Top 5 Habits Of Highly Successful Kids’ Pastors

As you minister to children, you will inevitably grow as a leader. Developing a thriving kids’ ministry requires a significant number of volunteers, making it essential to understand leadership principles and enhance your leadership skills. Here are the top 5 leadership skills crucial for kids’ ministry:

1. Lead by Example

The cornerstone of effective leadership is setting a strong example. As Peter advised in 1 Peter 5:2-3: “Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example.”

Practical Steps to Lead by Example:

• Commitment: Your commitment should surpass that of anyone else on your team. Show up early, prepared, and ready to engage.
• Punctuality: Arrive at meetings at least ten minutes early. This small act demonstrates your dedication and respect for others’ time.
• Preparation: When ministering, never “wing it.” Thoroughly study and practice your materials. Scripture advises us to “study to show yourself approved” (2 Timothy 2:15). Make your presentations and teachings come from a place of deep understanding and preparation.
• Professionalism: Rehearse drama skits, memorize lines, and test all media elements beforehand to avoid any hiccups during the service.

Your role as a leader is not just to instruct but to inspire through your actions. Both children and volunteers look up to you and will mirror your level of dedication and professionalism.

2. Be Proactive

Early in my ministry journey, I often felt like a victim of circumstances. I loved working with the kids but felt my effectiveness was hindered by factors outside my control. This led to a lot of blaming:

• “If only parents valued their children more.”
• “If more people volunteered.”
• “If only my pastor understood the importance of kids’ ministry.”

However, this mindset is unproductive. Successful leaders focus on what they can control:

Areas to Focus On:

• Your Thoughts: You have full control over your thoughts. If you find yourself stuck in negativity, make a conscious effort to redirect your thinking. Surround yourself with positive influences and mentors.
• Your Words: Words have tremendous power. Use them to uplift and inspire. Guilt rarely motivates, but passion does. If you are enthusiastic about kids’ ministry, others will be drawn to your energy.
• Your Actions: Take initiative. Stop complaining about what others aren’t doing and start creating the best possible experience for the kids. Your proactive attitude will attract others to your cause.

For instance, when faced with the challenge of planning a four-hour kids’ service on New Year’s Eve, I initially felt overwhelmed and resentful. But by shifting my perspective, I transformed it into an exciting annual lock-in event, creating memorable experiences for everyone involved.

3. Vision Casting and Goal Setting

Vision casting and goal setting are fundamental to leadership. Vision is your desired future state, a compelling picture of where you want your ministry to go. Goal setting, on the other hand, involves establishing measurable steps to reach that vision. Proverbs 29:18 highlights the importance of vision: “Where there is no vision, the people perish” (KJV).

Implementing Vision and Goals:

• Annual Vision Meeting: Dedicate a specific time each year to vision casting. January is a great time to set the tone for the upcoming year.
• Review and Reflect: Begin by reviewing the previous year’s goals. Celebrate accomplishments and analyze areas for improvement.
• Presenting the Vision: Use tools like PowerPoint™ to visually communicate your plans for the year. This helps to inspire and mobilize your team, demonstrating a clear and achievable path forward.

By casting a clear vision and setting tangible goals, you instill confidence and motivation in your team, ensuring everyone is aligned and working towards the same objectives.

4. Delegate, Delegate, Delegate

To manage the diverse responsibilities of kids’ ministry effectively, mastering the art of delegation is essential. Delegation is not about offloading tasks but about empowering others and expanding your leadership impact.

Effective Delegation Strategies:

• Identify Strengths: Focus on your core strengths and delegate tasks that others can handle better. For example, if you excel at teaching, let others manage administrative tasks or coordinate volunteers.
• Empower Volunteers: Trust is crucial. When you delegate, you show confidence in others’ abilities. This not only frees up your time but also helps others grow in their roles.
• Clear Communication: Ensure that those you delegate to understand their tasks and expectations. Follow up regularly to provide support and feedback.
• Mentoring: Delegation should include mentoring. Regular check-ins and feedback help volunteers grow and feel valued.

Remember, effective delegation enhances creativity, reduces stress, and builds a stronger, more capable team.

5. Communicate Effectively

Communication is the backbone of any successful ministry. It’s vital to clearly convey expectations, stay in touch with your team, and ensure everyone is on the same page.

Tips for Effective Communication:

• Regular Updates: Before each weekend, communicate with everyone on the schedule. Use emails, phone calls, texts, or social media, depending on what works best for your team.
• Responsive Communication: Don’t assume a message was received and understood just because it was sent. Follow up to ensure clarity.
• Volunteers: Understand that volunteers are giving their time freely. Respect their commitment and make your communications positive and engaging.
• Two-Way Street: Effective communication involves listening as much as talking. Make sure you understand your team’s concerns and feedback.

For example, teenage volunteers might not use email frequently. In such cases, texting or using social media platforms like Facebook can be more effective.

By fostering open, two-way communication, you reduce misunderstandings, increase reliability, and build stronger, more engaged relationships within your team.

Developing these leadership skills will not only enhance your effectiveness in kids’ ministry but also create a more vibrant, engaged, and successful program. Your commitment to leading by example, being proactive, casting vision, delegating tasks, and communicating effectively will inspire your volunteers and make a lasting impact on the children you serve.

If you’re looking to further elevate your ministry, consider my Lamplight Academy course, “How To Build A Children’s Ministry From The Ground Up.“ Drawing from over four decades of hands-on experience, this comprehensive course equips church leaders with the tools needed to cultivate vibrant children’s ministries. You’ll gain invaluable insights and lessons from my journey, empowering you to:

• Assemble a robust team of volunteers
• Effectively shepherd children on their spiritual path
• Implement practical leadership strategies tailored for kids’ ministry

By the end of the program, you’ll be equipped with the expertise to build or enhance your children’s ministry from the ground up. Join me at Lamplight Academy and revolutionize your kids’ ministry today!