8 Things to Look for When Hiring a Children's Ministry Staff Member

I get calls from churches asking if I can recommend someone to lead their children's ministry.

Many times, they also ask what qualities they should be looking for.  Here's 8 things I encourage them to look for when hiring.

A PASSIONATE FOLLOWER OF CHRIST
Look for someone who is first and foremost in love with Jesus.  Their ministry must be the overflow of their personal relationship with Jesus.

A COLLABORATOR
Look for someone who works well with others.  They must know how to work in a team environment and build solid relationships with other staff members.

A TEAM BUILDER
The person must be able to enlist, equip, and empower volunteers for the work of the ministry.  Their success will hinge on this.

A PROVEN TRACK RECORD OF FAITHFULNESS
If you want to know how the person will do, then simply look at what they've done in the past.  Want to know if they can build a volunteer team?  Have they built one where they are now?  Location doesn't change people.

If they're currently a volunteer, have they been faithful?  If they're coming from another staff position, how did they do in that position?  What you see is what you get. 

A LEADER
You must be able to lead people if you're going to be successful in children's ministry.  Look for someone who not only knows how to connect with kids, but also knows how to lead adults. 

A LEARNER
Look for someone who is a life-long learner.  What are they reading?  What are they listening to?  Do they ask questions?  Are they always in personal growth mode?

A VISION CASTER
The person should know how to cast vision.  They should be able to inspire people and move them to what can be.

A FRUIT BEARER
Look for someone who has God's hand on their life.  Someone who sees people come to faith on a regular basis.  Someone who has a heart for people far from God and a passion to reach them with the Gospel.  

What are some other things a church should look for in a children's ministry staff person?  What do you look for?  Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below.