The Amazing Kids Ministry Podcast

 
Tyler sits down with Kim Botto for a deeply practical and heart-shaping conversation about creating church environments where every child belongs—especially kids who are neurodivergent, have experienced trauma, come from foster/adoptive backgrounds, or carry “big behaviors” into ministry spaces.
Kim shares how her journey through business, church leadership, adoption, and years of kids ministry shaped her passion for the children often pushed to the margins. She challenges leaders to move beyond “this is the way we’ve always done it” and instead lead with kindness, curiosity, flexibility, empathy, and proximity.
This conversation is for every kids pastor, ministry volunteer, senior leader, and church team member who has ever felt unequipped to serve children with extra support needs. Kim reminds us that we do not have to be experts to make a difference—we simply need to believe every child is made in God’s image, get on their level, ask better questions, and create spaces where they can experience the love of Jesus.
 
Explore Amazing+, our comprehensive ministry strategy for 0-18 – Full access to curriculum, media, tech, training, and tools. https://www.joinamazing.com/amazingplus#kidsMinistry #childrensministry  #volunteers  #everychild #specialneedsministry #neurodivergent #ChurchLeadership #amazinglife
#orangestrategy

What if kids ministry burnout is not caused by a lack of passion — but by a lack of the right tools? In this episode, Chris Heaslip shares the heart behind Amazing Life, his journey from Pushpay into children’s ministry, and why the next chapter of KidsMin is about more than curriculum, strategy, or content.
It is about helping pastors pastor again.
We talk honestly about Orange, burnout, parent partnership, technology, and why kids ministry may be one of the most important departments in the local church. Chris unpacks how tools can remove friction, create capacity, and help children’s leaders focus on what matters most: reaching kids, equipping parents, supporting volunteers, and helping the next generation encounter Jesus.
If you are a children’s pastor, NextGen leader, Orange curriculum user, or church leader who cares about the future of KidsMin, this conversation will give you language, clarity, and hope for what comes next.
In this episode:
Why curriculum alone is not enough
How strategy without tools can lead to burnout
What Orange helped shape in children’s ministry
Why technology should serve pastors, not replace them
How Amazing Life is helping kids pastors lead with more capacityExplore Amazing+, our comprehensive ministry strategy for 0-18 – Full access to curriculum, media, tech, training, and tools. 
https://www.joinamazing.com/amazingplus
#orangestrategy  #amazinglife #kidsmin #nextgenministry #discipleship #pastor #christianpodcast #curriculum #orangecurriculum #burnout #volunteers #tools 

What happens when God asks a new generation to lead what someone else built? In this episode of the Amazing Kids Ministry Podcast, we sit down with Keturah Boston to talk about one of the biggest shifts happening in ministry right now: the leadership baton pass.
As more seasoned pastors and kids ministry leaders step into new seasons, younger leaders are being asked to lead teams, volunteers, and ministries with deep history. But how do you bring change without dishonouring legacy? How do you lead people who are older than you? And how do you know when God is asking you to step into something new?
This conversation is for every kids pastor, next gen leader, volunteer leader, and ministry builder who wants to lead with humility, courage, prayer, and spiritual maturity. You’ll learn how to assess a ministry before changing it, honour what came before you, listen for God’s voice, and lead faithfully through transition.
 
Explore Amazing+, our comprehensive ministry strategy for 0-18 – Full access to curriculum, media, tech, training, and tools. 
https://www.joinamazing.com/amazingplus
 
#leadershiptransition #leadingolderpeople #legacyleadership
#ministrywisdom #kidsministry #youngleaders #ministryleadership #amazinglife

What if kids ministry could be fun, excellent, and deeply transformational all at once?
In this episode, Rudy Rupert shares his journey through church leadership — from growing up in ministry, to missionary years in Germany, to leading at Journey Church in Ohio. Together, we explore one of the biggest tensions in kids ministry today: creating highly engaging environments without losing real discipleship.
Rudy unpacks leadership transitions, raising ministry standards, embracing change, and equipping volunteers to create meaningful moments that help kids connect with Jesus and keep coming back.
This conversation is packed with insight for kids pastors, church leaders, and ministry teams who want to build ministry that is both impactful and intentional.
 
