RELEVANT CHILDREN'S MINISTRY

Leading in children's ministry is no easy task.  Most people outside of children's ministry think leading in children's ministry only involves leading children.  

But leading in children's ministry means you have to effectively lead, not only children, but also teenagers, young adults, middle-age adults and senior citizens.

It takes skill to lead that many generations effectively.  The good news...you can lead all these generations well, if you will focus on the 10 keys you're about to read about. 

Let's dive in and look at 10 keys you need to be an effective kidmin leader.

1. Bring the energy.  This means you don't just measure the temperature of the ministry.  Rather it means you set the temperature for the ministry.  I often use the thermostat vs. thermometer example.  A thermometer only measures the temperature, while a thermostat controls the temperature. 

If you want to be an effective kidmin leader, then you've got to bring energy, excitement and enthusiasm.  Just like you have to add wood to a fire to keep it burning, you must continuously bring energy to the ministry. 

Your team is a reflection of the energy you are bringing to them.  Stay fired up so the ministry can stay fired up.  Stay fired up so the ministry will stay excited.

2. Don't accept mediocrity.  Pursue excellence.  Don't adopt the attitude that says, "It will be fine.  They are just kids, they won't notice.  Hang on there.  It does matter.  Kids do deserve your very best.

This doesn't mean everything will be excellent all the time, but it does indicate that you should constantly be striving to make the ministry better and pursuing excellence.

Don't accept mediocrity.  Every week look for at least one way you can make the ministry better. 

3. Have a clear vision.  The vision should be your rallying call.  It should be simple and easy for people to remember.  It should be infused into everything you do as a kids' ministry.  Someone should be able to ask any volunteer on your team what the vision is and get the same answer.

A clear vision helps you keep your team focused on the why.

4. Make the hard decisions.  This doesn't mean you have to make hard decisions by yourself.  You should always seek counsel and input from people you trust, before making a hard decision.  But once you have gathered the necessary facts and sought counsel, you should be decisive.  Don't constantly be second-guessing yourself.  Walk in the confidence that you have made the right decision. 

5. Collaboration.  An effective kidmin leader doesn't try to go at it alone.  They ask a lot of good questions which lead to really good answers.  They know the smartest person in the room is the room.  They build bridges to other ministries in the church. 

6. Lead by example.  Effective kidmin leadership is not just taught, it is caught.  Model the kind of leadership you want your team to embrace.  If you want your team to walk an extra mile, then you need to walk two extra miles. 

We are told by Paul the Apostle in I Timothy 4 to, "be an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” 

He's saying to us to "Be an example in what you say, how you love, how you trust God and how you strive to walk in the power of a pure heart."

7. Embrace change.   Change.  We like to change stuff that other people created, don't we?  But what about when it's something we created or started?  Changing that is not so easy, is it? 

But effective kidmin leaders, hold everything with open hands.  Even the stuff they created.  They know that the last three letters of TREND spells out the word end.  When they uncover something in the ministry that is a hindrance or something that's not in alignment with the church's overall vision, they make the necessary changes.

8. Always stay in school.  When you feel like you have arrived, you are in a vulnerable place.  Be thankful for what you've learned thus far on the journey.  But don't hit pause.  God has more for you.  Always be in a growth mode.  Always be looking for fresh ideas.  Always be striving to become a better leader.  Have the mindset that there is always something new you can learn.

9. Work on your interpersonal skills.  Kids' ministry is all about people.  It's important to know how to interact with people in various situations.  Know your personality type.  Know the personalities of your key people. 

Work on staying calm when someone else is displaying anger.  Work on listening to your team..,really listening to learn. 

Work on being nice to people and approachable.  Be nice, because you are nice, not just because someone is being nice to you.

10. Develop others.  If you are going to be an effective leader in kids' ministry, then you've got to know how to build a solid volunteer  team.  The Scriptures say your primary role is to "equip the saints for the work of the ministry."  Switch from being a doer to primarily pouring into your team members.

Focus less on being a star and more on developing starts.

Focus less on being powerful and more on empowering others.

Focus less on being in the spotlight and more on getting others in the spotlight.

So there you have it.  Focus on these 10 keys and you'll become an children's minister extraordinaire.

You can get more great ideas for leading in children's ministry in my book "The Formula for Building Great Volunteer Teams."  It's available in both ebook and paperback.

Average leaders get a few things done through Iwork.  Great leaders get tons of things done through TEAMwork. 

If you are just starting out in children's ministry - remember this - the success of your ministry rises and falls on the strength of your volunteer team.

If you're a veteran, measure how much you're doing that someone else should be doing. Give it away.
If you want the ministry to go up,  then you've got to give up as much of the Iwork as possible. This will enable you to build up the TEAMwork. 

You can get more great ideas for your children's ministry from my book - If Disney Ran Your Children's Ministry.  It's available in both ebook and paperback formats.

You can also get more great ideas for building up your TEAMwork in my book - "The Formula for Building Great Volunteer Teams."  It's available in both ebook and paperback formats.

Your turn. What are your thoughts on building volunteer teams?  What has helped you shift from Iwork to TEAMwork?  Share your insight with us in the comment section below. 

If you are reading this, it's because you are a leader.  The old saying is true...leaders are readers.

And as a leader, obviously you have people who are following your leadership.  But let me ask you a question.  Why are people following you?

People follow leadership for different reasons.  

Fear of the leader.  An example of this is a dictator, who people follow because if they don't, they will be put 6 feet under.

A common cause with the leader.  An example of this would be a group of people following a leader because they want to help the leader feed hungry people.

They can personally benefit from following the leader.  This would be someone following the boss at work because it's how they can get a promotion...which means more money for them.

The leader has earned their trust and respect.  The leader has strong moral character and integrity.  They see these character traits in the leader and follow out of trust and respect.

They have no other choice.  Perhaps they are just a few years from retirement in the company and don't want to jeopardize their future.

The leader has great qualities.  It might be a skill the leader has.  It might be the boss is extremely smart.  It might be the leader is looked up to as a "winner."   They follow because they want those sames skills in their life.

The leader offers hope.  Hope for their future.  Hope for not getting stuck.  Hope for supporting their family at a better level.

While these are good reasons for people to follow you (except the fear one), I believe the biggest one is not on the list above.

I offer this thought today:

If you want to lead people, you must first love people.

I believe this.  When someone knows you really care about them, it will result in the person caring about you and the vision you are asking them to pursue.

Jesus was such a great example of this.  He built close relationships with the disciples who followed Him.  Look what He says to them in John 15:15

No longer do I call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.

