{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"The Effective Ministry Podcast","title":"104 - Low Hanging Fruit For When Kids Are In | Meaghan Gates, Adam Jolliffe, Al James","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":2165,"description":"We’re thinking about how to make the most of when kids are in the room for church gatherings. In this episode of the Effective Ministry Podcast, Meaghan Gates, Adam Joliffe, and Al James share some simple, practical “low-hanging fruit” to help include children and young people meaningfully.We start with a core conviction: kids aren’t the “future church”—they’re full members of the body of Christ right now. From there, we reflect on how we can unintentionally “other” children, especially through the way we speak, and how small shifts in language can make a big difference.We talk about using accessible (simple, not simplistic) language, speaking directly to children rather than about them, and giving equal weight to both the main gathering and kids’ programs when children are dismissed. We also highlight the importance of celebrating children’s contributions as genuine ministry, not performance.When it comes to preaching, we share a range of practical ideas to help engage all ages—things like creating multiple entry points through sermon sheets, using clear prompts and simple challenges tied to the big idea, incorporating visuals, building in short discussion moments, and intentionally resetting attention throughout the sermon.If you’re planning for Easter—or any all-age gathering—these are ideas you can pick up and put into practice straight away.Timestamps\n00:00 — Easter and all-age services\n01:35 — Meet the hosts\n02:27 — Why kids belong in the church now\n03:41 — How language shapes culture\n06:35 — A story of preacher anxiety\n08:07 — Simple, not simplistic\n11:13 — Speaking directly to children\n13:51 — Valuing kids’ church alongside the main gathering\n15:09 — Celebrating ministry, not performance\n18:18 — Praise as ministry\n18:45 — Building momentum for kids serving\n20:48 — Preaching: low-hanging fruit\n22:48 — Sermon sheets and access points\n25:22 — Using a simple “challenge” hook\n27:38 — Visuals and interaction\n30:13 — Re-engaging attention\n33:09 — Building a...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/e9wz69HVGQz33IhyfFhfXQUDEnvIjch8vpx5yGcd9BQ/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9hMDBk/M2EzODQ5MWYwZjdk/MDc5NDVmNTUyZjY4/MGExOS5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}