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Finding meaningful ways for kids to serve can be challenging. Kids need transportation, supervision, age-appropriate opportunities, and often a parent or caregiver to get involved — so helping them practice serving others usually requires a little creativity. In this episode of Kids Ministry Answers, Linda and Jason share six different types of service projects you can try with your kids ministry. QUESTION: What are some meaningful, age-appropriate ways we can help kids serve others? ANSWER: In this episode, we'll talk about how to... Collect donations for something that matters.Partner with organizations already serving your community.Give kids and families opportunities to care for the places around them.Help families make serving together part of their regular rhythm.Use the things kids already love doing to help other people.Respond when real needs arise in your church or community.Ask a Question:Have a kids ministry question you want us to talk about? Send it in at KMA.show and your question might be featured in a future episode! Subscribe & Review:Subscribe to Kids Ministry Answers on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen for practical ideas, leadership tips, and ministry tools you can use right away. If this episode was helpful, leave a quick review to help other leaders find the show. Resources Mentioned: Community Care KitsKindness Club The Gift Tag Challenge

Fall is a great excuse to do something uniquely fun with your kids and families — but you don't need to plan a massive fall festival to make it memorable. In this episode of Kids Ministry Answers, Linda and Jason are sharing 10 fun and creative fall ideas for your kids ministry, from quick additions to a regular Sunday to bigger events your whole family ministry can enjoy! QUESTION: What are some fun, creative fall ideas we can try in our kids ministry? ANSWER: In this episode, we'll talk about how to... Think about unique snacks, games, and experiences.Think outside the box when planning events and recruiting volunteers.Make the best use of your physical space and fall surroundings.Ask a Question:Have a kids ministry question you want us to talk about? Send it in at KMA.show and your question might be featured in a future episode! Subscribe & Review:Subscribe to Kids Ministry Answers on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen for practical ideas, leadership tips, and ministry tools you can use right away. If this episode was helpful, leave a quick review to help other leaders find the show. Resources Mentioned: Pancakes & PjsNerf & Nachos

Screens can make kids ministry easier, but when technology becomes the default, it can unintentionally crowd out opportunities for kids to talk, play, create, and build relationships. In this episode of Kids Ministry Answers, we’re talking about how to create kids ministry environments that rely less on screens and create more opportunities for play, creativity, curiosity, and connection. So we asked Tiffany and Jessica from WonderHere to join Linda and Jason to share practical ways to use technology intentionally while building environments where kids have room to wonder, create, build relationships, and grow in their faith. QUESTION: “How can we rely less on technology while creating more engaging and meaningful kids ministry environments?” ANSWER: In this episode, we’ll talk about how to... Focus on helping kids connect and grow instead of feeling pressure to constantly entertain themUse technology intentionally as a tool without allowing screens to become the majority of your programmingCreate more opportunities for kids to learn socially through play, creativity, exploration, conversation, and reflectionDesign welcoming environments that give kids more choice, agency, and space to build meaningful relationshipsAsk a Question:Have a kids ministry question you want us to talk about? Send it in at KMA.show and your question might be featured in a future episode! Subscribe & Review:Subscribe to Kids Ministry Answers on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen for practical ideas, leadership tips, and ministry tools you can use right away. If this episode was helpful, leave a quick review to help other leaders find the show. Resources Mentioned: Not A BoxWonderHere

Churches often think about outreach in terms of how we can get people to come to us. But some of the best opportunities to serve our communities begin when we show up where people already are. In this episode of Kids Ministry Answers, we’re tackling a question about how churches can build meaningful partnerships with local schools. So we asked Sunny Brown to join Jason and Linda to share practical ways to listen to school leaders, meet real needs, build trust over time, and become the kind of church that consistently shows up to serve its community. QUESTION: “How can our church build a meaningful partnership with our local schools?” ANSWER: In this episode, we’ll talk about how to... Reframe school outreach by focusing on serving your community instead of promoting your churchBuild relationships with school leaders by listening first, following through, and earning trust over timeIdentify the needs schools actually have and find where those needs overlap with your church’s people, gifts, and resourcesMove beyond one-time outreach projects to create consistent, sustainable partnerships that serve schools for the long haul Ask a Question:Have a kids ministry question you want us to talk about? Send it in at KMA.show and your question might be featured in a future episode! Subscribe & Review:Subscribe to Kids Ministry Answers on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen for practical ideas, leadership tips, and ministry tools you can use right away. If this episode was helpful, leave a quick review to help other leaders find the show. Resources: Mini Jesus Figurines I Am A Genius by Sunny Brown

