspective during seasons of change
25:36 – Navigating church growth and the challenges of adding a new service
27:00 – Why leaders shouldn't make multiple major changes at the same time
28:07 – Coaching through questions versus simply giving advice
30:17 – A difficult reality: helping ministry leaders determine whether it's time to leave
32:37 – Recognizing unhealthy church environments and toxic leadership dynamics
34:30 – A real coaching story about navigating a painful ministry transition
36:08 – Why many children's pastors struggle to find their next ministry opportunity
37:21 – The unique challenges of being “drafted” into kids ministry rather than called to it
38:18 – Finding the right ministry fit and aligning with church culture
39:11 – The personal and family impact of leaving a church staff role
40:10 – Supporting leaders through difficult ministry transitions
41:11 – Final reflections on coaching, leadership, and serving the local church
41:49 – Closing thoughts and where to connect with Josh Denhart
Key TakeawaysBuild systems that eliminate recurring ministry frustrations.Create volunteer teams that support one another instead of depending entirely on staff.Avoid implementing multiple major changes simultaneously.Use coaching questions to uncover better solutions and develop stronger leaders.Recognize when a ministry environment has become unhealthy and how to navigate transitions wisely.
Episode 306: Parenting and Leading with Purpose with Angie Hooie
2026/05/26
In this episode, Nick sits down with David and Angie Hooie from Two Rivers Church to talk about healthy rhythms in ministry, marriage, parenting, and church leadership. Angie shares how their “Purposeful Parenting” group began as an experiment to help busy parents connect and grow spiritually, while David offers a unique perspective as the spouse of someone serving in vocational ministry.
Together, they discuss practical ways to maintain a healthy marriage, avoid burnout in ministry, prioritize Sabbath, and create intentional family rhythms that last.
Timestamps00:00 – Welcome and introductions
00:42 – Meet David & Angie Hooie and their family
02:14 – Angie’s role at Two Rivers Church and church growth
03:10 – How the “Purposeful Parenting” group started
05:06 – Why parents need connection and community
06:03 – Why traditional small groups don’t work for some families
08:47 – Parenting groups during church services and practical logistics
10:14 – Topics parents are asking about most today
11:21 – Technology, anxiety, discipline, and parenting challenges
13:03 – Healthy marriage rhythms and putting God first
16:31 – Love languages, communication, and understanding your spouse
18:05 – Why couples need to keep dating after marriage
19:15 – The “no talking about the kids” date night challenge
21:00 – Supporting a spouse in vocational ministry
22:57 – Ministry as a calling and learning to embrace the role
25:05 – Worship, Sabbath, and staying spiritually healthy in ministry
26:36 – Lessons from Israel and practicing intentional Sabbath rhythms
28:03 – Ministry burnout and the importance of rest
30:47 – How to connect with David & Angie Hooie
31:09 – Final encouragement for ministry leaders and parents
If you’re serving in ministry, raising kids, or trying to build healthier rhythms in your marriage and family, this episode is packed with practical encouragement and honest conversation.
Episode 305: How to Raise Kids with a Faith That Sticks with David Rausch
2026/05/19
What makes a child’s faith last beyond high school? In this conversation, Nick Blevins sits down with children’s ministry leader and Go Curriculum founder David Rausch to talk about the growing number of young adults walking away from church—and what churches and parents can do differently.
David shares the heart behind his book Feeding Faith: The Discipleship of Kids That Last, the story behind launching Go Curriculum, and the practical “EAT Strategy” for building lasting faith in kids through education, application, and transformation. This episode is packed with practical ministry insights, encouragement for parents and church leaders, and actionable ways to help kids develop a real relationship with Jesus that sticks.
Timestamps04:08 – David Rausch’s ministry journey and children’s ministry background
