Creatively Engaging the Next Generation with Ryan Cohen and Micayla Baldwin
NextGen Conversations
In this special pitch episode of NextGen Conversations, we hand the mic to two new ministry leaders who are imagining creative ways to engage with students and families who both do and don’t attend church. Ryan proposes gamifying Bible learning through theater, storytelling and D&D-inspired Sunday school adventures. Micayla shares a vision for turning her church into a “third space” for young families through weekday, chapel-style story time and unstructured play. About NextGen Conversations NextGen Conversations is a podcast that seeks to empower children’s, family, youth and...
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Creative Church Events with Revs. Martin Leathers and Shelly Nall
NextGen Conversations
In this special pitch episode of NextGen Conversations, we hand the mic to two seasoned ministry leaders with bold new ideas for connecting with students and families. Rev. Martin Leathers, students pastor and middle school director at The Gathering UMC, shares a plan for a traveling tailgate tour that brings free food, fun and authentic connection straight to high school football games. Rev. Shelly Nall, NextGen director at First UMC in Blue Springs, pitches a parent prom, a joy-filled night to honor and uplift exhausted moms, dads and caregivers. About NextGen Conversations NextGen...
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Choosing Curriculum with Janessa Aston and Mandy Phillips
NextGen Conversations
Who really has time to wade through all the available curriculums out there or even write your own curriculum? In this episode of NextGen Conversations, Janessa Aston and Mandy Phillips, youth and children’s leaders from Platte Woods UMC, share practical tips for finding resources that engage kids, equip leaders and reflect United Methodist values — without overloading already-stretched ministry schedules. Whether you’re full-time, part-time or a volunteer, this conversation will help you rethink how curriculum can serve your mission, not the other way around. About Janessa Janessa...
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Safer Sanctuaries with Rev. Shea James
NextGen Conversations
Safe Sanctuaries policies can sometimes feel like one more hoop to jump through when planning programming for kids and youth. Yet, with some planning and creative thinking, how your church implements its policy can be a strength. Rev. Shea James, director of youth and outdoor ministries at the West Virginia Conference of The United Methodist Church, shares examples and tips for creating a culture of safety at your local church. Related Resources About NextGen Conversations NextGen Conversations is a podcast that seeks to empower children’s, family, youth and college-aged leaders to...
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Marking Ministry Milestones with Morgan Scott and Rachel Whitmire-Griffith
NextGen Conversations
Whether you call it Launch Sunday, Promotion Sunday or something else, this special day is more than just a date on the calendar. It’s an opportunity to energize your church, engage families and set the tone for the season ahead. In this episode of NextGen Conversations, Morgan Scott, youth director at Cameron UMC, and Rachel Whitmire-Griffith, director of nextgen ministry at North Cross UMC, help us break down how to make a successful transition, whether it’s from second to third grade or moving up from children’s to youth ministry. Related Resources About NextGen Conversations...
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Intentional Discipleship with Chris Wilterdink
NextGen Conversations
In ministry, we talk about discipleship pathways, but what does that practically look like for our youngest disciples? In this episode of NextGen Conversations, Chris Wilterdink from UMC Discipleship Ministries discusses how churches can create intentional discipleship pathways that engage all ages, celebrate spiritual growth and build stronger faith communities. Plus, Chris shares about the faith-formation resources that are available to every United Methodist Church through Discipleship Ministries. About Chris Wilterdink Chris is the Executive Director of Congregational Vitality and...
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Getting Started in Intergenerational Ministry with Rev. Arden Ratcliff-Mann
NextGen Conversations
Intergenerational ministry seems like it should happen naturally, but building strong connections between generations takes intentionality and work. In this episode of NextGen Conversations, Rev. Arden Ratcliff-Mann, associate pastor at Liberty UMC, shares how churches can break down ministry silos and make church a place for all generations. Whether your church is large or small, this conversation will challenge you to rethink how all ages can worship, serve and grow together. About Arden Originally from Franklin, Tennessee, Arden lives in Liberty with her husband, Biff, and their three sons...
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The Volunteer Playbook with Annette Safstrom
NextGen Conversations
Laity is essential to the Methodist movement, and volunteers are the lifeblood of a thriving ministry. But how do you find them and keep them? Annette Safstrom, author and Ministry Architects consultant, shares practical strategies for recruiting, equipping and retaining volunteers. Whether you’re struggling to build a team or looking for ways to strengthen your volunteer culture, this episode is for you. About Annette Safstrom Annette fell in love with children’s ministry in the 1980s and has never looked back. After graduating from Bible college in 1991 with a certification in...
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Easter Without the Egg Hunt with Allie Hillman
NextGen Conversations
Easter is one of the biggest Sundays of the year, but how can local church leaders design meaningful experiences that go beyond the traditional egg hunt? In this episode, Allie Hillman from Waypoint UMC in Waynesville shares how they’re reimagining the family Easter experience. You’ll hear what Waypoint is planning for Easter 2025, and spoiler alert, it isn’t an egg hunt. About Allie Hillman Allie serves as the Family Ministry Director at Waypoint UMC in Waynesville, Missouri. About NextGen Conversations NextGen Conversations is a podcast that seeks to empower children’s, family, youth...
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Impactful Summer Experiences for the Next Generation
NextGen Conversations
Join us as we dive into the 2025 summer activity slate and showcase the exciting opportunities for children, youth and United Methodist churches in Missouri. Discover how day camps, overnight adventures, transformative mission trips, and the epic UNITE students conference are shaping faith, fostering relationships, and empowering the next generation. Related Resources About 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. Every episode features a conversation...
info_outlineThis 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. In our conversation we discuss their struggles and joys as well as how to best use technology to connect with young people. This conversation will definitely hit home for anyone that has children or works with them and will make you appreciate the teachers in your life a whole lot more.