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 learn, grow, and be challenged in their callings. In this episode, our conversation centers around something deeply relevant to every church leader: understanding and reaching the next generation—and the pivotal role that kids ministry leaders play in doing just that.

Here’s the truth: kids ministry leaders are some of the most strategic leaders in the entire church. Why? Because they reach every generation—kids, parents, grandparents, volunteers—and they’re shaping the spiritual foundation of our future leaders right now. But if we want to truly reach today’s kids, we have to start by understanding how they see the world. In this episode, Jana Magruder shares a timely and powerful message about generational differences, cultural pressures, and how we can train kids not just to be good—but to be reachers for the Kingdom.

Jana helps us unpack the critical importance of teaching a counter-cultural gospel message—one that boldly tells kids who God is and who they are in Him. As she explains, kids today are growing up in a world that bombards them with confusion around identity and belonging. But the church has the answer—and it starts in the kids ministry. Whether you're leading in a small church or a large ministry, this episode will inspire you to think deeply, lead strategically, and invest boldly in the next generation.

If you found this conversation helpful, please rate and review the show on your favorite podcast platform—it helps us reach even more ministry leaders like you. And don’t forget to share this episode with a fellow kids or next gen leader who could use a boost of encouragement today.

Thanks for listening—and as always, keep answering your calling with passion, prayer, and purpose.

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