The disciples knew Jesus loved them.  He proved it time and time again.  He proved it by forgiving Peter when he denied Him.  He proved it by washing their feet.  He proved it by spending time with them.  He proved it by giving His life as a sacrifice for their sins.

Jesus took His leadership with the disciples to the ultimate way to lead well.  Love.  Check this verse out.  The scene is at the foot of the cross.  Jesus is talking with his disciple John. 

"Then when Jesus saw His mother and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, 'woman, behold your son'."

Jesus' way of leadership stood in stark contrast with the way other people lead in his day.  

The Romans lead with fear.  Do what I say or you will be killed! 

The Pharisees led by offering no other choice.  Follow the rules or else.  Follow the Old Testament laws or we will not associate with you.

Look back again at what Jesus says in John 15.

"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends."

The ultimate leadership...the greatest leadership is empowered by love.  And Jesus proved this by dying on the cross.  That's ultimate love.  That's ultimate leadership.  The kind of leadership that changed the world.

I want to remind you that people don't follow a title.  An amazing office with a great window view won't cause people to follow you.  Throwing money at people with promotions won't cause people to follow you long-term.

The bottom line is this:  People are going to follow you when they know you really care about them.  When they know you love them, not for what they do, but rather for who they are, they will follow you anywhere. 

On this Monday morning, pause for a few minutes to ponder these questions...

Am I leading with love?

Am I showing people I love them by caring for them, being there for them and empowering them?

Do the people I lead know I've got their back?

When was the last time I showed my team that I love them by doing something for them?

Do I spend time with my team on a weekly basis?

Do I know the love languages of people on my team?

Jesus put a great big exclamation point on this leadership by saying this...

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."  John 15:13

If you want to lead people, then follow Jesus' example... 

Lay down your pride and love the people God has placed on your team.

Forget about your title and focus on loving people.

Focus on serving out of love instead of being served out of greed. 

Focus on making others better instead of promoting yourself.

Leading through fear, manipulation, money and title, will only take you so far.  If you want people to go the distance with you, then start loving them. 

Your turn.  What are your thoughts about leading with love?  How do you show your team you love them?  What have you learned about leading people?   Share your insight in the comment section below.

An urban myth is a strange or surprising story that many people believe, but which is not actually true.

You probably remember some you heard growing up.  Here are a few of them.

Alligators in the sewers of New York City.  The myth is that someone (probably a snowbird) brought some baby alligators back from Florida and flushed them down the toilet. They ended up growing into giant gators roaming the sewers.

The fake moon landing.  The myth is that NASA faked the moon landings in a movie studio.

The Jedi religion form.  This myth claims that if enough people fill out "Jedi" as their religion on their census forms, the government will have to make it an official religion.

Walt Disney cryogenically frozen.  The myth says his body was frozen when he died with the hopes he could possibly be brought back to life from technological advancements. It says his body is stored in a deep-freeze chamber under the "Pirates of the Caribbean" attraction. 

Pop Rocks and Soda explosion.  This myth says if you mix pop rocks and soda, it will explode in your chest.

The truth is, these are just myths.  There are not alligators in New York's sewers.  We really went to the moon.  Jedi is not recognized as a religion by the government.  Walt Disney was cremated in 1966.  Mixing pop rocks and soda may give you hiccups and burping for a few minutes, but it won't explode in your chest.

Over the years, there have been some "urban myths" that have circulated about children's ministry as well.  While they are not true, they have been believed by many.  In fact, walk into many churches and you will hear these myths still being perpetuated.  Let's examine some of these and talk about why they are just myths.


Children's ministry is just childcare.  This myth sees children's ministry as a baby-sitting service that is used to keep kids in check while the real ministry to adults happens.

The truth: Children's ministry is ministry at the most critical time in a person's life and is the most important ministry in the church.

If you serve in children's ministry, you are entering a black hole that you will never escape from.  This myth causes people to run from serving in children's ministry.  People fear they will be cut off from other adults forever and be doomed to corral hyper-active kids for the rest of their time on earth.

The truth:  Children's ministries want people who love serving with kids.  Serving in children's ministry is one of the best ways to grow in your faith.  And you have the opportunity to form friendships and deep relationships with the other adults you serve with.

Children are the church of tomorrow.  This myth is partially true and is meant to inspire people to invest in the future of the church.

The truth:  But the complete truth is this.  Children are the church of today and tomorrow.  They can be the church today.  They can make a difference today.  They can be leaders today.

Children can't enter a relationship with Jesus until they turn 12.  This myth often uses the analogy of Jesus going to the temple at age 12 and says kids under the age of 12 should not be allowed to make a formal decision to follow Jesus and be baptized.

The truth:  Jesus' parents brought him to the temple to fulfill the requirements of the law regarding his confirmation.  At 12, he was supposed to enter the period of life where He would have immediate dealings with the law, receiving it no longer through the instructions of His parents, but having been brought by them into a knowledge of it's requirements.  This was about Jewish tradition.  

The Bible tells us we must have the faith of a child to come to Christ.  Children can understand the Gospel and enter a relationship with Jesus before the age of 12. 

Each child is different and there is no set age of accountability.  Around the age of 7-8, children begin to be able to think abstractly and understand the meanings behind terms such as "Jesus is the bridge back to God."   

This doesn't mean children in kindergarten can't come to Jesus, but it does means that parents and churches should make sure a child has a clear understanding of the Gospel before they make a decision.  

We are not to push children into a decision and on the flip-side, we are not to hold kids back from a decision if God is at work in their life.  Rather we are to walk alongside children as the Holy Spirit draws them to God.

Worship leaders in children's ministry aren't as important as worship leaders in the "main" service.  This myth causes worship leaders to see the "main service" as the ultimate destination and shy away from leading worship in children's ministry.  Children's ministry becomes a place where the "leftover" worship leaders go to serve.

The truth:  Worship is worship.  Children's ministry worship touches the heart of God just like any other worship.  In fact, the Bible tells us that children led the way in praising Jesus in the temple.  All "worship stages" are level at the foot of the cross.  

Babies and toddlers can't understand anything at church, so there's no need trying to do any kind of lesson for them.  This myth causes churches to have no strategy for teaching babies and toddlers.  This myth is closely tied to the childcare myth.

The truth:  While babies and toddlers can't verbalize their thoughts, the early years are the most critical in a person's life.  Children learn exponentially in their first 3 year years.  Churches can make a huge impact by sharing age-appropriate Bible lessons, praying with and singing songs in this age group.

