The Kidmin Huddle
The Kidmin Huddle is a weekly podcast for children's ministry leaders, hosted by veteran ministry leader Amber Pike. Each episode offers practical tools for teaching Scripture, engaging families, planning events, and growing in leadership. The show emphasizes biblical depth, intentional creativity, and faith-driven strategies for discipling kids. It also addresses creating safe environments, preparing for VBS, and helping parents disciple children at home.
Episodes
What Every Parent Needs to Know and How to Communicate It
What does every parent in your ministry need to know? And how can you communicate that through your programming? This episode shares 3 things every parent needs to know and how your ministry decisions can communicate them. Mentioned in this episode: The Family Ministry Academy - https://familyministry.org/family-ministry-academy/
Is Your Calendar Too Full?
What events are on your calendar? And why? This episode will challenge you to think through the events you do, how you are equipping parents to disciple, and maybe even give you permission to take things off your calendar. Resources Mentioned in this Episode:The Family Ministry Academy - https://familyministry.org/family-ministry-academy/Back to School Prayer Kit - https://amberpike.org/shop/ols/p
Weariness, Spiritual Battles, & Staying Vigilant
Are you feeling a little weary? Galatians 6:9 reminds us not to give up. This episode will give you not just encouragement to keep going when things get tough, but some practical advice from the trenches.
6 Ways to Manage Behavior
We've all had classes where behavior was out of control, and kids weren't listening. While the first steps toward good behavior start in the planning phase, this episode covers 6 ways you can see behavioral improvement.
What Are You Inviting Children Back To?
You've had an event, and now you are inviting kids and families to come back. But what are you inviting them back to, and is it enough to make them want to stay?Mentioned in this episode:The Family Ministry Academy - https://familyministry.org/family-ministry-academy/
Movie Day Alternatives
If you're planning a movie day, whether it's an event or a class alternative, this episode will challenge you to think about your why. If your goal is discipleship, this episode will give you some great, practical movie day alternatives. Looking for great discipleship events, check out amberpike.org/shop and familyministry.org for ideas!
How to Prepare Kids & Parents for Communion
How is your church teaching children the importance of communion? How are you preparing parents to lead their children in communion? In this episode, Amber shares practical tips and tools to both teach children the significance of communion and to prepare parents to teach their children about it as well. Resources Mentioned in the Episode:Parenting in the Pew - https://amzn.to/4vkZpL8Parent Commun
A Stressful Season of Kidmin or Unhealthy Habits
Sure. Some seasons of kidmin are inherently stressful. (VBS season, anyone?) But is it just a stressful season, or have you developed some unhealthy habits? In this episode, Amber walks you through four unhealthy habits in kidmin and gives you some practical suggestions on what to do to reduce stress.
Training Teens to Lead
Are you training teenagers to effectively serve in kidmin? Camp and VBS offer many opportunities for teens to lead, but to lead effectively, they need some training. Like this episode? Follow Amber on Social Media!https://www.instagram.com/amberpike_intentionalkidmin/https://www.facebook.com/amber.pike.54https://www.facebook.com/groups/familyministrycommunity
Choosing YOUR Right Curriculum
How do you decide which curriculum among the over 80 companies is the right one for your church? In this episode, Amber gives you steps to take and lots of questions to ask when deciding what curriculum to use in your ministry. Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Exploring the Bible Through History - https://amzn.to/4v74d7gTop 50 Bible Lesson Book - https://amzn.to/3SEwV0UIntentional Children&apos
Children's Ministry and/or Family Ministry
Children's Ministry can and should be done with a family-first mentality. Whether you have a position change to a family ministry leader or remain in children's ministry, you can and should be equipping parents to disciple. Pulling from years as a Director of Family Ministry, Amber shares from experience how you can do both children's and family ministry. Want to learn more? Check o
Interactive Teaching Engagement Ideas
Teaching time is where it's at in children's ministry. In this episode, Amber shares some fun, interactive teaching activities to make lesson time come alive. Resources mentioned in the episode:Intentional Children's Ministry - https://amzn.to/4e1LBylDry Erase Pockets - https://amzn.to/4wZRPr4Wiki Sticks - https://amzn.to/49uKXrUMagic Water Soluble Paper - https://amzn.to/4o0EJ99Don
Healthy Churches & Ministry Leaders with Stan and Josh Givens
What does a healthy church look like? What does healthy leadership look like? In this episode, Amber is joined by Stan Givens (a senior pastor with over 40 years of experience) and his son and ministry partner, Josh Givens (of 6:14 Ministries). Join the conversation for practical advice that will help you disciple and remain in ministry for the long haul. Learn more about 6:14 Ministries: https://
What Never Goes Out of Style in Kidmin?