Creating an inclusive space requires us to think intentionally about our environments, language, resources, leadership, and the culture we're creating for every kid and family. In this two-part episode of Kids Ministry Answers, we’re tackling a question about how to create more inclusive ministry environments for kids with disabilities and their families. So we asked Nicole Woods and Jena Ktichen to join us to share strategies, tools, and perspective shifts that can help ministries create cultures where every kid and family can truly belong. QUESTION: “How can we create a more inclusive ministry for kids with disabilities and their families?” ANSWER: In this episode, we’ll talk about how to... Evaluate your ministry’s current culture and identify barriers that may keep kids with disabilities and their families from fully belongingCreate more accessible environments using practical tools, visuals, sensory supports, and adapted resourcesListen to and learn from people with disabilities and their families instead of making assumptions about what inclusion should look likeMove beyond individual accommodations toward a ministry culture where disability inclusion shapes your environments, practices, and leadershipAsk a Question: Got a question you want answered? Send it in at kma.show — your question might be featured in a future episode! Subscribe & Review: Subscribe to Kids Ministry Answers on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you look for kids ministry ideas, volunteer strategies, and ministry tools you can use right away. If this episode was helpful, leave a quick review to help other leaders find the show. Resources Mentioned: Talk TilesSensory bottles Joni and Friends — 5 Stages of Culture Change BoardmakerFree adapted memory verses, books, and visuals Amy Julia Becker — How Disability Changed What Easter Means to My Family Radiate Resources - use the code KMA-includes for 20% off Personal Reflection PromptsOrganizational Checklist Tool for Disability InclusionDisability Rights & Disability Justice OverviewDisability Inclusion Training Modules

Creating an inclusive space requires us to think intentionally about our environments, language, resources, leadership, and the culture we're creating for every kid and family. In this two-part episode of Kids Ministry Answers, we’re tackling a question about how to create more inclusive ministry environments for kids with disabilities and their families. So we asked Nicole Woods and Jena Ktichen to join us to share strategies, tools, and perspective shifts that can help ministries create cultures where every kid and family can truly belong. QUESTION: “How can we create a more inclusive ministry for kids with disabilities and their families?” ANSWER: In this episode, we’ll talk about how to... Evaluate your ministry’s current culture and identify barriers that may keep kids with disabilities and their families from fully belongingCreate more accessible environments using practical tools, visuals, sensory supports, and adapted resourcesListen to and learn from people with disabilities and their families instead of making assumptions about what inclusion should look likeMove beyond individual accommodations toward a ministry culture where disability inclusion shapes your environments, practices, and leadershipAsk a Question: Got a question you want answered? Send it in at kma.show — your question might be featured in a future episode! Subscribe & Review: Subscribe to Kids Ministry Answers on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you look for kids ministry ideas, volunteer strategies, and ministry tools you can use right away. If this episode was helpful, leave a quick review to help other leaders find the show. Resources Mentioned: Talk TilesSensory bottlesJoni and Friends — 5 Stages of Culture ChangeBoardmakerFree adapted memory verses, books, and visualsAmy Julia Becker — How Disability Changed What Easter Means to My FamilyRadiate Social Impact Consulting Resources - use the code "KMA-includes" for 20% off  Personal Reflection PromptsOrganizational Checklist Tool for Disability InclusionDisability Rights & Disability Justice OverviewDisability Inclusion Training Modules

Few ministry environments require more trust than your nursery. Parents are handing you their tiniest and most vulnerable family members, so creating an environment where babies are cared for well and families feel confident matters. In this episode of Kids Ministry Answers, we’re answering a question about how to create a nursery ministry that cares for babies well and builds trust with their families. So we asked Brooklyn Lindsey to join Linda and Jason to share practical strategies for creating a nursery environment that is clean, safe, peaceful, developmentally appropriate, and spiritually meaningful. QUESTION:“What should I be doing to set up my nursery more effectively?” ANSWER:In this episode, we’ll talk about how to... Create a clean and safe nursery with clear procedures, trained volunteers, and consistent safety practicesBuild a peaceful environment that helps babies feel comfortable and gives parents confidenceProvide developmentally appropriate experiences that intentionally engage and care for babiesMake your nursery spiritually meaningful by showing God’s love to babies and supporting their familiesAsk a Question:Got a question you want answered? Send it in at kma.show — your question might be featured in a future episode! Subscribe & Review:Subscribe to Kids Ministry Answers on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you look for kids ministry ideas, volunteer strategies, and ministry tools you can use right away. If this episode was helpful, leave a quick review to help other leaders find the show.

