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 the next generation—but understanding where they've come from and who’s come before them is just as important. Every generation brings its own values, challenges, and perspectives to the table, and as ministry leaders, we have the opportunity—and responsibility—to bridge those gaps.Chuck Peters and Jana Magruder unpack the unique characteristics of each generation—from the Silent Generation and Baby Boomers to Gen X, Millennials, Gen Z, and Gen Alpha. Jana explores how generational traits influence ministry approaches, communication styles, and discipleship strategies while Chuck emphasizes the need for ministry leaders to adapt, fostering intergenerational connections and creating spaces where all generations can grow together in faith.Whether you're new to next gen ministry or a seasoned leader, this conversation offers practical insights and inspiration to help you lead more effectively across generations. Thanks for listening!SHOW LINKS: Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder Flip the ScriptLifeway ResearchMccrindle ResearchiGen by Dr. Jean TwengeGenerations by Dr. Jean TwengeThe Anxious GenerationETCH Next Gen PodcastJoin us for ETCH 2025. Sign up and get the details HERE. ETCH Conference Connect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!

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 her guests take us into a forward-looking conversation about the next generation, Generation Beta, and the unique challenges and opportunities that come with discipling their families. As we reflect on the shifting landscape of culture, technology, and faith, we are reminded that our calling as ministry leaders has never been more important.Shelly Melia serves as the Program Director for the Master of Arts in Children's Ministry and the Master of Arts in Family Ministry at Dallas Baptist University. Prior to coming to DBU she served for over 25 years in children's and family ministry in Oklahoma, Florida, and Texas. Dr. Melia is also a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in grief and resilience. She holds an undergraduate degree from Oklahoma Baptist University, two master’s degrees from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Philosophy from B.H. Carroll Theological Institute.This discussion explores how emerging technologies, including AI, are influencing parenting styles and reshaping family life. Special guest Shelly Melia offers deep insights into the challenges Gen Z faces in discerning truth in a digital world saturated with misinformation, emphasizing the church’s vital role in pointing them toward God’s Word as the source of absolute truth. This episode also highlights how discipleship strategies must adapt to focus on authentic relationships, meaningful rituals, and creating space for honest questions and doubts. With intergenerational collaboration, curiosity, and intentionality, ministry leaders can provide the supportive environment children and youth need to grow strong in their faith. If you found this conversation helpful, we’d love for you to rate, review, and share this episode so more ministry leaders can join the conversation. Together, let’s continue building ministries that not only meet the needs of today but also shape the faith of tomorrow.SHOW LINKS: Connect with Dr. Shelly MeliaJoin us for ETCH 2025. Sign up and get the details HERE. ETCH Conference Connect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!

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 do we, as ministry leaders and parents, guide children to not only survive but thrive in a technology-driven culture? In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling, Jana Magruder welcomes Sarah Siegand from Parents Who Fight, an organization committed to equipping parents with the tools, courage, and faith to protect their children in the digital age. This conversation isn’t about fear—it’s about hope, strategy, and building a strong network of support so that our kids can grow into the people God created them to be.Sarah Segan shares how Parents Who Fight began and why its mission is more urgent than ever. Together, Jana and Sarah unpack the growing shift from schools to churches as the frontlines for equipping parents in online safety. They explore how technology impacts children’s spiritual, emotional, and social development—and why the church must step in with wisdom and intentionality.This episode is a call to action—not just for kids ministry leaders and parents, but for anyone who influences the next generation. When we stand together, we can push back against unhealthy digital norms and create a culture that champions our children’s hearts and minds.If this episode encouraged you, please rate, review, and share Kids Ministry Calling so more leaders and families can join the conversation. Together, we can equip the next generation to walk in truth, both online and offline.SHOW LINKS: Parents Who Fight Anxious Generation Join us for ETCH 2025. Sign up and get the details HERE. ETCH Conference Connect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!

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 face in ministry: How do we lead children to salvation?We often celebrate the moment a child makes a decision to follow Jesus—but what about everything that leads up to it? And what comes after? In this episode, we’re joined by Donna Peavey and Karen Kennemur, respected leaders in children’s ministry and co-authors of the brand-new book Children and Salvation.Their heart behind the book is to offer a rich, theologically grounded, and practically helpful resource for those guiding children in their spiritual journey. Whether you’re a seasoned ministry leader or a parent wanting to disciple your child with confidence, this episode is for you.Donna and Karen walk us through the why and how behind their new book Children and Salvation, which was written to equip churches and families to walk faithfully and wisely with kids as they grow in their understanding of the gospel. They also share insights into children’s unique spiritual development and remind us that salvation isn’t a formula—it’s a process that requires patience, discernment, and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit.Whether you’re teaching a classroom of first graders, leading a VBS altar call, or praying with your own child at bedtime, you’ll find wisdom and encouragement in this timely conversation.If this conversation sparked new questions or affirmed your calling in kids ministry, we’d love to hear from you! Please take a moment to rate and review the Kids Ministry Calling podcast on your favorite platform—it helps others discover this encouraging content. And don’t forget to share this episode with your fellow ministry leaders, volunteers, or even the parents in your church community who are walking this journey too.We are so grateful for what God is doing through leaders like you—and we’re cheering you on as you faithfully point the next generation to Jesus.SHOW LINKS: Ages and Stages Levels of Biblical Learning Children and SalvationJoin us for ETCH 2025. Sign up and get the details HERE. ETCH Conference Connect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!

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.SHOW LINKS:Join us for ETCH 2025. Sign up and get the details HERE. ETCH Conference Connect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!