Creating a Children’s Ministry Assistant Job with Your Role in Mind

This article was written by INCM Blog Team member Anthony Hunt.

Ministries that are growing can encounter new challenges and opportunities.

Throughout the history of God’s people, spiritual leaders have needed to expand their influence by raising up leaders to help maintain existing and new responsibilities. In Exodus 18, Jethro encouraged Moses to expand his leadership team by creating many assistant job roles. The disciples in the early church were successful in handling the rapid growth after 3,000 people came to faith at Pentecost by adding new ministry roles. Adopting a multiplying mindset in your ministry could involve creating new volunteer leadership positions.

It could also mean you’re ready to add another staff member to your children’s ministry team.

As you look to create a children’s ministry assistant job role, remember to first devote yourself to prayer and abide in the presence of God. 

As your ministry expands and you find yourself with the stress of “more”, it’s critical to operate out of the overflow of your personal relationship with Jesus. Like Jesus, be intentional to frequently spend time with the Father, and consider withdrawing to a quiet place to hear from God and fill your soul. Ask Him to guide you as you navigate through your own ministry’s growth. 

Understanding the Need for an Assistant

To help you determine the need for an Assistant you should first ask yourself: Why do you need an assistant in your children’s ministry?

As your ministry expands, so do your responsibilities.

You’ll find yourself juggling various tasks, from planning events and curating curriculum to leading volunteers and engaging with parents. It’s an incredible journey, but it can also become overwhelming. An assistant could become your right-hand person, helping you stay organized, efficient, and focused on your mission of guiding young hearts toward Jesus. Depending on the needs of your ministry, the list of duties might include managing administrative tasks, coordinating volunteers, and providing valuable support in the day-to-day operations of your ministry.

Still trying to figure out if another staff role is needed? One benchmark to consider comes from Sustainable Children’s Ministry¹:

• One full-time staff person for every 75 children served

If you serve at a large church with central support, that ratio might be closer to one full-time staff person for every 200 children served.

Defining the Assistant Role

Now that you’ve established the need for children’s ministry assistant, let’s dive into the process of creating the role. The key to success is to tailor the Assistant’s role to your specific needs and leadership style. Here are some steps to get you started:

1. Identify Your Strengths and Weaknesses

Start by taking a good look at your strengths and weaknesses as a leader. To discover your strengths you may consider taking an online spiritual gifts inventory or using the CliftonStrengths assessment. 

2. Set Clear Goals and Expectations

Once you’ve identified your needs, it’s essential to set clear goals and expectations for your assistant. Taking care to keep your overall ministry goals and vision in mind, create a list of the specific tasks and responsibilities you would want your assistant to handle.

3. Hire for Compatibility

Finding the right person for the role is crucial. Look for someone whose skills and personality complement your own. They should share your passion for children’s ministry and align with the values of your church. When hiring, consider not only the candidate’s qualifications but also their attitude and willingness to learn. Your assistant should be someone you can trust and collaborate with closely, as they will become an integral part of your team.

4. Training and Onboarding

Once you’ve hired your assistant, invest time in training and onboarding. Share your vision for the ministry and provide context for their role. Offer guidance on your leadership style and communication preferences.

Remember that your assistant is there to support you, so empower them with the knowledge and tools they need to excel in their role. Regular check-ins and open communication channels will ensure a smooth transition and ongoing success.

Nurture a Collaborative Partnership

To maximize the impact of this partnership, consider these strategies for fostering collaboration:

1. Delegate with Trust
2. Regular Check-Ins
3. Encourage Initiative
4. Communicate Openly

The benefits of a well-crafted assistant role can increase your efficiency, enhance the overall ministry impact, improve your team’s work-life balance, and offer leadership development.

Final Thoughts

Creating a children’s ministry assistant job with your role in mind is a strategic move that can transform your children’s ministry. 

Remember, every children’s ministry is unique, and the assistant role you create should align with your specific needs and vision. 

Trust the process, invest in training, and nurture a collaborative partnership with your assistant. Together, you can continue to guide young hearts to Jesus and make a lasting impact on your community.

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 ^1. Sustainable Children’s Ministry by Mark DeVries & Annette Safstrom (2018)

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