Deep Roots Leadership

What if we taught kids more than just how to pray, but how to depend on God through prayer?
In this episode of the Deep Roots Leadership Podcast, Jerry Welch sits down with Kids Minister Gretchen Mahan to discuss the importance of Dependent Prayer and how we can model it for the next generation. From creating intentional opportunities for kids to pray to helping leaders make prayer a natural part of their ministry, they explore practical ways to cultivate a lifelong dependence on God. Because teaching kids to pray isn’t just about building a spiritual habit — it’s about helping them develop a relationship with the God who hears them.

What if the moments that remind us we can’t do it on our own are actually invitations to deeper dependence on God?
In this episode of the Deep Roots Leadership Podcast, Jerry Welch sits down with Preschool Minister Christi Kelly to talk about dependent prayer and what it looks like in both life and ministry. Christi shares how recognizing our own insufficiency can lead to greater peace, joy, and trust in God — from navigating demanding seasons of motherhood to leading and serving preschoolers each week. Together, they explore practical ways preschool leaders can build a culture of prayer, model dependence on God for young children, and help preschoolers begin developing habits of prayer that can prepare their hearts for a lifetime of following Jesus.

Extraordinary hospitality is more than being nice — it’s making room for people in our lives.
In this episode of the Deep Roots Leadership Podcast, Jerry Welch talks with Adults Minister Drew Baum about how biblical hospitality should shape both our church gatherings and our everyday relationships. They discuss practical ways life group leaders can prepare for guests, help people feel included, follow up intentionally, and create space for deeper connection. Drew also challenges adults to make hospitality part of their regular rhythm by opening their homes, investing in others, and looking for opportunities to show the love of Christ in tangible ways.

Extraordinary hospitality is more than making someone feel welcome — it’s making sure they feel seen.
In this episode of the Deep Roots Leadership Podcast, Jerry Welch talks with Student Minister Ford Rigney about what hospitality looks like in student and college ministry. They discuss why meaningful connection takes time and intentionality, how leaders can move beyond surface-level conversations, and why helping students build relationships with one another matters. Ford also shares practical ways leaders can create spaces where students feel known, valued, invited, and connected to the life of the church.

Extraordinary hospitality is more than being friendly — it’s helping people know they have a place and that they matter.
In this episode of the Deep Roots Leadership Podcast, Jerry Welch talks with Kids Minister Gretchen Mahan about what biblical hospitality looks like in kids ministry. They discuss the importance of greeting children by name, helping guests feel comfortable, building friendships between kids, connecting with parents, and creating spaces that communicate, “We were ready for you.” Gretchen also shares why hospitality often means going out of our way for others and how leaders can model this value so children learn to welcome, serve, and care for others themselves.

Hospitality is showing someone through our words and actions, “You are important to me, and I’m happy to serve you.”
In this episode of the Deep Roots Leadership Podcast, Jerry Welch sits down with Preschool Minister Christi Kelly to explore Colonial Heights’ value of extraordinary hospitality and what it looks like in preschool ministry. From welcoming families and caring for individual needs to building relationships with children who may be harder to reach, Christi shares how simple, intentional acts of service can communicate the love of Jesus. They also discuss how preschool leaders can begin laying a foundation of hospitality in even the youngest children by teaching them to be kind, serve others, and welcome people in.

Biblical community is more than having people around us — it’s having people who help us become more like Jesus.
This week, Jerry Welch talks with Adult Minister Drew Baum about building meaningful community through life groups, intentional discipleship, care, evangelism, and service. Drew shares how adult ministry can help people move from simply attending church to becoming growing disciples who invest in others. They also discuss the need for new leaders and groups, and why unity around Christ matters so deeply in a divided world.

Students need people who will love them, walk with them, and keep pointing them to God’s Word.
This week, Jerry Welch talks with Student Minister Ford Rigney about building relationships that help students develop a faith of their own. They discuss connecting with parents, helping teenagers navigate questions about faith and identity, and creating a ministry where every student feels seen, heard, and loved. Ford also shares how Colonial Heights is strengthening parent partnerships and giving students new opportunities to grow through leadership, missions, and discipleship.

The greatest investment we can make in children is helping them know the God who never changes.
This week, Jerry Welch welcomes Kids Minister Gretchen Mahan to talk about the heart behind Kids Ministry at Colonial Heights. Gretchen shares her vision for raising children who trust God’s Word, develop meaningful relationships with caring leaders, and grow in prayer and discipleship. From partnering with parents to creating environments where children feel known, loved, and secure, this episode offers encouragement for every volunteer and family investing in the next generation.

Deep roots begin long before children can put their faith into words.
This week, Jerry Welch sits down with new Preschool Minister Christi Kelly to hear her story, her vision for preschool ministry, and her passion for partnering with parents. Together, they explore why relationships matter, how the church can support young families, and the foundational role preschool ministry plays in helping children know who God is and what Jesus has done for them. It’s an encouraging conversation for every volunteer, parent, and leader investing in the next generation.