10 Children's Ministry Secrets

Not everything in ministry is self-evident.

Some things that seem true—or effective—can produce substandard results.

Here are some examples.

1. The way you carry yourself makes a difference.

Remember you are a minister, not a big kid.

If you conduct yourself like a big kid don’t be surprised when no one respects your ministry.

Act like you believe in what you are doing.

2. Team building happens best by direct recruiting.

General announcements in the bulletin or from the pulpit seldom recruits workers.

You have to flush out talented/committed people and go after them with a vengeance.

3. Resourcefulness can backfire.

One of the big problems in children’s ministry is that children’s pastors get so effective at being resourceful that they stop asking for what they need.

They stop expecting quality resources and equipment.

Ask boldly for what you need but handle it with class if/when you get turned down.

4. Kids would rather do something than watch something.

Kids are wired to do stuff. They crave involvement.

5. Kids learn best by doing.

Games are a rich interactive experience.

They teach. They engage. They are fun.

As a teaching tool, games are hard to beat.

Videos are not as effective. They sometimes keep kids quiet but they tend to cause kids to zone out.

6. Failure is essential.

Embrace failure. To be innovative/creative you have to try things.

Some things WILL fail. Don’t sweat it.

The most creative people are usually the ones that try a lot of stuff and can easily brush off failure.

7. Big truths are more vital than small values.

The biggest tragedy in children’s ministry today is the dumbing down of God’s Word.

Allowing kids to grow into big truths from the Bible will take them further than little tips on living right.

8. Reproduce yourself.

Teach others to do what you do.

Give them freedom to make mistakes. Nurture others to become leaders.

Do not be so insecure that you fear others doing well.

9. Control your time.

Time is a precious commodity that—once squandered—can never be recovered.

Be smart with your time. Stop doing things that do not produce anything.

10. Weakness works better than strength.

You do NOT have the ability to impact kids for eternity.

Depend on God. Trust His word.

Your creativity is not enough.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. –2 Corinthians 12:9–