Explore Amazing+, our comprehensive ministry strategy for 0-18 – Full access to curriculum, media, tech, training, and tools. 
https://www.joinamazing.com/amazingplus

What happens when a kid raised in church grows up and reflects on what actually mattered? In this powerful episode , Tyler sits down with Emily Smith, a product of kids ministry, to unpack the real impact of growing up in church. From “I grew up in church. My dad is on staff…” to discovering her own faith, Emily shares what stuck, what didn’t, and what today’s leaders NEED to understand. If you lead kids, serve in ministry, or care about the next generation—this conversation will challenge everything you think matters. 
Watch now and rethink the way you do kids ministry.
 
Explore Amazing+, our comprehensive ministry strategy for 0-18 – Full access to curriculum, media, tech, training, and tools. 
https://www.joinamazing.com/amazingplus

This episode of the Amazing Kids Ministry podcast features Charlotte Cox, a kids pastor deeply involved in abuse prevention within church environments. The conversation explores her journey into kids ministry and how her passion evolved into advocating for child safety. The discussion emphasizes the urgent need for churches to address abuse prevention proactively rather than reactively. Charlotte shares practical insights on creating safer ministry spaces, equipping leaders, and recognizing warning signs. While the topic is heavy, the episode balances it with hope, empowerment, and actionable steps for ministry leaders. Ultimately, it calls the church to take responsibility in protecting children and fostering environments of trust and safety.
Explore Amazing+, our comprehensive ministry strategy for 0-18 – Full access to curriculum, media, tech, training, and tools. 
https://www.joinamazing.com/amazingplus
Darkness to Light: https://www.d2l.org

This episode explores a powerful and unconventional journey into kids ministry, highlighting how calling often emerges from unexpected places rather than formal preparation. Beth Cunningham shares how her background in worship and adult ministry uniquely shaped her leadership approach in children’s ministry. A recurring theme is the impact of faithfulness in small, consistent spaces—like leading a simple moms-and-babies group—which became the foundation for larger influence. The conversation emphasizes that effective ministry is rooted in relationships, intentional discipleship, and a deep love for families. It also underscores the importance of raising the next generation with purpose and spiritual clarity. Ultimately, the episode reinforces that God often uses ordinary obedience to unlock extraordinary calling.
 
Explore Amazing+, our comprehensive ministry strategy for 0-18 – Full access to curriculum, media, tech, training, and tools.
https://www.joinamazing.com/amazingplus
#kidsministry  #nextgenleaders  #churchleadership  #faithinaction  #discipleship  #christiancommunity #ministrylife  #leadershipjourney  #purposedriven  #servethenextgen #faithleadership  #churchgrowth  #christianpodcast  #kingdomimpact  #raisingleaders 

This episode features Evan Cummins, a seasoned kids pastor, sharing insights from over a decade of ministry leadership at Keystone Church. He unpacks how effective kids ministry goes far beyond creative environments and engaging curriculum. The conversation highlights the importance of discipleship, relational leadership, and seeing each child individually. Evan emphasizes that ministry is about people first—raising leaders who shepherd, not just manage. He also shares personal stories of growth, calling, and long-term faithfulness in serving. Ultimately, the episode challenges leaders to rethink success in ministry through the lens of impact, not just scale.
Explore Amazing+, our comprehensive ministry strategy for 0-18 – Full access to curriculum, media, tech, training, and tools. 
https://www.joinamazing.com/amazingplus#viral #fyp #leadership #growthmindset #personaldevelopment #risktaking #failure #selfimprovement #amazinglife #kidsmin #successmindset #motivation #orangestrategy

In this episode, we sit down with Terri Kelly, Kids Pastor at Seacoast Church, who brings over 25 years of ministry experience and has helped pioneer one of the first multi-campus kids ministry models. She shares how churches can effectively disciple kids at scale, build strong volunteer teams, and create environments where every child feels seen, loved, and connected to God.
If you're a pastor, leader, or serve in kids ministry, this conversation will give you practical insights you can apply immediately.
 
Explore Amazing+, our comprehensive ministry strategy for 0-18 – Full access to curriculum, media, tech, training, and tools. 

What does ministry really look like behind the scenes — beyond the platform, the titles, and the Sunday moments? In this episode,  Tyler and Adam Wright have an honest, heartfelt conversation about the real journey of serving the local church. From the sacrifices of church planting to finding your identity beyond a role, and rediscovering why kids ministry is deeply strategic to the future of the Church, this is a conversation rooted in faithfulness.
These are reflections shaped by experience, humility, and a genuine
love for God’s people — offering encouragement and practical 
wisdom for leaders who are committed to building for the long haul.
 
Explore Amazing+, our comprehensive ministry strategy for 0-18 – Full access to curriculum, media, tech, training, and tools. 
https://www.joinamazing.com/amazingplus