Behind every series we create at Grow are months of planning, collaboration, biblical study, creative decisions, and lots and lots of revisions. In this episode of Kids Ministry Answers, we’re answering a question we get all the time about how we create all of the curriculum and resources at Grow. So we asked Emily Nguyen to join Linda and Jason to pull back the curtain on the collaborative process, biblical strategy, and creative decisions behind everything we include inside Grow Kids Curriculum. QUESTION:“How do you create all of the curriculum and resources at Grow?” ANSWER:In this episode, we’ll talk about how we... Collaborate with real ministry leaders, writers, editors, designers, and creators throughout every step of the processBuild a three-year scope and sequence that helps kids experience the whole story of ScriptureStart with Scripture before developing themes, activities, and resourcesCreate memorable themes and clear weekly Big Ideas that help biblical truths connect with kids and stick long after church is overAsk a Question:Got a question you want answered? Send it in at kma.show — your question might be featured in a future episode! Subscribe & Review:Subscribe to Kids Ministry Answers on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you look for kids ministry ideas, volunteer strategies, and ministry tools you can use right away. If this episode was helpful, leave a quick review to help other leaders find the show. Resources Mentioned: Grow Curriculum

Ministry to kids will always, necessarily involve ministry to parents. But building a healthy parent ministry strategy can feel overwhelming when you're not sure where to start. In this episode of Kids Ministry Answers, Bri has a question about how to develop a parent ministry strategy that actually works. So we asked Elle Campbell to join Linda and Jason to share practical ways to earn parents' trust, build meaningful partnerships with families, and create a strategy that helps parents feel supported all year long. QUESTION:"How do we develop a parent ministry strategy that works?" — Bri Law ANSWER:In this episode, we'll talk about how to... Earn parents' trust by consistently communicating, listening well, and following through on your plansCreate meaningful opportunities for parents to build memories with their kids and connect with your ministryBuild face-to-face relationships through meetings, discussion groups, and intentional one-on-one conversationsKeep parents equipped, informed, and encouraged with consistent communication, practical resources, and regular celebrationAsk a Question:Got a question you want answered? Send it in at kma.show — your question might be featured in a future episode! Subscribe & Review:Subscribe to Kids Ministry Answers on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you look for kids ministry ideas, volunteer strategies, and ministry tools you can use right away. If this episode was helpful, leave a quick review to help other leaders find the show. Resources Mentioned: Annual Planning Meeting to see how this all looks on a calendarGrow Strategy to plan your year All parent resources/Family Bundle

There are a few moments in the ministry year that deserve extra attention. Move-Up Day is one of them. It's an opportunity to celebrate growth, ease anxieties, communicate clearly with parents, and help kids step confidently into a new season. In this episode of Kids Ministry Answers, Linda and Jason share practical strategies for planning a meaningful Move-Up Day that celebrates kids and builds trust with families. From simple celebrations to memorable experiences, they walk through how to make one of the biggest milestones in your ministry calendar feel intentional and exciting for everyone involved. QUESTION:"How do I help kids in my ministry transition to the next ministry environment?" ANSWER:In this episode, we'll talk about how to... Create a thoughtful Move-Up Day structure that celebrates kids and makes transitions feel exciting instead of intimidatingMake the day memorable with simple themes, interactive moments, and meaningful keepsakesIntentionally include parents by helping them meet leaders, understand your vision, and feel confident about the year aheadUse Move-Up Day to set the tone for a strong, relationship-focused ministry yearAsk a Question:Have a kids ministry question you want us to talk about? Send it in at KMA.show and your question might be featured in a future episode! Subscribe & Review:Subscribe to Kids Ministry Answers on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen for practical ideas, leadership tips, and ministry tools you can use right away. If this episode was helpful, leave a quick review to help other leaders find the show. Resources Mentioned: Move-Up Day guide

Ask a Question:Have a kids ministry question you want us to talk about? Send it in at KMA.show and your question might be featured in a future episode! Subscribe & Review:Subscribe to Kids Ministry Answers on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen for practical ideas, leadership tips, and ministry tools you can use right away. If this episode was helpful, leave a quick review to help other leaders find the show. Resources Mentioned:  Annual Planning Meeting Grow StrategyVBS

