Welcome to Episode 19 of the Grow Your Ministry Podcast with Brooklyn Lindsey.

In this episode, Brooklyn shares what to do when attendance in your ministry isn’t where you hoped it would be. Whether it’s a random dip or a trend that’s got you worried, Brooklyn offers practical and honest steps to help you respond without panicking. You’ll walk away with encouragement, a new way to evaluate what’s really going on, and a fresh perspective on what healthy growth really looks like.

What We Cover:

• How to not panic when your attendance fluctuates!
• 7 problems that might be hurting your attendance.
• Why quick fixes can't create healthy, sustainable growth (and what can).

For More:
Visit growcurriculum.org/blog for more ministry ideas, helpful tools, and the full show blog from this episode.

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Host: Brooklyn Lindsey

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• (00:10) - Welcome

Welcome to Episode 18 of the Grow Your Ministry Podcast with Danny Sugimoto.

In this episode, Danny walks through one of the simplest and most impactful events you can host for families in your ministry—a Parent and Small Group Leader Breakfast. If you’ve ever struggled to get parents more involved or wanted to show them what small group leaders are really about, this is an event you’ll want to try. You’ll hear why this strategy works, how to plan it, and how to turn it into a yearly rhythm that strengthens your ministry.

What We Cover:

• Why it’s so hard to get parents involved—and what to do about it
• How to host a meaningful Parent & Small Group Leader Breakfast
• Tips to make your space (and your leaders!) feel welcoming and personal

For More:
Visit growcurriculum.org/blog for more ministry ideas, helpful tools, and the full show blog from this episode.
Looking for more family engagement events? Check out Episode 7 to hear about our Annual Family Strategy, including how to host an Open House and Parent Workshop.

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Host: Danny Sugimoto

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• (00:10) - Welcome

Welcome to episode 17 of the Grow Your Ministry Podcast with Danny Sugimoto.

In this episode, Danny shares how you can better support kids and teenagers when they experience a crisis. Whether it’s something serious like abuse or something that feels serious to them (like a falling out with a friend), crises show up in all kinds of ways, and it’s our job to be ready. From recognizing what counts as a crisis to knowing when to refer for help, you’ll walk away with five clear steps you can take to care for the kids and teenagers you serve.

Content Warning: This episode includes sensitive topics like abuse, suicide, and self-harm. Please listen with care.

What We Cover:

• How to understand a crisis from a kid or teenager’s perspective
• 5 ways you can help them in a crisis situation
• 3 resources for more training, tools, and tips for making a safety plan

For More:

Visit growcurriculum.org/blog for more ministry ideas, helpful tools, and the full show blog from this episode. Here are a few resources mentioned:

• Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
• Self-Injury Outreach & Support: sioutreach.org

Need more help navigating tough conversations and crisis planning in your ministry? Grow Curriculum includes volunteer training guides, parent communication tools, and response strategies to help you lead with confidence. Try a free month at growcurriculum.org/free-trial.

Host: Danny Sugimoto

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• (00:10) - Welcome

Welcome to Episode 16 of the Grow Your Ministry Podcast with Danny Sugimoto!

In this episode, Danny shares four essential tips to help small group leaders feel more confident and equipped—whether they’re leading kids, teenagers, or both. Being a small group leader is a big deal, but it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. From understanding your role to building spiritual habits with your group, this episode is packed with practical advice for leading meaningful conversations and building lasting relationships.

What We Cover:

• Why small group leaders are so important to your ministry.
• How small group leaders lead and facilitate discipleship
• 4 helpful tips to become a better small group leader

For More:

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

• 4 Tips for Leading Kids in Small Groups
• 4 Tips for Leading Teenagers in Small Groups

Looking to train your small group leaders or become a better one yourself? Grow Curriculum includes training materials, leader guides, discussion questions, and habit-building activities to help small groups thrive. 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 15 of the Grow Your Ministry Podcast with Brooklyn Lindsey!

In this episode, Brooklyn shares how to market your church events beyond the basics. Getting the word out is critical for a great turnout, but traditional methods like flyers and church announcements can only go so far. By using inclusive language, leveraging digital tools, and engaging with local businesses, you can create more opportunities for people to connect with your ministry.

What We Cover:

• How inclusive language can expand your reach and make everyone feel welcome.
• Why social media, email, and texts are essential for effective event promotion.
• How partnering with local businesses can boost your event’s visibility.

For More:

Visit growcurriculum.org/blog for more ministry ideas and strategies. Check out the full blog post:
How to Nail Event Marketing: Your Comprehensive Guide to Success

Looking for a better way to engage your community? Grow Curriculum provides a full strategy for planning and promoting events, including communication templates, social media graphics, and volunteer coordination tools. Try a free month of Grow Curriculum at growcurriculum.org/free-trial.

Host: Brooklyn Lindsey

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

• (00:10) - Welcome

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

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• (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