Sharing the gospel with kids sounds simple, but one wrong word can create confusion that lasts for years. In this episode, Tom, Cole, Ben, and Vicki tackle the tough questions: Are you using too many Christian terms? Is your "hand raise" invitation actually clear? And what happens after kids say yes?

These children's ministry leaders dig into why clarity matters, how to avoid confusing language like "ask Jesus into your heart," and why following up is just as important as the initial invitation. You'll hear real stories from Easter egg hunts and church camps where kids didn't actually understand what they were committing to—and practical strategies to prevent it.

Whether you're presenting the gospel at a big event or every Sunday, this conversation will challenge how you share Jesus with the next generation. Discover why consistency, clear language, and discipleship are the keys to helping kids truly understand and remember the gospel.

Join the conversation in the KMC Collective Facebook group and share your gospel presentation strategies.

Want help with getting clarity: Set up a 30 Minute Clarity call with a KMC Coach

Do you ever feel like you’re one tiny package of Goldfish away from a meltdown? You aren't alone. This week on the Kids Ministry Collective, Tom, Cole, and Vicki are getting real about the things they are officially "over" in children’s ministry.

From the frustration of being labeled "childcare" instead of a discipleship powerhouse, to the struggle of managing drop-off chaos, the team vents so you don't have to. But we aren’t just complaining—we’re finding the "positive spin" and leading with vision. Tune in for a rapid-fire episode filled with laughs, relatable rants, and practical shifts to help you move from babysitting to true ministry.

Want a SAFE place to talk things through? Set up a 30 minute Conversation with a KMC Coach!

Want to learn more about the Kids Ministry Collective one of the Original Places for Childrens Ministry Leaders!

In this weeks Kids Ministry Collective Podcast, Our conversation asked the question: What if the biggest threat to your child's faith isn't what you think?

Matt Markins, CEO of Awana, sits down with Tom and Ben to expose the counterfeit narratives quietly shaping kids' identities—often before they even turn 13. From screens to peers to well-meaning but watered-down Bible teaching, kids are absorbing stories that compete with the gospel every single day. In this conversation,

Matt reveals his own battle with false narratives from childhood trauma, unpacks why "Bible light" moralism backfires, and shares practical tools to anchor children in the true story of Scripture: creation, fall, redemption, and restoration. If you're a parent, pastor, or ministry leader who wants to equip kids to stand firm in a culture of confusion, this episode is a must-listen.

Mentioned on Episode: Child Discipleship Forum

BRITE Curriculum

Kids Ministry Collective THE PLACE FOR KIDMIN!

Every children's ministry leader — whether brand new or battle-tested — wrestles with the same thing: building a healthy volunteer team.

In this episode, Tom, Cole, Ben, and Vicki tackle real questions from real leaders about structuring teams for single and multi-service churches, the "serve one, attend one" philosophy, why giving your team scheduled breaks actually prevents burnout and grows your roster, how to gracefully release a volunteer who isn't the right fit (with raw, real stories from their own ministries), and what to do when a volunteer wants to throw out your curriculum and go rogue on a Sunday morning.

If you've ever thought, "I'll never have enough volunteers" or "I'm afraid to give my team a break because they won't come back" —

This episode will change how you lead. Book a free Clarity Call at kmccoach.net and join the conversation in the KMC Facebook Group. To learn about the Kids Ministry Collective Click HERE

In this powerful episode of the Kids Ministry Collective Podcast, our panel tackles a challenging situation many children's ministry leaders face: operating with severely restricted budgets and canceled events. Join hosts Tom, Cole, Ben, and Vicki as they share practical wisdom for thriving in ministry when traditional programming isn't an option.

Key Discussion Points:

• How to reframe budget cuts as opportunities for innovation
• Creative alternatives to traditional VBS and holiday events
• Building community without big programming
• Leveraging existing resources and volunteer talents
• Ways to maximize Sunday morning impact
• Strategies for neighborhood-based ministry

Practical Solutions Discussed:

• Popup neighborhood events
• Interest-based connection clubs
• Community partnerships
• Prayer-focused initiatives
• Family engagement strategies
• No-cost fellowship opportunities

Want Help? Go To kidsministrycollective.com and you can find Coaching, Community, Resources and More!!!

What does a real "win" look like for your Easter outreach? In this episode of The KMC Collective Podcast, Tom, Cole, Ben, and Vicki discuss how children's ministry leaders can plan Easter with the end in mind—focusing on lasting discipleship rather than just attendance numbers or egg hunts.

Discover how to define success for both church families and first-time visitors, equip parents with tools to talk about the meaning of Easter at home, and create a welcoming environment that invites families to return. Plus, learn how to avoid the dreaded post-Easter "letdown" by keeping your ministry energy consistent and planning an intentional comeback weekend.

Packed with practical follow-up ideas—from postcards with discussion questions to texting families before the next service—this episode will help you turn one Sunday into a launchpad for year-round family engagement.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How to define what a "win" looks like for Easter outreach
• Strategies to help church families discuss Easter's meaning at home
• Tips for making visitors feel known, welcomed, and invited back
• How to maintain momentum and avoid the post-Easter dip
• Creative follow-up ideas that actually work

Learn More at Kidsministrycollective.com

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/xVtsT4zz8-w

Join The KMC Collective Team as they invite David Rausch from Go! Curriculum to the virtual table. This week's conversation is all about what children's ministry leaders can do to help children and parents deepen their faith with Jesus.

Many Kidmin leaders struggle with how to use Sundays to effectively disciple children, and David shares from his new book, "Feeding Faith, A Children's Ministry Recipe for Rescuing a Lost Generation.

You don't want to miss this conversation!

Want to get Davids Book? Find it HERE

Check out GO! Curriculum

Want to get some help with your discipleship strategy? Schedule a 30-Minute Clarity Call with a KMCCoach!

In this episode of the KMC Collective Podcast, the KMC team, including Tom, Cole, Ben, and Vicky, shares practical insights and strategies for engaging children in worship. They discuss the challenges of getting children, especially fourth and fifth-graders, to participate in worship and explore various methods, such as live lyric videos, interactive stations, and incorporating different music styles and age groups in worship leadership.

The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the culture and community of your ministry, the significance of explaining the 'why' behind worship to children, and the value of variety in worship practices to maintain engagement.

Tune in to discover actionable tips and resources that can transform your children's ministry worship experience.

Need Help? Set up your 30-Minute Clarity call with a KMC Coach

Want a deeper community to learn from, grow with and be pushed forward? Join the Kidminplus.net leadership community.