Ever feel like you're not doing enough to help your children grow in faith?

Maybe family devotions don't happen as often as you'd like. Maybe life feels too busy, too messy, or too exhausting. Maybe you're carrying a quiet sense of guilt that everyone else seems to have it figured out.

In this episode, I'm joined by Lucy Rycroft from The Hope-Filled Family to talk about what discipleship really looks like in everyday family life.

We explore why faith formation is about so much more than ticking spiritual boxes, how God meets us in ordinary moments, and why the pressure many Christian parents feel may be pointing them in the wrong direction.

Along the way, Lucy shares honest stories from her own family, practical wisdom for nurturing faith at home, and a refreshing reminder that God is at work even when our efforts feel small.

If you've ever wondered whether you're getting it right, this conversation is for you.

Lucy's new book, What Would Jesus Do? 52 Devotions For Tweens is available here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Would-Family-Devotional-Preteens-Parents/dp/B0G248CJJR/

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Burnout in kids ministry is real. Many leaders only last a few years before the weight of it all becomes too much. So how do you stay in ministry for the long haul without running on empty?

In this final episode of Building Thriving Kids Ministry, Jo Hobbis sits down with Hannah Aske from TenFour Ministries to talk honestly about burnout, calling, and what it really takes to keep going in children’s ministry.

Hannah shares openly about the seasons when she felt like quitting (including a time when she was so exhausted she was crying most weeks). But she also shares the lessons God has taught her along the way about rest, community, and remembering why you started in the first place.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, stretched too thin, or wondered how long you can keep doing this work, this conversation will help you breathe again.

In this episode you’ll discover:

• Why knowing your God-given “why” is essential for staying in kids ministry
• The difference between physical rest and spiritual rest (and why both matter)
• How trying to carry everything yourself leads to burnout
• Why planned retreat days and time with God aren’t luxuries, they’re essential
• How mentors, friends, and accountability can sustain you in ministry
• The freeing truth that God cares more about your heart than your productivity

Hannah also shares the powerful reminder that we can’t pour into children and families if we’re running on empty ourselves.

Before we lead others, we need to be filled.

If you’re a kids ministry leader who wants to build something that lasts, this episode is for you.

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What does it take to help the next generation discover the hope of Jesus?

Hope Cake is a podcast for Jesus-followers with kids in their lives — parents, children’s ministry leaders, volunteers, and anyone who cares about faith in the next generation.

Hosted by Jo Hobbis, mum and volunteer kids’ ministry leader, the podcast brings you warm, honest conversations with leading voices in children’s ministry. Together we explore how to help children know Jesus, grow in faith, and experience the hope of the gospel.

Pull up a chair — you’re invited.

Follow Hope Cake so you don’t miss upcoming conversations, because just like cake, hope is always better when it’s shared.

Support the show

Never miss an episode - follow Hope Cake on socials @hopecakepod