The INCM Podcast

Episode #11: Partnering With Parents: How to Support Families Beyond Sunday

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 11:40:56 +0000

INCM Host - Liza Gant

RHK & Guest - Kayla Smith & Dr. Leon

Blanchette (Olivet Nazarene University)

Questions answered:

Why do we need to approach supporting family discipleship differently now than five years ago?
What are some basic theological or psychological principles you think are important in the conversation about supporting families?
What are some strategies you’d want to see churches try when engaging with families?

Resources:

Social Media:

Episode #10: From Chaos to Connection: Equipping Volunteers for Today’s Kids

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 10:00:46 +0000

INCM Host - Liza Gant

RHK Team - Robert Crosby & Kayla Smith

Questions answered:

Why do we need to pivot the way we equip volunteers?
What are some general theological or psychological principles that we should keep in mind when we talk about equipping volunteers?
What are some best practices for equipping our volunteers?

Resources:

reachhurtingkids.com/training

Social Media:

RHK Instagram

Episode #9: What Volunteers Need: Recruiting, Equipping, and Caring for Your Team

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 10:00:51 +0000

INCM Host - Liza Gant

RHK & Guest - Robert Crosby & Kim Botto

Questions answered:

Ministry leaders have been recruiting and caring for volunteers for decades. Why do we need to change the way we’re doing things now? What has changed in the past five years?
What are some key theological or psychological principles that we should keep in mind when we talk about recruiting and caring for volunteers?
What are some effective recruitment strategies? Equipping strategies? Caring strategies?

Resources:

reachhurtingkids.com/training

Trauma Informed Children’s Ministry: A Practical Guide to Reach Hurting Kids by Lori & Robert Crosby

“Boundless Hope for Every Child: Help for the Hurting, Compassion for the Misunderstood, Belonging for the Lonely” by Kim Botto

Free Virtual Kids Min Hangout

Social Media:

RHK Instagram

Episode #8: Effective Teaching Strategies that Kids Love

Fri, 25 Jul 2025 10:00:07 +0000

INCM Host - Liza Gant

RHK & Guest - Robert Crosby & Amber Pike (Renewanation)

Questions answered:

When we talk about teaching kids in the church, how have things changed over the past five years?
What are some general theological and psychological principles we should keep in mind?
If someone wants to learn more, what are some good resources?

Resources:

Social Media:

Reaching Hurting Kids Instagram

Episode #7: Creative Ideas for Engaging Kids in Worship

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 15:50:21 +0000

INCM Host - Liza Gant

RHK & Guest - Kayla Smith & Yancy (Yancy Ministries)

Questions answered:

Why do we need to approach worship differently now than five years ago? What's changed?
What are some basic theological or psychological principles you think are important in kids' worship?
What are some worship strategies you'd want leaders to try?

Resources:

Social Media:

RHK Instagram

Episode #6: Making Small Groups That Actually Work

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 10:00:43 +0000

INCM Host - Liza Gant

RHK Team - Robert & Lori Crosby

Questions answered:

What has changed over the past five years?
What are some key principles we should keep in mind when we talk about small groups?
What are some practical strategies that can help us create small groups that actually work?
Are there resources that can help our listeners grow in this area?

Resources:

___________________________

Social Media:

Episode #5: Building Stronger Relationships Helping Kids Open Up

Fri, 04 Jul 2025 10:00:11 +0000

INCM Host - Liza Gant

RHK & Guest - Kayla Smith & Dr. Erin Smith

Questions answered:

Why do we need to revisit this topic? What has changed over the past five years?
What core theological or psychological principles do we need to keep in mind?
What are some specific, practical strategies we can use to build stronger relationships with kids and help them open up?
What resources do you have to help ministry leaders grow in this area?

Resources:

___________________________

Social Media:

Reaching Hurting Kids Instagram

Episode #4: A Modern Approach to Safety and Abuse Prevention

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 10:00:23 +0000

INCM Host - Liza Gant

RHK & Guest - Kayla Smith & Hannah Bolick (ECAP)

Questions answered:

What has changed as far as safety and abuse prevention in the past 5 years?

