Advertise on podcast: The KidzMatter Podcast

If parent pressure, unreliable volunteers, or staff conflict is draining your energy in children’s ministry, this conversation gives you the clarity and boundaries you need. Kurt Goble, Creative Director for Lift Curriculum, shares hard-won wisdom from 25+ years in kids' ministry on how to handle difficult people with grace without losing your leadership. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re handling conflict the right way, this one will help you lead with more wisdom, more peace, and stronger boundaries. Visit samaritanspurse.org to prepare for Operation Christmas Child's National Collection Week (November 16th-23rd, 2026)! Learn more and get a free trial of Lift Curriculum at liftcurriculum.com. 🔌 Connect with all of the KidzMatter resources in our free KidzMatter Community. 📌 SUBSCRIBE for weekly podcast episodes. YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Other platforms: kidzmatter.com/podcast 📫 Sign up for our newsletter to stay in the know about all of our LIVE events. 🎟️ JOIN US at the KidzMatter Conference 2026 — NEXT — October 6–8 in Evansville, IN. 🌎 Discover more children's ministry tools, training, and curriculum: kidzmatter.com 📱Follow KidzMatter:    Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | Join our Facebook Community

Get ready for The KidzMatter Conference! 🎉 In this episode, we share essential packing tips and must-haves for an unforgettable experience. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned attendee, our guests Kendon and Madi Hackworth reveal what to bring, how to dress for theme days, and why this conference is a game-changer for kids ministry leaders. Don't have a ticket yet? Grab yours now at thekidzmatterconference.com! Get your free month of lessons from Brite at britecurriculum.com. 🔌 Connect with all of the KidzMatter resources in our free KidzMatter Community. 📌 SUBSCRIBE for weekly podcast episodes. YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Other platforms: kidzmatter.com/podcast 📫 Sign up for our newsletter to stay in the know about all of our LIVE events. 🎟️ JOIN US at the KidzMatter Conference 2026 — NEXT — October 6–8 in Evansville, IN. 🌎 Discover more children's ministry tools, training, and curriculum: kidzmatter.com 📱Follow KidzMatter:    Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | Join our Facebook Community

In this episode, we dive deep into the emotional journey of ministry transitions and loss. Join Hannah Augustine and April Raver as they discuss April's new book, "Still Loved, Still Called: Finding Healing and Hope When Ministry Changes." This heartfelt conversation explores how to navigate the grief of losing a ministry role and the importance of recognizing that your calling remains, even when your position changes. Get your copy of Still Loved. Still Called. at https://www.kidzmatter.com/loved-called. Head to rnow.me/KidzMatter to learn more about their new God's Kids curriculum—start for free and explore their first two lessons! 🔌 Connect with all of the KidzMatter resources in our free KidzMatter Community. 📌 SUBSCRIBE for weekly podcast episodes. YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Other platforms: kidzmatter.com/podcast 📫 Sign up for our newsletter to stay in the know about all of our LIVE events. 🎟️ JOIN US at the KidzMatter Conference 2026 — NEXT — October 6–8 in Evansville, IN. 🌎 Discover more children's ministry tools, training, and curriculum: kidzmatter.com 📱Follow KidzMatter:    Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | Join our Facebook Community

Discover the power of multi-generational worship! In this episode, we chat with Tyler and his daughter Selah from Smith House Worship about breaking down barriers in worship experiences for kids, teens, and adults. Learn how to create an inclusive environment where all ages can encounter Jesus together through song. Connect with Smith House Worship at https://www.smithhouseworship.com/, and get your tickets for the KidzMatter Conference at https://thekidzmatterconference.com/. Use promo code KIDZMATTER26 to get FREE shipping on orders of $25 or more, plus $10 off any $100 order, at OrientalTrading.com/faith. 🔌 Connect with all of the KidzMatter resources in our free KidzMatter Community. 📌 SUBSCRIBE for weekly podcast episodes. YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Other platforms: kidzmatter.com/podcast 📫 Sign up for our newsletter to stay in the know about all of our LIVE events. 🎟️ JOIN US at the KidzMatter Conference 2026 — NEXT — October 6–8 in Evansville, IN. 🌎 Discover more children's ministry tools, training, and curriculum: kidzmatter.com 📱Follow KidzMatter:    Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | Join our Facebook Community

