Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder

Missions isn’t simply a topic we teach during VBS or highlight once a year. It’s an essential part of helping kids understand God’s heart for the world and their role in His mission. In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling, Jana Magruder sits down with Dr. Paul Chitwood, president of the International Mission Board, to talk about integrating missions education into discipleship in kids ministry. Together, they explore how kids can begin developing a biblical understanding of missions from an...

What happens when biblical literacy declines, and what can the church do about it? In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling, we take a closer look at the current state of discipleship and biblical literacy in the church through the lens of recent research. Scott McConnell shares insights into what people believe about God, Scripture, and faith, and why these findings matter for churches, families, and those who are discipling the next generation. Biblical truth shapes more than what we know. ...

What does it really look like to disciple kids in a changing world? This season on Kids Ministry Calling, we’re breaking down discipleship in kids ministry! We’re kicking off the season with Scott McConnell and the State of Theology, exploring what today’s research reveals about biblical beliefs and what it means for the way we disciple the next generation. Then, you’ll hear timeless truths from Jeff and Jen Wilkin, insights on reaching Gen Alpha from Shane Pruitt and Dr. Shelly Melia, a conv...

Kids may remember the games, the lessons, and the events—but they'll never forget the people who made them feel like they belonged. In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling, Jana sits down with Mark Dance to talk about one of the most powerful tools in children's ministry: relationships. Together, they explore why belonging is essential to discipleship and how every church leader—from the senior pastor to the kids ministry volunteer—plays a role in helping children and families feel seen, kno...

The stories we place in a child's hands have the power to shape the truths they carry in their heart. In this special episode of Kids Ministry Calling, Jana spotlights two incredible children's authors whose books deserve a place on every kids ministry bookshelf and in every family's home. First, Blaire Linne shares the heart behind Yara the Brave, a beautifully written story that helps children understand anxiety, process worry, and discover the peace that comes from trusting God. Drawing fr...