What core theological or psychological principles do we need to keep in mind?

What are some specific, practical strategies children’s ministry leaders can use right now?

Resources:

reachhurtingkids.com/safety

ECAP Standards

ECAP Membership

Social Media:

RHK

Episode #3: ADHD, Autism, and Children’s Ministry

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 10:00:09 +0000

INCM Host - Liza Gant

RHK & Guest - Kayla Smith & Steve Grcevich (Key Ministry)

Questions answered:

When we talk about ADHD and autism, these are things that we’ve known about for a while. Has anything changed over the past five years?
What are some theological or psychological principles we should keep in mind when working with children with ADHD or autism?
What are some practical steps or strategies we can implement to minister more effectively to kids with ADHD or autism?
So, what are some resources you can share with listeners who want to grow in the way they’re serving kids with ADHD and autism?

Resources:

Social Media:

Reaching Hurting Kids Institute

RHK

Episode #2: Caring for Kids with Anxiety and Depression

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 10:00:00 +0000

INCM Host - Yanet Coombes

RHK & Guest - Lori Crosby & Juile Cooper

Questions answered:

Why do we need to talk about childhood anxiety and depression? Particularly in the last 5 years?
When caring for kids with anxiety and depression, what are some theological and psychological principles we should keep in mind?
What are some practical strategies or steps we can take to care for kids in our ministries who struggle with anxiety or depression?
What are some resources you can share with listeners who want to care more effectively for kids with anxiety and depression?

A disclaimer has been added to this episode. Listener discretion is advised.

Websites:

Reaching Hurting Kids Institute

Social Media:

INCM

Episode #1: Tools for Handling Challenging Behaviors

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Show Notes:

INCM Host - Liza Gant

RHK Team - Robert & Lori Crosby and Kayla Smith

Questions answered:

What has changed in the last 5 years regarding challenging behaviors? And how to handle them?
Why is pivoting in children’s ministry critical now?
What core theological and psychological principles do we need to keep in mind?
What specific tools can be used to handle challenging behaviors?

Resources:

Trauma Informed Children’s Ministry: A Practical Guide to Reach Hurting Kids by Lori & Robert Crosby- https://www.amazon.com/dp/1666715743
The Reach Hurting Kids workshop - reachhurtingkids.com/workshop
reachhurtingkids.com/discipline

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Social Media/Website

Trailer - Season 3: Best Practices for Today’s Children’s Ministry

Fri, 30 May 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Join us for season 3 of the INCM Podcast.

Children’s ministry has changed. Since COVID-19, churches have faced drops in engagement, volunteer shortages, and rising behavioral and mental health challenges. If we want to reach today’s kids in today’s culture, we need to pivot.

But that doesn’t mean chasing trends. It means using best practices—strategies rooted in sound theological and psychological principles that have been proven to work.

Partnering with Reach Hurting Kids Institute, we’re bringing you modern-day solutions for a thriving, inclusive ministry. Each episode gives practical takeaways that you can use this Sunday to create a transformative ministry for all kids.

Episode 1 is coming Friday, June 6.

___________________________

Reaching Hurting Kids Institute

Apple Podcasts

Spotify Podcasts

Season 2- Episode 6: Helping Kids Know Who They Were Created to Be

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Children are inundated with messages every single day about their identity. It’s our job to help them to know what is always true—what God says is true.

Because what kids believe about themselves influences their thoughts and decisions.

We can help kids discover that their identity is found in God’s Big Story—where Jesus is Lord and the Holy Spirit is present. And we need to leave room for their big questions and big ideas while leaving no doubt about who God is or who they are in Him.

Our kids are image-bearing children of God, and we can declare this truth over them!

Links:

Known, Loved, Led: Helping Children Know Who They Were Created to Be: Free Guide

Ministry Spark Topic-Related Webinar: Known, Loved, Led: Helping Children Know Who They Were Created to Be

Ministry Spark Newsletter (Free Resources Monthly)

Season 2- Episode 5: Keeping the Gospel Central in Life and Ministry

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 11:00:00 +0000

With the constant push and pull of ministry life, it’s easy to become distant of the Gospel. It’s not an intentional move, or one we ever hope to make when entering ministry, but slowly over time we can become focused on lesser things.