06:06 – The origin story of Go Curriculum
13:00 – Why David wrote Feeding Faith
13:45 – The alarming reality of kids leaving church after high school
16:03 – Why this is a children’s ministry issue, not just a youth ministry issue
17:01 – The “EAT Strategy”: Education, Application, and Transformation
18:02 – Why biblical education alone isn’t enough
19:00 – Putting application in the right place within lessons
20:15 – The missing piece: spiritual transformation
21:00 – Helping kids build a real relationship with God
23:20 – Practical ways to create transformational moments in ministry
24:00 – Making the gospel central in every lesson
25:00 – Teaching kids how to respond to the gospel
26:20 – Using response stations, prayer, journaling, and reflection with kids
27:50 – Why so many young adults leave church after graduation
29:30 – The critical role parents play in lasting faith formation
30:40 – Why churches need spiritual parenting strategies
32:00 – How culture has shifted parenting responsibility onto the church
33:00 – Why lead pastors must champion family discipleship
34:10 – Where to get Feeding Faith and Go Curriculum resources
35:00 – David’s hope for helping more kids develop faith that lasts
Episode 304: Why Child Discipleship Matters More Than Ever with Matt Markins
2026/05/12
What stories are shaping the faith and worldview of today’s kids?
In this episode, Nick sits down with Matt Markins, CEO of Awana, to talk about child discipleship, biblical worldview formation, and the core message of his new book, The Story We Tell Our Children.
Matt shares his personal story, the research behind Awana’s child discipleship focus, and why churches need to move beyond “Bible-lite” teaching toward helping kids understand the full story of Scripture.
They discuss:
The three biggest factors that shape lasting faith in childrenWhy many churches unintentionally teach moralism instead of the gospelThe difference between teaching Bible stories and teaching the story of the BibleHow screen culture and modern media shape kids’ worldviewWhy parents and churches both play critical roles in faith formationHow Awana’s Bright curriculum approaches Scripture and discipleshipIf you care about helping kids develop resilient, lasting faith in Jesus, this conversation is packed with practical insight and theological depth.
Timestamps00:00 Intro and Welcome
00:24 Matt Markins’ Personal Story and Journey into Ministry
03:40 How Awana Has Changed Over the Years
05:20 Why Midweek Kids Ministry Is Growing Again
07:15 The Three Biggest Factors That Shape Lasting Faith
09:20 The Story We Tell Our Children
11:00 Counterfeit Stories Shaping Today’s Kids
13:10 The Role Parents and Churches Play in Faith Formation
15:30 What “Bible-Light” Teaching Looks Like
18:45 Moralism vs the Gospel in Kids Ministry
20:00 Bible Stories vs the Story of the Bible
23:15 How Much Bible Content Kids Can Actually Absorb
25:35 Measuring Child Discipleship Effectiveness
31:20 Can Churches Really Measure Spiritual Growth?
32:20 The Vision Behind Bright Curriculum
34:15 How Bright Approaches Bible Teaching and Discipleship
36:10 Final Thoughts and Resources
Episode 303: Church Assimilation Now with Greg Curtis & Tommy Carreras
2026/04/21
What does it actually take to help families move from attending to fully engaged?
In this episode, Nick sits down with Greg Curtis and Tommy Carreras to talk about the real challenges churches are facing right now when it comes to assimilation and next steps.
They unpack what’s changed over the last few years, why many church assimilation strategies are no longer working, and what they’re experimenting with right now to better connect people into community and serving.
You’ll hear:
Why most churches are running outdated inherited programsThe shift from information to connection and why that matters more than everThe pros and cons of 7 week, 4 week, and 1 week next step modelsWhy volunteering is often the best first step for engagementA brand new approach Greg is testing that could reshape assimilation strategiesIf you want to help people take real next steps toward Jesus, not just attend, this conversation will challenge how you think about assimilation.
00:00 Intro and Guest Welcome
