Feeling alone in children’s ministry? You’re not the only one. Read on for encouragement as you serve in this important role.
I had no idea so many people felt so alone and discouraged in children’s ministry until I scrolled a kidmin Facebook feed. Wow! Our children are the future of God’s church. Yet church workers often feel discouraged in this incredible work. Training up kids in the Lord is a calling, a gift. So it’s sad to hear that many leaders are feeling alone in children’s ministry.
What’s causing this? My guess is not enough support or encouragement from others. But remember: We work for God and His glory, not man’s. Easier said than done though, right?
What can we do about this loneliness? First and most importantly, pray. After that, remember that children’s ministry is a gift. You are imparting God’s Word into the lives of children.
How to Avoid Feeling Alone in Children’s Ministry
When you’re feeling alone in children’s ministry and need that extra push, consider these suggestions:
1. Create a WIN wall.
Take notes of each “win” you notice. Colorful index cards are good for this. With kids, it’s often the little things. For example, after Bible class, a kindergartener ran up and asked if we’d be meeting again that day. She was excited about our Bible Science night on Wednesday, ready to go. This is a win!
Another win? A fifth-grader asked if we could have a summer movie night before school starts. She wanted to spend time watching a biblical movie with church friends before moving to sixth grade.
Write down these wins on index cards. Then hang them where you see them daily. It’s encouraging when you see your work paying off. And imagine how encouraging it is to look back a year from now at all those wins.
2. Enlist parental help.
Parents want to raise kids to have a relationship with Christ but often just don’t know how. When they realize you’re their partner, not just another person occupying their child’s time for an hour a week, they appreciate you.
Let parents know what you do with their kids each week. Send an email update each Monday that explains what you taught that week. Add the Scripture reference and a suggestion for a simple way they can reinforce this at home. Parents may not always do it, but they appreciate it.
