What Type of Kids’ Pastor Are You?

There are different types of Kids’ Pastors.  This is why it can be unwise to go look at someone else’s program and copy it.  If a church has a successful program, then they built their program around the strengths of the leader; but you may or may not have those same strengths.

I’m not saying we shouldn’t learn from others.  Everyone needs a mentor or two, but to totally copy someone else’s ministry is a mistake.

Build your ministry around your strengths.

This mean you need to know what your strengths are, and you need to know what your weaknesses are.  You need to look for people to help you who are strong in areas that you are weak.

Your strengths are things that you enjoy doing that bring you fulfillment.

Ask yourself these questions:

• Are you more of a visionary or a detail person?
• Are you task orientated or people orientated?
• Do you like to lead from the front of the room or the back of the room?
• What brings you the most fulfillment: working with kids, volunteers, or parents?

Ministry To Kids – I have observed children’s programs that have a good program for the kids, but it’s not very organized. In this situation there is usually one person, the kids’ pastor, who is very good with the kids, but there is no one leading from the back of the room. Volunteers do not hang around, because no one is ministering to them.

Volunteers & Organization – I have seen children’s programs that are well organized. Their systems are in place, but the actual kids’ ministry is not very good. This leader is someone who is great at administration, but may not have a strong teaching gift.

Family Ministry – In the last decade, there has been a shift toward Family Ministry with a focus on ministry to kids through their parents. This can be a positive thing, but I have seen some of these churches drop the ball in their kids’ ministry on Sunday mornings.

Is it possible to be good in all three areas?

Absolutely, but you can’t do it by yourself. It begins with you deciding what part you want to do.

I love the following quote from American actor Ben Stein: “The indispensable first step to getting what you want out of life is this: Decide what you want.”

So, what type of Kids’ Pastor are you?

• Do you want to be the primary teacher of the kids?
• Do you enjoy the recruiting, training, and organizing of the volunteers?
• Do you want to focus on ministering to the kids through their parents?

Here’s where to start:

===>>> This is from “The Red Book” by Mark Harper.