KidMin Backstage

Today I'm joined by Bro. Myles and we're talking about being available to do the work of God.

Sunday school doesn’t run on talent alone; it runs on availability. Great leaders understand that ministry moments don’t always come with notice. The Bible challenges us to be ready in season and out of season, and in Sunday school leadership, that means two things:

One; being willing to serve wherever needed, and two; preparing ourselves so we’re actually capable when the moment comes. 

Some of what we try to cover:

Today I'm joined by Bro. Luis and we're talking about developing yourself and others.

Growth doesn’t happen overnight, but many people quit because they expect it to. We’re talking about what consistent development really looks like, why patience matters, and how to turn everyday moments-especially mistakes-into progress. This is about playing the long game with your growth. 

Some of what we try to cover:

Today I'm joined by Bro. Aaron and we're talking about taking a look at the bigger picture when you're on stage.

In theater, great performers don’t just deliver their lines; they set up what comes next. The same is true in ad-lib: you do your bit, but you also make sure the next moment has someplace to go. And in Sunday school or any teaching environment, this skill becomes even more important. When we intentionally set up the next segment, we keep the lesson on track. 

Some things we try to cov...

Today I'm joined by Bro. Kyle and we're talking about how success is rented, not owned, and the rent is due every day.

Great teams and great leaders don’t stay great by accident. Vision fades, culture drifts, and yesterday’s wins don’t guarantee anything about today. As Rory Vaden puts it, “Success is not owned, it is rented, and the rent is due every day.” This episode is about what it takes to pay that rent; practically, consistently, and with intention. 

Today I'm joined by Bro. Myles and we're talking getting the job done and just making it happen!

Most people wait for the “right moment” to start something meaningful, but that moment rarely comes. We assume successful people had smoother paths or easier conditions, but they faced the same friction we do. What separates them is ownership. Today’s episode is about choosing to make it happen, even when it’s hard and even when the circumstances aren’t ideal. 

Some of the things we try to cover:

Today I'm joined by Aneisha & Shaylee and we're talking about practicing the "right" way.

When you practice, it's important to work out the details and get it right because practice is for developing habits. You want your habits to be on point. If you're lazy in practice, it will show up later in the real thing.

This applies to the stage and to life...

Today I'm joined by Bro. Brent and we're talking about the dichotomy between spontaneity and preparation. 

Preparation is essential for leadership; planning, studying, and practicing sharpen our effectiveness. But over-reliance on preparation can limit our ability to think on our feet. Great Sunday school leaders don’t just prepare for Sunday; they stay agile and responsive when the unexpected arrives. 

Today I'm joined by Bro. Matthew and we're talking about how those small, seemingly insignificant decisions can have a massive impact.

Every leader makes thousands of decisions each day—some trivial, some transformative. The difference lies not just in the size of the choice, but in its ripple effect. Great leadership isn’t about always being right—it’s about recognizing that every decision, big or small, shapes direction, trust, and destiny. 

Some of the things we try to cover:

Today I'm joined by Bro. Kyle and we're talking about the person behind the title.

When you step into a room, your title might speak before you do, but it only says so much. True leadership isn’t granted by a nameplate; it’s sustained by trust, integrity, and earned influence. Your reputation opens the door, but your character determines whether people invite you to stay. 

Some of the things we try to cover:

Today I'm joined by Bro. Aaron and we're talking about fulfilling more that the minimum requirement.

True leadership often shows up in the spaces between the bullet points. Titles and task lists can’t capture the quiet consistency, initiative, and influence that make someone indispensable. Doing your job well means doing far more than what’s written in ink; it’s what you bring in spirit.

Some of what we try to cover:

Today I'm joined by Aneisha & Shaylee and we're taking a peek behind the scenes of a recent Sunday school episode, Step Into Battle!

Today I'm joined by Bro. Myles and we're talking about recognizing the blessings of God.

In children’s ministry, it’s easy to always look toward the next event, the next series, or the next big goal. But here’s the truth: many of us are already standing in the middle of what we once prayed for. The kids showing up, the volunteers fully onboard, the families being reached; this is the dream. Our call is to be content yet not satisfied. Basically, be thankful for what God is doing today while still believing for more tomorrow.

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Today I'm joined by Bro. Matthew and we're talking about always being "on", whether you feel like it or not.

When you step into leadership, whether you’re leading kids, teenagers, a project team, or a whole company, you’re stepping onto a different playing field. Not because you’re “better” than anyone else, but because people are counting on you. That’s the weight and the gift of leadership. And here’s the truth: you don’t always get the option of an “off” day. Great leaders bring their best, not just when it’s easy, but every single time...

Today I'm joined by Bro. Kyle and we're talking about applied knowledge.

