Are you hitting the mark in your children's ministry? Are your stories and activities communicating the most important things - like the truth of the gospel?

If you can't answer those questions confidently, you may not be alone. The modern children's ministry movement has seen a wave of "Bible lite" teaching that has become the new norm. The good news is that the change starts with you.

In today's episode, special guest Matt Markins (CEO of Awana) shares important insights that will equip you to provide gospel-focused teaching weekly. You can hit the mark. You can teach the most important truths - and you can start today.

Looking for more resources? Get Matt's latest book, The Story We Tell Our Children, or access Faith of Our Children or Forming Faith on Amazon. To connect with Awana, visit awana.org.

Want to dive deeper into reaching the next generation? Email hannah@kidzmatter.com to get a free KidMin Academy class!

New year’s health resolutions got you down? Tune in for this conversation with Alicia Summerlin, pastor’s wife and RN. It’s daunting to try to care for yourself physically in the middle of ministry chaos and family responsibilities - but it’s both possible and worth it. With twenty years of ministry experience combined with an understanding of the health field, Alicia brings a unique perspective to the table. Whatever your health goals may be, this conversation on balance and stewardship will encourage you as we kick off the year!

Grab a pen and take some notes as Hannah and Alicia provide practical tips for caring for your body in 2026!

Interested in getting your free ticket to KidzMatter’s biggest virtual event of the year, Global KidMin Week? Visit globalkidminday.com!

Planning for 2026 isn’t pressure—it’s stewardship. In this episode with KidzMatter Founder Ryan Frank, we help kids ministry leaders gain clarity, confidence, and a practical path forward so the future doesn’t sneak up on them.

We start with vision clarity, because most ministries don’t lack passion—they lack focus. You’ll be challenged to define what “winning” looks like for your kids, families, and team, including creating a simple seven-word KidMin vision statement.

Next, we explore leadership rhythms that drive healthy growth, including planning rhythms, people rhythms, and personal rhythms that sustain leaders over the long haul.

We wrap up with simple, sustainable systems that help small teams do big ministry by strengthening communication, follow-up, and calendar planning.
The challenge is clear: lead 2026 with clarity, consistency, and sustainability—because you’re shaping a generation, not just a calendar.

Looking to strengthen your leadership in 2026? Sign up for a free trial of KidzMatter PRO at kidzmatter.com/pro.