10. Think right.
The way we think shapes the way we lead. It’s so very important to think correctly to be a better children’s ministry leader.
11. Equip your team to serve.
If we were to define the job of a children’s ministry Leader (or any church leader) in one sentence, it would be Ephesians 4:12: “Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ.”
There are many, many ways:
- Through one-on-one conversations to encourage a team member in a particular area;
- evaluation & feedback;
- a personal note of encouragement that includes a subtle tip on leading effectively;
- formal training sessions;
- your newsletter;
- attendance at conferences & seminars;
- encouraging senior leadership to address your team;
- equipping parents to disciple children at home.
How are you equipping your team to do the work of ministry?
12. Engage parents.
Children’s Ministry is Family Ministry and Family Ministry is Children’s Ministry. If we think they are different, we are fooling ourselves. Whether we act like it or not, the greatest spiritual influence on a child is their parent (for good or bad or somewhere in-between). If that is true, then why do so many of us try and lead ministry where we don’t even try to engage parents? It makes no sense.
13. Walk slowly through the crowd.
Want to connect better with the people you lead? Take a careful look at these individuals, and see how much it changes your management style and helps you be a better children’s ministry leader.
14. Create a culture that people want to be part of.
What does the culture of your ministry look like? Is it a place where people want to be? Do the words “energy,” “encouragement,” and “excitement” describe it? Is it a safe place? Does it promote a team mentality? Is it a place where leadership is expected, and where leaders feel comfortable?
As you lead, you are creating culture, whether you’re doing it intentionally or not. Many of us have never really thought about the culture we’re creating. But it plays a huge part in shaping your ministry now and in the future.
15. Be a learner.
You can lead people only to the place that you yourself have gone. And your ministry will rise only to the level that you and your leadership can take it. So growing yourself is critical if you expect the children’s ministry to continue to grow.
16. Solve problems.
This might seem like an odd item for this list. But I’ve found that being a problem-solver can be one of my most important “tasks” as a leader. It helps to establish my leadership with both the people I lead and those I follow. Problem-solving helps me move my ministry forward instead of letting it stagnate. And it helps me be a better children’s ministry leader in difficult circumstances.
So don’t procrastinate on dealing with problems. Don’t pretend they don’t exist. And don’t push them off to others. Solving problems will help you become a better children’s ministry leader.