01:00 Greg and Tommy Backgrounds
03:00 The Evolution of Assimilation at Eastside
06:00 From 7 Weeks to 4 Weeks to 1 Week
09:30 Why Most Church Assimilation Strategies Fail
12:00 The Power of Connection over Information
14:30 Why Volunteering Is the Best First Step
18:30 Rethinking Discipleship and Small Groups
22:00 What Most Churches Are Doing Wrong Right Now
24:30 The “Window” for Getting People Engaged
27:00 How Long It Actually Takes to Get Connected
29:30 Why Timing and Targeting Matter
32:00 Stop Overloading People with Information
35:00 Just-in-Time vs Just-in-Case Communication
37:30 The One Week Model Explained
41:00 New Trends Post-COVID in Church Engagement
43:30 A Bold New Assimilation Strategy
46:00 Interest Meetings Instead of Classes
48:30 Creating “Hot Leads” Instead of Cold Leads
50:00 The Role of Follow-Up and “Knownness”
52:00 Practical Ideas Churches Can Try Right Now
54:00 Climbing the Assimileas and Sherpa Tribe
56:00 Final Thoughts and Takeaways
Episode 302: How to VBS with Jeremy O'Neill
2026/03/18
What makes a great VBS, and how do you pull one off without burning yourself out in the process?
In this episode, Nick sits down with Jeremy O'Neill to talk all things VBS, from big-picture planning and promotion timelines to volunteer leadership, programming strategy, registration questions, and what actually makes a VBS successful. Jeremy shares lessons from years in local church kids ministry, why he wrote How to VBS, and how church leaders can think more clearly about whether their event is primarily about evangelism, discipleship, or both.
They also talk through practical issues every ministry leader faces: when to start planning, whether VBS should be free or paid, how to reduce no-shows, how to measure if your event is really reaching new families, and how to use summer events to build your volunteer team for the rest of the year.
Jeremy also shares creative ideas like staggered promotion plans, invite-day strategy, planning grids that reduce stress, and how VBS leadership roles can become a training ground for future ministry leaders.
Whether you’re leading a traditional VBS, a summer camp, or any large kids ministry event, this conversation is full of practical wisdom to help you plan smarter, lead better, and make the most of one of the biggest ministry opportunities of the year.
In this episode, you’ll hear about:
Why Jeremy wrote How to VBSA realistic VBS planning timelineSave the date vs theme reveal vs registration launchFree vs paid VBS and the pros and cons of eachHow to think about attendance, outreach, and follow-upEvangelism vs discipleship in VBS strategyA smart registration question every church should askHow to use VBS to recruit and develop future leadersPlanning grids and systems that reduce overwhelmJeremy’s new projects: Simple Kids Ministry, KidmenU, and the VBS VaultLinks mentioned:
Howtovbs.comSimpleKidsMinistry.comKidminU.com
Chapters
00:00 Intro and welcome
00:07 Why this is the right time to talk about VBS
00:54 Jeremy O'Neill update and what he’s doing now
01:25 Family update, adoption, and life with two little ones
03:01 Why Jeremy wrote How to VBS
06:10 What makes this book different from publisher guides
07:13 The structure of the book: planning, programming, and people
09:11 When should you start planning VBS?
12:03 Save the date, theme reveal, and registration strategy
13:15 Should VBS be free or paid?
17:43 How pricing affects commitment and no-shows
18:35 What actually makes a VBS successful?
21:37 Practical ways to reach more new families
22:24 The power of an invite day
24:29 Is VBS more about evangelism or discipleship?
31:53 A must-have registration question for every VBS
34:08 Programming tip: planning grids that reduce stress
42:54 People tip: use VBS to identify and develop leaders
47:44 Jeremy shares about Simple Kids Ministry and KidmenU
48:53 Book release, VBS Vault, and where to find everything
51:10 Final thoughts and wrap-up
Episode 301: Preteen Ministry – What’s Old & New with Sean Sweet
2026/01/27
In this episode, Sean Sweet shares insights on the evolution and importance of preteen ministry, drawing from his transition from church staff to leading a nonprofit focused on preteen resources. He highlights the unique developmental needs of preteens, the value of intentional programming, and how preteen ministry can effectively bridge children’s and youth ministries through engaging, community-building experiences.