Flannelgraphs. Silly bands. Veggie Tales. We've seen trends come and go (and some come back) in kidmin, but in this episode, we'll learn what never goes out of style in children's ministry. This episode will encourage and challenge you. Resources Mentioned: Intentional Children's Ministry - https://shop.renewanation.org/products/intentional-childrens-ministry-how-your-church-ca
Camp Must-Haves and Leader Tips
After two decades of taking kids to camp, Amber shares some must-haves to add to your packing list and things that will make your week of camp easier. Resources Mentioned in the EpisodeManderley Christian Camp - https://www.manderley.camp/Hair Tinsel - https://amzn.to/4trlmqJPop Up Stool - https://amzn.to/42wmJteSpot It - https://amzn.to/3R4yAMQPuke Bags - https://amzn.to/42A0mTM*This list may con
Heroes of the Bible #2 with Author Joshua Cooley
In this episode, Amber catches up with author friend Joshua Cooley to talk about his new book, Heroes of the Bible Devotional 2. Why do kids need to learn about heroes of the Bible and the faith?How does this book teach the narrative of Scripture?What is moralistic theology, and how does this devotion avoid it?Follow Joshua online at https://joshuacooleyauthor.com/Grab his new devotional: Heroes o
Planning a Successful Volunteer Meeting
Don't let your volunteer meeting get skipped or met with groans. Plan your meeting so it guarantees success! This episode gives you four important planning steps. Resources mentioned in the episode:Episode 156: Planning Your Kidmin Team Training: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-kidmin-huddle/id1533602973?i=1000747943287Bonus Resource: Share this encouragement video with your team!ht
Help! We Only Have a Few Families!
How do you grow your church from one or two families, or even no families? In this episode, Amber walks you through how you can grow your church and gain families. She shares how she has grown her church from a few families, some of which were ready to leave, to the upcoming problem of where to fit all of the children. Check out the resources mentioned in the episode:Intentional Children's Mi
Children's Ministry is Hard, but Important
As leaders in children's ministry, we have a vital role in equipping our kids to recognize the lies of the world and stand firm in the truth. Every day, our children face a spiritual battle. This episode will remind you not to fall asleep on your assignment. Recommended Resources to Check Out:Intentional Children's Ministry: https://amzn.to/4crIyPfPraise Him: A 30 Day Family Devotional:
Classroom Management Starts with Lesson Prep
Ever had a class of squirrely, disengaged kids? Engaged kids during lesson time starts with your prep. In this episode, Amber teaches you to S.M.I.L.E. and gives practical tips and tricks to help you engage kids better, thus reducing the squirrelyness. Resources Mentioned in the Episode:Classroom Management Live Training in the Family Ministry Community Group on 4/21/2026 - https://www.facebook.co
Kidmin Leadership Lessons: Quieting Your Inner Voice
If you've ever struggled with feelings of doubt or fear or fallen into the comparison trap as a kidmin leader, then this episode is for you. Discover practical tips for overcoming self-doubt, fear, and comparison in your ministry, as well as how to embrace your unique journey and grow as a leader.Check out what leadership books Amber has been reading: Soundtracks by Jon Acuff - https://amzn.t
Unpopular Kidmin Opinions and Why I Have Them
This episode might step on your toes, but listen in as Amber talks about 10 of her unpopular kidmin opinions and why she has them. Each of her opinions is rooted in the eternal importance of what we do in children's ministry. If you want to learn how to be more intentional in your ministry, grab a copy of her book Intentional Children's Ministry on Amazon (available in audio and ebook as
Safety and Security Starts with Policies
To protect children at church, policies and procedures must be in place. Who gets access to your children? What policies are being put in place to keep children safe? If no policies are in place, now is the time to get started.
