Nick Blevins Family Ministry Podcast: Children | Youth | Students | Nextgen

In this episode, I talk with Annette Safstrom about her book, Sustainable Children's Ministry. Annette shares Ministry Architect's findings as it pertains to budget, staffing, and volunteer norms for children's ministry and how we can always be working to grow our volunteer teams.Annette SafstromConnect with Annette on Facebook | Twitter | InstagramEmail: annette.safstrom@ministryarchitects.comMinistryArchitects.comYouLead CoachingSign up for coaching with YouLead by Oct 31st. Join us for a tease of what these will be like during our Ministry Boost Tribe Conversations on Facebook.Preschool – Monday Oct 15th @ 1PM ESTElementary – Thursday Oct 11th @ 1PM ESTStudents – Oct 10th @ 1PM ESTRegister for coaching by Oct 17th and join us on a webinar with all the coaches.  OR, be sure to register by Oct 24th, and you'll get access to a Q & A with Kara Powell.You can find details for all of the above at YLCoaching.com or MinistryBoost.org/Coaching.Staffing & Volunteer Ratios SurveyClick here to view the results

In this episode, I welcome my friend and NextGen Pastor, Kevin Monahan, back to the podcast. Kevin shares something he has created for his team and volunteers that allows everyone to be on the same page about trust, leader expectations, and what it means to win. We also talk about the courses and coaching groups he's going to be a part of with Ministry Boost this fall.Kevin MonahanConnect with Kevin on Facebook | Twitter | InstagramEmail: kevin@ministryboost.org12Stone ChurchMINISTRY BOOST–TWO DAYS LEFT TO REGISTERMinistry Boost recently launched – an organization led by myself, Kenny Conley, and Kevin Monahan dedicated to helping you fast forward growth in your ministry through training and consulting for ministry leaders. We’ll also be offering coaching in partnership with YouLead Coaching.Register for the course Kevin is co-leading, Aligning Your NextGen Team, or one of his coaching groups (NextGen or Multisite) here. Sign ups close Thursday, October 27 at 12pm EST.ORANGE TOURBe sure to check out the dates

In this episode I talk with NextGen Pastor, Gina McClain, about building a lead small culture for kids and students. Gina talks about her experience in past churches, how she lead through the transition from Sunday school to small groups, and the lasting impact of small groups. Gina also teases the course she'll be teaching with Ministry Boost this fall all about small groups for kids and students.Gina McClainConnect with Gina on Facebook | Twitter | InstagramEmail: gina.c.mcclain@gmail.comGinaMcClain.comCross Point ChurchMINISTRY BOOSTMinistry Boost recently launched – an organization led by myself, Kenny Conley, and Kevin Monahan dedicated to helping you fast forward growth in your ministry through training and consulting for ministry leaders. We’ll also be offering coaching in partnership with YouLead Coaching.Register for Gina's course, all about small groups for kids and students & check out the other options here.ORANGE TOURBe sure to check out the dates and locations for Orange Tour at OrangeTour.o

In this episode, I talk with NextGen Pastor, Kelly Stockdale. Kelly and I talk about what #NextGen looks like, specifically in a small church context, but the principles of prioritizing small groups, partnering with parents, and valuing volunteers apply across the board. Kelly also shares about the course she'll be leading for preschool leaders with Ministry Boost in the fall.Kelly StockdaleConnect with Kelly on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | EmailKellyStockdale.comGrace Hill ChurchMINISTRY BOOSTMinistry Boost recently launched – an organization led by myself, Kenny Conley, and Kevin Monahan dedicated to helping you fast forward growth in your ministry through training and consulting for ministry leaders. We’ll also be offering coaching in partnership with YouLead Coaching.Register for Kelly's course, all about preschool ministry & check out the other options here.ORANGE TOURBe sure to check out the dates and locations at OrangeTour.org and get your tickets today!Links Mentioned in This EpisodeLeadershi

In this episode, I talk with Erin English about redefining preschool ministry. Erin walks through what preschool ministry looked like at her church in previous years, how they shifted their focus to be on relationships and the gospel, and how she helped her team and ministry make that transition.Erin EnglishConnect with Erin on Facebook | Twitter | InstagramEmail: EEnglish@westsidefamilychurch.comWestside Family ChurchMINISTRY BOOSTMinistry Boost recently launched – an organization led by myself, Kenny Conley, and Kevin Monahan dedicated to helping you fast forward growth in your ministry through training and consulting for ministry leaders. We’ll also be offering coaching in partnership with YouLead Coaching.Register for Erin's coaching group, all about redefining preschool ministry & check out the other options here.ORANGE TOURBe sure to check out the dates and locations at OrangeTour.org and get your tickets today!Links Mentioned in This EpisodePreschoolministryleader.comChildrensministryonline.comYLCo

