The Nurturing Faith Collective Podcast is a conversation with innovative ministry leaders, parents and faith influencers who are fostering a strong partnership between the church and the home. Hosted by Kelly Hensley and Erica Stricklen in partnership with Bethel Seminary, GrowthRings, and Entre Niños.
2.8 - Preteens and smells, it all matters- James Tressen and Becky Nelson
Most parents think the preteen years are all about surviving mood swings and screens. The bigger issue is this: your kid is being shaped by a flood of voices, and the church has a narrow window to help anchor their faith before middle school changes everything. Becky Nelson and Jamie Tressen pull back the curtain on what preteens and young teenagers really need right now, and why this stage is one of the most spiritually influential of all. Becky brings 20 years of leading children’s ministry in Michigan, six kids of her own, and a front-row seat to the emotional intensity, identity questions, and tech pressure families are facing. Jamie shares 25 years in ministry, a thriving preteen ministry in Colorado, and the kind of real-world perspective that comes from parenting a wide age span of adopted and foster kids.
25 Sept 2026
2.7- Less Complexity, More Simplicity - Tate Harrison
Most kids ministry problems are not solved with bigger programs; they are solved with simpler, more human moments. Tate Harrison shares the counterintuitive approach that is reshaping how children learn, connect, and grow in faith right now.If you lead kids, parent kids, or feel like every spiritual habit at home has to be elaborate to matter, this conversation will feel like a relief. Tate, Kelly Hensley, and Erica unpack why children’s attention spans have changed, why authenticity matters more than ever, and why the smallest acts of care can leave the deepest mark. Our guests' philosophy is refreshingly clear: there is no cookie-cutter pattern for every family, but there is a better way to start with grace, consistency, and intention. In a world of texts, emails, and notifications, personal connection still cuts through.If you need encouragement to stop overcomplicating discipleship and start building faith into real life, this episode is essential listening. Perfect for kids pastors, parents, volunteers, and anyone trying to help children meet Jesus in ways that actually stick.
28 Aug 2026
Episode 2.6 - Sam Luce Teaching Kids Theology
In this episode of the Nurturing Faith Collective Podcast, Kelly and Erica welcome pastor and author Sam Luce for a rich conversation about helping kids grow a deep, lasting faith. Sam shares insights from his book How to Teach Kids Theology: Deep Truths for Growing Faith, explaining why children need more than simplified Bible stories—they need the full story of God. Together, they explore why theology matters for kids, how catechesis can support both parents and ministry leaders, and why watering down faith leaves children unprepared for real life. Sam also offers practical encouragement for discipling kids with honesty, depth, and confidence in their ability to understand more than we often assume. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, faith influencer, or children’s ministry leader, this conversation will challenge and encourage you to teach kids a faith that is strong, rooted, and built to last.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
4 ratings
Contact Nurturing Faith Collective Podcast
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of Nurturing Faith Collective Podcast?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
