This article was written by the Ministry Spark Team from David C. Cook. It is a paid partnership.
There is so much that goes into children’s ministry. You work tirelessly week after week, pouring yourself into relationships, lessons, and events that help children, and their families know Jesus. Your heart for Jesus and your love for kids is evident in all that you do.
This article is meant to help you continue to strengthen yourself and your ministry. And, although this list is not exhaustive, it is highly important to do these 7 things!
7 Things that Make a Great Children’s Ministry Leader
1. Love God in Word and Action
Sometimes we get so caught up in the ‘do’ of our work that we let our relationship with God slip. It’s imperative that we keep Him central in our lives. We don’t want to labor in vain!
So, work to keep God at the center of your life and ministry. Focus on Him and He will help you in the rest.
2. Love Your Family and Prioritize Them
This one, just like the last, is easy to lose sight of in the middle of all we have to do in ministry! With so much on your plate, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and caught up in the to-do. But prioritizing and loving our own families is key to serving in ministry and setting the example of what it means to follow Jesus.
Be sure in the middle of the busy to keep them a priority!
3. Lead with Vision
What makes a great children’s ministry leader? Setting a vision and leading with it daily. Make sure it’s in your conversations, your trainings, your lessons, and all that goes into your ministry. See the big picture and express it constantly!
When you continually lead with vision, you direct your and your team toward the same goal. Keeping it at the forefront, helps your ministry get where it needs to go.
4. Partner with Parents in Discipleship
Walk alongside parents and equip them to be disciple makers. As we understand that primary spiritual formation happens in the home, it’s key to equip parents for ministry at home! While this sounds like a lot, we don’t have to overcomplicate it.
Support parents in the everyday moments and give them simple ideas for sharing faith at home. It can happen during play time, at the dinner table, in the car, at bedtime, and more. A life lived in authentic faith speaks loudly.
5. Grow Yourself and Other Leaders
Don’t feel like you have to lead all on your own. What makes a great children’s ministry leader is when you grow other leaders and allow them to shine with the gifts that God has given them! You can’t lead alone. Relationships are key in ministry!
Focus on building relationships with your team and helping everyone grow in their talents and weaknesses.
6. Delegate Responsibilities
Share ministry with your team and your volunteers. Stay out front by entrusting the work to your team!
You do what only you can and allow them to do what only they can. Trust your team to run with what you’ve given them. Yes, check in, but allow them to take ownership and run alongside you.
7. Great Children’s Ministry Leaders Keep the Main Thing the Main Thing
What is the main thing? The gospel of Jesus Christ, plain and simple! Engaging children is critical, yes—the fun, the lessons, the atmosphere! But without the main thing, it’s simply fluff.
Make sure to keep it central in all you do. Jesus is for you. And He is for the kids, families, and volunteers in your ministry. They need to know that.
Keep up the good work, children’s ministry leaders, and remember that the Lord is with you!
Your Ministry Spark Team is made of ministry volunteers, leaders, and experts who work with David C Cook. We’re passionate about helping others know, love, and follow Jesus. And, we have a big heart for those who serve the kingdom—that’s you. Together, we can do this!
