Challenges in Ministry (cont.)
8. Trying to be the primary disciple-maker of kids.
Next, we all fall into this trap from time to time. But it’s vital for preventing challenges in ministry. Parents are the primary disciple-makers of their children. Spiritual formation must be done by parents, not for parents. Your role is to empower, equip, and encourage parents in discipling their children.
9. Failing to find balance between family and ministry.
I still fight this battle every day. I love what I do; if I didn’t, I’d do something else. You must learn to guard against giving all your time, energy, and attention to the ministry and giving your family the leftovers. Here’s what I try to do: Guard my family time and take regular scheduled time off every week. It’s called a day off! When’s the last time you had one?
I use the same skills that make me successful in ministry to plan family time. In other words, I set priorities at home and manage my home life with the same intentionality and effort as I do at church. I identify people and things that throw me off balance and then take action to address them.
10. Working toward your own vision.
Finally, remember this. The roles of children’s pastor and children’s director involve serving another person’s vision. I exist to serve my lead pastor, who shepherds the congregation. You must represent the leader in everything you do. Take the vision of your children’s ministry the same direction as the rest of the church. The direction the pastor sets. You shouldn’t have a separate vision for your department. It should match your leader’s vision.
Other mistakes didn’t make the top 10. It would be impossible to create an exhaustive list. But by overcoming challenges in ministry, your program, church, and families grow stronger. Avoiding “unforced errors” has an extremely positive impact!
So start by choosing one mistake from this list. Then decide how to take steps this week to avoid or solve it.
Question: How do you work to avoid and overcome challenges in ministry? Please share thoughts in the comments below.