When youth and kids ministries work in isolation, you're missing a goldmine of discipleship. Teens don't just fill volunteer slots—they grow spiritually by serving. This episode with Cameron Cole and Danny Kwon from Rooted Ministry gives you the framework to partner with your youth pastor, identify service pathways, and turn teen volunteers into the backbone of your kids ministry. Plus: what both sides wish the other knew. Listen to Youth Ministry Unscripted on your favorite podcast platform and learn more about Rooted at rootedministry.com. This year, the KidzMatter Conference is inviting youth leaders to the table! Use the code YOUTH2KM at thekidzmatterconference.com for FREE tickets to the conference this October. 🔌 Connect with all of the KidzMatter resources in our free KidzMatter Community. 📌 SUBSCRIBE for weekly podcast episodes. YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Other platforms: kidzmatter.com/podcast 📫 Sign up for our newsletter to stay in the know about all of our LIVE events. 🎟️ JOIN US at the KidzMatter Conference 2026 — NEXT — October 6–8 in Evansville, IN. 🌎 Discover more children's ministry tools, training, and curriculum: kidzmatter.com 📱Follow KidzMatter:    Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | Join our Facebook Community

The kids in your children's ministry who are experiencing trauma need more than a lesson plan. They need safe adults and healing spaces. This conversation with Dr. Robert and Lori Crosby from Reach Hurting Kids Institute unpacks what trauma actually is, why two kids respond so differently to the same event, and the concrete strategies churches are using to reach kids from hard places. Connect with the resources from the Reach Hurting Kids Institute at reachhurtingkids.com/. Visit https://rnow.me/KidzMatter to explore the God's Kids curriculum and learn more about how the RightNow Kids app can help you partner with parents for week-long discipleship. Click here to sign up for a free KidMin Academy class! 🔌 Connect with all of the KidzMatter resources in our free KidzMatter Community. 📌 SUBSCRIBE for weekly podcast episodes. YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Other platforms: kidzmatter.com/podcast 📫 Sign up for our newsletter to stay in the know about all of our LIVE events. 🎟️ JOIN US at the KidzMatter Conference 2026 — NEXT — October 6–8 in Evansville, IN. 🌎 Discover more children's ministry tools, training, and curriculum: kidzmatter.com 📱Follow KidzMatter:    Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | Join our Facebook Community

What if your kids' ministry environments told your theology before you ever opened your mouth? Martha Harvey from WITH Families believes that first impressions aren't shallow—they're spiritual. When a family walks through your doors, they're experiencing your values in real time: Is my child safe? Am I welcome? Does this community care about excellence? Get practical tips from Martha and start making great first impressions! Go to store.kidcheck.com/ and check out the exciting new Check-In Station Pro. To learn more about WITH Families and WITH Kits, visit withfamilies.co/. Get your tickets for The KidzMatter Conference today at thekidzmatterconference.com/. 🔌 Connect with all of the KidzMatter resources in our free KidzMatter Community. 📌 SUBSCRIBE for weekly podcast episodes. YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Other platforms: kidzmatter.com/podcast 📫 Sign up for our newsletter to stay in the know about all of our LIVE events. 🎟️ JOIN US at the KidzMatter Conference 2026 — NEXT — October 6–8 in Evansville, IN. 🌎 Discover more children's ministry tools, training, and curriculum: kidzmatter.com 📱Follow KidzMatter:    Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | Join our Facebook Community

If you're a children's pastor feeling alone, overwhelmed, or questioning whether you can keep going, Ryan and Beth Frank want to meet you at The KidzMatter Conference. This conversation isn't just about breakout sessions (though there are 170+ of those). It's about sacred space. It's about discovering that you are not alone. It's about hearing God's voice again. And it's about figuring out the one next right thing you need to do, instead of drowning in all the "nexts." In this episode, you'll hear why this year's conference theme—rooted in Psalm 78:4—is designed for you, and why creators and first-time attendees often leave saying, "That changed my life." Come as you are. Get your tickets at thekidzmatterconference.com - $95 for first-timers and $50 for students. Need financial assistance? Email [email protected]. Lift Curriculum helps you LIFT the name of Jesus every single week by helping kids see that every part of the Bible points us to Jesus. Get 52 weeks of Elementary AND Preschool Ministry lessons PLUS Worship Videos, PLUS Game Videos, AND EVEN VBS - ALL for only $97 for the entire year! Just visit liftcurriculum.com, select the "annual billing" option, and enter the code KIDZPOD in the discounts box on the payment page. Don't wait - the code is only good for the first 100 people, AND it expires on September 30th. 🔌 Connect with all of the KidzMatter resources in our free KidzMatter Community. 📌 SUBSCRIBE for weekly podcast episodes. YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Other platforms: kidzmatter.com/podcast 📫 Sign up for our newsletter to stay in the know about all of our LIVE events. 🎟️ JOIN US at the KidzMatter Conference 2026 — NEXT — October 6–8 in Evansville, IN. 🌎 Discover more children's ministry tools, training, and curriculum: kidzmatter.com 📱Follow KidzMatter:    Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | Join our Facebook Community