In this episode, Eric Bryant, author of Not Like Me, talks about how we can help kids and students belong before they believe. He talks about his experience working at two churches known for reaching people far from God, Mosaic in LA with Erwin McManus and Gateway Church in Austin with John Burke.Eric BryantConnect with Eric on Twitter, Facebook, and InstagramGateway ChurchMinistry Boost FREE WebinarMinistry Boost recently launched – an organization led by myself, Kenny Conley, and Kevin Monahan dedicated to helping you fast forward growth in your ministry through training and consulting for ministry leaders. We'll also be offering coaching in partnership with YouLead Coaching.Register for our FREE Webinar, Thursday, August 23, from 1-4PM EST here.Links Mentioned in This EpisodeEricBryant.orgNot Like MeResourcesThe Church Growth Summit Action ItemsGet the bookEvaluate your ministry in light of the bookDo something to help volunteers learn how to help kids/students belong before they believe Subscribe | Share

In this episode, Calla Parker, from Gateway Church, shares a complete strategy and process for student mission trips. Calla works for the Missions/Global Impact team at Gateway, but has a huge passion for the next generation. In her different ministry roles, she has fostered collaboration and alignment between Global Impact and student ministries for maximum impact. Her strategy and process that she carries through adult and student mission trips covers everything from choosing leaders and preparing teams, to when you're in the field, to discipleship, to what happens after the trip is finished.Calla ParkerConnect with Calla on Facebook and InstagramEmail: Calla.Parker@gmail.comGateway ChurchMinistry Boost FREE WebinarMinistry Boost recently launched – an organization led by myself, Kenny Conley, and Kevin Monahan dedicated to helping you fast forward growth in your ministry through training and consulting for ministry leaders. We'll also be offering coaching in partnership with YouLead coaching.Register for o

In this episode, I talk with Gerald Fadayomi, Insideout Director at Browns Bridge Church in Atlanta, GA. Their high school ministry has over 1200 students, with 1 in 10 students in the county coming our for their Back to School Bash this year. Gerald leans into what he thinks is the key to their growing ministry. We also talk about his new book, Before You Go, and how we can help prepare high school seniors for college.Gerald FadayomiConnect with Gerald on Facebook | Twitter | InstagramBeforeYouGoProject.comBrowns Bridge ChurchMinistry Boost FREE WebinarAnnouncing Ministry Boost – an organization led by myself, Kenny Conley, and Kevin Monahan dedicated to helping you fast forward growth in your ministry through training and consulting for ministry leaders. We'll also be offering coaching in partnership with YouLead coaching.Register for our FREE Webinar, Thursday, August 23, from 1-4PM EST here.Links Mentioned in This EpisodeBrowns Bridge Inside Out on Facebook | Twitter | InstagramOrangeBefore You Go (book)

In this episode, I talk with Children's Pastor, Lindsey Whitney. Lindsey does a great job resourcing leaders and parents at her church, and she shares those resources on her blog GrowingKidsMinistry.com.  In our conversation, she walks through a lot of those resources – from Bibles for different age groups, to books and apps – and how they share those resources at her church.Lindsey WhitneyLinks Mentioned in This EpisodeGrowingKidsMinistry.comResourcing Parents with Bibles/Apps by Age GroupInfants and PreschoolPreschool Bible by V. Gilbert Beers (detailed review here)Sweet Dreams Princess: God’s Little Princess Bedtime Bible Stories, Devotions & PrayersGoodnight Warrior: God's Mighty Warrior Bedtime Bible Stories, Devotions and PrayersKindergartenStorytimeJesus Storybook BibleEarly ElementaryInternational Children’s Bible365 Classic Bedtime Bible Stories: Inspired by Jesse Lyman Hurlbut's Story of the BibleLater Elementary/PreteensAction Bible (detailed review here)The Kids’ Devotional Bible by ZonderKidz

In this episode, I talk with Nick Salyers about a book that he and Caleb Stevens co-authored: Collegiate: 7 Big Ideas to Make College Awesome. Using the book as a springboard for this conversation, we talk about how parents can set students up for success in college, what students can do to prepare for college, and then how church leaders can equip the students and parents in their ministries. Nick also gives us an update on the organization he is a part of, called Champion Tribes, and what they are doing to help dads invest in their middle school sons.Nick SalyersConnect with Nick on Facebook | Twitter | InstagramFacebook and InstagramLinks Mentioned in This EpisodeCollegiate: 7 Big Ideas to Make College Awesome – Nick Salyers and Caleb Stevens walk through seven big ideas – purpose, vision, community, growth, impact, adventure, and urgency – that will help college students make the most of their college years and intentionally become the person they want to beNormal Triangle – A typical approach to college

