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What would change if we treated prayer as a daily necessity rather than a last resort? Jerry Welch and Drew Baum continue the conversation on Dependent Prayer, exploring how it shapes adult discipleship and strengthens our relationships with God and one another. They discuss the importance of modeling vulnerability, creating meaningful opportunities for prayer in small groups, and sharing stories of God’s faithfulness. Through it all, they remind us that prayer isn’t just another part of ministry — it’s foundational to a life of dependence on God.

Are we teaching the next generation to pray, or simply praying for them? In this episode of the Deep Roots Leadership Podcast, Jerry Welch sits down with Student Minister Ford Rigney to discuss the importance of Dependent Prayer and how we can model it for the next generation. Together, they explore what Scripture teaches about prayer, practical ways to help students grow in their prayer lives, and why genuine relationships matter when walking alongside students and families. Whether you’re a parent, small group leader, or simply looking to deepen your own prayer life, this conversation is a reminder that prayer isn’t about having the perfect words — it’s about trusting the One who hears them.

What if we taught kids more than just how to pray, but how to depend on God through prayer? In this episode of the Deep Roots Leadership Podcast, Jerry Welch sits down with Kids Minister Gretchen Mahan to discuss the importance of Dependent Prayer and how we can model it for the next generation. From creating intentional opportunities for kids to pray to helping leaders make prayer a natural part of their ministry, they explore practical ways to cultivate a lifelong dependence on God. Because teaching kids to pray isn’t just about building a spiritual habit — it’s about helping them develop a relationship with the God who hears them.

What if the moments that remind us we can’t do it on our own are actually invitations to deeper dependence on God? In this episode of the Deep Roots Leadership Podcast, Jerry Welch sits down with Preschool Minister Christi Kelly to talk about dependent prayer and what it looks like in both life and ministry. Christi shares how recognizing our own insufficiency can lead to greater peace, joy, and trust in God — from navigating demanding seasons of motherhood to leading and serving preschoolers each week. Together, they explore practical ways preschool leaders can build a culture of prayer, model dependence on God for young children, and help preschoolers begin developing habits of prayer that can prepare their hearts for a lifetime of following Jesus.

Extraordinary hospitality is more than being nice — it’s making room for people in our lives. In this episode of the Deep Roots Leadership Podcast, Jerry Welch talks with Adults Minister Drew Baum about how biblical hospitality should shape both our church gatherings and our everyday relationships. They discuss practical ways life group leaders can prepare for guests, help people feel included, follow up intentionally, and create space for deeper connection. Drew also challenges adults to make hospitality part of their regular rhythm by opening their homes, investing in others, and looking for opportunities to show the love of Christ in tangible ways.

Extraordinary hospitality is more than making someone feel welcome — it’s making sure they feel seen. In this episode of the Deep Roots Leadership Podcast, Jerry Welch talks with Student Minister Ford Rigney about what hospitality looks like in student and college ministry. They discuss why meaningful connection takes time and intentionality, how leaders can move beyond surface-level conversations, and why helping students build relationships with one another matters. Ford also shares practical ways leaders can create spaces where students feel known, valued, invited, and connected to the life of the church.

Extraordinary hospitality is more than being friendly — it’s helping people know they have a place and that they matter. In this episode of the Deep Roots Leadership Podcast, Jerry Welch talks with Kids Minister Gretchen Mahan about what biblical hospitality looks like in kids ministry. They discuss the importance of greeting children by name, helping guests feel comfortable, building friendships between kids, connecting with parents, and creating spaces that communicate, “We were ready for you.” Gretchen also shares why hospitality often means going out of our way for others and how leaders can model this value so children learn to welcome, serve, and care for others themselves.

Hospitality is showing someone through our words and actions, “You are important to me, and I’m happy to serve you.” In this episode of the Deep Roots Leadership Podcast, Jerry Welch sits down with Preschool Minister Christi Kelly to explore Colonial Heights’ value of extraordinary hospitality and what it looks like in preschool ministry. From welcoming families and caring for individual needs to building relationships with children who may be harder to reach, Christi shares how simple, intentional acts of service can communicate the love of Jesus. They also discuss how preschool leaders can begin laying a foundation of hospitality in even the youngest children by teaching them to be kind, serve others, and welcome people in.

Biblical community is more than having people around us — it’s having people who help us become more like Jesus. This week, Jerry Welch talks with Adult Minister Drew Baum about building meaningful community through life groups, intentional discipleship, care, evangelism, and service. Drew shares how adult ministry can help people move from simply attending church to becoming growing disciples who invest in others. They also discuss the need for new leaders and groups, and why unity around Christ matters so deeply in a divided world.

Students need people who will love them, walk with them, and keep pointing them to God’s Word. This week, Jerry Welch talks with Student Minister Ford Rigney about building relationships that help students develop a faith of their own. They discuss connecting with parents, helping teenagers navigate questions about faith and identity, and creating a ministry where every student feels seen, heard, and loved. Ford also shares how Colonial Heights is strengthening parent partnerships and giving students new opportunities to grow through leadership, missions, and discipleship.

The greatest investment we can make in children is helping them know the God who never changes. This week, Jerry Welch welcomes Kids Minister Gretchen Mahan to talk about the heart behind Kids Ministry at Colonial Heights. Gretchen shares her vision for raising children who trust God’s Word, develop meaningful relationships with caring leaders, and grow in prayer and discipleship. From partnering with parents to creating environments where children feel known, loved, and secure, this episode offers encouragement for every volunteer and family investing in the next generation.

Deep roots begin long before children can put their faith into words. This week, Jerry Welch sits down with new Preschool Minister Christi Kelly to hear her story, her vision for preschool ministry, and her passion for partnering with parents. Together, they explore why relationships matter, how the church can support young families, and the foundational role preschool ministry plays in helping children know who God is and what Jesus has done for them. It’s an encouraging conversation for every volunteer, parent, and leader investing in the next generation.

Summer changes schedules — not our need for community. In this episode of the Deep Roots Leadership Podcast, Jerry Welch sits down with Drew Baum to talk about making the most of the summer season through intentional rest, spiritual disciplines, meaningful conversations, and stronger community. They discuss how adults, parents, life groups, and church leaders can use the slower rhythm of summer to reconnect with God, invest in others, raise up new leaders, and check in on people who may be drifting away from community. From family vacations to life group fellowships, this conversation is full of practical encouragement for cultivating “deep roots” that bear lasting fruit.

For teenagers, it’s conversation. In this episode of the Deep Roots Leadership Podcast, Jerry Welch sits down with student minister Ford Rigney to talk about why summer is such a strategic season for student ministry. From camps and mission trips to pool parties and late-night conversations, Ford explains how intentional time together helps students build friendships, grow in vulnerability, and deepen their walk with Christ. The conversation also offers practical encouragement for parents and leaders who want to create meaningful spiritual conversations at home and make the most of the summer months through intentional connection and discipleship.

Summer isn’t just a break from school — it can be a beautiful opportunity for kids to grow deeper in their faith. In this episode of the Deep Roots Leadership Podcast, Jerry Welch talks with Gretchen Mahan about why summer is such an important season for spiritual development in kids ministry. They discuss upcoming opportunities like Kids Camp, Vacation Bible School, Day Camp, Kindergarten Kickoff, Move Up Sunday, and summer Wednesday nights — along with practical encouragement for parents and volunteers to use the slower rhythms of summer for discipleship, relationships, and lasting spiritual investment.