Sean SweetConnect with Sean and find resources at the following sites:
Sean's EmailFourFiveSix.orgThe Volunteer PlaybookMy first book is out! Buy the book by visiting volunteerplaybook.com or by visiting Amazon.
Episode NotesKey TakeawaysPreteen ministry is essential for addressing the unique developmental needs of preteens.Creating intentional spaces for preteens is crucial for their growth and engagement.Events specifically for preteens help them take ownership of their faith and friendships.The evolution of preteen ministry has led to more resources and awareness in churches today.Leadership structure matters; preteen ministries can thrive under either children's or youth ministry, depending on context.Preteens are at a stage where they begin to question and explore their faith more deeply.Distinct experiences for preteens help them transition smoothly into youth ministry.The importance of community and relationship-building in preteen ministry cannot be overstated.Preteen ministry should not mimic youth ministry but rather cater to the specific needs of preteens.The age of 12 is significant in faith development, marking a transition in maturity.Watch it on YouTube
Ministry Boost CoachingClick here to check out the amazing benefits of coaching groups with Ministry Boost.
Get An Email When Each New Episode Comes OutUse the form below to subscribe to my email list where you’ll get an email each Tuesday when a new podcast comes out.
Subscribe | Share | Rate | CommentTo make sure you never miss a post, hit the subscribe button in iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or Tune In radio. Keep your friends and co-workers up-to-date
Episode 300: Measuring Success in Kidmin Beyond Head Counts with Jen Edwards
2026/01/20
In this episode, Jen Edwards explores how to measure health in kids ministry beyond attendance and numbers. She emphasizes evaluating milestones, building trust with families, and understanding long-term impact while navigating the pressure of performance metrics in ministry.
Jen EdwardsConnect with Jen and find resources at the following sites:
Jen Edwards WebsiteJen Edwards IGThe Volunteer PlaybookMy first book is out! Buy the book by visiting volunteerplaybook.com or by visiting Amazon.
Episode NotesKey TakeawaysJen Edwards has a decade of experience in kids ministry.Measuring success should go beyond just head counts.Milestones like baptisms and dedications are key indicators of health.Trust is built through consistent relationships with leaders.Attendance numbers can be misleading and should be contextualized.It's important to track engagement and partnership with families.The long-term impact of ministry is often unseen but significant.Ministry work requires patience and a focus on relationships.Leaders should not tie their worth to attendance numbers.Engagement metrics can provide a more accurate picture of success.Watch it on YouTube
Ministry Boost CoachingClick here to check out the amazing benefits of coaching groups with Ministry Boost.
Get An Email When Each New Episode Comes OutUse the form below to subscribe to my email list where you’ll get an email each Tuesday when a new podcast comes out.
Subscribe | Share | Rate | CommentTo make sure you never miss a post, hit the subscribe button in iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or Tune In radio. Keep your friends and co-workers up-to-date as well by sharing it with them via email or social media.
Special Sponsor: ClearstreamThis episode is sponsored by Clearstream. Clearstream.io works with thousands of churches worldwide and integrates with tools your church already uses such as MailChimp, C
Episode 299: Volunteer Care & Appreciation with Jessica Bealer
2026/01/13
In this episode, Jessica Bealer shares insights from her experience in family ministry, focusing on volunteer management and building healthy team cultures. She highlights the importance of clear communication, volunteer care and appreciation, and layered leadership to effectively support and retain volunteers in today’s church environment.
Jessica BealerConnect with Jessica and find resources at the following sites:
