On this episode of the Elevate Podcast, Renee Blain hosts a conversation with Todd Villemont and Amy Keys about ministry to preschoolers and their families. The early years of parenting represent both a critical spiritual formation window and a time when many adults are most open to faith conversations. These ministry leaders explore how churches can seize this pivotal moment—when families are establishing patterns and parents are actively seeking guidance—to build relationships that will impact both child and parent discipleship for years to come.

This discussion goes beyond classroom management to explore the critical partnership between church and home during the formative preschool years. From identifying expectant parents to facilitating parent-child dedication ceremonies, from creating spaces for authentic parent community to empowering families for mission, our guests share practical strategies that have strengthened families and pointed children toward Jesus.

Meet the Speakers:

• Renee Blain: Associate Preschool Minister at Brentwood Baptist with 30 years of experience in preschool ministry and mother of two adult daughters.
• Todd Villemont: Preschool Minister at Brentwood Baptist with 13 years in children’s ministry, father of two children ages 8 and 12.
• Amy Keys: Preschool Minister at the Church at Station Hill for 7 years, mother of three grown children ages 19-22.

Topics Discussed in This Episode:

• 1:31 – Introduction to our panel of preschool ministry experts
• 3:14 – Identifying and reaching out to new and expectant parents
• 6:02 – Introducing the New & Expectant Parents Class structure and content
• 10:47 – What parent-child dedication looks like and why it matters
• 13:53 – Common parenting questions and how to provide support
• 16:48 – Creating spaces for parents to build community and find support
• 21:20 – Gospel conversations with preschoolers: why and how
• 24:19 – Equipping parents to lead Bible reading at home
• 26:18 – Family service opportunities and mission experiences for preschoolers

Resources Mentioned:

• The “Five Gs” framework for discipleship (Gospel Conversations, Groups, Gather, Give, Go)
• Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family (with Study Questions) by Paul David Tripp