5 Ways to Become a Better Kidmin Leader

Better Kidmin Leader

Here are 5 ways to become a better kidmin leader. As leaders of children, families and volunteers it is crucial that we continue to grow personally. We should never stop learning, growing, and becoming better leaders. John Maxwell says, “People buy into the leader before they buy into the vision.” That being said, here are five sure-fire ways for all of us to become better leaders.

1. Read
I am sure this is not new news to anyone reading this. To be honest, I have struggled with this one because I’m not a person who naturally loves reading. I’m learning the importance of reading “helpful” books as a leader and I think it’s important to diversify your reading as much as possible. Don’t just read one type of book or books written by one author. For example, in the last couple of months I have read Talk Now and Later by Brian Dollar (a family ministry/parenting book), Cultivating a Cutting Edge Children’s Ministry by Dick Gruber (a children’s ministry book), and I am currently reading The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg (a personal improvement book). My goal at the beginning of the year was to read one book a month. I am not quite meeting that goal, but I am a work in progress.

2. Blog
I will stop right now and say that blogging probably isn’t for everyone. I never would have considered myself a writer, but since I started blogging, my writing has improved tremendously. If you have thought about starting a blog, but are hesitant, just do it! If nothing else, it will improve your writing skills and help you organize your thoughts. That’s how kidmincorinne.com got started. It was just a place for me to organize my thoughts on events and set designs.

3. Network
Some people love networking and it comes easily to them, while others shudder at the thought. Networking can take many different shapes, though. You can network with other kidmin/pastoral leaders via Facebook groups, conferences and local gatherings. If your area doesn’t have a kid’s ministry group that meets regularly, start one. It’s simple—create a Facebook group, and start inviting people to join. Kid’s ministry can be a very lonely position, so don’t miss out on the opportunity to connect, learn and grow with other kidmin leaders.

4. Research
There is no reason to reinvent the wheel. If you are looking for new and fresh ideas for your kids’ ministry check out what other kids’ ministries are doing. You can do this online via Facebook, Pinterest and church websites, or you can hop in the car and visit some of the local churches in your area. You may want to give the Children’s Pastor a call before you drop in during a service time so they know you are coming to observe.

5. Pray
I have saved the best for last. Nothing will ever replace spending time in prayer and personal devotion time with God. We can try to be great leaders on our own, and we will burn out faster than a cheap candle from Dollar Tree. We need God’s strength, wisdom and loving support to help us become the best leaders we can possibly be. Lean on Him, and He will give you more than you need every time.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of ways to become a better kidmin leader. I am personally learning to grow as a leader in all of these areas constantly. What about you? What are some things you are doing to help yourself become a better kidmin leader.

This article originally appeared here.

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Corinne (KidMinCorinne) is a Children’s Pastor, credentialed with the Assemblies of God, and has a passion to impact the world through teaching kids to know Christ. She was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri by a single mom and has felt called to be a Children’s Pastor since was ten years old. She has been involved with children's ministry since she was in middle school and the majority of her life decisions have centered around her strong calling towards ministry. Her personal hobbies include cooking, baking, and juggling (no chainsaws… yet).