Ministry is wonderful and can also be hard. Over the past year, I’ve spoken with many children’s ministry leaders who feel isolated and overwhelmed. Recently in a kid’s ministry Facebook group, leaders were sharing that they rarely had the opportunity to participate in small groups or even Sunday worship with adults. They longed for an opportunity to sit with other leaders and share ideas, encouragement, and stories. In one of these groups, I asked, “Anyone want to do a virtual coffee date?” Children’s ministry leaders from across the world, from South Carolina to South Africa and Nebraska to Northern Ireland and everywhere in between said YES!
When we got together, I asked the group, “How do you stay in the game when life or ministry is hard?” Their responses, listed below, reminded me why there are so many references to “one another” in the Bible. We’re created to live in community with others. Together we celebrate wins, offer encouragement, and point to Jesus. May these ideas be an encouragement to you from your fellow ministry leaders:
- Remember your why: A leader shared that being with kids helps remind her why she is called to Kid’s Ministry and why she stays when it’s hard. For others, daily Scripture reading, talking to parents or journaling helped them remember why they do what they do.
- Pastors need pastors: Find spiritual mentors. Be bold and ask. Mentors do not necessarily need to be fellow children’s ministry leaders. Look for people who are a reflection of Jesus and further along on their spiritual journey.
- Pick up the Bible instead of a phone: Instead of reaching for your phone in the morning, grab your Bible. Getting in Scripture daily for personal time with God, rather than to create an experience for kids was mentioned as important to many.
- Focus on the one: Some have felt discouraged because of small numbers, especially when compared to other churches or ministries. (BTW, Satan LOVES it when we compare—don’t do it!) “Focus on what you can do for the one, rather than be disappointed in the numbers.”
- Do the things you love: “Find something you love to do and make time to do it.” If you love being with the kids on the weekend, raise up other leaders so you can spend time in rooms with the kids. If you love the outdoors, get out in nature (scientifically proven to improve mood and mental health). Find something that is life-giving and prioritize that.
- Write down every win: One leader writes down every win, celebration, or any good thing that happens in Kid’s Ministry, no matter how big or small. When feeling down, reading this list helps remind her how God has been and continues to be at work around her. “Look for the small victories.”
- Find your people: Many shared that they did not have “their people.” One leader shared that her introduction when entering a new small group is, “I’m here as me, not as staff.” Another shared that she scheduled lots of coffee dates. Some people she clicked with, others she didn’t, but these coffee dates grew her community. When unable to find a group in their own church, some participated in Bible studies or groups in their community. Others meet with other children’s ministry leaders in their area.
- Say it out loud: A leader shared that one weekend the kids were doing a craft involving cotton balls, but mid-activity realized they didn’t have enough. About the time they realized their shortage, a lady walked into the kid’s area with a big bag of cotton balls saying, “I have too many of these and thought you might be able to use them sometime.” This reminded the leader of God’s provision and she “said it out loud” to others, sharing the ways God provides.
Paul expressed my thoughts about you, much better than I can.
“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy. I am happy because you have joined me in spreading the good news. You have done so from the first day until now.” Philippians 1:3–5
Providing a place for kids to learn about Jesus and grow in their faith not only changes the world, it also has eternal significance. Thank you for serving and for your sacrifice. Thank you for following God’s calling. Until every child knows Jesus, our work is not done.
For info on how to join a virtual Kidmin Leader group visit kimbotto.com/kidminleaders and learn more from Kim at kimbotto.com.