You shouldn't spend as much money on children's ministry, since children can't give enough to pay the church bills.  This myth causes churches to spend major dollars on adult ministry and worship elements for the "main" service, while giving children's ministry the scraps and leftovers.

The truth:  Jesus tells us in Scripture that when you welcome children, you are welcoming Him.  When churches make children's ministry a financial priority, they are ushering in the blessings of God.  God will bless the church financially that invests in children.

Youth ministry should be a higher priority than children's ministry.  You can see this myth play out when churches elevate youth ministry while neglecting children's ministry.  You can also see this reflected in many universities and seminaries who train youth pastors, but not children's pastors.

The truth:  The battle for the next generation is no longer in high school or even in middle school.  It is in the preschool and elementary years.  We are in a race for the hearts of the next generation and the first one there will win.  Children's ministry must be a top priority for churches.

If you fill children's heads with Bible facts, they will grow up to love Jesus.  This myth causes churches to stuff dozens of Bible verses into children's temporary memories.  This myth causes churches to spend much more time teaching information than application.  This myth causes churches to emphasize rules over relationship.

The truth:  Bible knowledge is important.  We must teach not only facts, but also apologetics, to an increasingly Biblically illiterate society.  That being said, teaching kids how to apply and live out the truths of the Bible, is just as important.  We must emphasize that following Jesus is about a relationship with Him, not about just "keeping the rules."

Children should sit still and be quiet at church.  This myth causes children to do their best to endure services and programs that are not geared for their age.  This myth causes teachers to stand and lecture children, while they painfully squirm in their seats for an hour.  This myth fills classrooms and hallways of churches with the sound of "ssshhhhhh."

The truth:  Children are wired to move and make noise.  If we want them to grow up loving church, then we must give them opportunities to do so.  Kids learn best through hands-on, active, participatory lessons. 

Children are too young to serve.  This myth causes churches to place fun events on the calendar that have no long-term spiritual purpose,while neglecting to create serving opportunities for kids.

The truth:  Throughout Scripture, we see children serving and being used by God to make a significant impact.  Children can serve now and make a major difference in God's kingdom, if we'll just give them the opportunity.  

Children's ministry is just about children.  This myth is perpetuated by people who are looking in from the outside.  They think serving in children's ministry is just about ministering to kids.

The truth:  Children's ministry is one of the most difficult areas to lead in the entire church.  When you lead in children's ministry you must know how to connect with and lead not only kids, but students, men, women, grandparents, single adults and young adults as well.

Children's ministry is also just as much about investing in parents as it is investing in children.  

Your turn.  The floor is yours.  What are some other myths the church has believed about children's ministry?  Share your thoughts and insight in the comment section below.

Leaders aren't automatically given respect.  It has to be earned.

So, if you're going to lead well, it's vital that you earn people's respect.  People won't follow someone they don't respect.  Oh, they might put up with you for awhile, but they won't go the distance with you if they don't respect you.

If you want to be effective as a children's ministry leader, then you've definitely got to earn the respect of volunteers, parents, staff, the pastor, deacons and elders.

I want to help you be a respected leader.  With that in mind, let's look at the word R.E.S.P.E.C.T.  Inside this word, are some of the key factors for being respected as a leader.  Each letter represents a factor.  Ready?  Let's start with the letter R.

RESPECT OTHERS

In the words of Justin Timberlake - "What goes around comes around."

If you want people to respect you, then it starts by showing others respect.

Respect others by being on time for meetings.

Respect others by returning their phone calls.

Respect others by letting them go first.

Respect others by listening without interrupting.

Respect others by saying "thank you."

Respect others by valuing their opinions.

Respect others by complimenting them on their success.

Respect others by following through on your promises.

EMOTIONS CONTROLLED

One of the fastest ways to not gain the respect of others (or lose the respect you had previously earned) is to let your emotions get out of control.  

You've probably seen the "stay calm and..." graphics on Facebook or on a t-shirt.  It's a good reminder that staying calm will earn people's respect.  Leaders who can bring calmness to chaos will be respected.

When you get angry, stay calm and count to 10 before you respond.

When someone else is shouting in anger, stay calm and bring the decibel level down.  The Bible says it like this in Proverbs 15:1 - "A soft answer turns away wrath."

When someone else is making a scene, bring peace to the scene.

Hardly any of us naturally know how to control our emotions.  The natural response is for our emotions to amp up when faced with conflict.  But the good news is controlling your emotions is a skill that can be learned.

And rest assured, those around you are watching to see how you handle your emotions.

Here's an example.  A parent gets upset because he forgot his pick-up tag and begins causing a major scene in the check-out line.  You are called over to talk with him and he is really, really upset...to the point that he is yelling.  Will you be able to control your emotions and stay calm?  Will you be able to deescalate the situation?  Those who follow you are watching to see how you will respond.

When you go into into a situation, knowing ahead of time how you will respond if emotions escalate, you will be able to navigate the situation well and earn the respect of those around you in the process.

SHOULDER THE BLAME

When things don't go as planned, don't shift the blame.  Shoulder the blame.

When you blow it, apologize.

When someone on your team makes a mistake that causes something to fail, accept the responsibility for it as their leader and let everyone know the buck stops with you.  Let the team know you have their back and the failure was ultimately due to your leadership.

A leader who fails and admits it will gain much more respect than a leader who fails and denies it is their fault.

PRACTICE WHAT YOU PREACH

When you live a life of integrity, it earns people's respect.

When you lead by example first and then by words, it earns people's respect.

When you are the same backstage as you are front stage, respect is earned.

EXCELLENCE

When you are committed to excellence, it will show in everything you do and people will take notice. 

Excellence happens when you pay attention to the little details.  Here's an example.  How do you keep your office?  If it is messy, people will mentally make note of it.  Or if a church member gets in your car and has to move a pile of old McDonald's food bags and empty soda cans just to be able sit down, it says to them you are not committed to excellence.

Excellence is not perfection, but it is an attitude that says "I will give my very best to everything I am doing."

Think about the companies that you respect.  It's the ones that provide excellent service and products, right?  It's the same with us as leaders in ministry.  As we provide excellent services, programs, strategies and events, we will earn people's trust.  People will begin to say, "He or she does everything with excellence."  And people only say that about people they respect.

Live by the motto - first class or no class.

CARE 

When people know you really care about them, they will respect you.

When you remember a person's name, it shows you care about them and starts the respect earning process.

When you look at someone instead of past them, it shows you care and helps builds respect.

When you remember a volunteer or church member on their birthday, it shows you care and helps build respect.

When you show up at the hospital to pray with someone,  it shows you care and helps build respect.

