As children’s ministry leaders, we are asked to do a lot in our church. It is not uncommon to be asked to take on responsibilities outside our “job description.” Often we need to work across departments to help support other things going on in the church. Many times, anything we do is done with little appreciation.
It can be frustrating and discouraging. And it can be unfair. Regardless, it never—ever—gives us the right to do things poorly. Especially as our job relates to supporting our lead pastor. In fact, we need to appreciate our pastor and do all we can to encourage them.
And while we do that, there are some things our pastor never needs us to do.
3 Thing Your Pastor Doesn’t Need You to Do as a Children’s Ministry Leader
Your pastor doesn’t need you to…
1. Complain about things behind his back.
You and I are on the team to help leadership (your pastor) fulfill the vision God has given to the church through them. It’s our responsibility to publicly and privately support that vision and their leadership.
If we have a problem, we need to address it personally and privately with the pastor (or other leader). Not finding resolution for our problem/concern does not give us the right to complain.
Your pastor doesn’t need you to…
2. Require his involvement to do your job.
I constantly hear children’s ministry leaders complaining about the lack of engagement by the lead pastor (or executive pastor, or board, or…). I get it…I’ve been in those shoes. Get over it!
You and I were hired to lead a ministry—so lead it! Yes, it’s great to have the leadership engaged with what’s going on, but let’s understand that your pastor has more than enough on his plate. Leading a church is one of the most difficult occupations—not just in the church, but anywhere.
I choose to believe that my leader wants children’s ministry to be successful, supports my leadership, and has a heart for reaching kids, so his or her lack of engagement is probably simply because they either don’t have time or don’t know how to be engaged. Do what you can to involve leadership, but don’t make it a requirement to success in your role.
Your pastor doesn’t need you to…
3. Limit your vision because of lack of resources.
- There are never enough volunteers.
- We don’t have enough staff.
- The budget isn’t big enough.
- Our space is limited and not very nice.