5 Essentials to Learn, Grow, and Thrive in Children’s Ministry

Children's Ministry Gathering

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Every ministry leader needs some key essentials if they are going to be resilient, growing leaders who can build healthy teams and ministries. I’d like to share five of the key essentials that have kept me going for 37 years in ministry.

1. Learning from Others

Learning is a pivotal part of your journey. While experience is often deemed the best teacher, there’s immense value in learning from others’ experiences—both their successes and failures. Seek out mentors who are further along in their journey, and also connect with peers who are at the same stage. Don’t just absorb information; engage by asking questions that provoke deeper understanding.

When attending conferences, prepare a list of thoughtful questions. Instead of just asking how things are done, dig deeper with “why” questions. This approach can lead to richer insights and help you grow significantly.

Conference Interaction

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2. Handling Criticism

Criticism is inevitable in ministry. It’s essential to develop a thick skin and focus on constructive feedback rather than seeking approval from everyone around you. Remember, the approval you seek should come from God. Evaluate criticism carefully—determine whether it’s constructive or simply an agenda-driven attack.

Learn to respond thoughtfully to criticism. Your inner circle’s feedback matters most, so weigh their words carefully. When you receive criticism, think about its intent and how it can help you grow.

3. Building Structures for Growth

To thrive in ministry, you need robust structures in place. This involves developing plans for growth and leadership development. Assess your current volunteer needs and how to invite others to join your team. Prepare for growth by ensuring your organizational structure can support it.

John Maxwell’s principle of the law of the lid reminds us that our leadership growth directly influences our team’s capacity to grow.  I encourage you to invest in your own development to elevate your leadership lid.

This is where investing in a leadership coach pays large dividends. For me, coaching was a game changer. I had been in ministry for over 15 years when I first invested in my coach. I only wished I’d done it sooner!  (So, dear younger leader, don’t wait as long as I did!) 
If you’d like to learn about coaching set up a clarity call at Kmcoach.net you can schedule a 30-minute clarity call to learn how it can elevate your leadership. 

4. Setting Boundaries

Self-care is crucial in ministry. It’s vital to establish boundaries that protect your time and health. Schedule regular times for rest, renewal, and solitude. Create accountability systems with trusted colleagues to help maintain these boundaries.

Burnout is a serious issue, and it’s often a sign of poor self-management. Take a hard look at your calendar—does it reflect your priorities? If not, it’s time to make adjustments.

5. Being Strategic as a Leader

A clear vision is essential for effective leadership. Define your big “why”—what drives you? Develop a strategic plan to accomplish your vision. Focus on a few key initiatives that will make a significant impact rather than trying to do everything at once.

Engage your team in this vision. Ensure they understand and share it, creating a unified direction for your ministry.

Strategic Planning Session

Photo by Z on Unsplash

Final Thoughts

These five essentials—learning from others, handling criticism, building structures, setting boundaries, and being strategic—are vital for your growth as a leader. If you need support, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Kids Ministry Collective community or check out KMC Coaching for personalized guidance.

Remember, your journey in ministry is unique, and you’re not alone. Together, we can build healthy teams that lead healthy ministries. God bless you, and stay tuned for our next episode!

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