Welcome to the Cross Formed Kidmin podcast. A weekly children's ministry podcast made for kidmin pastors, leaders, and volunteers. Every Tuesday your hosts Ryan, Hunter, and Sam, realease a brand new episode discussing key topics, answering questions, and sharing insights from our combined 60 years of experience with kid and family ministry. We know that leading a kids ministry in todays ever changing world can feel overwhelming , if not impossible! Busy schedules, disengaged families, and s ...
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075 | Stations & Rotations: The Cheat Code for Kidmin
25:35
25:35
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Description: In this episode, the guys discuss the benefits of the stations and rotations model, and how it can be implemented in any church, no matter the space or time constraints. Resources: Comparing Children's Ministry Models (Part 1) Comparing Children's Ministry Models (Part 2) Connect With Us! If you have any questions or suggestions for th…
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Description: In this episode, Ryan interviews Hunter on his recent decision to leave Awana and become a children's pastor at a local church. Resources: When To Leave (And When To Stay) Connect With Us! If you have any questions or suggestions for the show, please email team@crossformedkids.com Cross Formed Kids This podcast is brought to you by Cro…
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Description: In this episode, Sam and Ryan discuss the challenge of deciding when to continue or leave a ministry position. Connect With Us! If you have any questions or suggestions for the show, please email team@crossformedkids.com Cross Formed Kids This podcast is brought to you by Cross Formed Kids! Get a custom quote to bring Cross Formed Kids…
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072 | Children's Ministry on a Small Budget
22:30
22:30
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22:30
Description: In this episode, Sam and Hunter offer advice on running a children's ministry with a low (or non-existent) budget. Resources: Flying in the SKY of Context Connect With Us! If you have any questions or suggestions for the show, please email team@crossformedkids.com Cross Formed Kids This podcast is brought to you by Cross Formed Kids! G…
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Description: In this episode, the guys help churches fly in the SKY of context by discussing what leaders need to consider to serve their community well. Resources: Working Genius Predictable Success Connect With Us! If you have any questions or suggestions for the show, please email team@crossformedkids.com Cross Formed Kids This podcast is brough…
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070 | Standing on the SHORE of Volunteer Retention
30:35
30:35
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Description: In this episode, Sam and Hunter help you stand on the SHORE of retention by discussing what volunteers need to stick around for the long haul. Resources: How to LAND Volunteers Swimming in the WAATR of Delegation How to Effectively Train Children's Ministry Volunteers Connect With Us! If you have any questions or suggestions for the sh…
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Description: In this episode, the guys discuss how one's perspective on the church and structure of ministry can aid in ministering to families who attend inconsistently. Resources: Developing a Children's Ministry Discipleship Strategy Connect With Us! If you have any questions or suggestions for the show, please email team@crossformedkids.com Cro…
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Description: In this episode, the guys discuss different approaches to outreach and give examples of ways they've connected with new families in their ministries. Connect With Us! If you have any questions or suggestions for the show, please email team@crossformedkids.com Cross Formed Kids This podcast is brought to you by Cross Formed Kids! Get a …
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Description: In this episode, Sam and Ryan discuss all things camp. They share what to look for in a camp, pros and cons, and more. Resources Lifeway Summer Camps Lake Forest Ranch Connect With Us! If you have any questions or suggestions for the show, please email team@crossformedkids.com Cross Formed Kids This podcast is brought to you by Cross F…
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066 | Developing a Children's Ministry Discipleship Strategy
30:05
30:05
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30:05
Description: In this episode, Sam and Hunter provide a framework and tips for developing a discipleship strategy for your children's ministry. Connect With Us! If you have any questions or suggestions for the show, please email team@crossformedkids.com Cross Formed Kids This podcast is brought to you by Cross Formed Kids! Get a custom quote to brin…
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Description: In this episode, the guys discuss planning and promoting VBS. They also discuss hushpuppies - the food... not the shoes. Resources Swimming in the WAATR of Delegation Connect With Us! If you have any questions or suggestions for the show, please email team@crossformedkids.com Cross Formed Kids This podcast is brought to you by Cross Fo…
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Description: What is midweek, and is it effective? In this episode, Hunter and Sam discuss the pros and cons of midweek ministry and how a church can decide whether or not it's right for them. Resources: Children's Ministry in a New Reality Connect With Us! If you have any questions or suggestions for the show, please email team@crossformedkids.com…