In this episode, I welcome back Tom Bump to the podcast. Tom recently transitioned from a small church to being the Family Life Director at one of the smaller campuses at a large multi-site church. Tom talks about the similarities and differences between small church and big church world and what both can learn from one another. He also talks about how we can lead and grow the church by investing in people–whether you have other staff around you, or a team of volunteers–by encouraging them to use their gifts instead of you trying to do everything on your own.Tom BumpConnect with Tom on Facebook and TwitterKids Ministry Collective Facebook GroupKids Ministry Collective PodcastLinks Mentioned in This Episode33 Ministry Hacks – A 6-week course designed to help ministry leaders leverage 21st-century tools. Registration closes Monday, July 16.Episode 040 – Tom Bump talks more about delegating and focusing on your strengthsLeadership and Church Size Dynamics – Tim Keller talks about how strategy changes with growth

In this episode, I welcome back NextGen Pastor, Kenny Conley, to the podcast (Check out Episode 25 & Episode 67 for our previous conversations). Kenny and I talk about 3 key ministry hacks to help you accomplish more in less time and improve the quality of the ministry you offer. We also talk about his new course, 33 Ministry Hacks (details and registration can be found here).Kenny ConleyConnect with Kenny on Facebook | Twitter | InstagramIAmNextGen.comChildrensMinistryOnline.comMISSION ChurchLinks Mentioned in This Episode33 Ministry Hacks – A 6-week course designed to help ministry leaders leverage 21st-century tools. Registration closes Monday, July 16.PreschoolMinistryLeader.com – A resource sight for preschool leadersHow to Camp Blog Post (blog post) – Hacks for developing a registration process that will help you have all registrations in a month before camp startsCampBrain.com – Camp registration softwareMinistry Hacks: How to CampGo all digitalDetermine cost/kidMotivate parents to sign up early wi

In this episode, I talk with Junior High Ministry Leader, Justin Herman. Justin shares the three things he believes are essential to building a successful ministry, what it looks like to develop long term strategies, and what he does to partner with parents.Justin HermanConnect with Justin on Facebook | Twitter | InstagramCall or Text Justin at: 7146000354HeyJustinHerman.comMariner's Church | Sandals ChurchVolunteer Playbook Summer Session – 25% OFFThe Volunteer Playbook Group is 10-week course designed to help ministry leaders recruit more volunteers while working on all parts of their ministry that relate to volunteers—onboarding, training, structure, vision, culture, and more. Registration for the summer session closes at midnight EST on July 2. Click here to register now and get 25% off.Links Mentioned in This EpisodeControlled Chaos Podcast – A podcast for junior high ministry leadersTrumpia – Mass text messaging systemThe Youth Cartel – An organization dedicated to encouraging and coaching youth ministr

In this episode, I talk with North Point Ministries Middle School Director, Britt Kitchen, about how they plan their student ministry calendar-from content, to the ins and outs of events, trips, and retreats. We also break down how they approach utilizing space and facilities, and how they have made their student and office spaces multi-purpose. Britt also walks through mile markers, and how they are intentional about creating moments for parents and students to have great conversations.Britt KitchenConnect with Britt on  Twitter and InstagramEmail: Britt.kitchen@northpointministries.netLinks Mentioned in This EpisodeEpisode 092: How North Point Does Student Ministry With Louie LovoyThe Seven Checkpoints for Student Leaders: Seven Principles Every Teenager Needs to Know (book) – Andy Stanley and Stuart Hall break down the 7 things that are key for student ministry leaders to understand and communicate to teens and parentsStudent Ministry Calendar (Teaching Content)Friendship during AugustService in NovemberMo

In this episode, I talk with Youth Pastor, Steve Cullum, about how to come alongside students in your ministry who are struggling with their mental health. He walks through what it looks like to partner with organizations in your community to equip youth, parents, and leaders to champion students as they walk through mental health struggles. We also have a conversation about Steve's role in two very different sized churches, in two different parts of the country, what was similar and what was different in those two churches, and what that transition looked like.Steve CullumConnect with Steve Cullum on Facebook | Twitter| InstagramStudent Ministry PodcastLifeBridge Christian ChurchLinks Mentioned in This EpisodeStudent Ministry Podcast – Check out Steve's podcast on all things youth ministryDownload Youth Ministry – A great resource for content and training videos to use with your leaders and parentsTrainedUp.Church – An online training platform for churchesResearch & Stats on Mental Health & SuicideHo

