How to Get Off to a Great Start in a New Children's Ministry Role

Starting a new role in children's ministry?  How you lead the first few weeks and months will set the tone for how people respond to you.

Here's how to get off to a great start.

Get to know your the team.
One of your first priorities should be to get know the staff and volunteers on the team.  Before you jump in and start talking about tasks, goals, changes, etc. -  focus on building relationships.

This might mean going on a retreat, hosting team building activities, taking people out to lunch or having families over to your house for dinner.


Show them your heart.
Communicate your passion, your values, and vision.

Explain what success looks like.
With the team's help, set ambitious, but achievable goals.  Make it clear what you are working toward and how you expect to get there. 

Set clear expectations.
Make sure everyone knows their role and what is expected of them.


Keep your door open.
Create an atmosphere where people feel comfortable coming to you with ideas, questions, and concerns.  Keep the lines of communication open If you have to err...err on the side of over-communication.

Achieve an early win.
Identify an issue or problem as you listen to your team.  Then fix it.  Doing this shows that you can get things done and builds early momentum. 

What are some other things you suggest for someone entering a new children's ministry role?  Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below.