It is believed that Samuel was 12 years of age when he had responsibilities in the temple. The exciting thing for us is that we can plug the children in our churches into ministry, and it will be life changing for them as they discover God’s purpose for their lives.

When things feel as if they’re spinning out of control, when everything within you is screaming to step in and step up to the challenge, breathe. Before you react, prior to lashing out, preceding your missteps. Just breath. And look to Jesus.

"Simply put, children learn from the people they love. And love is the result of getting to know one another—it's the result of relationships. Before our kids come to know Jesus, they just might need to know us first."

When considering Kids Ministry - often times people just think of, “what can we do with the kids so the adults can have their service.” However, it is SO MUCH more than that. It is so much more than childcare! So how do you create a Kids Ministry that leaves kids begging their parents to bring them back?

As children’s ministers, we have to ask the question, are my teachers teaching or discipling children in my church? Are we more concerned about the developmental learning styles of children, whether they are concrete or abstract learners, than about whether they are being transformed by the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives?

Encourage the single parent to make the child part of the process. You might give the child scriptures or stories about people in the Bible who had to move. Some of these little kids feel like nomads wandering around or like the children of Israel having to wander the desert.

The topic of self-care often brings up a myriad of responses within churches and Christ-followers.  The concept seems overtly “non-Christian” to some of us.  Think about it; the word “self” is included in the title of this activity we are often encouraged to consider implementing in our lives.  And after all are we not directed, in Scripture, to die to self?  So why would we want to spend time “caring” for self. 

Don’t stay in that place of burnout, excuses, exhaustion, and mediocre leadership. You will end up not leading the way God intended for you to lead. Your ministry will suffer. The teams you lead will suffer, and your calling will not be as fulfilling as it once was. Jesus desires so much more for you, and those you lead need so much more from you.