Who Got Us Here, Won’t Get Us There
If you haven’t realized it yet, Kids Ministry requires you to work with other people. I know—some of you are probably freaking out right now because you prefer working in isolation. You know you can get things done on your own, and sometimes—ok fine, all the time—people can be difficult. But here’s the reality: the call on our lives as children’s pastors and leaders is greater than just one person.
Even Jesus, though He alone changed the entire world, gathered people around Him and sent them out to continue His work. His mission was bigger than Himself, and it required the right people to be on board. The problem is that many of us aren’t driving a bus with room for others. Instead, we’re riding a bike with space for no one—sometimes not even Jesus.
Where Is “There”
One of the most beautiful aspects of Jesus’ ministry is that He had a clear vision of where He was going. He set an example for His disciples—and for us—of what it looks like to be on mission with direction.
In Kids Ministry, we need to define our “There.” Volunteers, parents, and team members shouldn’t have to guess what we’re doing; it should be absolutely clear. When we have a well-defined destination, others can step in and be part of something great. Clarity lifts our ministries to the next level.
Moving forward to the next level often requires us to leave something behind. This doesn’t necessarily mean quitting your role, but it might mean expanding your ministry strategy, shifting your leadership style, or learning a new skill. Spend time in prayer to discern where God is leading you and your Kids Ministry. Knowing the direction helps you understand what’s required of you—and who you need for the journey.
Who’s With Me?
As we’ve already established, you don’t have to do ministry alone. Maybe when you started in kids ministry, you were the one who did everything—from prepping crafts to leading worship to teaching the Bible story. If something happened, you knew about it and were involved.
But the goal of equipping others is that, over time, you begin to focus on what only you can do—casting vision, teaching the Word, shepherding families—while empowering others to take on more.
To build a strong team, we must assess our current members based on where we’re headed. Who you need isn’t just a name on an org chart or a number on a goal sheet—it’s a person uniquely designed by God to be on assignment with your ministry for His glory. When we see Kids Ministry as truly missional and life-changing, the people we bring alongside us become even more critical.
Some team members may need to step away (and they might actually be relieved to do so). Others may need to shift into new roles. And you may need to bring in new people. The point is this: if you want to take your Kids Ministry to the next level, you need the right people with you.
Take time to know your team. Listen to their goals, dreams, and even their feedback about you as their leader. Create a growth plan for each key volunteer, measure their progress, and stay connected regularly. The key is to think forward and help your team know they’re not just filling a spot—they’re building the Kingdom with you.
Are We There Yet
One of the best parts of this journey is that we never truly “arrive” in Kids Ministry. To arrive would imply there’s no more work to be done—and that’s never the case in ministry. I pray that excites you because the landscape of children’s ministry is always evolving.
As you set measurable goals, meet with your teams, and spend time in prayer, you’ll notice that adjustments may be needed. Like a GPS recalibrating, your timeline might shorten or extend—and that’s okay. The goal isn’t perfection; the goal is progress.
Over time, you’ll witness lives changing and be inspired by the kids you serve, the families you partner with, and the leaders you raise up. Take moments to reflect along the way. Don’t be afraid to make adjustments. Move forward with boldness and confidence as you step into uncharted waters.
On this journey, I encourage you to have three key people with you:
- Someone ahead of you—a mentor who can guide and teach you.
- Someone alongside you—a peer in ministry to share the journey with.
- Someone behind you—a new or younger leader you can pour into and help take their next step.
You were created to do great things, and your Kids Ministry path may look different from others. Embrace that. Trust God’s direction, and watch amazing things unfold. You’ve got this!
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