Teaching Children the Character of God
Are we teaching our kids who God is both at church and at home? 🤔 If not, we need to start! In this episode, Amber shows how understanding God's character is essential for our children. They need to know that He is loving, kind, holy, and just. These attributes shape their trust and faith in Him. Resources in this episode:Blog ArticleRenewaNation Review MagazineWho is God CurriculumPraise Hi
Making VBS Your Best Yet
Do you want to make this year's VBS the best yet? Here are 10 tips to make this VBS a discipleship success.
Feeding Faith
David Rausch, from GO! Curriculum joins Amber to talk about his new book, Feeding Faith, and how we can truly disciple boys and girls during lesson time. Get David's new book here: https://amzn.to/4rDq2d9
Ten Tools to Teach Theology and Doctrine
Kids need to be taught theology and doctrine, not a watered-down version of the Bible. In this episode, Amber goes over 10 tools you can use to help teach theology and doctrine to the kids in your ministry, helping to give them a firm faith. Resources mentioned in the episode:Mavalus Tape: https://amzn.to/4arWeZmPointer Hand: https://amzn.to/4bV2E5RHula Hoops: https://amzn.to/4qEIh0kPosters: https
Starting a Preschool Choir with Brenda from Little Jam Sessions
Have you ever thought about starting a preschool choir at your church? The benefits of choir for kids are huge! Brenda from Little Jam Sessions shares with us not only the benefits of kids' choir, but also about her choir curriculum. Find out more at: https://littlejamsessions.com/
Planning Your Kidmin Team Training
If you haven't placed a volunteer training on the calendar yet this year, then this episode is for you. Amber walks you through the why of training, plus practical tips to get you started. Recommended resources mentioned in the episode:Intentional Children's Ministry: https://shop.renewanation.org/products/intentional-childrens-ministry-how-your-church-can-disciple-children-with-a-lifelo
The Why and How of Corporate Worship
Children's ministry is awesome, but corporate worship is biblical. When are children worshipping with mom and dad and the whole church family? How are kids and parents being trained on this?Recommended resources:Parenting in the Pew by Robbie Castleman - https://amzn.to/3Z7vJDsFamily Ministry by Dr. Josh Mulvihill - https://shop.renewanation.org/products/family-ministry-how-your-church-can-sh
A New Easter Resource for Families: Wondering to Jerusalem
Listen and find out about the new Easter family devotional, Wondering to Jerusalem, by Vanessa Myers from Family Faith Builders. Learn more about Family Faith Builders at: https://www.familyfaithbuilders.org/Order your copies of Wondering to Jerusalem at: https://amzn.to/3LTCoy0
Biblical Jurisdiction and Children's Ministry
Whose job is it to disciple boys and girls? Are you leading your ministry in such a way that you are fulfilling your biblical command for discipleship?Check out the resources mentioned in the episode: The Family Ministry AcademyIntentional Children's MinistryFamily MinistryPraise Him: A 30 Day Family Devotional
Family Discipleship Questions to Ask
It's the start of a new calendar year. If discipleship is your goal, you need to be asking these 3 questions. Grab the resources mentioned in the episode:Praise Him: A 30 Day Family Devotional Proverbs Bile Reading Scratch Off Challenge
Top 25 Things in 2025
In this episode, Amber shares her top 25 things of 2025, from things for the home, favorite books, to kidmin products you can't live without. Check out the links to the products mentioned:Intentional Children’s Ministry - https://amzn.to/4pHZ6baPraise Him - https://amzn.to/4qfsMw5Plastic Envelopes - https://amzn.to/3XUEiRxConfetti Streamers - https://amzn.to/4oTq925Timeline Poster – https://a
Evaluating Everything Through the Lens of Scripture
Are you evaluating every resource in your ministry through the lens of Scripture? No lesson should be taught or resource sent home unless it's been previewed and vetted against God's Word.