When you sit and cry with a volunteer who is broken, it shows you care and helps build respect.

When you recognize someone not just for what they do, but for their character and heart, it shows you care and helps build respect.

When you invest in people and help them grow in their gifts and abilities, it shows you care and helps build respect.

TRACK RECORD

The longer you do the things above, the deeper people's respect for you will grow.

Just last week, Billy Graham passed away.  He was one of the most respected leaders in history.  Why?  Because of decades and decades of faithfulness, integrity and honesty. 

Respect is compounded by time.  Deep respect is earned, not in a year or two, but in decades.

You will see people respect you at the ultimate level when you can look back like Paul and say "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith."

Conclusion

Perhaps you're reading this and you've blown it.  You have lost the respect of those around you.  Take heart.  Start today doing the things above and you can eventually earn it back.

If you feel like you have earned the respect of those around you, continue to work at it.  Respect is not one and done.  It is earned daily.

Think through the following questions and create some action steps that can help you continue to earn the respect of those around you.

Do I respect others?  What are some ways I can show more respect for others?  In the past, what are some ways I have displayed disrespect toward others?  How can I improve in those areas and not continue those patterns of disrespect? 

How well do I control my emotions?  Do I act rather than react in tense situations?  What emotions do I need to work on controlling more effectively?  What situations do I need to be better in with my emotions?

Do I shoulder the blame or try to pass the blame?  Do I accept the ultimate responsibility when my team fails?  Do my team members know I have their back?

Do I practice what I preach?  Do I lead by example?  What are some areas I need to do a better job of leading by example in?

Am I committed to excellence?  Does it show in how I conduct my personal life and responsibilities?  Does it show in the ministries I lead?  Am I committed to doing the small things well?  How can I increase my excellence factor?  

Do the people I lead and serve with know that I care about them?  How do I show them I care?  How can I increase my demonstration of care?

How is my track record?  What safeguards, guidelines and accountability steps do I have in place to protect my track record?

2018 is just a few days away.  Time to enter a new year of ministry.

2018 is going to be a year of great challenges.  Challenges that we didn't face 10 years ago or even 5 years ago.  

Isn't it nice to have navigation when you are going somewhere you've never been before?  What would we do without GPS?  I guess we'd still be using big, bulky maps, wouldn't we?

I personally like an app called Waze.  It not only gives me accurate directions, but it also alerts me to hazards, wrecks and other dangers that are ahead.  How does it do this?  Other drivers who are using the app make an alert when they encounter these things.  This enables the drivers who are behind them to know what's coming and prepare accordingly.  Because other drivers, who have been farther down the road, let me know what's coming, I am able to drive safer and navigate the road more effectively.

When it comes to ministry, it's great to have help navigating the challenges ahead, isn't it?  I'm thankful for friends, leaders, co-workers and mentors who have helped me navigate ministry over the years.  They helped me avoid some pitfalls.  They challenged me to try new routes.  They pushed me out of my comfort zone.  They provided insight and wisdom when I didn't know what to do.  They helped me grow to places I couldn't have reached alone.

As you enter 2018, do you have someone to help you navigate the challenges you will face?  Do you have someone who will help you grow as a leader?  Do you have someone who will challenge you and push you out of your comfort zone?  Do you have someone you can bounce ideas off of and ask questions?  Do you have someone who will ask you the right questions?  Do you have someone who can help you take your ministry to a new level...to a place you've never been before?

If not, I'd like to be the person to help you.  I recently started a new coaching program for children's ministry leaders.  For the first 6 months of 2018, you can journey with me and other kidmin leaders.  Here are some of the ways I can help you navigate 2018 in children's ministry.

• Monthly group coaching call.  Live, one hour sessions on the important topics listed below.  Each session includes teaching and group discussions.  You will have the opportunity to discuss these topics with Dale and the other leaders in the group.  Sessions are also recorded so you have access to them later. 

• January - Self Leadership
• Feburary - Leading Staff & Volunteers
• March - Leading Through Change & Challenges
• April - Keys to Growing a Ministry
• May - Creating a Dynamic Children's Ministry Culture
• June - Staying Relevant in Children's Ministry

• Personalized growth plan.  I will help you identify areas of growth development.  From this, I will help you create a one-year growth plan in those areas. Includes identifying your personality traits, strengths, weaknesses and blind spots. Also includes developing a personal mission statement, key books to read, guided growth conversations to have with key people in your life, action steps, setting goals and help measuring progress. There is also an one hour follow-up phone session at the end of the program to access and celebrate your growth. 

• Copy of my books. 

• Online support. Each member of Advance has access to a special online forum and discussions where they can ask questions about children's ministry directly to Dale and other members.  You have access to this forum even after your 6 months has ended.

• Access to the notes from the KidMin GIG round table.  In 2016, I founded a gathering of the leaders of the 30 largest children's ministries in the country.  Each year, we meet for two days to discuss their latest ideas, insights, ministry wins and challenges.  As part of the Advance group, you will receive a copy of the latest discussions from this gathering.

In 28 years of ministry, I have navigated many of the challenges you will face in 2018.  I have led children's ministries in churches of a few hundred to churches of over 26,000 people.  I have navigated through rapid growth and led ministries through major change.  I have walked with families who were experiencing heartache.  I have seen thousands of kids and families follow Jesus and be baptized.  I have led through multiple building campaigns...some of them involving millions of dollars.  And I've also made lots of mistakes that I can help you avoid.  

You can get more information and apply to be part of the Advance Coaching program at this link.  The deadline to get in is December 31.  We have leaders from churches that range from 500 in attendance to 10,000 in attendance in the group.  There are only a few spots remaining, so check it out today if you'd like to join us.

Yes, 2018 is going to be a year of challenges...but it is also going to be a year of great opportunity.  I believe 2018 can be your greatest year of ministry ever.  I'd like to partner with you to help you achieve the dreams and goals God has placed in your heart...and even the ones you haven't even discovered or realized yet.

Let's guide our ministries well in 2018 and see God do amazing things.

I'm sure you're already thinking about 2018 and how you can make it a great year for your children's ministry.

Here are 10 things you should do for your children's ministry in 2018.  These can help you take the ministry to a new level next year.

Read a book with your staff and/or key volunteers.  Pick a book that can help you and your team grow.  It might be a ministry book, leadership book or spiritual growth book.  Read it and discuss together what you are learning from the chapters.

Here are some suggestions...

If Disney Ran Your Children's Ministry

The Formula for Building Great Volunteer Teams

Deep & Wide: Creating Churches Unchurched People Love

Start with the Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action

How Successful People Lead

Creativity, Inc.

