In today’s episode, we explore how churches can become communities that genuinely value and include all ages, especially children. Instead of building a child-centric church, Professor Shannon Rains argues for building awareness that pays attention to all voices: young and old, male and female, outgoing and introverted. The body of Christ is a place where every member ought to play an essential role, yet it requires hard work to shape a culture where every member actually means EVERY member. Shannon offers us practical wisdom on how ministers can patiently advocate for change and how congregations can move beyond token diversity toward true inclusion. Together, we’ll discuss practical ways leaders can nurture belonging, foster unity across generations, and reflect the richness of God’s kingdom in their communities of faith and practice.

Shannon joined the faculty at Lubbock Christian University in 2016 after fifteen years in church ministry, specializing in children and family ministry. She has an MS and DMin from Abilene Christian University in Spiritual Formation. Shannon is the Graduate Certificate in Children’s Ministry Coordinator at LCU. Shannon regularly mentors ministers and church leaders. She consults with churches, assists them in developing a cohesive vision of children’s ministry, and provides support with the search process. In addition, Shannon is a resource for churches seeking more inclusive practices for women and children and frequently writes on the public inclusion of women’s leadership and intergenerational worship. Shannon regularly writes a newsletter, “The Children’s Wing,” on all the topics discussed by church volunteers in the resource room of the children’s wing – which is never limited to only the children’s ministry.

Jim Martin is an encourager to the core and an extraordinary mentor. In this episode we get a peak at what makes Jim the kind of person you just want to be with. He starts by sharing the important role three mentors played in his life as he moved from being a spiritually disconnected business student to becoming a minister. Jim understands the symbiotic nature of intergenerational connections between older and younger ministers. It is a relationship in which older ministers can offer hope and perspective while younger ones bring fresh energy and insights. Listen in as Jim talks about maintaining pure intentions, keeping a focus on mission, and remembering the lasting impact paying attention can have in the life of a church leader.

Jim served as Vice-President of Harding School of Theology in Memphis, Tennessee from January 2014 – August 2024. Before that, he served as a preaching minister for 36 years, including the Crestview Church of Christ in Waco, Texas from 1993 – 2013. He has also served churches in Missouri and Alabama. He was reared in Dallas and received his M. Div from Abilene Christian University and the D. Min from Harding School of Theology in Memphis, Tennessee. Jim has led a number of mentoring groups for church leaders. Jim writes a newsletter, “Jim Martin’s Encouragement Note.” Jim is a certified coach (ACC) and is invested in coaching ministers and other church leaders. Jim is husband to Charlotte, father to Christine and Jamie, father-in-law to Calvin, and grandfather to Brody, Lincoln, Sully and Elsie.