Dick Crider, DiscipleLand Field Trainer, shares his wisdom:
In more than thirty years of ministry, I have known children’s ministry leaders who crash and burn after a few years and I’ve known those who run the race for 30, 40, and even 50 years. What distinguishes those who run for a lifetime from those who do not? Paul told Timothy that he had fought the fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. So, what motivates those who do all three like Paul?
#1 They Have a Calling from God for Children’s Ministry and are content in their ministry, not looking for the next opportunity to take a step up. It’s not a job—it’s their life, and they will not be shaken. I have friends who have been asked, “When are you going to become a real pastor?” The answer is, “I am a real pastor, and this is what God has called me to do.”
#2 They Are People of Integrity who can be trusted to do the right thing, are trustworthy, and examine their thoughts and motives to make sure they line up with God’s thoughts. The world can take everything from you except your integrity. If you lose it, you gave it away.
#3 They Fix their Eyes on Jesus, not the daily challenges that distract from doing what is right. This is a learned skill that comes through experience and enables them to run with perseverance, not grow weary or lose heart. It takes practice, practice, practice. Don’t be discouraged if you haven’t mastered this skill—keep on keeping on.
#4 They Have a Teachable Spirit willing to learn from others, take advice, receive evaluations, and learn from their mistakes. This is not easy, especially when we are young and think we are supposed to know everything about children’s ministry. A teachable spirit lets go of pride and can say, “I don’t know, but I’m willing to be taught.”
#5 They Are Passionate About Children, want them to have a life transforming experience with Christ, and provide long opportunities for kids to become true disciples. Every child is seen through God’s eyes as tomorrow’s champion for the Gospel. Passionate children’s ministry leaders know how to have fun with kids, but fun is not the focus of their ministry.
#6 They Are Discipleship-Oriented, not Program-Oriented. A program-oriented ministry will wear you down and burn you out. You will always be trying to make the next event bigger and better than the last one. A discipleship-oriented ministry means you can articulate the characteristics of a true disciple, know how to develop them in kids, and understand that it is done in the context of a relationship.
#7 They Know How to Delegate and let other people learn from their successes and mistakes. Yes, it is usually easier to just “do it myself,” but no one else grows, and your team isn’t strengthened. Letting go means you will clean up some messes and mop up mistakes. Most people learn more from what they did wrong than what they did right. A good delegator doesn’t hover over people and micro-manage. They know how to equip and encourage.
#8 They Have A Vision for Their Ministry and can communicate it to their volunteers and the church body. A well thought out, God-given vision makes recruiting easier, sets the direction for everyone on your team, and raises the standard of expectations. People like to follow someone with a vision and who won’t be satisfied with mediocrity.
#9 They Make Sure They are Fed Spiritually. Ministry can consume all your time and energy, making you an easy target for the enemy. If allowed, Satan will destroy you and leave you as a pile of debris on the side of the road. Find a good friend who will hold you accountable and not let you get off track. Almost every ministry leader I’ve met who got into trouble said they ignored their own spiritual needs.
#10 They Have a Good Relationship with other Staff Members and Their Family. Ministering with people who don’t enjoy each other is a sure way to justify leaving a church or committing “vocational suicide.” A strong team is made up of people who love each other and like being together. At the same time, children’s ministry leaders who run a good race have a good relationship with their spouse and children. The key is balance—when either of these relationships is out of balance, you are headed for trouble.
Don’t be discouraged if you read these traits and find yourself falling short in some areas. Maturity in ministry takes time. He who began a good work in you is faithful to complete it!
I am thankful for this particular teaching, as it has helped me in my journey. I have no doubt that I’m called to be in the children’s ministry, but this has helped me in other areas of my life as well. May God continue to cause His face to shine upon you and keep you.
Good Read!