The Compound Effect

Reassess everything you're doing.  Is it effective?  Is it still relevant?  Does anything need to be added?  Does anything need to be stopped?  Is the curriculum helping kids grow spiritually?  Are you reaching new families?  What is going well?  What is struggling? 

Ask these and other hard questions about everything you do.  This will keep you from getting stuck in a rut next year and will prevent sacred cows from eating up your ministry's resources, volunteers and time.    

Have a church-wide children's day.  Have at least one weekend where the entire church focuses on the children's ministry during the adult service.

On this day, highlight the children's ministry on the front cover of the worship bulletin.  Have kids lead worship in the adult service.  Have a child pray for the offering in the adult service.  Have the children's ministry director or a guest speaker bring the sermon in the service and share about the importance of children's ministry.  Recognize volunteers in the service and thank them for investing in the next generation.  Share praise reports about what God is doing in the lives of kids and families.  Have a children's parade into the adult service.  Highlight some of the big events and programs that are happening that year.

This can be a huge win for your children's ministry.  You can see the importance of children's ministry elevated immediately in your church by having a designated, church-wide children's day.

Update your facilities.  Your facilities matter...a lot.  Run-down facilities will make your children's ministry seem worse than it really is.  Good facilities will make your children's ministry seem better than it really is.

Unless you have brand new facilities, there is something that needs updating.  It may be painting some rooms.  It might be buying new chairs.  It might be new flooring in some areas.  It might be a new video screen or new television.  It might be new rocking chairs for the nursery.

Do as much as you can with the money you have access to or can get donated/given.  Focus on what you can do rather than what you can't do. 

Updating your facilities will bring fresh excitement and energy to your ministry in 2018.  I guarantee it.

Go to a conference.  How long has it been since you and some of your staff and/or key volunteers went to a conference?  You need it in 2018.  There are lots of great options to choose from.  Make your plans now and make this investment in yourself and your children's ministry.  You'll come back with fresh ideas, insight and encouragement.  It's also a great way to network with other children's ministry leaders.  

Honor your volunteers.  Your volunteers are the most important part of your children's ministry.  There is no children's ministry without them.  Make sure you value them.  Say "thank you" often.  Write them notes.  Text them.  Give them a gift.  Host a cookout in their honor.  Set them up for success with good communication, training and resources. 

Bring in an outside voice and eyes.  It makes a big impact when someone from the outside comes in and reinforces what you are trying to accomplish with your children's ministry.

It helps you identify things you are missing.  There are some things you and the ministry have become blind to...simply because you see the ministry all the time.  It happens to every ministry.  That's why you need fresh eyes to see the things you have overlooked or missed.   Here are some ways you can do this.

On-site ministry evaluation

Phone/video call consultation

It's also important for your volunteers, team members and church to hear about the importance of children's ministry from someone outside the ministry.  It strengthens and helps solidify what you've been sharing with them.  Here's how you can do this.

Teaching in adult weekend services

And it also helps you train, equip and inspire your team.  It's important to have key times during the year when you invest in your team.  Some of those times should be from you as the leader.  Other times it should be someone from the outside who can bring fresh insight, training and encouragement.  And the good news, with technology, any church can now afford to bring training to your team.  Here are some ways you can do this.

Live online webinars

Online team training

On-site volunteer training

Add more volunteers.  Just like every other church in America, you are going to need new volunteers in 2018.  Make bringing new volunteers on your team one of your top priorities for next year.  The success of your children's ministry will rise and fall on the strength of your volunteer team in 2018! 

Visit another church.  Find another church that has a great children's ministry.  Preferably a church that is at a level you want to be at.  Contact them and ask if you can come visit during their weekend services.  Bring a few key leaders with you.  Go and observe their ministry.  Make notes.  Ask lots of questions.  Look for ideas.  Bring back what you've learned and implement what will work in your ministry and culture. 

Refocus on the vision.  Yes, you cast vision this year.  But it has leaked.  It's just what happens.  People have become dull to the vision you cast this year.  They are more focused on what they are doing than on why they are doing it.   You must refocus them on the vision this coming year.  You must remind them in a fresh way why they are doing what they are doing.

Vision cast yesterday that is not revisited today will be forgotten tomorrow.  Keep your team focused on the vision in 2018.  Remind them of the vision each time you meet together.  Keep praying with them for the vision to be fulfilled.  Put it in writing in some new places.  Place it in every email you send out next year.

Weave it into every job description.  Mention it in every devotion you share.  Share stories of the impact the vision is making.  Re-visit it and re-visit it and re-visit it and re-visit it.

I'm believing with you that 2018 is going to be the best year ever for you and your ministry.  I'm your fan and I'm cheering for you!  Can't wait to see what God does in you and through your ministry in 2018! 

Dear Children's Ministry Leader, on this Thanksgiving Day, I am thankful for you.

Thank you for taking care of the 1000 little details during the week that make weekends, programs and events run smoothly.  Most people don't know how hard you work.  But you and I know that weekend services, events and programs don't happen magically.  It takes a lot of work.  Thank you for going the second mile week in and week out to make it happen.

Thank you for looking beyond yourself and focusing on the next generation.  I know children's ministry doesn't always get the attention, recognition, budget and promotion that other ministries do.  But thank you for not letting that stop you from serving the least of these.  You and I know that the least of these will one day do the most for the kingdom.  And you are preparing them for that day.  You are investing in leaders who will lead strong in God's kingdom long after you are gone.

Thank you for loving.  Loving children.  Loving parents.  Loving grandparents.  Loving volunteers.  Loving students.  Your heart is synced with the heart of Jesus.

Thank you for not giving up.  For continuing when you aren't appreciated.  For continuing when you are misunderstood.  For continuing when you make mistakes.  For continuing when the pay is little to none.  For continuing when you are discouraged.  For continuing when the needs are great, but the budget is small.  For continuing when you are short on help.  For continuing when someone you've poured yourself into walks away.  For continuing when your motives are questioned.  For continuing when the kids don't want to listen and seem to do the opposite of what you've taught them.  For continuing when people resist the change you know is so desperately needed.  Thank you for fighting on...for keeping your faith...for staying on course.

Thank you for loving the kid that everyone else is down on.  Thank you for looking beyond what he appears to be and seeing what he can be.  Thank you for believing in him when no one else does.  Thank you for not turning your back on him when he disrupts your lessons and acts out the turmoil he is experiencing outside of church.  Thank you for looking beyond the symptoms and doing everything you can to help him overcome the cause of his actions.

