If you’ve been in Kids Ministry for any length of time, I’m sure you’ve had those days. You know– the ones when volunteers decline last minute, you’re stuck in traffic, the check-in printer breaks, and someone spills glitter everywhere.

Ministry is beautiful, but let’s be honest. It’s also demanding. If we’re not careful, it can burn us out. The great news is that God has promised to equip us for every good work He’s called us to. That means we don’t have to live in survival mode. We’re called to minister from a place of overflow, not exhaustion.

There’s a simple, powerful key found in a lesser-quoted Old Testament passage that has transformed the way I approach ministry and life.

“Meanwhile, the fire on the altar must be kept burning; it must never go out. Each morning the priest will add fresh wood to the fire…” (Leviticus 6:12 NLT)
This verse describes the daily duties of the priests in the Tabernacle. One of their top priorities was keeping the fire burning continuously. Every morning, they had to add fresh wood. It wasn’t a once-a-week thing. It wasn’t just a Sunday morning experience. It was a daily commitment.

The fire represented the presence of God. The priests were responsible for maintaining it. Not creating it, but tending to it. That hit me hard. I realized how often I’ve tried to create fire in my own strength through perfect lesson plans, creative crafts, and the best VBS in town. But only God can light the fire. My job is to keep it burning.

Let me get real for a minute. A few years ago, I hit a wall. I was doing all the ministry things. I was running multiple services, planning events, leading volunteers, and trying to disciple kids with excellence. But I was tired. Not just physically but spiritually drained. I remember standing in my kitchen one day, overwhelmed with everything I had to do, and feeling the Lord speak to me: “Why are you trying to lead without the fire?”

He was right. I had let my time with Him become something I squeezed in if I had time. I was trying to juggle everything—family, ministry, leadership—without prioritizing His presence. That moment became a turning point for me.

I went back to Leviticus 6:12, and the Lord showed me something so simple yet powerful. If the fire of His presence isn’t burning in my life, everything gets harder. I started leaning on my own understanding. I lose momentum. I settle for “good enough.” But when I keep that fire lit by spending time in worship, prayer, and His Word, I’m energized. I’m refreshed. I have peace and a sound mind. His presence fuels every part of my life.

Here’s what I’ve learned: Burnout isn’t necessarily a sign that we’re doing too much. It’s a sign we’re doing too much without the fire of His presence.

So what does it look like to “add fresh wood” to our fire each day?

It might mean waking up earlier to sit with Jesus before the chaos of the day. It could be turning on worship during your commute, letting your car become a sanctuary. It might be journaling what He’s showing you in His Word. Maybe it’s keeping verses handy to meditate on throughout your day. Or intentionally listening to sermons during the week, especially when you know you won’t be in “big church” that weekend.

Whatever it looks like for you, the point is this: Make His presence your first priority, not your last resort. Don’t wait until you feel dry and weary. Don’t wait until you’re overwhelmed and overworked. Build a habit of daily communion with Him. Keep the fire burning.

Here's something else: The more God entrusts to you, the more wood you’ll need to add. If you're believing for greater influence, greater anointing, and greater impact, that’s awesome! But that means more time in His presence, not less. You can’t pour out what you haven’t received.

My senior pastor, Ron Eivaz, once said something that still resonates with me: “His presence is the answer to every one of my deepest needs.” Not a bigger budget. Not more volunteers. His presence.

Kids Ministry is much more than just keeping kids entertained. It’s cultivating a space where children can encounter the living God. That kind of ministry can’t be faked. It has to flow from someone who is carrying the fire of His presence.

Friend, if you’re feeling weary today, go back to the altar. Ask Him to reignite the fire. Add fresh wood. You don’t have to do this alone and you were never meant to. He’s with you, and He has everything you need.

Let’s be leaders who burn bright but never burn out!

Alysia Gonzales is the Executive Pastor of Ministries at Harvest Church in CA. She oversees kids ministries to ensure the church's culture is consistently maintained at each campus. Her desire is to empower kidmin leaders to lead with purpose and passion, and to see the next generation raised up ready to influence the church and the world with the power and love of Jesus.