Planning the Big Picture
Are you a detailed or a big-picture person? No matter how you are wired, if you are being intentional about your discipleship opportunities in kidmin, you've got to start planning the big picture of your year. Grab the Kidmin Planner, here. Plus, check out Amber's blog to get the free big-picture overview planner.
My Kidmin Thankful List - Ideas and Encouragement For You
Listen to Amber's top 10 list of things she is thankful for. You'll receive ideas and encouragement, enabling you to continue striving for intentionality in your ministry. Links to products mentioned: Dan Nixon PuppetsTinsel TreeTaste and See Family EventMagic Trick YouTube Channel
Volunteer Appreciation - What Your Team Wants From You
Tis the season to start planning your Christmas volunteer appreciation. But what do they want? How do you make it personal?Check out Amber's Kidmin Volunteer Gift Guide for more.
Training and Discipling Through Podcasts with Guest Christen Clark
Are you using podcasts to equip your parents, families, or volunteers? Have you ever thought about starting your own? You can and should!Check out Christen's podcast: The Collide Kids Podcast and 7 Minute Devotions for Busy Parents. And sign up for her podcasting workshop: https://subscribepage.io/nGKK4E#podcasts #equipyourteam #equipyourparents #discipleship #kidmin #collidekidspodcast
Overwhelmed in Kidmin?
Your weekly kidmin to-do list is full. It might even feel overwhelming. But it doesn't have to. Consider the 3 P's of Kidmin Time Management. For more, check out the Time Management Training in the Family Ministry Community on Facebook. Grab Amber's Kidmin Planner, here.
Worship for Kids with Guest Dave Ray
Joined by guest Dave Ray from Doorpost Kids Worship, this episode dives into the heart behind teaching kids worship. What should worship look like for kids in the church and in the home?Grab great worship resources at https://doorpostsongs.com/.Make sure to order your copy of Dave's book, Kids Worship: Awakening the Church of Today. It's a must-read resource for every kidmin leader and p
Engaging Preschoolers in Lesson Time
Whether you teach in a multi-aged classroom or have a separate preschool classroom, knowing how to engage that age group is important. This episode will give you some tips and tricks to engage preschoolers in lesson time.#preschoolers #kidmin #intentionalchildrensministry #lessontime
Teaching Bible Literacy - The Why and How-To
Is Bible literacy important to your children's ministry? It needs to be. Not only will this episode equip you with the why of teaching good Bible literacy skills, it will give you practical how-tos. Check out the Books of the Bible challenge Amber talks about here.
Just-In-Case Kidmin Items
What do you do when service runs long? Or the kids are wired and don't listen? Are you prepared for all those kidmin emergencies that will inevitably happen so that intentional discipleship can happen? You need to be. For more intentional encouragement and resourcing, don't forget to grab your copy of Intentional Children's Ministry. For sub lessons, screen games, and intentional ex
Choosing Good Resources with Guest Mud Hen Mama
Meet Michelle from Mud Hen Mama, and join us as we discuss how to help parents choose quality resources. Use code "Amber" to get a special discount from mudhenmama.com.
3 Assumptions We Can't Make in Kidmin
Sometimes we assume things in children's ministry. These 3 assumptions can inhibit faith and discipleship from happening, though.
Our Response as Kidmin Leaders
After the assassination of Charlie Kirk, many Christians are fired up for the Kingdom. What should our role in the spiritual battle be as kidmin leaders?This passion-filled episode will challenge you to stand on the Word and give you some next steps and encouragement. Be warned... if you cry with friends, you might need a tissue. #standontheauthorityoftheword #intentionalchildrensministry #beinten
Are Your Kids' Events Successful?