Jessica Bealer IGJessica Bealer at GenerisThe Volunteer PlaybookMy first book is out! Buy the book by visiting volunteerplaybook.com or by visiting Amazon.
Episode NotesKey TakeawaysJessica Bealer has 23 years of experience in family ministry.The church must adapt to technology, including AI, for efficiency.Multi-use strategies for church buildings can bridge community gaps.Communication methods must evolve as people are less responsive to emails.Healthy volunteer culture is crucial for church growth and retention.Clarity, empowerment, and appreciation are key to volunteer longevity.Personalized communication fosters deeper connections with volunteers.Layered leadership is essential for managing larger volunteer teams.Creative appreciation strategies can enhance volunteer morale.Understanding volunteer retention rates helps in effective recruitment.Watch it on YouTube
Ministry Boost CoachingClick here to check out the amazing benefits of coaching groups with Ministry Boost.
Get An Email When Each New Episode Comes OutUse the form below to subscribe to my email list where you’ll get an email each Tuesday when a new podcast comes out.
Subscribe | Share | Rate | CommentTo make sure you never miss a post, hit the subscribe button in iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or Tune In radio. Keep your friends and co-workers up-to-date as well by sharing it with them via email or social media.
Special Sponsor: ClearstreamThis episode is sponsored by Clearstream. C
Podcast reviews
Read Nick Blevins Family Ministry Podcast: Children | Youth | Students | NextGen podcast reviews
KimbellB 2020/12/23
Wide variety of topics and ideas
Nick hosts guests who bring all kinds of practical and fresh ideas. Feeling tired or uninspired or even lonely as ministry can be lonely, tune in.
CJOY939 2020/12/01
My favorite podcast!
Nick does an awesome job on his podcast! He has a lot of insightful and influential conversations on christian ministry and leadership . As someone wh...
Frank7384 2019/05/09
One of the Best Podcasts I have listened to!
Really enjoyed listening to Episode 145 with Dan Doerksen on Structure in ministry. It was one of the best podcast I have heard in a while. I have for...
cottonlover1211 2019/04/04
Try hard
Trying to hard.
ChristineC87 2019/01/09
Thank you
For the work you put in...I often feel like I’m listening in to personal mentors pouring into me and the ministry God had entrusted me with
joycrantastic 2018/10/09
Love it!
This podcast is fantastic! It covers a variety of super relevant and helpful topics. And I love the action items at the end of the episodes. The resou...
Charjoobean 2018/07/12
Wish I knew about this sooner!
Just discovered this podcast and I’m addicted to it! So much valuable info for anyone involved in any aspect of family ministry. Practical, informativ...
Lee Snyder 2018/06/06
Helpful Insights
This podcast has great practical insight and ideas regarding all sorts of family ministry areas from kids to youth to parents. Have to listen to many...
Kal O 2018/06/05
Fam Min Pastor
Loved the interview with Dan Scott. Lots of insights and ideas. Practical advise on what is happening, what needs to happen and what we can do to mini...
Tess Dresser 2018/06/04
Great resource!
I have loved listening to this podcast over the past couple of years. It is a great tool for anyone working in family ministry or even just general ch...
Podcast sponsorship advertising
Start advertising on Nick Blevins Family Ministry Podcast: Children | Youth | Students | NextGen relevant audience podcasts
You may also like to advertise on these Podcasts

4.838342000
Entrepreneurs on Fire
John Lee Dumas of EOFire

4.6652432197
The Charlie Kirk Show
Charlie Kirk

4.6253602000
The Glenn Beck Program
Mercury Radio Arts

4.682521300
The Daily Beast Podcast
The Daily Beast, Joanna Coles

4.721121501
Everyone's Business (But Mine) with Kara Berry
Kara Berry

4.922971182
Dropping Bombs
Brad Lea: CEO, Entrepreneur, and Host of The Bottom Line

4.818402000
The Cabral Concept
Dr. Stephen Cabral

4.746791058
Tom Bilyeu's Impact Theory
Impact Theory

4.8259091496
Relatable with Allie Beth Stuckey
Blaze Podcast Network

4.930941700
Arseblog Arsecast, The Arsenal Podcast
arseblog.com