Keeping the Gospel central keeps our hope alive. It ignites our faith in Christ and reassures us of His goodness. It is why we are in ministry to begin with. His Story pursues our own. Join us and be encouraged in life and ministry

Links:

You Were Made for This: Caring For Your Soul as a Ministry Leader: Free Guide

Ministry Spark Topic-Related Webinar: Casting Vision: Staying Rooted in the Gospel

Ministry Spark Topic-Related Webinar: Caring for your Soul in the Midst of Everything Else

Ministry Spark Newsletter (Free Resources Monthly) .

David C. Cook.Website

Season 2- Episode 4: The Family’s Role in a Child’s Faith Formation

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 11:00:00 +0000

Hands down, parents are the greatest influencers of their children’s faith formation. If you’re a Christian parent reading this, you feel the gravity of your responsibility. You know the joy and exasperation, the awe and challenge of the parenting journey, and you deeply desire to see your son or daughter become the person God made them to be.

As we continue our Faith Formation discussion, let’s ask these questions:

How are we encouraging, equipping, and partnering with families?
How are we utilizing other ministries within the church to do the same?
Are we resourcing and running children’s ministry, church services, small groups, and other ministries in essentially the same way we did twenty years ago?
Are we passing on traditions and programs, only to have lost a clear focus on the very faith they are meant to foster?

Links:

Faith Formation Guide: Free Guide

Ministry Spark Topic-Related Webinar: Faith Formation: Parents & Families

7 Ways to Encourage Today’s Parents as Spiritual Influencers at Home: Free Guide

Ministry Spark Newsletter (Free Resources Monthly)

Season 2- Episode 3: Children's Ministry’s Role in a Child’s Faith Formation

Fri, 21 Feb 2025 11:00:00 +0000

Within the context of a healthy, whole-church approach to faith formation, children’s ministry plays an undeniably crucial role.

In 2005, David Kinnaman, now president of Barna Group, summed up why: “Young people are spiritual sponges whose most impressionable years are too important to pass up.” His statement remains as true as ever.

As we continue our Faith Formation discussion, let’s ask these questions: Are we resourcing and running children’s ministry in essentially the same way we did twenty years ago? Are we passing on traditions and programs, only to have lost a clear focus on the very faith they are meant to foster?

Links:

Faith Formation Guide: Free Guide

Ministry Spark Topic-Related Webinar: Faith Formation: Children’s Ministry

Ministry Spark Newsletter (Free Resources Monthly)

Social Media Links

Britany Nelson

Kirsten Hitchcock

Episode 2: The Church’s Role in a Child’s Faith Formation

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 11:00:00 +0000

Christianity is counter-cultural in America. The wind is no longer at our backs. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. If we have been lulled by fair weather, our faith can become stronger as we adapt to the changes in our cultural environment.

Considering this change, it’s wise to ask ourselves: How are we partnering with other areas of the church for ministry to children? Are we resourcing and running church services, small groups, and other ministries in essentially the same way we did twenty years ago? Are we passing on traditions and programs, only to have lost a clear focus on the very faith they are meant to foster?

Overview of episode:

What is the church's role in faith formation? (5:45)

How does the church partner with families? (18:40)

Final words of encouragement. (31:28)

Links:

Faith Formation Guide: Free Guide

Ministry Spark Topic-Related Webinar: Faith Formation: Church as a Whole

Ministry Spark Newsletter (Free Resources Monthly)

Ministry Spark Faith Formation Topic Related Articles

Social Media Links:

Season 2- Episode 1: Understanding Faith Formation

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 11:00:00 +0000

What is spiritual formation and why is it important? (5:31)

Simply put, spiritual formation is discipleship. It’s what we all signed up to do and why we’re doing what we’re doing. We want to see the next generation live out a vibrant faith for their lifetime.

