I share these in the hope that it will help someone else avoid making them.
1. Not focusing on learning to lead adults just as much as you focus on learning to lead kids. You can be amazing at leading kids, but if you can't lead adults you will have a hard time in children's ministry. Spend time learning how to lead adults.
2. Trying to do it by yourself.
Try to be Super Children's Director and do it all by yourself. You'll last about two months. It's not what you can do, it's what you can empower others to do.
3. Thinking busyness equals effectiveness.
You can run your hardest all day on a treadmill but you'll stay in the same spot. Focus on a few things and do them really well.
4. Talking more than you listen.
When you're first starting out, you think you have all the answers. Success comes when you reverse that and have all the questions.
5. Making changes too quickly.
Change should be a process not a surprise. If you're entering a new ministry, make changes slowly.
6. Not building bridges to other ministries inside the church.
Don't be a silo. Reach out to the other leaders and ask how you can partner with, serve and support them.
7. Not making sharpening your people skills a priority.
Ministry is all about relationships. Get good at navigating them. Especially when it comes to dealing with conflict.
8. Trying to build a team with need instead of vision.
People are drawn to vision. Appearing needy has the opposite effect.
9. Forgetting about parents.
Parents are the biggest influence on kids. Always think parents. How can you partner with parents and equip them to disciple their kids?
10. Not being self aware.
Get to know yourself. Especially find out what your blind spots are by asking others. A better you = a better ministry.
What are some other mistakes new children's ministry leaders make? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below.