We live in a time where knowledge is everywhere. Parenting books, leadership blogs, podcasts, and conferences are just a click away. It’s easy to think the secret to leading kids better is hidden in one more resource. But here’s the truth: knowledge by itself doesn’t change lives. Kids don’t remember what we knew; they remember what we did. Real impact comes when we take what we’ve learned and put it into action. 

Some of what we try to cover:

Today I'm joined by Bro. Brent and we're taking a look at an upcoming script. Today is a little different. We listen live to an audio excerpt that I created for our staff before we dive into the review.

Today I'm joined by Bro. Aaron and we're talking about professionalism.

Stepping into leadership is never just about a title—it’s about the responsibility that comes with it. As leaders, professionalism is expected. But professionalism doesn’t mean arrogance, entitlement, or thinking of ourselves as being “above” others. True professionalism flows from humility, integrity, and the weight of responsibility we carry for those who look to us as examples.

Some of what we try to cover:

Today I'm joined by Aneisha and Shaylee and we're taking a peek behind the scenes from this Sunday's Sunday school!

It gets a little crazy, but so was Sunday...

Today I'm joined by Bro. Myles and we're talking about leveling up! It's time to 10X your goals!

Children’s ministry thrives where big vision meets strong leadership. The idea of “10X” challenges us to set goals ten times bigger and take ten times the action. John Maxwell’s Law of the Lid reminds us that our results will never exceed our leadership capacity. 

Some of the things we try to cover:

Today I'm joined by Bro. Matthew and we're talking about unnoticed influence!

We don’t always realize who is watching us. A child in the back of the room, a teenager in the hallway, or a new guest on the fringes may be quietly studying our words, tone, and choices.

Small things we do—both good and bad—can stick in a child’s mind and alter their course for years to come. That’s why it’s essential to live with intentionality, humility, and self-awareness. We can’t control every perception, but we can control our ex...

Today I'm joined by Bro. Kyle and we're talking about elevating your starting point.

In leadership, growth rarely happens in comfort. The line between ordinary and exceptional often lies in where we place our baseline—our mental standard for what’s normal, acceptable, and sustainable. For most people, discomfort signals it’s time to stop. But for elite leaders—like the Navy SEALs—discomfort is where the work begins. Their baseline isn’t comfort, it’s hardship. And that mental shift makes all the difference.

To lead at a higher level, you must learn to reset your bas...

Today I'm joined by Aaron & Brent, and we're talking about our recent Conference Children's Church.

Every August, our church in Chehalis, WA, hosts a Youth Conference, and on Thursday night and Friday night, we have Children's Church.

This year was a Gladiator theme and Apostle Paul.

We sat down to kind of recap some of the highlights from this year.

Today I'm joined by Bro. Phillip Booker and we're talking about all those things it takes to make anything worthwhile happen.

We often admire overnight success stories, dramatic transformations, and life-changing decisions made in a single moment. But true, lasting success doesn’t arrive with a bang — it’s built brick by brick, decision by decision. It’s not one big thing; it’s a thousand little things. Every time you delay action, you defer progress. Every time you give in to laziness, you subtly disrespect the people who believe in your potential. Ministry leadership isn’t found in the...

Today I'm joined by Bro. Aaron and we're talking about checklists and systems.

Leadership success, whether in business, ministry, or personal development, doesn’t usually arrive like a lightning bolt. More often, it’s the result of steady, persistent effort—an accumulation of small, intentional actions that compound over time. 

While we often celebrate big breakthroughs, it’s the behind-the-scenes discipline—the systems, processes, and yes, the humble checklist—that quietly drives greatness. 

Some of the things we try to cover:

Today I'm joined by Aneisha & Shaylee and we're talking about systems, habits, and making sure you're face doesn't get stuck.

In ministry, systems shape everything. From how we plan meetings to how we communicate, systems are the structure behind the scenes. But here’s the danger: if we don’t know why we do something, we risk becoming slaves to systems that no longer serve us—or worse, that harm us. 

Just because “we’ve always done it this way” doesn’t mean it’s the right way. Often, bad habits or broken systems sn...

Today I'm joined by Bro. Brent and we're talking Sunday School Characters!

Whether you’re playing a prophet, a talking sheep, or a knight from a medieval village, characters can bring the Bible to life in ways kids will never forget. But the question is: how do we go all in—costumes, voices, and all—without losing sight of biblical truth?

Let’s talk about how to make Bible characters and theme characters come alive while keeping your theology on point. 

Some of the things we try to cover:

Today I'm joined by Bro. Matthew, and we're continuing a conversation we had while traveling.

We're talking about the balance between taking creative liberties and maintaining biblical accuracy.

In our Sunday school we try to bring Bible stories to life each Sunday through an interactive Bible theater experience. There is a necessary balance between creative expression that grabs kids’ attention and biblical accuracy.

When we add dialogue to biblical characters that Scripture doesn’t record their words, or when we imagine the thoughts and feelings of people like the unnamed serv...