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Description: How do preschoolers learn? What's the best way to teach them? How should a preschool ministry be structured? In this episode, Hunter and Ryan get behind the mics to discuss all things preschool. Connect With Us! If you have any questions or suggestions for the show, please email team@crossformedkids.com Cross Formed Kids This podcast i…
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062 | 10 Kidmin Leaders You Should Know [with Lori Buck]
30:43
30:43
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30:43
Description: In this series, we interview 10 children's ministry leaders you need to know. In this episode, we interview Lori Buck. She is the Global Kid’s Ministry Director at Redeemer Church in Utica, New York and oversees production and creative development of storytelling, skits, and large events. Connect With Us! If you have any questions or s…
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061 | 10 Kidmin Leaders You Should Know [with Courtney Wilson]
30:28
30:28
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30:28
Description: In this series, we interview 10 children's ministry leaders you need to know. In this episode, we interview Courtney Wilson. She is the KidsWorld Pastor for the St Charles/South Elgin Campus of Christ Community Church in St. Charles, IL. Courtney has been in children's ministry for over 20 years in churches of various sizes and is pass…
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060 | 10 Kidmin Leaders You Should Know [with Josh Zello]
27:38
27:38
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27:38
Description: In this series, we interview 10 children's ministry leaders you need to know. In this episode, we interview Josh Zello. He is the Director of Family Ministry at Redemption City Church in Baltimore, Maryland, and the creator of PreschoolPastor.com. Josh's mission is to glorify Jesus by equipping ministry leaders for gospel-centered serv…
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059 | 10 Kidmin Leaders You Should Know [with Dale Hudson]
30:17
30:17
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30:17
Description: In this series, we interview 10 children's ministry leaders you need to know. In this episode, we interview Dale Hudson. He is the Children's Pastor at Abundant Life Church in Lee's Summit, Missouri and the founder of Building Children's Ministry. Dale has over 34 years of experience in family and children's ministry. Resources: Buildi…
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058 | 10 Kidmin Leaders You Should Know [with Hanna Costello & Angela Aliff]
28:22
28:22
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28:22
Description: In this series, we interview 10 children's ministry leaders you need to know. In this episode, we interview Hanna Costello and Angela Aliff. They are the Kids directors at C3 Church Atlanta. They are passionate about partnering with parents and families to help form the faith of future generations, leading them to know and love the Lor…
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057 | 10 Kidmin Leaders You Should Know [with Zack Rickards]
30:55
30:55
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30:55
Description: In this series, we interview 10 children's ministry leaders you need to know. In this episode, we interview Zack Rickards. He is the lead Kids Pastor at Family Church in South Florida and is passionate about partnering with parents to help their children discover and pursue God’s design for their lives. Resources: The Plan, the Fall, a…
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056 | 10 Kidmin Leaders You Should Know [with Joe Mally]
28:57
28:57
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28:57
Description: In this series, we interview 10 children's ministry leaders you need to know. In this episode, we interview Joe Mally. He leads the kid's team at Kingsway Christian Church in Indiana and is the co-founder of Kidtivitybooks.com. Resources: The Advantage by Patrick Lencioni Kingsway Christian Church Kidtivitybooks.com Connect With Us! If…
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055 | 10 Kidmin Leaders You Should Know [with Rebekah Jones]
26:37
26:37
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26:37
Description: In this series, we interview 10 children's ministry leaders you need to know. In this episode, we interview Rebekah Jones. She is the Kid's Director at Fairview Church in Lebanon, TN and has a passion for holistic discipleship for children, parents, and volunteers. Resources: The Plate by Debbie Rhoads Fairview Church Connect With Us! …
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054 | 10 Kidmin Leaders You Should Know [with Nick Judd]
29:03
29:03
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29:03
Description: In this series, we interview 10 children's ministry leaders you need to know. In this episode, we interview Nick Judd. He is the kid's pastor at The Journey Church in Lebanon, TN and the co-host of the Everyday Apologetics podcast. Resources: Everyday Apologetics Knowing Jesus Ministries The Journey Church Connect With Us! If you have …
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053 | 10 Kidmin Leaders You Should Know [with Chris Ammen]
31:18
31:18
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31:18
Description: In this series, we interview 10 children's ministry leaders you need to know. In this episode, we interview Chris Ammen. He is the pastor to children and families at Grace+Peace Church in Ooltewah, TN and the Founder of Kaleidoscope Kid's Bibles. Resources: Kaleidoscope Kid's Bibles Connect With Us! If you have any questions or suggest…
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052 | Kidmin Podcast Collaboration [with Tom Bump and Melanie Hester]
43:20
43:20
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43:20
