Oct. 15, 2026

194: When Kids Disrupt Church: Look Beyond the Behavior

Show Notes

A child won’t sit still, interrupts the lesson, or lashes out at another child. Your volunteers are frustrated. Their parents are bracing for another tap on the shoulder. What should your church do next?

Dr. Steve Grcevich welcomes Dr. Robert and Lori Crosby of Reach Hurting Kids Institute to explore what may be happening beneath challenging behavior—and how churches can respond with understanding, connection, and practical support.

Drawing on their research and experience in children’s ministry and mental health care, the Crosbys explain why trauma-informed ministry benefits all children. They introduce Calm, Care, Coach, a memorable framework that helps volunteers respond thoughtfully while maintaining appropriate boundaries and expectations.

This conversation will help pastors, children’s ministry leaders, and volunteers look beyond disruptions to recognize opportunities to communicate Christ’s love and help children belong.

In this episode:

What trauma means and how difficult experiences can shape a child’s behavior.
What researchers learned from churches where hurting children felt loved, valued, and connected.
Why relationships and playful engagement are foundational to ministry.
How to use Calm, Care, Coach when a child is struggling.
Why understanding behavior does not mean excusing harmful behavior.
How teaching practices and ministry environments can help children participate and learn.
How churches can offer supportive, healing relationships without taking on the role of a child’s therapist.
Resources for equipping your entire volunteer team.

Resources mentioned

A next step for your team: Discuss the Calm, Care, Coach framework together. Identify one way you could strengthen relationships or adjust your ministry environment to better support a child who is struggling.