Welcome to Episode 14 of the Grow Your Ministry Podcast with Dr. Linda Moon!

In this episode, Dr. Linda Moon explores how we can make Scripture memorization an engaging and meaningful experience for kids. From simple verses like John 11:35 to creative techniques that keep kids motivated, we’re diving into practical strategies that help children internalize God’s Word in ways that stick.

What We Cover:

• Why memorizing Scripture should be easier for kids.
• How to keep kids motivated to memorize Scripture.
• Fun and practical ways to help kids memorize Bible verses.

Read the full blog for more!

Bonus Resource: Want to make Scripture memorization even easier? Grow Curriculum provides engaging resources, memory verse activities, and worship songs to help kids connect with God’s Word. Try a free month of Grow Curriculum at growcurriculum.org/free-trial.

Host: Dr. Linda Moon

Be sure to subscribe for more practical training and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

• (00:10) - Welcome

Welcome to Episode 13 of the Grow Your Ministry Podcast with Danny Sugimoto, Executive Director of Product Strategy!

In this episode, Danny shares how to plan parent meetings that families actually want to attend. Too often, parent meetings feel like a formality—packed with information but lacking connection. But when done right, these meetings can build trust, create opportunities for partnership, and help parents feel more engaged in their kids’ spiritual growth. Learn how to schedule, structure, and lead parent meetings that are effective, efficient, and valuable.

What We Cover:

• Why parent meetings matter (and when to have them).
• The four types of parent meetings every ministry needs.
• How to schedule meetings strategically so they serve a purpose.

For More:

Visit growcurriculum.org/blog for more ministry ideas and strategies. Check out the full blog post:

• How to Plan Parent Meetings Families Will Attend

Bonus Resource:

Looking for done-for-you parent meeting resources? Grow Curriculum provides a full strategy for connecting with families, including meeting guides, discussion questions, family events, and more. Try a free month of Grow Curriculum at growcurriculum.org/free-trial.

Host: Danny Sugimoto

Be sure to subscribe for more practical training and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

• (00:10) - Welcome

Welcome to Episode 12 of the Grow Your Ministry Podcast with Jason Sivewright, Creative Lead!

In this episode, Jason walks through a step-by-step guide to planning ministry events that are fun, meaningful, and stress-free. Whether you’re organizing a small gathering or a large-scale event, you’ll learn how to set clear goals, create engaging themes, and manage logistics to ensure everything runs smoothly.

What We Cover:

• The four key phases of event planning.
• How to clarify your event’s goal and structure it for maximum impact.
• Creative ways to develop an engaging theme and immersive environment.
• And more!

For More:

Visit growcurriculum.org/blog for more ministry ideas and strategies. Check out the full blog posts:

• How to Plan a Youth Ministry Event
• How to Plan a Kids Ministry Event

Bonus Resource:

Want to make event planning even easier? Grow Curriculum provides ready-to-go event guides, graphics, themes, and planning tools to help you create amazing experiences. Try a free month of Grow Curriculum at growcurriculum.org/free-trial.

Host: Jason Sivewright

Be sure to subscribe for more practical training and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

• (00:10) - Welcome

Welcome to Episode 11 of the Grow Your Ministry Podcast with Danny Sugimoto, Executive Director of Product Strategy!

In this episode, Danny unpacks the importance of using icebreakers to connect with kids and teenagers in small groups. Whether you’re leading a group of energetic kids or reserved teenagers, you’ll learn how to break the ice, build trust, and ease your group into meaningful conversations.

What We Cover:

• Why icebreakers are essential for small group conversations.
• How icebreakers can pave the way for deeper discussions about faith.
• Six creative icebreakers to use with kids and teenagers.

For More:

Visit growcurriculum.org/blog for more tips and strategies, or try a free month of Grow Curriculum at growcurriculum.org/free-trial. Check out the full blog posts:
5 Icebreakers for Connecting with Kids
5 Icebreakers for Connecting with Teenagers

Bonus Resource:

Want to add more fun to your ministry? Check out the Grow Games App at games.stuffyoucanuse.org for hundreds of ready-to-play games that kids and teenagers will love!

Host: Danny Sugimoto

Be sure to subscribe for more practical training and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

• (00:10) - Welcome

Welcome to Episode 10 of the Grow Your Ministry Podcast with Danny Sugimoto, Executive Director of Product Strategy!

