This summer, we are focusing on three key areas of growth for him. These are essentials that I would encourage any young or new children's ministry leader to focus on.
Leading Volunteers and Building Teams
I believe one of the keys to success in children's ministry is building and leading volunteers. Successful children's ministry leaders are first and foremost team builders. We will be reading and discussing the book "The New Breed: Understanding and Equipping 21st Century Volunteers." He will also be getting hands on ministry experience enlisting, equipping and empowering volunteers.
People Skills - Specifically Conflict Resolution and How to Have Hard Conversations
Ministry is all about people. If you want to be successful in children's ministry, one of the best things you can do is sharpen your people skills. This will help you effectively talk with parents, resolve conflict between volunteers and know how to respond to criticism. We will be reading and discussing the book "How to Have That Difficult Conversation You've Been Avoiding."
Communication Skills with Kids
He's going to work on his teaching skills and learn how to better capture kids' attention and communicate effectively with them. He will be reading the book "The Fabulous Reinvention of Sunday School: Transformational Techniques for Reaching and Teaching Kids." He will also be getting hands on teaching experience and I will give him coaching and feedback. New children's ministry leaders should constantly be sharpening their communication skills by learning effective techniques and getting feedback.
I am excited to see how he grows this summer. If you're new to ministry (or even an old-timer like me), I would encourage you to spend time on these three areas. It can help you become an effective children's ministry leader.
Your turn. What other areas would you encourage a new children's ministry leader to focus on? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below.
