Some people think you only have to be good at teaching kids to be a children's pastor.
The truth is...there are so many more things you need to be good at if you are going to be a successful children's pastor.
Let's look at what it really takes to be a children's pastor. These are in no particular order.
Skill #1 - A builder of volunteer teams.
If you want to be a successful children's pastor, then you have to know how to build volunteer teams.
The success of your ministry will rise and fall on the strength of the volunteer team you build. There is no way around it. You must be able to build volunteer teams. You can be great with children, but if you can't lead volunteers, you will have a hard time.
When young leaders ask me what they should be focusing on, I always tell them to become good at building volunteer teams. I believe it is the most important skill you can have.
The good news is this...you can learn how to build volunteer teams. If you haven't read my book, "The Formula for Building Great Volunteer Teams," you need to get a copy today. It's available at this link - it has been called the best book ever written on the subject.
Skill #2 - A vision caster.
Where will you take the people you are leading?
What is the vision you are sharing with them?
People won't follow a person who has no vision.
Get alone with God and seek His vision for your ministry.
Point people toward a big vision.
Be passionate about the vision.
People will follow someone who is passionate about the vision God has placed before them.
Skill #3 - Public speaker.
You need to be able to teach kids effectively.
You need to be able to speak to parents and adults effectively as well.
If you don't feel confident as a public speaker, the good news is you can improve and get better at this.
Skill #4 - Connect well with kids.
You are in children's ministry. They are your ministry.
Learn how to connect with kids when you talk with them.
Learn how to make them laugh.
Learn how to say silly, funny things to them.
Especially focus on being able to talk with first-time guests.
Skill #5 - Navigating conflict resolution.
Believe it or not, there are times when conflict arises in children's ministry.
Volunteers will get upset with you. Volunteers will get upset with each other.
Parents will get upset. Parents will become disgruntled.
I am not naturally good with conflict. I don't like it...but it is important that you learn how to deal with it and solve it.
There are lots of great books you can read to get better at conflict resolution. I personally recommend the book "How to Have That Hard Conversation" by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend. You can get this book on Amazon.
Skill #6 - Influencer of parents.
Being able to influence parents is even more important than influencing kids.
No one has more influence in a child's life than his or her parents. Influence parents and you will influence their children.
Always be thinking "parents."
How can I extend this lesson into the home?
Remember...when you reach a child, God changes a life. But when you reach parents, God changes an entire family.
You need to be able to connect with parents.
Skill #7 - Motivator of people.
You need to be able to rally volunteers around a common vision.
You need to be excited about what God is doing and effectively share this with volunteers.
You need to be able to effectively share the "why" to your volunteers.'
Skill #8 - Team manager
You must be able to equip volunteers.
You must be able to empower volunteers.
You must be able to communicate well with volunteers.
You must be able to help volunteers find their sweet spot and minister in it.
Skill #9 - Event planner and organizer.
Kid's camp.
VBS.
Fall Trunk or Treat.
Easter Egg Hunt.
You must be able to plan events and empower leaders to own the plans.
Skill #10 - Counselor and shepherd.
You must become a shepherd and counselor for your volunteers.
When they need prayer, they will come to you.
When they need council, they will come to you.
When they need comfort, they will come to you.
When they need advice, they will come to you.
Don't feel inadequate when you look at this list...we've got your back. You can do this. These are skills that can be learned and improved in.
Here are a couple more resources for you.
The book "Lead Well in Children's Ministry" contains lots of wisdom about leading in children's ministry. You can get it here.
I have a 6 month coaching experience that you can be a part of. You can get more info. at this link about Advance Children's Ministry Coaching.
Keep growing...keep learning...keep stretching...keep pushing yourself. You got this.