Kidmin Confession Time! Hear why Amber no longer does kids' events and how a family discipleship event mentality can be a win for you. Make sure to check out some of Amber's family events like: the Lego and Lunch, Taste and See Family Praise Event, Family Time Sticky Faith, or the Special Delivery Cookie Christmas Event. All of these and more can be found at: amberpike.org and church.ren
Training Your Kidmin Team
Are you training your kidmin team regularly? You need to be. But how do you train them? And on what?This episode will help you plan your next kidmin training.
Day-to-Day Kidmin Favorites
After 20+ years of Kidmin, I've tested and used many products. This episode lists some of Amber's favorite day-to-day Kidmin products, activities, and resources. Make sure to check out:amberpike.orghttps://church.renewanation.org/Mavelous TapeIntentional Children's MinistryTop 50 Bible Lessons About Ordinary People in God's Extraordinary Plans
Signs of an Unhealthy Kidmin
We want to have thriving, successful children's ministries. How do we know if our ministries are healthy or not? What should you watch for and how you can you fix any problems? This episode talks you through for major health areas for your children's ministry. #healthykidmin #intentionalchildrensminsitry #kidmin #doctrine #yourCurriculumMatters
The Why and How of Teaching the Biblical Narrative
Do kids really need to know the narrative of the Bible? (Spoiler: yes!!!) And how do we teach it? This episode of The Kidmin Huddle will give you practical tools and foundations for teaching the biblical narrative to kids. Resources:Bible TimelineOne Story LessonExploring the Bible Through HistoryBig Story Series by RenewaNationPick and Choose Object Lesson Video
Simple Redirects for Teaching Time
Have you ever struggled to regain control of a talkative class? Do you have a bunch of squirrly kids? Try these simple redirects to quiet and recenter kids so teaching time can be effective. #classroomstruggles #teachingtime #bibleteacher #intentionalchildrensministry
Cultivating Generational Discipleship Opportunties
How are you fulfilling Titus 2? Psalm 145:4? How is your older generation pouring into, teaching, and discipling the younger generation? While this can happen organically, with kids, sometimes you need to create opportunities. This episode will give you tried-and-true ideas to see this become a reality in your church. #generationaldiscipleship #titus2 #intergenerationalministry #intentionalkidmin
Being a Homeschooling Kidmin Leader
Have you ever wondered if you can homeschool your kids while serving full or part-time as a kidmin leader? You can!Hear how Amber has balanced homeschooling and leading in kidmin while making the discipleship of her children her priority. #homeschool #discipleship #familyfirstkidmin #intentionalchildrensministry
Resource Station Talk with Heather Soukup
Part of your role in equipping families often includes a well-stocked and carefully curated resource station. Listen to the conversation with children's ministry veteran Heather Soukup to learn how she plans and stocks her church's resource station. #intentionalchildrensministry #kidmin #familydiscipleship
The Dangers of Ministry Comparison
Have you ever looked at the church down the street or on social media and started comparing what you are doing to their successes? If you've ever compared your numbers or resources to another church and fallen into the comparison trap rabbit hole, this podcast will be a great reminder to stay in your lane and trust in God's sovereignty.Remember, what you do (no matter what size church or
New to Kidmin First Steps
Whether you are new to kidmin or at a new church, there's a lot to figure out. Where do you start? What takes priority? This episode will equip you with 5 key first steps. Resources mentioned:Intentional Children's MinistryFamily Ministry Community Facebook GroupFamily Ministry Academy (Training program)Kidmin PlannerKidCheck
Midweek Slump Solutions
Are you struggling with attendance for your midweek services? This episode is packed with practical ideas to shake things up this summer - with discipleship still being the goal. Need the events mentioned in the episode? Check them out at: https://amberpike.org/shop/ols/categories/eventsGrab the Family Cookbook Devotional and The Top 50 Bible Lessons About Ordinary People in God's Extraordina
Letting Go of Control
Have you ever been frustrated that a child isn't saved or that a parent won't lead? This episode reminds us of what is in our control and what we need to let go of. Be encouraged that God is faithful to do all He promises. If this episode has encouraged you, send it to a friend.#intentionalchildrensministry #kidminleader #faithful