In this episode, I talk with Orange Specialist Charlie Conder who serves and consults with student pastors that utilize XP3 Students. Charlie shares about partnering with schools, and gives us the inside scoop on a partnership she spent ten years building with local schools in her area. She walks through what that partnership looks like, how it is student led, and how you can empower students in your ministry to lead in their schools. We also talk about being a woman in church leadership, specifically student ministry, and how to embrace that calling in spite of stereotypes or other barriers.Charlie ConderConnect with Charlie on Facebook | Twitter | InstagramCharlieConder.comOrangeAmazon and Orange Conference WinnersAmazon Gift Card:Todd McKeeverJason YonHattrick12ParkusaureliusLizaXM#OC19 Ticket:Bru pruLinks Mentioned in This EpisodeThe Seven Checkpoints for Student Leaders (book)–  Andy Stanley and Stuart Hall share the seven principles every teenager needs to know, and how student leaders can embrace these

In this episode, I talk with Dan Scott about his new book Caught in Between: Engaging Your Preteens Before They Check Out. This book leans into the undeniable fact that preteens start to check out of elementary ministry in the last couple years, but are also not ready to be with eighth graders who are heading to high school. Dan talks about the needs of preteens and what it looks like to create a separate, unique environment for them that can help them get the most out of this important transitional phase. From vision and principles, to practical tips on how to go about engaging preteens in your church, this conversation and this book point to some critical questions for children's and student pastors as they seek to have a maximum impact on the faith of the next generation.Dan ScottConnect with Dan on Facebook | Twitter | InstagramOrangeLinks Mentioned in This EpisodeCaught in BetweenEpisode 031: The Power of Story with Dan Scott3 Questions Every Preteen HasDo I have friends?Who likes me?Who am I?Questions t

In this episode, I talk with author, communicator, host, and Director of City Strategy at Orange, Sam Collier about his new book, Find Your Voice. Sam clarifies what it looks like to find your voice, barriers to finding your voice, and why we so often overlook or miss the passion and gifts God has given us. He also talks about how we, as ministry leaders, can help others in the church–people on our teams, other leaders, and students–find their voices.Sam CollierConnect with Sam on Facebook | Twitter | InstagramAGreaterStory.orgNorth Point Community ChurchOrangeLinks Mentioned in This EpisodeFind Your Voice – Sam shares how to find your voice and the passion God has given you, and then he walks through how to capture the power of influence so that others can hear the story you have to tellA Greater Story Podcast – Check out Sam's podcast that's all about living a greater storyAction ItemsGet Find Your Voice. Read it, and share it with someone else that you want to encourage or pour into.Ask yourself: How can I

In this episode, I talk with Kellie Krueger of Beachcities Church. Over 70% of the weekly kids' team at Beachcities is comprised of student volunteers. Kellie walks through the leadership structure, how it works with so many student volunteers, and how the kid and student teams work together to encourage students to serve and own their own faith. She also shares about a summer camp that her church puts on for the community at different schools in the area, and how that has been a great opportunity to meet and invite unchurched families to Beachcities.Kellie KruegerEmail: kellie.krueger@beachcities.orgBeachcities ChurchLinks Mentioned in This EpisodeKidsGames – The general KidsGames hubKidsGamesOC – Beachcities KidsGames site complete with camp info, details, FAQ, and moreFamily Ministry Goals – The goals of Beachcities Family Ministry for kids and students, parents, and volunteersVolunteer 101 Video – A training video showed at Beachcities during volunteer onboarding in family ministryPractical Tips for Creat

In this episode, Tom Bump, David Maddron, Tom Pounder, Steve Cullum, and I recap OC18. We break down our key takeaways, favorite ideas, and practical steps we were encouraged to take back to our ministries as we continue the mission of helping the next generation know Jesus.Orange Bloggers & Podcast LeadersConnect with Tom Bump on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Kidmin Collective PodcastConnect with David Maddron on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | David Maddron | DavidMaddron.meConnect with Tom Pounder on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YM Sidekick PodcastConnect with Steve Cullum on Facebook | Twitter| Instagram | Student Ministry PodcastLinks Mentioned in This EpisodeRewatch OC18 live here & Register for Orange Conference 2019 hereOrangeMarried People – Orange's ministry for Married People in your churchMade Known – Kenny Conley and Orange partnered together to put out a resource that equips you to reach out to families in your church who have suffered pregnancy and/or infant lossCreating a Volun