What is spiritual formation not? (14:19)

Why is this topic important for us to define and talk about? (25:35)

WIth spiritual formation, it’s imperative that we are authentic, trustworthy, and willing to get out of the way. We must create space for kids and families to encounter the living God.

Let’s ask: How are we going to teach in such a way that it transcends only becoming a childhood belief system? And how can we help foster formation in the homes of the children and families we serve.

_____________________________________________________________

Links:

Ministry Spark Newsletter (Free Resources Monthly)

Social Media:

Season 2 Trailer- Understanding Spiritual Formation in Children’s Ministry

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 11:00:00 +0000

Spiritual formation is taking place every moment of every day. Whether intentional or not, every person is being spiritually formed in the big moments and the small.

Through intentionality, prayer, and the leading of the Holy Spirit, children’s ministry leaders and families, together, can lean into everyday moments as children come to know, love, and follow Jesus.

In this podcast series, INCM and David C Cook aim to equip children’s ministry leaders, volunteers, parents, and leaders in children’s lives to pass on a faith that grows in the everyday moments of life—big and small. Through conversations with children’s and family ministry leaders, curriculum developers, parents, and followers of Jesus—this six-episode series will speak to you as you follow Jesus and point children to Him.

Links:

David C. Cook Websie

Ministry Spark Newsletter (Free Resources Monthly)

Season 1- Episode 12- Ambassadors of Reconciliation: Children’s Ministry’s Role in Caring for the Hurting

Fri, 01 Jul 2022 07:00:00 +0000

In the episode, we conclude our series with a conversation that clarifies and summarizes the role of children’s ministry in caring for the hurting. This will help us as children’s ministry leaders develop perspective for what it really means to be ambassadors of reconciliation.

Welcome to the INCM Podcast.

For more information on the INCM or Trauma Free World, click the links below.

This twelve-episode season will launch on April 8th and will release each Friday.

Link:

Season 1- Episode 11- Responding to Tough Behaviors with Trauma Informed Practices

Fri, 24 Jun 2022 07:00:00 +0000

In this episode, the conversation will help to equip you to know how to de-escalate hard situations with kids, create greater trust with children who are communicating with their behaviors, and empower you and your teams to build and maintain meaningful relationships with kids.

Welcome to the INCM Podcast.

For more information on the INCM or Trauma Free World, click the links below.

This twelve-episode season will launch on April 8th and will release each Friday.

Link:

Season 1- Episode 10- Trauma Informed Care- How We Partner with Parents

Fri, 17 Jun 2022 07:00:00 +0000

In the episode, the conversation will equip you to know how to create a greater connection with parents from a trauma-competent standpoint and empower them to further the ministry in areas that matter to them.

Welcome to the INCM Podcast.

For more information on the INCM or Trauma Free World, click the links below.

This twelve-episode season will launch on April 8th and will release each Friday.

Link:

Season 1- Episode 9: Trauma Informed Teams: Building Safe Communities

Fri, 10 Jun 2022 07:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Julie Cooper and Michayla White are going to continue the conversation by digging into what it looks like for us to build safe communities around the kids we serve. This is really going to help us as children’s ministry leaders to develop trauma-informed teams that reach all kids with the love of Jesus

Welcome to the INCM Podcast.

For more information on the INCM or Trauma Free World, click the links below.

This twelve-episode season will launch on April 8th and will release each Friday.

Link:

Season 1- Episode 8: Create Safe Spaces for all kids.

Fri, 03 Jun 2022 07:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss Trauma Informed Environments. This conversation will equip you to know how to nurture and develop environments where kids feel safe and where they can truly have the opportunity to connect with Jesus.

Welcome to the INCM Podcast.

For more information on the INCM or Trauma Free World, click the links below.

This twelve-episode season will launch on April 8th and will release each Friday.

Link:

Season 1- Episode 7: The Church’s Role in Trauma Competency: Your Story

Fri, 27 May 2022 07:00:00 +0000

In the episode, Julie Cooper and Michayla White continue the conversation on the Church’s Role in Trauma Competency, but we will explore how our own stories inform how we show up in ministry to kids and others. This will help us as children’s ministry leaders grow in self-awareness and empower us to show up more compassionately as leaders.