There are so many wonderful Bible stories to teach to kids every week. But there are a few that seem more intimidating than helpful. We want to stay true to Scripture without confusing, overwhelming, or oversimplifying things for the kids we're leading. In this episode of Kids Ministry Answers, Paul asked us a question about how to teach the difficult or harder-to-understand Bible stories to kids. So we asked Meredith Miller to join Linda and Jason to share thoughtful, age-appropriate strategies for teaching hard passages of Scripture with honesty, wisdom, and care. QUESTION:“How do you teach difficult Bible stories to kids in a way that keeps the environment safe, honest, and age-appropriate while still staying true to Scripture?” — PaulANSWER:In this episode, we’ll talk about how to... Stay true to Scripture by wrestling honestly with difficult stories and understanding their historical and cultural contextRecognize when certain stories may not be developmentally appropriate for kids just yetTeach hard passages honestly without feeling pressure to defend or simplify every tension in the BibleFocus on who God is and what God is doing in the story instead of only focusing on people’s behaviorAsk a Question:Got a question you want answered? Send it in at kma.show — your question might be featured in a future episode! Subscribe & Review:Subscribe to Kids Ministry Answers on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you look for kids ministry ideas, volunteer strategies, and ministry tools you can use right away. If this episode was helpful, leave a quick review to help other leaders find the show. Resources Mentioned: Meredith's Resources on Kids + FaithFree 4 weeks of access to Meredith's Substack on tricky stories Wonder by Meredith Miller

Leaving a ministry role can feel overwhelming—full of mixed emotions, hard conversations, and uncertainty about what comes next. In this episode of Kids Ministry Answers, we’re tackling a big question about how to leave your ministry well when it’s time to move on. So we asked Dr. Yulee Lee to join the show to share practical wisdom for navigating transitions with honesty, emotional health, and integrity. QUESTION:How do I leave my ministry well when it’s time to move on? ANSWER: In this episode, we’ll talk about how to... Lower the emotional stakes by recognizing that leaving is a normal and healthy part of ministry seasonsReframe your anger so it leads to clarity, advocacy, and growth instead of bitternessBe honest about your reasons for leaving in a way that builds trust and maintains integritySet clear boundaries during your transition to protect your time, relationships, and futureAsk a Question:Got a question you want answered? Send it in at kma.show — your question might be featured in a future episode! Subscribe & Review:Subscribe to Kids Ministry Answers on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you look for youth ministry ideas, small group strategies, and ministry tools you can use right away. If this episode was helpful, leave a quick review to help other leaders find the show. Resources Mentioned: Leadership Labs

When you’re starting out in kids ministry, it’s easy to feel like you need to have everything figured out—while simultaneously feeling unprepared. In this episode of Kids Ministry Answers, we got a question about what experienced ministry leaders wish they had known before starting in ministry. So we asked a variety of Stuff You Can Use team members to share honest, practical insights, and Linda and Jason respond to their thoughts while reflecting on lessons they’ve learned along the way. QUESTION:What’s one thing you wish you knew before you got started in ministry? ANSWER:In this episode, we’ll talk about how to... Let go of the pressure to have it all figured out and embrace growth through experienceTrust your voice and discernment, even when you feel inexperiencedBuild healthy structure and rhythms that support sustainable ministry and personal well-beingRemember that people are the ministry—including your team, your leaders, and yourselfAsk a Question:Got a question you want answered? Send it in at kma.show — your question might be featured in a future episode! Subscribe & Review:Subscribe to Kids Ministry Answers on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you look for kids ministry ideas, volunteer strategies, and ministry tools you can use right away. If this episode was helpful, leave a quick review to help other leaders find the show.

When planning events, it’s easy to focus on what sounds the most unique or creative—but not every event should be trying to accomplish the same goal. In this episode of Kids Ministry Answers, someone from our Facebook Group asked a question about favorite kids ministry event ideas. So Linda and Jason break down different types of events and share practical ideas to help you choose and plan events that build relationships, welcome families, and create meaningful ministry moments. QUESTION:What are your favorite event ideas? ANSWER:In this episode, we’ll talk about how to... Plan just-for-fun events that help kids build friendships and positive associations with churchLeverage holiday events like Christmas and Easter to connect with families and share the story of JesusCreate outreach and family events that make it easy for new families to engage and feel welcomedMaximize big opportunities like VBS to combine fun, discipleship, and outreach into one powerful experienceAsk a Question:Got a question you want answered? Send it in at kma.show — your question might be featured in a future episode! Subscribe & Review:Subscribe to Kids Ministry Answers on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you look for kids ministry ideas, volunteer strategies, and ministry tools you can use right away. If this episode was helpful, leave a quick review to help other leaders find the show. Resources Mentioned: Opposite DayTie Dye EverythingMerry Mini GolfGolden Ticket TourCrazy Craft DayGrow With God ExperienceCrossway StationFamily FestVBSKMA Episode 008: Let's Prep for VBS!