Today I'm joined by Bro. Kyle and we're talking about the process.

In the relentless pursuit of ambitious targets, leaders often fall into the trap of goal obsession—fixating on outcomes while neglecting the fundamental systems that create those outcomes. This approach, while seemingly logical, frequently leads to short-term thinking, unsustainable practices, and ultimately, inconsistent results. The most effective leaders understand a counterintuitive truth: sustainable success comes not from chasing goals, but from designing and committing to the right processes. 

Some of the things we try to cover:

Today I'm joined by Bro. Aaron, and we're discussing the Michelin Star Rating and how some of the same criteria can also apply to Sunday school.

The Michelin Star is a prestigious award given to restaurants by the Michelin Guide, a widely recognized and respected culinary guide. It signifies exceptional quality and is a symbol of excellence. 

The Michelin Star is a highly sought-after award, signifying that the restaurant is among the best in its city or region. 

In 1889, two brothers founded a tire company, and in 1900, they published a free guide for mo...

Today I'm joined by Bro. Myles and we're talking about the power of being focused in your children's ministry.

Focus is not simply about working harder or longer—it's about channeling collective energy, resources, and talent toward what matters most. Sunday school ministries that master the art of focus develop a cutting edge that compounds over time, creating momentum that makes them thrive. This focused approach transforms what may be a scattered script of silliness and fun into a laser focus on the altar service, ultimately transforming lives. 

Some of...

Today I'm joined by Aneisha & Shaylee, and we're (trying) to talk about being fully engaged in our mission.

In today’s culture, we often obsess over destinations – the promotion, the milestone, or even attendance numbers – while neglecting the path that takes us there. The most effective “ministers” know that true success and fulfillment comes from more than just reaching the goal, but from fully engaging with the journey itself.

When we approach our work half-heartedly, simply going through the motions until we reach some distant objective, we risk boredom, disengagement, and eventually burnout. Conversely, when we commit...

Today I'm joined by Clancey & Dawson and we're talking about amazing Sunday school sets.

Imagine walking into a classroom and suddenly finding yourself on the streets of ancient Rome, in the depths of a rainforest, or aboard a spaceship headed for distant planets. In our Sunday school, we love building big, epic sets.

Studies show that immersive learning environments can increase student engagement by up to 40% and improve information retention significantly. How much more important it is with the message that we’re teaching every single Sunday!

Today, we're exploring how going all-out wi...

Today I'm joined by Bro. Brent Wilson and we're talking about not taking yourself too seriously in Sunday school.

Leading kids ministry is a deeply rewarding calling, but it comes with its fair share of challenges. While we strive for excellence, it's easy to become overwhelmed by perfectionism and lose sight of what truly matters. 

We want to explore how embracing the occasional chaos of Sunday school can lead to powerful altar calls and meaningful discipleship. Some of the most impactful moments happen when we step away from our carefully crafted plans and into the m...

Today I'm joined by Bro. Aaron and we're talking about the effort and the struggle behind the success.

When we see successful people, businesses, or projects, we often witness only the final result—the tip of the iceberg, while 90% remains hidden beneath the surface. 

For every leadership triumph we witness, there exists a hidden landscape of challenges, setbacks, and perseverance that remains largely invisible. Like a duck gliding gracefully across a pond while frantically paddling underneath, success stories typically showcase the polished outcome while concealing the chaos, hard work, and determination that made it possible. 

Today I'm joined by Bro. Kyle, and we're talking about refusing to settle for anything less than being excellent.

In the kingdom of God, creating a culture of excellence isn’t just a nice-to-have – it’s imperative. When Sunday school ministries commit to excellence as a core value, they establish an environment where innovation thrives, staff are inspired, and kids are fully engaged. 

A culture of excellence doesn't happen by accident; it requires intentional leadership, consistent reinforcement, and alignment throughout the ministry.

Som of the things we try to...

Today I'm joined by Aneisha and Shaylee, and we're talking about creating and maintaining a raging fire in Sunday School.

Leading in children's ministry is a bit like tending a campfire. When you first begin, there's lots of excitement—bright flames that catch everyone's attention! The kids are enthusiastic, the volunteers are eager, and new ideas spark all around. 

But just like real fire, ministry passion naturally tends to die down over time. Those initial big flames might settle, but underneath can be a powerful bed of coals—your deep commitment and calling—that just needs s...

Today I'm joined by Bro. Myles and we're talking about being world class in your ministry.

The difference between good and exceptional often lies in one's commitment to excellence. Many settle for meeting basic expectations but never reaching their full potential. We find ourselves "getting by" with adequate performance, losing sight of what true excellence looks like. Yet within each of us lies the capacity for world-class achievement—the ability to stand out as a "5-star" contributor within our kids ministry. Today, we want to explore how to recognize and overcome the mediocrity trap and chart a co...