Thank you for embracing the messiness of ministry.  You didn't know it would be this messy when you started.  But now you know...because you're right in the middle of it.  Thank you for embracing families who are dysfunctional.  Thank you for walking toward messy conversations rather than avoiding them.  Thank you for being the friend of sinners.  Thank you for reaching out to kids and families that no one else wants to embrace because of the time and attention that will be required to help them out of the mess they have gotten themselves into.  Thank you joining Jesus in the mess.

Thank you for being a good shepherd.  Thank you for the prayers you've prayed for volunteers who are going through a difficult time.  Thank you for helping hold up a mother and father who have lost a child.  Thank you for the hospital visits...for the minor ones like "tonsils out" to the major ones like someone who is battling cancer.  Thank you for gathering some people with you to help a single mom who needed help moving.   When you got into children's ministry, you didn't realize that you would become a shepherd to the kids, parents and volunteers.  But now you are.  Thanks for shepherding well.

Thank you for who you are.  A servant.  A friend.  A counselor.  A prayer warrior.  A protector of children.  An encourager.   A dreamer.  A planner.  An organizer.  An innovator.  A mentor.  A role model.  A vision caster.  A communicator.  A motivator.  You are all this and more.

I thank God for you my friend.  Your best days of ministry are ahead.  You are anointed and appointed by God for such a time as this.  You are going to be amazed by what God is going to do in you and through you over the next few years.

God keeps great records and great is your reward in heaven.  One day you will see the totality of what God has done through your life and it will be worth everything you have given of yourself to reach and disciple kids and families.

Have a great Thanksgiving!  You are loved!  I thank God for you!

In a recent post, we shared 50 ways to encourage your children's ministry volunteers.  In this post, we'd like to share 50 ways you can encourage your children's ministry leader.  It's not an easy task to lead a children's ministry.  In fact, I believe it is one of the most challenging areas to lead in the entire church.  Besides the senior pastor role, no other role interacts with more generations. 

Think about it.  A children's ministry leader influences not only children, but students who serve, adults who serve, parents, grandparents, single adults, senior adults, etc. 

Often children's ministry leaders give themselves to encouraging others, but receive little to no encouragement themselves.  They work hard.  They prepare lessons, plan events, build volunteer teams, visit kids and families in the hospital, train and disciple others, administrate a budget, help dedicate babies, help kids and parents step across the line of faith, follow up with guests and much more. 

In many congregations, the person leading the children's ministry is a volunteer who also works a full-time job or may be paid part-time while really putting in many more hours than they are being paid for.  If the congregation has grown to the point where a full-time paid position is needed, often the person works much more than 40 hours a week in the role.

All of this can drain their battery.  And sometimes they just need a little encouragement to help re-charge. 

Here's 50 ways you can encourage your children's ministry leader.

1. Be on time when you are serving. 
2. Write him/her a note of encouragement.
3. Recruit someone else to serve with you.
4. Find out his/her favorite candy and bring it for him/her.
5. Remember his/her birthday.
6. Do something special for him/her during October, which is pastor appreciation month.
7. Find out a leadership book he/she has been wanting to read and get it for him/her.
8. Text him/her a word of encouragement on Monday morning.
9. Pray for him/her on a regular basis and let him/her know.
10. Have the kids in our class make him/her an encouragement card.
11. Watch his/her kids, so he/she can have a date night with his/her spouse.
12. Share a story from your class about a child that is growing in their faith.
13. Give them a small gift at Christmas.
14. Brag on him/her to the senior pastor.
15. Post a word of personal encouragement on his/her Facebook page.
16. Don't say something negative to him/her right before service begins.
17. Allow his/her kids to just be kids.
18. Honor them on their serving anniversary.
19. Take him/her out to eat after service.
20. Encourage his/her spouse if the person is married.
21. Encourage his/her children.
22. Send him/her an encouraging email.
23. Smile and nod in agreement when he/she is sharing with the volunteer team.
24. Get him/her movie tickets with friends or family.
25. Defend him/her against critics.
26. Be openly supportive of change.
27. Rather than standing in the back of the room, sit with the kids during large group time and be engaged in the worship, lesson, activities, etc.
28. If you have a complaint or misunderstanding with him/her, talk directly to him/her rather than to other people about it.
29. Bring him/her something from Starbucks.
30. Help him/her with special events.
31. At the end of the service, stay with the kids in your group until they have all been picked up.
32. Stick around after service and help him/her clean up.
33. Use your words to personally thank him/her for who they are and what they do.
34. Offer to help lead and care for other volunteers.
35. Make sure he/she is able to attend a conference at least once a year.
35. Create a short appreciation video with people thanking him/her and play it during a service.
36. Get behind new initiatives.
37. Give him/her space during his/her day off or vacation time.
38. Make sure he/she is attending the adult worship service on a regular basis.
39. Volunteer to be a counselor at camp.
40. Steal his/her car keys and get his/her car washed and cleaned.
41. Offer to watch his/her pets when he/she is on vacation.
42. Encourage him/her when something goes wrong or a program/event tanks.
43. Invite friends who have kids to attend church with you.
44. Let him/her know how the lessons are not only helping the children grow in their faith, but you as well.
45. Don't ask him or her "What do you do all week?  I thought you only worked on Sunday."
46. Let him or her know 2 weeks in advance when you know you're going to be out of town and are scheduled to serve.
47. Volunteer to help set up for special events or activities.
48. Introduce him/her to first-time guests.
49. Step in and help deal with children who are disrupting the service.
50. Get him/her a subscription to Children's Ministry Magazine.

Just like in every other area of life, everything rises and falls on leadership in children's ministry.  When you encourage your children's ministry leader, you not only help him/her succeed, but the entire ministry as well.

Your turn.  What are some other ways to encourage a children's ministry leader?  Share your thoughts and ideas in the comment section below.

I was recently thinking back to my first year as a children's pastor.  It was in a church in Southern California over 28 years ago.  It was a church plant, so I wore other hats as well.

I was young, naive and inexperienced.  Some things you can only learn through making mistakes and from the teacher called time.

Here are 10 things I wish I'd known that first year.

Be confident...even when you are not.  I remember feeling overwhelmed with the task ahead and I informed volunteers and parents of this.  Not a good way to lead.  Over-confidence is being cocky.  Not being confident enough is being too cautious.

I wish I'd known more about walking in Godfidence.  A confidence that is based not on my own abilities, but with confidence in God's call on my life.  I needed to know that where God guides, He provides.  When God enlists you for a job, He equips you for that job.