Prepping for Next Year's VBS Before This Year
The best piece of VBS advice you can get is to start preparing for next year now. This episode gives you 7 tips you can start doing today to prepare for next year's VBS. From decor to prepping for advertising and next year's recruitment, this episode will save you time and energy, setting up next year's VBS for success. #VBS #answersvbs #kidminhuddle #kingdomwork #vbsisdiscipleship
Planning Your Parent Resource Station
Part of a kidmin leader's job is to equip parents to disciple. Are you using a resource station to help you do so? In this episode, you'll walk through the why of a resource station and how to set it up from location to look to the frequency of restocking. Amber will also walk you through how she stocked a first-time resource center. Make sure to check out these products mentioned in the
Sticky Faith for Families: How to Equip Parents
Over and over in the Bible, we see God's command to parents to pass on their faith. In this episode, Amber talks about the two modes of faith transformation: intentional and unintentional discipleship. How do we get faith to stick? Listen to practical tips on how you can encourage, equip and resource parents. Products mentioned in this episode:The Family Time Sticky Faith Event, available at:
Intentionally Gamifying Your Lessons
Sure kids love games. But we shouldn't have games in kidmin that don't have a purpose. Listen to 10 intentional lesson-teaching games you can incorporate. Love the intentionality? Make sure to check out Intentional Children's Ministry.
12 Tips to Level Up Your Summer Camp Experience
After 17 years of camp, Amber has learned a few things. Listen to 12 tips that will level up your camp experience, making it a powerful week of discipleship.
Mother's Day in Kidmin
How are you doing Mother's Day in kidmin? Are you sensitive to family situations? Have you considered how to equip moms in their role as disciple-maker rather than just making a craft?Check-out the Mother's Day resources at:amberpike.orgstore.renewanation.org
Kidmin Apologetics - a Non-Negotiable
Should kids be taught apologetics? Absolutely! But how? Discover practical tips in this episode.
Balancing Your Kidmin Hats
In Kidmin, you wear a lot of hats, and we don't just mean the fun ones! How are you balancing all of the roles and tasks you have to do on a weekly basis?
Maximizing Your Midweek
Midweek services can be hard, but they are also full of opportunities. Are you intentionally using your midweek minutes?
Equip Parents with More Than "To-Do" Resources
We must be intentional with the resources we equip parents with. Find out the four questions to ask when picking out resources.
Easter Resources for Church and Home
Easter is a month away... are you ready? There are tons of discipleship opportunities, so make sure you are prepared. From lesson ideas to take-home devotions to wow factors - we will talk about it all.
Safety and Security Red Flags
Background checks aren't enough to keep kids safe. Do you know what red flags to watch out for? KidCheck's Angela Lewton joins us on this important podcast episode. Read the full blog here: https://www.kidcheck.com/blog/20-red-flags/#kidminhuddle #intentionalchildrensministry #kidmin #safetyfirst
Increasing Lesson Engagement
Our lessons need to draw boys and girls in, engaging them in God's Words. Learning styles, object lessons, magic tricks, and experiences all help to draw kids in.
Teaching Big Theology to Little Kids
Are you using big words and complex theological terms in your children's ministry? You should be.
Say "No" to Free Play
We can and should make our lesson times intentional and engaging. We can have fun and play, but it needs to have a purpose.
Confessions of a Kidmin Veteran
After 20+ years in Children's Ministry... here is what I learned.
You Had a Visitor... Now What?
What is your plan for when visitors show up? How do you get them to come back?
Wrong Ways to Resource Parents
Resourcing parents is part of our job to equip them to disciple... but there is a right way and a wrong way to do so. Are you resourcing correctly?
How (and why) To Teach Kids Theology
Joined by special guests Sam Luce and Hunter Williams, we discuss the how and why of teaching kids theology as well as their new book. Get your copy of How To Teach Kids Theology at New Growth Press.
A Year of Opportunities and Encouragement
Do you need some encouragement today, friend? Whether things are going great in ministry or every day is a struggle, remember why you do what you do and what God can (and will do). Be encouraged. What you do matters.
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