In this episode, Danny walks through the 13 building blocks we use to help make teaching unforgettable and engaging. You’ll discover practical ways to help kids and teenagers grow spiritually while keeping them engaged and having fun.

What We Cover:

• Why we should think strategically about how we approach teaching.
• The What? So What? Now What? Teaching structure.
• 13 different building blocks or elements that we use to help create engaging lessons for kids and teenagers.

For More:
Visit growcurriculum.org/blog for more tips and strategies, or try a free month of Grow Curriculum at growcurriculum.org/free-trial. Check out the full blog posts for kids and teenagers.

Host: Danny Sugimoto

Be sure to subscribe for more practical training and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

• (00:10) - Welcome
• (01:31) - 13 Building Blocks for Teaching
• (09:24) - Wrap Up

Welcome to Episode 9 of the Grow Your Ministry Podcast with Jason Sivewright, Creative Lead!
In this episode, Jason unpacks one of the most important (but often overlooked) parts of hosting an event: the debrief. You’ve pulled off a successful event, taken a nap, and now it’s time to figure out… what would we do differently next time? Jason shares five essential questions to help you and your team learn, grow, and create even better events in the future.

What We Cover:

• Why debriefing your ministry events is essential for growth.
• Five key questions to ask after every event.
• How to celebrate wins, identify improvements, and engage your team.
• Practical tips for reviewing events with your volunteers and ministry families.

Visit growcurriculum.org/blog or try a free month of Grow Curriculum at growcurriculum.org/free-trial. And check out the full blog:
5 Questions to Ask After Every Ministry Event

Host: Jason Sivewright, Creative Lead

Be sure to subscribe for more practical training and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

• (00:10) - Welcome
• (01:53) - 5 Questions to Ask After Your Events

Welcome to Episode 8 of the Grow Your Ministry Podcast with Danny Sugimoto, Executive Director of Product Strategy!
In this episode, Danny unpacks the essentials of taking your ministry online and shares practical strategies for engaging kids, teenagers, and families in a digital space. With these tips and formats, you’ll discover how to create meaningful online connections while maintaining the heart of your ministry.

What We Cover:

• Why online ministry matters for kids and teenagers.
• Two formats for taking your children's ministry online.
• Three formats for taking your youth ministry online.

Key Points:

• Why Online Ministry Matters: Connecting with families digitally ensures flexibility and accessibility, meeting them wherever they are.
• Formats for Kids Ministry: Explore live and pre-recorded options for lessons, activities, and worship.
• Formats for Youth Ministry: Engage teenagers through live streams, interactive small groups, or on-demand content.
• Practical Steps: Tailor your approach to your group’s needs and ministry goals, and simplify the process with tools like Grow Curriculum.

For More:

Visit growcurriculum.org/blog or try a free month of Grow Curriculum at growcurriculum.org/free-trial. And check out the full blog:

• Taking Your Children's Ministry Online
• Taking Your Youth Ministry Online

Host: Danny Sugimoto

Be sure to subscribe for more practical training and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

• (00:10) - Welcome
• (01:48) - Taking Your Ministry Online
• (10:03) - Wrap Up

Welcome to Episode 7 of the Grow Your Ministry Podcast with Elle Campbell, co-founder of Stuff You Can Use! In this episode, Elle unpacks the essentials of family ministry and shares a strategic framework for engaging and supporting parents. With this Annual Family Strategy, you’ll learn how to invest in families consistently throughout the year, helping you build stronger relationships and foster trust with parents.

What We Cover:

• The two common mistakes ministries make when engaging parents.
• How to build trust with parents by reevaluating expectations.
• The seven ways to invest in families all year round.

Key Points:

• Two Common Mistakes: Forgetting to include parents or becoming frustrated when they don't meet ministry expectations. Elle suggests focusing on building trust instead.
• 7 Investment Strategies: Discover Grow Curriculum’s framework for family engagement.
• Annual Planning: With a structured approach, family ministry can be sustainable and impactful, creating lasting relationships and support for parents.

For More:

Visit growcurriculum.org/blog or try a free month of Grow Curriculum at growcurriculum.org/free-trial.

Host: Elle Campbell

Be sure to subscribe for more practical training and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

• (00:10) - Welcome
• (02:09) - An Annual Family Strategy
• (27:17) - Wrap Up