Shows / Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder
Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder
The Kids Ministry Calling Podcast is designed to inspire and equip kids ministry leaders in every season of their journey! Join us as we dive into heartfelt discussions, practical tips, and uplifting stories that remind you of the incredible calling God has placed on your life. Tune in to be reminded of your purpose, share in the joys and struggles of ministry, and find renewed strength in your calling. Together, we can remember to have joy in our calling!
Episodes
- Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder
80. Building Biblical Literacy in a Changing World with Jeff and Jen Wilkin
What happens when biblical literacy declines, and how can the church help the next generation build a strong foundation of truth? In this episode of Kids…
- Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder
79. The Power of Music in Kids Ministry: Using Songs to Teach Biblical Truth
Music has a unique way of helping truth take root in the hearts and minds of kids. A song can teach theology, reinforce Scripture, create meaningful moments of…
- Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder
78. Discipling the Gen Alpha with Dr. Shelly Melia, Shane Pruitt, and Chuck Peters
Generation Alpha is growing up in a world unlike any generation before them. From artificial intelligence to constant digital connection, today's kids are…
- Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder
77. How to Teach Kids About Missions: Integrating Missions Into Everyday Discipleship with Dr. Paul Chitwood
Missions isn’t simply a topic we teach during VBS or highlight once a year. It’s an essential part of helping kids understand God’s heart for the world and…
- Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder
76. The State of Biblical Literacy: How Churches Can Strengthen Discipleship in the Next Generation with Scott McConnell
What happens when biblical literacy declines, and what can the church do about it? In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling, we take a closer look at the…
- Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder
75. Season 7 Trailer!
What does it really look like to disciple kids in a changing world? This season on Kids Ministry Calling, we’re breaking down discipleship in kids ministry!…
- Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder
74. Every Kid Needs Someone: Building a Culture of Belonging with Mark Dance
Kids may remember the games, the lessons, and the events—but they'll never forget the people who made them feel like they belonged. In this episode of Kids…
- Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder
73. Two Children's Books Every Kids Ministry Leader Should Own: Featuring Blaire Linne & Kyle Worley
The stories we place in a child's hands have the power to shape the truths they carry in their heart. In this special episode of Kids Ministry Calling, Jana…
- Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder
72. Creating Meaningful Events with Crystal Mazzuca
SHOW LINKS: Hyfi Check out Lifeway Kids Curriculum Connect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback! Join us at ETCH 2026
- Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder
71. Dreaming Bigger About Preschool Ministry: Building a Foundation for Lifelong Faith with Todd Villemont & Renee Blaine
Some of the biggest moments in a child's faith journey begin long before they can read a Bible on their own. In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling, we're…
- Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder
70. Dreaming Ahead: Holiday Planning in Kids Ministry with Danielle Bell
The best holiday ministry moments don't happen in December—they begin with intentional planning long before the season arrives. In this episode of Kids…
- Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder
69. Raising Worshipers: Helping Kids Develop a Lifelong Heart for Worship with Kirk Kirkland
What if worship became more than just the singing portion of your kids ministry? In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling, Jana sits down with Kirk Kirkland…
- Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder
68. Dreaming of a Stronger Partnership: How Senior Pastors and Kids Ministers Can Lead Together with Jay Hardwick & Melissa Whitworth
What could happen if your senior pastor and kids ministry leader were fully aligned around one mission? In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling, we're…
- Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder
67. 5 Ways to Keep the Gospel Centered in Kids Ministry with Aaron Wilson
The greatest gift we can give kids isn't a great program—it's a clear picture of Jesus. In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling, Jana sits down with Aaron…
- Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder
66. Dreaming Beyond Sunday: Equipping Parents for Everyday Discipleship with Tristan Meza
What if the greatest impact of your kids ministry didn't happen in your classrooms—but in your families' living rooms? In this episode of Kids Ministry…
- Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder
65. Start a Kids Ministry Podcast with Nikki Ogden and Donnie Gordon
What if one of the most effective tools for discipling families and encouraging volunteers is something you can create yourself? In this episode of Kids…
- Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder
64. Actionable Goals For Kids Ministry Leaders - Part 2 with Chuck Peters
Big ministry vision is exciting until you try to turn it into Tuesday’s to-do list. We sit down with Chuck Peters to get practical about goal setting for kids…
- Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder
63. Goal Setting That Builds Real Spiritual Growth In Kids with Chuck Peters
You can run an excellent kids ministry and still aim at the wrong target. That sounds harsh, but it is also freeing because it means you do not need more…
- Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder
Summer Dreamin' - New Season Coming Up!
