Podcasts

ERICA STRICKLEN AND
KELLY HENSLEY

In the Season 1 finale episode, host Andy Berry welcomes Erica Stricklen and Kelly Hensley to discuss their experiences in children's ministry, the importance of pursuing education in this field, and the challenges and joys of engaging with families and children. They share insights on intentional teaching, building community among parents, and strategies for overcoming feelings of guilt when parents miss church. The conversation emphasizes the need for connection and support within the church community, highlighting innovative ideas for fostering relationships among families.

DEE HANSEL

Dee Hansel discusses her role in the Nurturing Faith Collective, focusing on building resources from Bethel graduates to support family ministry. She emphasizes the importance of intergenerational mentorship and creating a team culture within the church. Dee shares insights on celebrating milestones together and the significance of aligning different age groups in ministry. The conversation highlights practical strategies for ministry leaders to enhance their programs while maintaining a focus on relationships and personal well-being.

KATHLEEN JAOUDI

Kathleen Jaoudi explores the growth of her church and how it has become a welcoming space for families. She shares insights on integrating worship experiences for children and families, the importance of community engagement, and her vision for future events that foster family involvement. Kathleen shares practical insights on how to meet families where they are, capitalize on natural energy around events, and provide support during significant life transitions. The discussion also touches on the importance of not overwhelming families with too many events and the need for ministry leaders to focus on what truly matters.

DR TRISHA PEACH

Dr. Trisha Peach shares her experiences and insights on children's ministry, social media marketing, and the importance of volunteer leadership. She discusses her unique role within the Nurturing Faith Collective, the challenges of adapting to new technologies, and the value of building a supportive community in ministry. Trisha emphasizes the need for passion and purpose in ministry, regardless of whether one is a paid staff member or a volunteer, and encourages leaders to embrace change and seek help when needed.

DANIKA MOUBAYED AND
KATIE BLISS

Katie Bliss and Danika Moubayed talk about their roles within the writing initiative of the Nurturing Faith Collective. They share their personal experiences in children's ministry, aspirations for writing, and the challenges they face in their respective ministries. The conversation emphasizes the importance of starting small in faith practices, the need for resources that address common questions children have about God, and the significance of creating a supportive community for families. The episode concludes with encouragement for leaders and parents to find rest and maintain a consistent rhythm in their ministry and family.

KRISTI SCHELHAAS

Kristi Schelhaas, a new member of the collective and Children's Ministry Director at Calvary Baptist in Yankton, South Dakota. Kristi shares her journey into ministry and the challenges and joys of working with children and families in a church setting. The conversation explores the evolution of children's ministry, the importance of engaging families, and the innovative approaches Kristi is implementing to foster faith in the next generation.

TINA WALLACE AND
TANIA KOPPLIN

Tina Wallace and Tania Kopplin to discuss the launch of a coaching initiative aimed at supporting parents, ministry leaders, and faith influencers. The conversation covers the structure of their coaching sessions, the target audience, and the significance of listening and asking the right questions. They also share practical insights from practice sessions and discuss navigating transitions in ministry, encouraging those feeling burnt out to seek God's guidance.

PAULA MAZZA

Paula Mazza is the Director of Children's and Preteen Ministries at Solana Beach Presbyterian Church, Founder of the Grace in Real Time Podcast and PreteenMentalHealth.com. She shares her journey in ministry, emphasizing the importance of focusing on preteens and addressing mental health issues among youth. She discusses her educational pursuits at Bethel Seminary and the need for trained leaders in children's ministry. The conversation highlights the significance of building community resources for mental wellness and offers encouragement for leaders facing burnout.

JAMIE LANE

Jamie Lane shares his journey from being a pastor's kid to becoming a family ministries director at a larger church. He discusses the challenges and joys of transitioning to a new ministry context, the importance of empowering others in leadership, and the need for intentional engagement with families. Jamie emphasizes the significance of celebrating small wins in ministry and encourages leaders to persevere, even when the results are not immediately visible.

DR LUZ GALVEZ DE FIGUEROA

Dr. Luz Galvez De Figueroa, the founder of Entre Niños, discusses her extensive work in Latino ministry and child discipleship. Dr. Luz shares her journey in developing a certificate program for Latino leaders, the importance of training and resources, and the impact of the book she co-authored, Partnering Church and Home: Discipleship for the Next Generation. The conversation emphasizes the significance of building relationships within communities, the transformative nature of spiritual formation, and the need for collaboration between church and home. Dr. Luz also reflects on her personal experiences in ministry and the challenges leaders face today.

JEFF WELDON

Jeff Weldon, Next Gen Pastor and Church Planter at Belonging Community Church in Urbanna, MD, shares his journey of planting a new church with his wife, discussing the challenges and joys of family involvement in ministry. He emphasizes the importance of establishing core values, engaging children in the church's mission, and the necessity of community support. Jeff offers valuable insights for new leaders in ministry, highlighting the significance of partnerships and the need for grace in the face of challenges. The conversation concludes with reflections on finding strength in faith and community amidst the trials of church planting.

DR. DENISE MUIR-KJESBO

Dr. Denise Muir-Kjesbo is the Program Director for the Master's of Arts in Children, Youth and Family Ministry at Bethel Seminary, Director of the Cory Center for Children's Ministry, and serves on the Executive Team for the Nurturing Faith Collective. In this episode, she discusses insights from the book she's co-authored, Partnering Church and Home: Discipleship for the Next Generation, and why family ministry leaders and faith influencers should remain committed to the vision to partner the family and the local church in the discipleship of children.

TEASER EPISODE

Teaser episode of the new podcast, The Nurturing Faith Collective Podcast, a conversation with innovative ministry leaders, parents and faith influencers who are fostering a strong partnership between the church and the home.

Meet our Podcast Hosts

  • Kelly Hensley

    Kelly lives with her husband, Jason and two children Jacob and Karlie in St. Albans, WV. She is the Children’s Ministry Director at First Baptist Church of St. Albans where she serves birth to fifth grade. Kelly is a graduate of Bethel Seminary with a Masters in Children, Youth and Family Ministry and is pursuing her Doctorate in Family and Congregational Care. Kelly is very passionate about Children’s Ministry and strives to invest in each and every child in her ministry.  Learning from and connecting with others in Children’s Ministry is one of her greatest joys. In her spare time Kelly enjoys spending time with family, reading and crafting.  

  • Erica Stricklen

    Erica and her husband, John, live in Tennessee with their two boys and dog. When she’s not baking, crafting, or refereeing her boys, you can find her in the mountains hiking waterfalls, or at Target. She’s the Children’s Pastor at Seymour Heights Christian Church, where she partners with parents to raise their children to love Jesus. A Bethel Seminary MACYFM grad, she also teaches ministry classes at her other alma mater, Johnson University. She loves mentoring, training, and collaborating with other pastors to extend the Kingdom of God.