Description: It's our One-Year Annivesary of the podcast! To celebrate, we hosted an epic collaboration episode with two other children's ministry podcasts. Tom Bump (Kids Ministry Collective Podcast) and Melanie Hester (Child Discipleship Podcast) join us to give practical advice and share their thoughts on the current state of children's ministry…
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051 | Level Up: Elevate Biblical Literacy
31:16
31:16
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31:16
Description: How can you level up your kid's ministry? In the final part of this series, the guys discuss common misconceptions about biblical literacy, why it's in decline, and how to elevate it in your ministry. Resources: Biblical Literacy Article - Logos.com State of the Bible Research Connect With Us! If you have any questions or suggestions f…
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Description: How can you level up your kid's ministry? In part 3 of this series, the guys discuss two areas of ministry that will optimize your volunteers. Resources: The Volunteer Playbook by Nick Blevins Connect With Us! If you have any questions or suggestions for the show, please email team@crossformedkids.com Cross Formed Kids This podcast is …
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Description: How can you level up your kid's ministry? In part 2 of this series, the guys discuss families and why activating them for discipleship can change the trajectory of the entire church. Connect With Us! If you have any questions or suggestions for the show, please email team@crossformedkids.com Cross Formed Kids This podcast is brought to…
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Description: How can you level up your kid's ministry? In part 1 of this series, the guys discuss the power of simplifying everything and how it can change your ministry for the better. Connect With Us! If you have any questions or suggestions for the show, please email team@crossformedkids.com Cross Formed Kids This podcast is brought to you by Cr…
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047 | UNPOPULAR OPINIONS: The Only New Year's Resolution You'll Ever Need
21:58
21:58
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21:58
Description: What do Shark Tank, Zip Strings, and Jonathan Edwards have to do with Kid's Ministry in the New Year? You'll have to listen to Sam's unpopular opinion about New Year's resolutions to find out. Resources: Zip String The Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards Connect With Us! If you have any questions or suggestions for the show, please email t…
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046 | Christ, Narnia, and Santa Slapping Heretics
23:48
23:48
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23:48
Description: In this episode, the guys discuss the doctrine of Christ and Santa's role in the Narnia books, along with a supposed knockout punch he delivered at the Council of Nicea. Resources: The Heidelberg Catechism (Questions 16-19) Connect With Us! If you have any questions or suggestions for the show, please email team@crossformedkids.com Cro…
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045 | The Bible Tells Me So: How Scripture Shapes Your Ministry
29:16
29:16
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29:16
Description: In this episode, the guys discuss how a ministry's view of Scripture impacts its direction and confidence. Resources: The Westminster Confession of Faith (Chapter 1, Paragraph 7) Connect With Us! If you have any questions or suggestions for the show, please email team@crossformedkids.com Cross Formed Kids This podcast is brought to you…
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044 | "You're Not God" - How the Doctrine of God Changes Kidmin
28:33
28:33
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28:33
Description: In this episode, Sam and Hunter discuss how our understanding of God changes the way we view ourselves and others. Connect With Us! If you have any questions or suggestions for the show, please email team@crossformedkids.com Cross Formed Kids This podcast is brought to you by Cross Formed Kids! Get a custom quote to bring Cross Formed …
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043 | Wow vs. Wonder: Why Creation Theology is Essential
27:11
27:11
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27:11
Description: In this episode, Ryan and Hunter discuss how the doctrine of Creation impacts children's ministry and helps cultivate a lasting wonder of God in kids. Resources The Saga and the Seed by Ryan Coatney Grounding Your Kids in the Story of Creation Connect With Us! If you have any questions or suggestions for the show, please email team@cro…
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042 | How to Be a Mentor to Others [with Jim Wideman]
19:41
19:41
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19:41
Description: In part 2 of this conversation on mentorship, Jim Wideman shares what good mentors do and how you can be one to others. Connect With Us! If you have any questions or suggestions for the show, please email team@crossformedkids.com Resources - For consulting enquires, email ryan@crossformedkids.com - Coaching with Jim Wideman - Coaching …
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041 | Why You Need a Mentor [with Jim Wideman]
24:25
24:25
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24:25
Description: "Everybody does better with a coach." In this episode, Sam interviews veteran coach and mentor, Jim Wideman. In part one of this conversation, Jim shares why everyone (including you) needs a mentor. Connect With Us! If you have any questions or suggestions for the show, please email team@crossformedkids.com Resources For consulting enq…
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040 | What Does Classical Education Have To Do with Kidmin?