People need a leader who walks in a confidence that is grounded in trusting God's ability to do an awesome work in spite of his or her lack of ability.

Effective leadership starts with relationship.   Surely people would follow me because I had a title.  Not.  Surely people would listen to what I said because I had a diploma on the wall.  Not.  Surely people would give me respect because I had an office in the church building.  Not. 

I wish I had known that people don't follow someone because of these things.  They follow someone they love and respect.  And that is something that is earned.  I had to first spend time investing in people, caring for people, listening to people and serving people.   Then and only then, would they open their heart to my leadership.

I can't save the world.  I had to save the world, right?  I mean, I was called to take the Gospel to every creature, right?  I should have a burden for the people of the city I was in, right?

Yes.  But, I also needed to know that it wasn't my job to save the world.  That job was already taken.  It was simply my job to share the Gospel with people.  It was simply my job to love the people God brought across my path.

When you think you've got to save the entire world, it becomes a burden that's way too heavy to carry...
especially when you shouldn't be trying to carry it in the first place.

You must balance work and home.   I worked and worked and worked.  I worked some nights when I should have been home.  I skipped some days off when I should have been resting.  I clocked some hours at the church that should have been spent at the park with my son.  There were times when I was on the phone with church members when I should have been talking with my wife.  There were vacation days that I didn't use, that I should have taken.

I wish I had been more balanced.  God.  Family.  Ministry.  That's the order that leads to long-term success in ministry.

People skills is one of the most important things you can learn.  I didn't know how to navigate conflict effectively.  I reacted instead of acting.  I was controlled by my emotions.  I needed to have more empathy.  I should have been more collaborative instead of needing to have things go my way.  I also needed to know how to relate to people who had a different personality than me.  I needed more patience with people.  I need to learn to be more flexible.  I needed to get better at reading people's body language.  

Slow down and celebrate.  I was so busy running to the next thing that I didn't slow down and celebrate the victories.

It's so important to pause and take time to thank God for what He's done and give people the opportunity to celebrate and rejoice.

Be more of an equipper than a doer.  I tried to do too much myself.  My insecurities caused me to keep doing things I should have given away.  I was so intent on things being done with excellence, that I hesitated to trust others with tasks.  Big time mistakes.

I should have looked closer at Ephesians 4 and saw that my primary job description is to equip.  The most effective leaders are empowering leaders.  They equip others and help them succeed.

Children (and adults) learn best by doing, rather than by listening.  When it was class time...I talked and talked and talked to the kids.  I thought the best method was for them to sit still and listen while I taught them the Word of God.  I tried to bribe them to sit still with candy, prizes, etc., but it usually ended with them squirming around in boredom.  It wasn't their fault.  It was my fault.

Eventually I learned that the most effective methods of teaching involve active, hands-on, participatory lessons that engage the senses, tap into kids' learning styles and has the kids talking as much, if not more, than the teacher.

Information without application falls flat.  I focused on teaching Bible facts, having kids memorize lots of verses and making sure they could say all of the books of the Bible in order.  That was a good thing...but I didn't move beyond the facts enough and teach kids how to live out the truth I was sharing with them.

My focus shifted when I discovered that Jesus spend a lot more time teaching application than He did information.  Information is important, but without application, there is no transformation.  In time, I arrived at the conclusion that I would rather a child memorize one verse and know what it means than memorize ten verses with no clue what the verses mean.

Criticism is a gift.  I looked at criticism as a personal attack.  When people questioned my leadership or my decisions, I became defensive and argumentative.  Rather than finding the truth in the criticism, even if it was minuscule, I pushed it away in anger.

One day I heard someone say that criticism is a gift that can help you get better.  It was an eye opener for me and totally changed the way I viewed criticism.  Wish I had grasped that my first year.  I would have learned so many great lessons that I missed.

Concluding thoughts...
If you are reading this and just starting out in ministry, I trust this will help you learn some of these lessons faster than I did.  The truth is, there will also be lessons to learn, now matter how long you are in ministry.  I still at times struggle in some of the areas I've mentioned.  You never arrive completely.  It's all part of the journey.

Your turn.  The floor is yours.

What are some things you wish you'd known when you first started out? 

What are some areas you want to get better at?

What advice would you give to someone who is early in ministry?  

Share your thoughts and insight with everyone in the comment section below.

What does it take to lead a children's ministry?  Here are some words that come to mind.

Leading Children's Ministry = 

Passion
Having enthusiasm for the next generation that rubs off on others.

Vision
Looking beyond what is and seeing what can be.

Courage
Stepping out of your comfort zone.

Perseverance
Continuing when things get tough.

Patience
Giving kids and volunteers room to make mistakes and learn from it.

Fun
Making church something kids look forward to.

Commitment
Being sold out for the mission.

Excellence
Doing your very best with what God has placed in your hand.

Humility
Knowing it's not about you.

Boldness
Taking risks rather than playing it safe.

Collaboration
Bringing others into the picture to make it a better picture.

Trustworthiness
Creating a track record of trust.

Focus
Knowing what is really important.

Authenticity
Practicing what you preach.

Empowerment
Equipping others to succeed.

Creativity
Bringing fresh ideas. 

Dedication
Going the second mile.

Inspiration
Getting others excited about the mission.

Graciousness
Showing thankfulness to God and those who've helped you.

Compassion
Taking other people's hurts into your heart.

Love
Reflecting the heart of God for people. 

Accountability
Gathering people around you who will bring out the best in you.

Your turn.  The floor is yours.  When you think about leading children's ministry, what other words come to mind?  Share your thoughts with everyone in the comment section below.

Children's ministry is obviously about ministering to kids.  But it's also just as much, if not even more, about leading the volunteers who minister to the kids.  If you want to be an effective children's ministry pastor, then you've got to be good at leading volunteers.  You can be great with the kids, but if you're not good with the volunteers, you might just earn yourself the title of "Worlds Worst Children's Pastor."

If you want to avoid earning this title, then take some cues from Jeff Bezos, who is the owner of Amazon.  Even though he was recently named the wealthiest person in the world, with a net worth exceeding $90 billion, he was also named the World's Worst Boss by the International Trade Union Confederation in 2014.  A New York Times article revealed some of the unhealthy sides of the company. 

Not respecting people's personal time.  Emails were sent past midnight and then followed by text messages asking why they weren't answered.  Fathers quit because of pressure to spend less time with their family.  Long conference calls were held on Easter Sunday and Thanksgiving day.  Expectations to work during vacation and working at home most nights and weekends were there.  This crossed the line into people's personal time.

