Growing as a Children’s Pastor

The lid principal states that you can never take those you lead higher than you’ve been. That’s why the most effective children’s pastors are the ones who never stop growing. Here’s some ideas to incorporate growth in your ministry and your life.

Spiritual Growth: If you want your students to grow spiritually, never stop seeking God in your own life. Examine what areas you need to grow in. Is it prayer, Bible study, or the fruit of the Spirit. Pray about how you can work on those areas, and make a plan of action.

Read: Reading is one of the best ways to grow and to learn. There are many great children’s ministry books out there, but don’t limit it to one subject. You might want to read books on leadership, project management, time organization, drama, or many other areas that would help you in your ministry. In a couple of weeks, I’ll list some suggestions for your reading list.

Conferences: Attending Children’s Ministry and Leadership Conferences are some of the best ways to grow as a children’s pastor. Not only will you learn from the workshop leaders, you can get a lot of great ideas by networking with the people there.

Learn a New Skill: Widen your horizons by learning a new skill. Try out juggleing, singing, playing an instrument, making balloon animals, or learning to use puppets. Every skill will help you grow your children’s minsitry in ways you didn’t expect.

Try Something New: If you want to walk on water, you need to get out of the boat. Expand your ministry by trying something new or doing something in a different way. You might find out it works great. If it doesn’t, just don’t do it again or tweak it to work next time.

Expect God to Move Through You: One of the best ways to grow as a children’s pastor is to expect God to move through you. Excercise your faith, and watch what miraculous things God will do. Nothing is impossible with God.