Children’s ministry is more important than ever before. Its proof is in the many recent resources and investment from senior pastors all over the world. Just as every great meal is the result of great ingredients coming together for a common cause, kids’ ministry is the result of great “ingredients” coming together for a common vision, which brings me to the first of our four ingredients of our recipe for success:
1. Compassionate Prayer
You might be thinking “Are you serious—Prayer?” Yes! Just like forgetting sugar in bread will completely keep the bread from rising and cause it to become hard, prayer seems so simple, yet if we forget, it keeps us and our ministry from growing and could eventually cause a hard heart. Don’t forget to be passionate in your prayers to God for people and your kids’ ministry. Remember that children’s ministry doesn’t have to be as complex as us children’s pastors like to make it sometimes.
2. Compelling Vision
Vision still reigns supreme. People love to follow a compelling vision. People don’t want to waste their time or resources. They want to pour their valuable time and resources into something that’s going to make a difference and change the world. If you want the best people to work with you, then you must cast a vision that is in unison with the overall church vision that captures their hearts.
3. Creative Thinking
There are many resources available to us through networks, the Internet, etc. Creativity is more possible than ever. Find out what and who kids like and create something that speaks their language. Advertise through social sites, bring church to them, etc. If creativity is not your thing, that’s fine. Surely you have someone on your team who loves being creative. Unleash that person, whether paid or volunteer, and let them help you go to another level.
4. Consistent Communication
In our busy and complex world, consistent communication is more key than ever. We have to learn to cut through the busyness of life to get through to our kids, volunteers, parents, and team. Utilize the countless free resources that are out there. Communicate often that you love the kids and parents. Communicate often that you appreciate your volunteers and other teammates. This doesn’t mean you always have to buy something for them (though every now and then that’s nice), it means a “Thank you” or “I love you” or “You’re a champ” goes a long ways.
Mix these ingredients up for a yummy recipe that makes for a great modern children’s ministry!