If you want to be the World's Worst Children's Pastor, then cross the line into your volunteers' personal time.  Have mandatory training events that take people away from their families too often.  Send too many emails.  Complain when volunteers are gone on vacation.  Call them during dinner time.  

Using people as a means to an end.  Workers who suffered from cancer, miscarriages and other personal crises said they had been evaluated unfairly or moved out rather than being given time to recover.  You could often see people crying at their desks from emotional turmoil.  In 2011, a warehouse in Pennsylvania was investigated when workers toiled in more than 100-degree heat with no air-conditioning.  Ambulances waited outside to take them away when they got heat exhaustion.  A mother of a stillborn child said, "I had just experienced the most devastating event in my life, only to be told my performance would be monitored to make sure I stayed focused on my job."

If you want to be the World's Worst Children's Pastor, then use people to build the ministry rather than using the ministry to build people.  Place volunteers in vacant ministry roles with no regard to their spiritual gifts and passion.  Don't make time to build relationships with them.  Don't check on them when they are sick.  Don't worry about being a shepherd.  Use them to reach the ministry goals at any cost.

Overworking people.  Employees were told when they hit the wall...to climb the wall.  As mentioned previously, work hours were unreasonable and caused people to work at night, on weekends and even during holidays.  This resulted in high employee turnover.  The average tenure of an employ was one year.  There was a steady exodus.  Burn and churn was the norm. 

If you want to be the World's Worst Children's Pastor, then ask volunteers to stay over and work an extra service.  Have them serve and never attend a worship service.  Ask them to serve in several different roles.  Make them feel guilty for taking a Sunday off.   Never take time to say "thank you" or show any appreciation. 

Not using direct communication.  Employees are encouraged to send secret feedback to each others' bosses.  It is frequently used to sabotage other employees in a quest to get ahead and climb the ladder.  This results in disunity and tension between employees. 

If you want to be the World's Worst Children's Pastor, then criticize your volunteers behind their back.  Avoid giving them direct feedback.  Avoid having hard conversations that need to be had.  Allow gossip and backbiting.  Don't communicate important information to your volunteers.  Leave them in the dark on what's coming.  Send them lesson plans at the last minute.  Don't respond to their emails.  Don't return their phone calls.  Don't ask for their feedback.  When they send you feedback, ignore it. 

Do these things you and you'll earn the title of World's Worst Children's Pastor with your volunteers.  I know you don't want that title.  Lead well.  The success of your ministry depends on it.  You can get more great tips on leading volunteers well in my book "The Formula for Building Great Volunteer Teams."  It's available in ebook and paperback at this link.

I am excited to be part of the KidMin Conference this fall in Chicago.  The KidMin Conference is a gathering of thousands of kidmin leaders who are passionate about reaching and discipling kids and families.

Looking from the outside, it might appear that leading a children's ministry just requires being good at connecting with kids.  While you definitely need to have a heart for kids to be in children's ministry, there is much more involved when it comes to leading the ministry. 

I am often ask by young leaders who are starting out what they should focus on.  Outside of the time you spend with the kids, here's 5 keys to leading a children's ministry.

PEOPLE.  I believe this has to be your number one priority.  Focus the biggest % of your time enlisting, equipping and empowering people for the work of the ministry.  Ephesians 4 confirms this. 

"Their responsibility is to equip God’s PEOPLE to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ.  This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ."

The key is being an equipper more than a doer.  As you invest in people, you will see the ministry grow and flourish.  It's not about what you can do, rather it's about what you can empower other people to do.  Never do ministry by yourself.  Have someone you are training and investing in. 

The success of the ministry will rise and fall on the strength of the volunteer team you build.

PASSION.  As the leader, you must set the tone for the ministry.  Lead with passion!  Have a vision that causes people's hearts to beat faster!  The passion of the ministry will never rise above your passion.  Be a thermostat rather than a thermometer.  This means you set the spiritual temperature for the ministry rather than just measuring it. 

Give it everything you've got!  Pray with passion!  Share with passion!  Lead with passion!  Care with passion!  Invest with passion!  When people see and feel your passion, they will be drawn to you and it will rub off on them.  Remember, passion is not something that can be taught...it is caught.

PLANNING.  It's your job to plan out where the ministry is headed and what will take you there.  Lay out a clear plan for programs, events, special days and other calendar dates.   I highly recommend planning a year in advance.  You've heard the saying, "Plan your work and then work your plan."  It's true...and look what comes first - the planning. 

One word of caution when it comes to planning.  Remember...less is more.  A full, busy calendar does not always equate to a successful plan.  Focus on doing a few things really well.  The goal of your planning should first and foremost be productivity.

Planning also involves collaboration.  Don't plan alone.  Bring people around you to help.  Coordinate with other ministries so your plan flows well with the overall church calendar.  This is vital for successful planning.  

PROBLEM SOLVING.  Guess what?  Leading a children's ministry equals dealing with problems.  You will be the go-to-person when problems arise.  Be a fixer rather than a complainer.  A good leader faces problems and brings solutions.   Embrace the messiness of leading.  As you solve problems, you will earn the respect and trust of those you lead.

PROTECTION.  You must protect the ministry.  Protect the children by having safety and security measures in place.  Make everyone who serves go through a thorough on-boarding process that includes a background check and personal interview where you ask the hard questions.  Never allow an adult to be alone with a child.  Have an evacuation plan in place.  Be aware of food allergies. Have a solid check-in and check-out process. 

Protect the unity of the ministry.  Know how to navigate and mediate conflict.  Have the courage to have difficult conversations when it's necessary.  You must keep the "alignment" of the ministry on course. 

Here are some follow-up questions to think about:

• Am I spending my time investing in people?  How can I focus more of my time in equipping?

• From 1 to 10 (with 10 being the highest), where is my passion level for the ministry?  How can I raise it?

• Do I have a plan in place for the ministry?  Is the plan strategically taking us toward our goals?  Is there anything on the calendar that is not effective?  How can I narrow our focus?

• How good am I at problem-solving?  Do I try to sweep problems under the rug or do I fix them?  How can I improve in this area?

• Is our ministry protected?  Do we have solid measures in place to protect it?  Are there any vulnerable spots we need to strengthen?  

What a privilege it is to lead in children's ministry.  What a joy to be chosen by God to help reach the next generation.  There's nothing better!  And it deserves your very best!  Lead well! 

One of the best ways to grow as a leader in children's ministry is to read books. Fill your leadership growth pathway with books that will challenge and stretch you.  Here are 10 books I recommend for 2017.

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