3 Things I Tell EVERY Volunteer

Part of the process for joining our Kids Ministry team is a personal sit-down interview with me, the Kids Pastor. I want to personally know every person who serves on our team—whether that is in an up-front or behind-the-scenes capacity. During this interview, I always stress three important principles that I hope will guide their decisions while serving in ministry:

1)  Always Strive For Excellence

We try to live Colossians 3:23 on a daily basis:  “Whatever work you do, do it with all your heart. Do it for the Lord and not for men. In every part of Kids Ministry, our goal is EXCELLENCE.  That means we arrive early, we give 110% energy during service, and we go above and beyond what would be “expected of us.”  When you have a lesson to teach, skit to perform, or song to sing—you are expected to practice and be well-prepared. No “winging it!” God deserves our best, and so do the children.

2)  Never forget:  “The little eyes are always watching.”

We have over 800 kids that attend our church regularly. It’s impossible to go ANYWHERE in our city without running into one of them. Jesus said in Matthew 18:6: “But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to have a large millstone tied around your neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea.” We have to be conscious of every word, action, reaction, and attitude we display whether we are at church, in the grocery story, or at the movies. You never know when one of these kids’ eyes are on you. You want to set the RIGHT example for them—whether intentionally or unintentionally.

This goes for Social Media posts as well. I remind our leaders that the parents of the children in our church (and, sadly some of the kids themselves) are on Social Media. I want my leaders to make sure that EVERY post reflects the character of Christ. I ask them to refrain from “rants,” pictures, jokes, etc. that may seem to be the norm on Social Media. As a leader of children, I want them to realize the impact that a seemingly “harmless” (yet inappropriate) post can cause. I don’t want them to do anything that would damage their reputation, their leadership, or the Kingdom.

3)  Ministry Moments Can Happen At ANY Time

Don’t think that ministry can only happen in the Kids’ Ministry Service Time. You never know when God will open a door for you to minister to a child. You might see the child in the Party Zone sitting by themselves, and you can go over and talk to them and cheer them up. You might see the child walking through the church halls and can tell they need encouragement. You might even feel like God is leading you to send the child a card during the week to let them know you are praying for them. There are MANY opportunities to make a difference in a child’s life. Look for those ministry moments, both inside and outside the service. 

I share these three things with EVERY person who serves in Kids Ministry. How about you? What are the principles that you hope will guide the decisions of your team as they minister to His children?