We're so excited about a new season of Kids Ministry Calling: Summer Dreamin'! Now full video podcast on Youtube! Check us out at the Lifeway Channel. Check…
- Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder
62. Kids Ministry Fun Starts With You: How to Create an Engaging & Joyful Ministry Culture with Stephanie Chase
Fun doesn’t just happen in kids ministry, it’s led. In this season finale of Kids Ministry Calling, Jana sits down with Stephanie Chase, Kids Minister at…
- Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder
61. Teaching Kids to Worship with Miss PattyCake
In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling, Jana sits down with Miss PattyCake (Jean Thomason), a beloved leader in children’s ministry, to talk about helping…
- Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder
60. Midweek That Matters: Fun, Connection & Belonging in Kids Ministry with Kayla Fowlers and Jeremy Carroll
In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling, we explore practical ways to make midweek kids ministry both fun and meaningful. From creating a relaxed, engaging…
- Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder
59.Designing Fun: Creating Engaging Kids Ministry Spaces with Joey Kiker
Fun in kids ministry doesn’t happen by accident—it’s designed. In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling, Jana sits down with Joey Kiker, Lifeway’s Creative…
- Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder
58. Building a Thriving Volunteer Culture: Fun, Training & Mentorship with Crystal Mazzuca
What if the secret to a stronger kids ministry… is creating a volunteer culture people actually enjoy being part of? In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling…
- Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder
57. Church Highlight: Inside First Orlando Kids Ministry | Building Gospel-Centered Fun That Reaches Kids
In this special church highlight episode, we take a closer look at First Orlando Kids Ministry and the heart behind what makes it so impactful. Conversations…
- Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder
56. What Sounds Fun in Kids Ministry? Live from CPC
This episode features insights from kids ministry leaders at CPC Orlando, sharing innovative ways to keep children engaged and foster a fun, faith-filled…
- Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder
55. Bringing Joy Back to Kids Ministry with Kelley Pekarek
In this episode of the Kids Ministry Calling Podcast, we sit down with longtime kids ministry leader Kelly Pekarek to talk about something every ministry…
- Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder
54. Engaging the Community with Creative Events with Steve Hample
Kids ministry has never been just about filling a room or filling time. It’s about building disciples—starting with the youngest hearts in our churches and…
- Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder
53. VBS 2026: How to Plan a Gospel-Centered Vacation Bible School with Melita Thomas
VBS isn’t just a week on the calendar, it’s a gospel opportunity. In this episode, we dive into the heart behind this year’s VBS theme, Illumination Station…
- Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder
52.Making Large Group Fun with Isaac Kierstead
In this engaging conversation, Lifeway's Isaac Kirsted shares his journey in kids ministry, discussing the evolution of podcasting, his experiences at Lifeway…
- Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder
51. The Joy of Kids Ministry: Fun with Purpose with Pastor Joel Evrist
"It's about speaking a language kids can understand. Kids understand fun!" - Joel Evrist Is fun just filler in kids ministry, or is it foundational? In this…
- Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder
Season 5 Trailer
Remember when kids ministry felt… fun? Not polished. Not perfect. But full of laughter, big questions, messy moments, and holy wonder. Between preparing…
- Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder
50. Building A Non-Anxious Life with Dr. John Delony
What if anxiety isn’t a flaw to fix—but a signal inviting you to live differently? In this special bonus episode of Kids Ministry Calling, Jana sits down with…
- Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder
49. Protecting Kids in a Digital World: Technology, AI, and the Church’s Role with Chris McKenna
Screens are everywhere, but are our kids safe? In this urgent episode, Chris McKenna of Protect Young Eyes joins the podcast to tackle one of the most pressing…
- Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder
48. Empowering Preteen Girls: Identity, Friendship & Faithful Leadership with Amanda Mejias and Dr. Tiff Watson
What happens when you step into the world of a preteen girl, where friendships feel like everything, emotions run deep, and identity is being shaped moment by…
- Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder
47. Building a Ministry of Belonging: Special Needs Ministry with Carly Ellis and Ellie Axford
What does it look like for a church to become a place where every individual—regardless of ability—belongs, is valued, and is discipled? In this inspiring…
- Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder
46. Happy Thanksgiving!
We're so grateful for each and every one of you! Happy Thanksgiving! SHOW LINKS: Follow Jana Magruder on Instagram Check out Lifeway Kids Curriculum Connect…
- Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder
45. Why Preteen Ministry Matters: Strategies for Ministry, Transitions, and Identity with Keiron Miles and Melissa Whitworth
If there’s one age group that keeps leaders on their toes, it’s preteens. In this honest and insightful episode, Melissa and Kieron dive into the messy…
- Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder
44. Teaching Through the Tough Stuff: Tracy McElhattan on Early Childhood, Inclusion, and Faithful Discipleship
Let’s be honest—talking about the hard stuff with little ones isn’t easy. In this powerful episode, Tracy McElhattan opens up about the real challenges of…
- Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder
43. Building Value-Driven Teams in Kids Ministry with Brett Buckland
What can a chicken sandwich teach us about leadership in ministry? In this insightful and energizing episode, Brett Buckland joins the conversation to share…
- Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder
42. Understanding Trauma in Kids Ministry: Practical Strategies for Healing and Hope with Kim Botto
What if a child’s behavior on Sunday isn’t misbehavior, but a message? In this powerful and practical episode of Kids Ministry Calling, Kim Botto shares wisdom…
- Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder
41. Leading With Heart: Emotional Intelligence, Mentorship, and Ministry with Dr. Michelle Hicks
What if one of the most overlooked leadership skills could transform the way you serve kids, partner with parents, and lead volunteers? In this episode, we sit…
- Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder
40. Creating a Culture of Safety in Kids Ministry with Kris Buckman
We’ve all heard the phrase “stranger danger”, but the sobering truth is that nearly 90% of child abuse cases involve someone the child already knows and…
- Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder
39. How to Build a Kids Ministry That Keeps Families Coming Back with Pastor Taylor Johnson
Get ready for a heart-filled and practical conversation! In today's episode, Jana Magruder sits down with Taylor Johnson, who wears two hats as a Next…
- Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder
38. Building an Accessible Church: Sandra Peoples on Disability Ministry and Inclusion
Every child is created in the image of God and deserves a place to belong in the church. In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling, Jana Magruder sits down with…
- Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder
37. BONUS: Understanding Generations: Adapting Your Kids Ministry for Greater Impact
Have you ever stopped to think about how different generations view the world, the church, and even the gospel? In kids ministry, we often focus on reaching…
- Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder
36. Kids Ministry and Generation Beta: Guiding Families Through Technology, Truth, and Faith with Dr. Shelly Melia
The world our kids are growing up in is changing at lightning speed, and the church must be ready. In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling, Jana Magruder and…
- Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder
35. Protecting Kids in a Digital World: Sarah Siegand on Online Safety, Parenting, and Church Partnerships
In today’s world, parenting often feels like navigating a maze of screens, apps, and online dangers - one we didn’t have to face when we were growing up. How…
- Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder
34. Children and Salvation: Guiding Kids Toward Faith with Donna Peavey and Karen Kennemur
Today’s episode is one that every kids ministry leader, pastor, and parent will want to lean into—because it’s all about one of the most important questions we…
- Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder
33. The Most Strategic Seat in the Church with Jana Magruder
Today, we're taking you behind the scenes of the Conclave Conference in Texas, where next generation ministry leaders from across the country gathered to…
- Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder
32. Culture Shaping Kids Ministry with Nikki Ogden
As summer winds down and we wrap up our July Book Club series, we’re closing with a conversation that brings the heart of kids ministry into full focus. In…
- Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder
31. Heart Transformation Over Behavior Modification with Nikki Ogden
Welcome back to our Summer Book Club Series on Kids Ministry Calling! In this episode, our producer and guest host Nikki Ogden sits down with Jana Magruder to…
- Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder
30. Kingdom Expanding Kids Ministry: Focusing on the "Why" with Nikki Ogden
Welcome to our July Book Club Series! In this episode, Nikki Ogden sits down with author, host, and ministry leader Jana Magruder to talk about her powerful…
- Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder
29. Essential Nutrients for a Healthy Kids Ministry with Nikki Ogden
Welcome to our July Book Club Series! This month, we’re diving into the ingredients that make kids ministry not just effective - but truly life-giving. In this…
- Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder
28. Discipling Preteens: Building Faith, Trust, and Leadership Before the Transition with Danielle Bell and Jeremy Carroll
We’re continuing our Milestone Series this summer with one of the most pivotal seasons in a child’s spiritual journey: the preteen years. In this episode…
- Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder
27. From Questions to Commitment: Supporting Kids Through Faith Decisions with Danielle Bell and Jeremy Carroll
We’re so excited to continue our summer series, Milestones. We're focusing on the key spiritual moments that shape a child’s faith. These milestones aren’t…
- Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder
26. PreK graduation to Kindergarten with Delanee Williams and Kimba Campbell
We’re thrilled to be in our brand-new series, Milestones, a month-long journey designed to help ministry leaders and parents celebrate and support the…
- Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder
25. Creating Lasting Impact with Parent-Child Dedications in Kids Ministry with Delanee Williams and Kimba Campbell
Hey friends! We’re kicking off a brand-new season with something truly special: the Milestone Series for this summer! Over the next few months, we’ll dive into…
- Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder
24. What I Wish My Senior Pastor Knew with Ben Mandrell
Every year, children’s pastors from across the country gather for the Children’s Pastors Conference—a time to grow, connect, and be reminded of the incredible…
- Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder
23. Teaching Kids Theology: Mary Wiley on Helping Children Know God Deeply
What if teaching theology to children wasn’t as intimidating as it sounds? What if, instead, it was one of the most natural and essential parts of shaping a…