Sunday is always coming, and it's easy for kids' ministry to run on autopilot. The same games, the same songs, week after week. But what if there was a simple framework to help you evaluate every element of your large group ministry and ensure it's moving kids toward lasting spiritual impact? In this episode, Hannah Augustine sits down with Curt Hale, curriculum writer and developer for Brite Curriculum at Awana, to unpack the AGE Impact Triangle, a practical decision-making tool for kids' ministry leaders. Tune in to learn how to keep your environments on track! Get FREE sample lessons from Brite Curriculum at https://britecurriculum.com/. Access your FREE trial of Planning Center at planningcenter.com/kidzmatter. Get your tickets to The KidzMatter Conference today to meet the Brite and Planning Center teams in person! 🔌 Connect with all of the KidzMatter resources in our free KidzMatter Community. 📌 SUBSCRIBE for weekly podcast episodes. YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Other platforms: kidzmatter.com/podcast 📫 Sign up for our newsletter to stay in the know about all of our LIVE events. 🎟️ JOIN US at the KidzMatter Conference 2026 — NEXT — October 6–8 in Evansville, IN. 🌎 Discover more children's ministry tools, training, and curriculum: kidzmatter.com 📱Follow KidzMatter:    Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | Join our Facebook Community

Conflict is part of ministry — you can't avoid it, but you can lead through it well. In this episode, Hannah sits down with certified coach, speaker, and DISC behavioral analyst Shelby Honeycutt for a sneak peek of her upcoming KidzMatter Conference breakout on emotional intelligence. Whether you're navigating a tough conversation with a volunteer or trying not to bring your worst self home after church, this episode will help you lead from a place of health. Get your tickets for The KidzMatter Conference in Evansville, Indiana - October 6th-8th, 2026 - today! 🔌 Connect with all of the KidzMatter resources in our free KidzMatter Community. 📌 SUBSCRIBE for weekly podcast episodes. YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Other platforms: kidzmatter.com/podcast 📫 Sign up for our newsletter to stay in the know about all of our LIVE events. 🎟️ JOIN US at the KidzMatter Conference 2026 — NEXT — October 6–8 in Evansville, IN. 🌎 Discover more children's ministry tools, training, and curriculum: kidzmatter.com 📱Follow KidzMatter:    Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | Join our Facebook Community

Big budget or no budget — what matters is how you steward it. In this episode, Hannah Augustine sits down with Melanie Ringle, a 10+ year KidMin veteran and self-proclaimed "thrifting" expert, to talk about stewarding your kids' ministry budget with creativity and intention. Melanie shares her top strategies for planning ahead, building a team of deal-hunters, and getting maximum mileage out of every dollar. Don't miss this practical and encouraging episode! Stretch your budget with a free sample of The Park curriculum at parklearning.com.  🔌 Connect with all of the KidzMatter resources in our free KidzMatter Community. 📌 SUBSCRIBE for weekly podcast episodes. YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Other platforms: kidzmatter.com/podcast 📫 Sign up for our newsletter to stay in the know about all of our LIVE events. 🎟️ JOIN US at the KidzMatter Conference 2026 — NEXT — October 6–8 in Evansville, IN. 🌎 Discover more children's ministry tools, training, and curriculum: kidzmatter.com 📱Follow KidzMatter:    Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | Join our Facebook Community

