RELEVANT CHILDREN'S MINISTRY

1. They were created to serve. (Ephesians 2:10)

2. Jesus modeled serving for us. (Mark 10:45)

3. Kids are the greatest mission field. (Matthew 9:37)

4. God blesses people who serve in children's ministry. (Matthew 10:42)

5. Jesus ministered to children. (Mark 10:13-15)

6. Easier to build boys than repair men.

7. Serving will help them get connected to other people.  Service creates community.

8. God uses children to reach parents.

9.  Serving bring glory to God. (1 Peter 4:11)

10. Kids are the most receptive to the Gospel.

11. Serving is a key component of spiritual growth.  Growing Christians are serving Christians.

12. Kids need godly role models.

13. Kids can serve God for a lifetime when we disciple them.

14. We are called to pass on the faith to the next generation. (Psalm 78)

15. Serving helps kids and families discover new life in Christ.

16. Serving kids brings glory to God. (Matthew 5:14-16)

17. When you serve kids, you are serving Jesus. (Matthew 25:40)

18. God has given them gifts to be used for the furtherance of His kingdom.

19.  It keeps you young at heart.

20. It's a blast!

Is your leadership fueled by self-interest or shared success?  There's a big difference.  Here's some key indicators.

Self-interest promotes the leader.  Shared success promotes the team.

Self-interest says "I."  Shared success says "we."

Self-interest pushes itself into the spotlight.  Shared success pushes others into the spotlight.

Self-interest makes sure it shines.  Shared success helps others shine.

Self-interest wants the credit.  Shared success gives the credit to others.

Self-interest passes the blame for failure.  Shared success takes the responsibility for failure.

Self-interest is always on stage.  Shared success raises up other people to be on stage.

Self-interest develops itself.  Shared success develops itself so it can better develop others.

Self-interest runs the show.  Shared success empowers others to run the show.

Self-interest can't be gone or things will "fall apart."  Shared success can be gone and things run as normal.

Self-interest makes sure he or she is the best leader on the team.  Shared success develops people to be even better leaders than he or she is.

Self-interest brags on itself.  Shared success brags on others.

Self-interest micromanages.  Shared success empowers and gets out of the way.

Self-interest has all the answers.  Shared success asks a lot of questions.

Self-interest does all the talking.  Shared success listens a lot.

Self-interest builds its kingdom in the church.  Shared success builds the entire church.

Self-interest surrounds itself with "yes men."  Shared success wants push back.

Self-interest always uses its own idea.  Shared success uses the best idea.

Bottom Line...
Self-interest uses people to build its ministry.  Shared success uses its ministry to build people.

What are some other indicators of self-interest vs. shared success leadership that we missed?  Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below.

Being a know-it-all.  When you begin to think you know it all...you're in trouble and your growth will stagnate.  Remain teachable.  Great leaders are always in school.  Learn from everyone...all the time.

Being condescending.  No one likes to be talked down to.  Treat everyone the same.  Make every person you talk to feel important.  See a "10" on everyone's forehead. 

Not listening.  Be approachable.  When people are talking to you, look at them, not past them.  Led with great questions instead of answers.

Being defensive.  Hold the ministry with open hands.  Detach yourself from your ideas.  Just let them be ideas.  Be open to feedback.  In fact, seek it out. 

Micromanaging.  Equip and empower leaders and then let them lead.  Let go of your control issues. 

Whining.  Stay positive.  Focus on what you have, not on what you don't have.  A whiner brings problems and challenges to the table.  A leader brings problems and challenges to the table along with possible answers and solutions.

Building my kingdom.  Be a team player.  Reach out to and collaborate with other ministries in your church.  Don't see them as competition but as partners.  Look beyond your ministry and see the big picture of the church.