31:30
31:30
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31:30
Description: In this episode, Ryan and Hunter discuss how principles from classical education can take your children's ministry to the next level. Connect With Us! If you have any questions or suggestions for the show, please email team@crossformedkids.com Cross Formed Kids This podcast is brought to you by Cross Formed Kids! Get a custom quote to …
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039 | Fruitful Kidmin: Planning Your Meetings
25:05
25:05
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25:05
Description: For many, meetings are tedious, boring, and downright annoying. But they don't have to be! In this episode, the guys share tips for planning and executing stellar meetings in your ministry. Connect With Us! If you have any questions or suggestions for the show, please email team@crossformedkids.com Cross Formed Kids This podcast is bro…
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038 | Fruitful Kidmin: Planning Your First Year
25:51
25:51
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25:51
Description: Your first year of children's ministry can be hard. In this episode, the guys share 4 things you need to consider when planning your first year of kid's ministry. Resources: Interactive PDF for Planning Your First Year of Ministry Connect With Us! If you have any questions or suggestions for the show, please email team@crossformedkids.…
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037 | Fruitful Kidmin: Planning Your Week
24:06
24:06
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24:06
Description: There is so much to do every week in kid's ministry. How do you accomplish it all and do so fruitfully? In this episode, the guys provide helpful tips and tools for planning and getting the most out of your week. Resources: Ideal Week - Brian Howard The Urgent Important Matrix - Steve Covey Kidmin Curriculum Guide Connect With Us! If y…
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036 | Curriculum: Understanding the Curriculum Landscape
26:21
26:21
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26:21
Description: The number of curriculum options for kidmin leaders can be overwhelming. In this episode, Hunter and Ryan survey the curriculum landscape and discuss five factors that help churches narrow down their options. Resources: Kidmin Curriculum Guide Connect With Us! If you have any questions or suggestions for the show, please email team@cro…
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035 | UNPOPULAR OPINIONS: The MUST HAVE Event for Your Kidmin... or Not.
24:55
24:55
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24:55
Description: In this episode, Ryan shares his opinion about a children's ministry event, but Sam and Hunter are skeptical. Will Ryan be able to change their minds? Connect With Us! If you have any questions or suggestions for the show, please email team@crossformedkids.com Cross Formed Kids This podcast is brought to you by Cross Formed Kids! Get a…
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034 | Firing Volunteers: 'Cause Breaking Up Is Hard to Do
26:55
26:55
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26:55
Description: In this episode, Ryan and Sam consider the challenges of firing difficult volunteers and discuss preventative measures that can be taken to avoid these tough situations. Resources: How to LAND Volunteers - Podcast Episode Connect With Us! If you have any questions or suggestions for the show, please email team@crossformedkids.com Cross…
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033 | Curriculum: How to select your next Kidmin curriculum
24:51
24:51
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24:51
Description: In this episode, Ryan interviews Sam to unpack the process his church pursued to select their new Kidmin curriculum. Resources: The Ultimate Curriculum Guide - Sam Luce Connect With Us! If you have any questions or suggestions for the show, please email team@crossformedkids.com Cross Formed Kids This podcast is brought to you by Cross …
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032 | Contemporary Challenges in Children's Ministry (Part 2: Identity)
28:20
28:20
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28:20
Description: "Who am I?" Everyone is seeking to answer this question, including kids. In this episode, the guys discuss identity, its modern challenges in children's ministry, and how to approach it faithfully as leaders in the church. Connect With Us! If you have any questions or suggestions for the show, please email team@crossformedkids.com Cros…
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031 | Contemporary Challenges in Children's Ministry (Part 1: Technology)
28:27
28:27
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28:27
Description: The rapid advancement and power of technology can lead to various challenges in children's ministry. In this episode, the guys discuss some of these challenges and how leaders can thoughtfully work through them. Connect With Us! If you have any questions or suggestions for the show, please email team@crossformedkids.com Cross Formed Ki…
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030 | Classroom Management: How to Handle Disruptions in Your Ministry
22:48
22:48
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Description: When serving kids, disruptions are bound to happen, but how should they be handled? In this episode, Ryan and Hunter answer common questions and provide practical tips for managing your classroom with confidence and grace. Connect With Us! If you have any questions or suggestions for the show, please email team@crossformedkids.com Cros…
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Description: What is the best way to teach kids? Should the goal be comprehension, attention, or retention? In this episode, Ryan and Hunter pick their favorite among the three and discuss why it should be deemed "king." Along the way, they give helpful insights and practical tips for teaching biblical truths to kids. Resources: Cross Formed Enviro…
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028 | Children’s Ministry Environments: What Are They Communicating?
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34:22
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34:22
Description: What role do the design and structure of your children’s ministry space play in the discipleship of your kids? In this episode, the guys discuss ministry environments and what they communicate to families and kids. Resources: Cross Formed Environments Connect With Us! If you have any questions or suggestions for the show, please email …
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027 | How NOT to Burn Bridges in Ministry
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28:16
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28:16
Description: Disagreements happen. There are moments when co-workers or fellow believers need to be confronted, but how do we do this well? How do we foster unity and wisely handle conflict? In this episode, Sam and Hunter provide helpful tips for building bridges in ministry instead of burning them. Resources: Don't Burn Bridges by Sam Luce Reduci…
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026 | Ministry Events: How to Evaluate and Follow-up
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Description: Summer in children's ministry is usually a season of events. VBS. Camps. Block Parties. After all is said and done, how do you know if your events were fruitful? In this episode, Sam and Hunter walk through a framework for evaluating and following up ministry events Connect With Us! If you have any questions or suggestions for the show…
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