Welcome to the INCM Podcast.

For more information on the INCM or Trauma Free World, click the links below.

This twelve-episode season will launch on April 8th and will release each Friday.

Link:

Season 1- Episode 6: Church’s Role in Trauma Competency specifically as it relates to our volunteer teams.

Fri, 20 May 2022 07:00:00 +0000

We will dig into this topic with Julie Cooper and a special guest, Kim Botto. This conversation will equip you to know how to approach the topic of trauma-informed care with your volunteer team and empower you to think through how we can use trauma competency to help us think more strategically about how we build our teams.

Welcome to the INCM Podcast.

For more information on the INCM or Trauma Free World, click the links below.

This twelve-episode season will launch on April 8th and will release each Friday.

Link:

Season 1- Episode 5: The Church’s Role in Trauma Competency: Senior Leadership and Staff

Fri, 13 May 2022 07:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we are going to be discussing the Church’s Role in Trauma Competency, specifically as it relates to senior leadership and staff. This conversation will equip you to know how to approach the topic of trauma-informed care as a church staff, as well as empower you to think through the ways this impacts how your church serves your community on a weekly basis

Welcome to the INCM Podcast.

For more information on the INCM or Trauma Free World, click the links below.

This twelve-episode season will launch on April 8th and will release each Friday.

Link:

Season 1- Episode 4: Facts: How Trauma Shows Up Behaviorally

Sat, 07 May 2022 14:05:00 +0000

In this episode, we are discussing how trauma shows up behaviorally in children. This is really going to help us as children’s ministry leaders to identify and more clearly understand some of the tough behaviors we can experience in our ministries

Welcome to the INCM Podcast.

For more information on the INCM or Trauma Free World, click the links below.

This twelve-episode season will launch on April 8th and will release each Friday.

Link:

Season 1- Episode 3: How Trauma Impacts the Child Biologically

Fri, 29 Apr 2022 04:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss How Trauma Impacts the Child Biologically with Julie Cooper and a special guest, Dr. Chris Corbett. This conversation will equip you to understand how trauma impacts a child’s biology, and it sets the foundation to understanding the way these impacts show up in behavior.

Welcome to the INCM Podcast.

For more information on the INCM or Trauma Free World, click the links below.

This twelve-episode season will launch on April 8th and will release each Friday.

Link:

Season 1- Episode 2: Debunking Common Misconceptions About Trauma

Fri, 22 Apr 2022 04:00:00 +0000

Today, we are going to be Debunking Common Misconceptions About Trauma with Julie Cooper and a special guest, Dr. Chris Corbett. This episode will equip you to understand how to address three common misconceptions that surround trauma.

Welcome to the INCM Podcast.

For more information on the INCM or Trauma Free World, click the links below.

This twelve-episode season will launch on April 8th and will release each Friday.

Link:

Season 1 Episode 1: Defining Trauma and Trauma-Informed Care

Fri, 15 Apr 2022 13:00:32 +0000

In this first episode, we’re setting a foundation for the entire series... answering questions like what is trauma? And what research supports the idea of trauma-informed care?

Welcome to the INCM Podcast.

For more information on the INCM or Trauma Free World, click the links below.

This twelve-episode season will launch on April 8th and will release each Friday.

Link:

Episode 0: Trailer

Fri, 08 Apr 2022 04:00:00 +0000

In partnership with Trauma Free World, the International Network of Children's Ministry presents Trauma-Informed Children's Ministry - a podcast series dedicated to equipping children's ministry teams in order to elevate trauma-informed care of kids and families in the Church. We believe children's ministry is the most futuristic and strategic ministry of the Church. When you're on the front lines of this crucial ministry, you need to be informed about how to effectively serve today's kids and equipped to create environments where ALL kids can meet with Jesus. And preparing you to do that is what this podcast is all about.

Welcome to the INCM Podcast.

For more information on the INCM or Trauma Free World, click the links below.

This twelve-episode season will launch on April 8th and will release each Friday.

Link: