NextGen Conversations

NextGen Conversations is a podcast that seeks to empower children’s, family, youth and college-aged leaders to create dynamic, Christ-centered ministries. Local church leaders often don’t have the time, energy or resources required to reshape a nextgen program. Every episode features a conversation with a ministry leader and covers innovative solutions to common problems faced in churches today. We want to give you practical steps to transform the way you do ministry. It’s time to get in on the conversation!

Innovative Kids Ministry with Westside Church in Kearney 04/27/2021

Innovative Kids Ministry with Westside Church in Kearney At Westside Church, a two-year-old satellite campus of First UMC (Kearney), a little grant money and creativity took the kid's ministry to the next level. Through digital mediums and activity box deliveries, the church kept connecting with families despite the strange circumstances of 2020. Listen as Children's Director Nicolle Downing and Site Pastor Mitch Buhman share what worked, what didn't and what they'll keep doing as we enter into a new season of ministry. /episode/index/show/nextgenconversations/id/18870269

Meet the Staff with Maggie Lohmeyer 10/27/2020

Meet the Staff with Maggie Lohmeyer In our final episode of Season 1, we’re in conversation with Maggie Lohmeyer, NextGen youth specialist at the Missouri Conference. Maggie shares a little about her background in ministry and how through her work with NextGen she aims to connect youth leaders and youth. This episode highlights some of the networking events, youth group programs and resources NextGen makes available to local churches in Missouri. /episode/index/show/nextgenconversations/id/16554692

Discipling Children with Rev. Tadd Kruithoff 10/20/2020

Discipling Children with Rev. Tadd Kruithoff This week we’re in conversation with Rev. Tadd Kruithoff to discuss how Trinity UMC in Piedmont, Missouri, does discipleship. Instead of focusing on facts alone, Kruithoff and his team lean into the relational aspect of discipleship through Holy Listening. This method allows kids to lead the conversation while volunteers guide the discussion, teaching children to see God in everyday life. /episode/index/show/nextgenconversations/id/16448159

The Awakened Life with Rev. Angie Olsen 10/13/2020

The Awakened Life with Rev. Angie Olsen Social life, schoolwork, family drama and social media: Even without a pandemic, students and leaders have a lot on their plates. The Awakened Life, written by Rev. Angie Olsen and Sarah Bollinger, offers an invitation to peace and silence amid the chaos of life. This week we’re in conversation with one of the book’s authors, Angie Olsen, to discuss the importance of silence and meditation. /episode/index/show/nextgenconversations/id/16372400

Youth Mentoring with Becca Boren 10/06/2020

Youth Mentoring with Becca Boren Becca Boren, director of youth and young adult ministries at Good Shepherd in Kansas City, shows us how to turn the standard youth ministry model on its head and allow youth to mentor youth in a meaningful way. /episode/index/show/nextgenconversations/id/16280798

Teaching During COVID-19 09/29/2020

Teaching During COVID-19 This week we’re in conversation with a panel of elementary teachers from all over Missouri to discuss what it’s like to teach during COVID-19. Pandemic life is hard enough for everyone but being a teacher may be one of the most difficult professions right now. This conversation will definitely hit home for anyone that has children or works with them and will make you appreciate the teachers a whole lot more. /episode/index/show/nextgenconversations/id/16193834

Family Life During COVID-19 09/22/2020

Family Life During COVID-19 Life during COVID is challenging right now. This week we sit down with a panel of four families with elementary-aged children to discuss what life has been like navigating quarantine, mask culture and school as it continues evolve. This honest and real insight into their lives will help shape how churches view ministry right now and why family ministry still holds incredible value. These families share what works for them and how churches can step up to the plate in their lives to make a real difference. /episode/index/show/nextgenconversations/id/16099619

Family Outreach with Mona Candea 09/15/2020

Family Outreach with Mona Candea This week we’re in conversation with Mona Candea, Children’s Ministry Coordinator at Grace UMC in Olathe, Kansas. Mona walks us through the challenging world of COVID-era family ministry. She and her team have evolved the way that they do ministry over the last year, and Mona has a lot of great ideas to share with churches that are struggling with where to start. Through use of new digital media and innovative outreach, there’s a little something for every church to learn. /episode/index/show/nextgenconversations/id/15975116

Family Ministry with Sarah DeClue 09/03/2020

Family Ministry with Sarah DeClue With the world the way that it is right now, connecting with kids and families outside of church walls is increasingly important. Sarah chats about the importance of including the whole family in a children’s ministry program and offers some great places to get started at your own church, regardless of size. /episode/index/show/nextgenconversations/id/15875195

NextGen Conversations

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