We would all agree that we aspire to be great Kids Ministry leaders. We want to honor God, encourage our teams, serve families well, and be found faithful. But what actually makes a leader great in God's eyes?

Sometimes we think greatness is about the number of kids who attend, how many volunteers we’ve recruited, or how many years we’ve been doing ministry. But let’s pause for a moment and ask, how does God define greatness?

We often attach the word great to something big. If it’s growing, busy, or exciting, it must be great, right? But Jesus redefined greatness. He showed us that the greatest among us is the servant (Matthew 23:11), and that true leadership begins with humility, purpose, and love.

Here are five qualities of a Kids Ministry leader to consider as you pursue greatness in Kids Ministry—not through the lens of the world, but through the eyes of God.

1. They Know Their Purpose and Who Designed It

A great leader doesn’t just fill a role; they know why they’re there. They’ve heard the call, and they’ve said yes to the God who wrote and continues to write their story. Their purpose is not self-made—it’s God-given. And when challenges come (and they will), they remember who called them in the first place.

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works…” Ephesians 2:10

2. They See Each Child as Made in God’s Image

We often think of adults as being made in the image of God. It’s like when they have figured out life a little, then we realize they are made in his image. But, every child matters—because every child bears the image of God. Great leaders don’t just manage classrooms or keep the peace. They kneel down, look a child in the eye, and see eternal worth. Every hug, every high-five, every moment spent with a child is an act of worship and recognition of God’s craftsmanship.

“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” Genesis 1:27

"Let the little children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.” Mark 10:14

3. They Value the Gospel and Make It Visible

The Gospel is not just part of the curriculum. It’s the heartbeat of the ministry. A great leader lives the Gospel out loud. It shines in how they teach, how they respond, how they forgive, and how they lead. They understand that each Sunday is an opportunity to point kids to Jesus. This doesn’t happen just through words, but through their example.

“…that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” John 13:35

4. They Are Willing to Pivot When Needed

Flexibility is a superpower in Kids Ministry. Schedules change, supplies go missing, and volunteers get sick. Great leaders don’t panic; they pivot when necessary. They stay rooted in their purpose but are open to new plans. They are willing to try new things. And through it all, they keep their eyes on Jesus, trusting Him to work even when things go sideways.

“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” Proverbs 19:21

5. They Stand Firm on God’s Word in the Easy and the Hard

Culture shifts. Opinions change. The world around us is always changing. But a great Kidmin leader holds fast to God’s Word. They teach it with confidence, live it with integrity, and lead others to do the same. They are rooted in the truth of God’s Word. This is what oozes out of them as they minister to others.

“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain.” I Corinthians 15:58

A Final Encouragement

Greatness in the kingdom of God isn’t flashy. It’s faithful. It’s the leader who shows up week after week. The one who prays for their kids by name. The one who stays after to clean up goldfish crackers and glitter. The one who says “yes” to Jesus, even on the hard days.

You may not feel great every week—but if you’re walking in obedience, loving kids well, and lifting up the name of Jesus, you are exactly the kind of leader He uses.

And in God’s eyes, that’s pretty great.

Melissa Anderson has had the joy of serving as the Director of Kids Ministries at Bethel Church in Crown Point for 20 years. She is passionate about ministry leadership, shepherding parents, and loving kids. Melissa has been blessed to be married to her husband, Jeff, for 42 years. Together, they have raised three wonderful children, who are now married and have given them eight adorable grandchildren. Her family and ministry are the heart of her life, and she is grateful for the opportunity to pour into both every day.