Comparison is a thief of joy — and so is trying to run before you've learned to crawl. Charlie Alcock (Good Days with Eddy and Charlie, youth pastor track leader at this year's KidzMatter Conference) and Hannah Augustine dig into how leaders can grow at their own pace, help their teams do the same, and build real partnerships between kids' and youth ministries. Save 25% when you preorder Spy U, the 2027 VBS theme from Answers in Genesis, at AnswersVBS.com (offer valid until January 10th, 2027). Get your FREE Youth Leader tickets to The KidzMatter Conference at thekidzmatterconference.com with the code YOUTH2KM. 🔌 Connect with all of the KidzMatter resources in our free KidzMatter Community. 📌 SUBSCRIBE for weekly podcast episodes. YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Other platforms: kidzmatter.com/podcast 📫 Sign up for our newsletter to stay in the know about all of our LIVE events. 🎟️ JOIN US at the KidzMatter Conference 2026 — NEXT — October 6–8 in Evansville, IN. 🌎 Discover more children's ministry tools, training, and curriculum: kidzmatter.com 📱Follow KidzMatter:    Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | Join our Facebook Community

Kids are hungry for heroes — and too often, culture hands them fictional ones instead of the real, flesh-and-blood believers whose stories can shape their faith for a lifetime. In this episode, Hannah Augustine sits down with New York Times best-selling author Ellen Vaughn to talk about her children's biography, Elisabeth Elliot: The Brave Girl Who Chose to Love, and why stories like Elisabeth's still matter for kids today. Get your copies of The Brave Girl Who Chose to Love at thegoodbook.com. Visit rnow.me/kidzmatter and try out God's Kids, the latest kids' ministry curriculum from Right Now Media, for free. 🔌 Connect with all of the KidzMatter resources in our free KidzMatter Community. 📌 SUBSCRIBE for weekly podcast episodes. YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Other platforms: kidzmatter.com/podcast 📫 Sign up for our newsletter to stay in the know about all of our LIVE events. 🎟️ JOIN US at the KidzMatter Conference 2026 — NEXT — October 6–8 in Evansville, IN. 🌎 Discover more children's ministry tools, training, and curriculum: kidzmatter.com 📱Follow KidzMatter:    Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | Join our Facebook Community

Is fun a distraction from real ministry — or the doorway into it? Hannah sits down with Kayla Fowler (Team Lead for Hyfi, Lifeway's next-gen curriculum) to unpack why fun isn't optional in kids' ministry — it's foundational. If you've ever wondered whether the games and goofiness "count" as real ministry, this conversation will change how you see it. Visit KidsGoBible.com to learn more about the GO! Bible and to get your free curriculum resources. For a free trial of Hyfi by Lifeway, visit myhyfi.com. 🔌 Connect with all of the KidzMatter resources in our free KidzMatter Community. 📌 SUBSCRIBE for weekly podcast episodes. YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Other platforms: kidzmatter.com/podcast 📫 Sign up for our newsletter to stay in the know about all of our LIVE events. 🎟️ JOIN US at the KidzMatter Conference 2026 — NEXT — October 6–8 in Evansville, IN. 🌎 Discover more children's ministry tools, training, and curriculum: kidzmatter.com 📱Follow KidzMatter:    Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | Join our Facebook Community

If you've ever stood in front of a room full of kids and felt the chaos creeping in, this episode is for you. Hannah Augustine sits down with Steve Bloom, executive producer of The Park Curriculum, to talk through practical strategies for large group ministry — from classroom management and behavior challenges to putting the right leaders in the right seats. Steve brings 16 years of kids ministry experience and a refreshing honesty about what actually works (and what doesn't) when you're leading elementary kids in a large group environment. Visit parklearning.com to check out The Park's sample lesson today! And get 25% off your KidMin Academy tuition with the code PODCAST at kidminacademy.com, or email [email protected] to try a FREE class. 🔌 Connect with all of the KidzMatter resources in our free KidzMatter Community. 📌 SUBSCRIBE for weekly podcast episodes. YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Other platforms: kidzmatter.com/podcast 📫 Sign up for our newsletter to stay in the know about all of our LIVE events. 🎟️ JOIN US at the KidzMatter Conference 2026 — NEXT — October 6–8 in Evansville, IN. 🌎 Discover more children's ministry tools, training, and curriculum: kidzmatter.com 📱Follow KidzMatter:    Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | Join our Facebook Community