Time management in Kids Ministry is more than just a practical skill—it’s a spiritual discipline. The way we manage our time reflects our priorities and ultimately shapes our ministry’s impact. In a world where urgent tasks constantly demand our attention, it’s easy to lose sight of what’s truly important. For Kids Pastors, balancing the demands of ministry, family, and personal growth is essential, yet challenging.

Time Management: A Spiritual Issue

We all have 1,440 minutes each day and 168 hours each week. How we spend this time directly impacts the effectiveness of our ministry and the legacy we leave behind. Time management is not just about productivity; it’s about living out the purpose God has given us. Ephesians 5:15–16 reminds us to be careful how we live and to make the most of every opportunity.

Jesus modeled intentional time management throughout His ministry. He knew when to say “no” to the crowds and when to prioritize solitude and prayer. Likewise, He made time for the children, demonstrating that some interruptions are divine appointments. As Kids Pastors, we must learn to discern between what is good and what is God’s best for our time.

Important vs. Urgent

In ministry, the urgent often crowds out the important. There’s always another Sunday coming, another event to plan, or another need to meet. However, wise time management means doing more of what matters most—not just doing more. We need to prioritize our time intentionally, focusing on activities that align with our ministry’s mission and vision.

One of the biggest challenges in Kids Ministry is the constant demand for immediate responses. It’s easy to fall into a reactive mode, responding to the loudest voices instead of proactively pursuing our strategic goals. By controlling how we spend our time, we can move from reactive busyness to intentional leadership.

Practical Tools for Effective Time Management

David Allen’s Getting Things Done (GTD) methodology is a powerful tool for managing time in ministry. It emphasizes capturing all tasks, making decisions upfront, and regularly reviewing your commitments. Here’s a simplified version of how you can apply GTD in your Kids Ministry:

1. Capture Everything: Have a system for collecting all tasks and commitments. This could be a digital tool, a notebook, or an app like Evernote. Ensure you regularly empty your “collection bucket” and decide what to do with each item.

2. Prioritize Next Actions: Once tasks are captured, identify the next actionable step. For instance, if you need to prepare for VBS, break it down into smaller steps like ordering supplies, scheduling volunteers, and promoting the event. This prevents overwhelm and ensures steady progress.

3. Conduct a Weekly Review: Set aside time each week to review your tasks, projects, and goals. This practice helps you stay on top of your commitments and adjust your plan as needed. For Kids Pastors, this review might include reflecting on the past week’s successes, challenges, and upcoming priorities.

Learning to Say “No”

A key aspect of time management is learning to say “no.” In ministry, it’s tempting to say “yes” to every request, but this can lead to burnout and diminish your effectiveness. Saying “no” isn’t about rejecting people; it’s about prioritizing what God has called you to do. Remember, every “yes” is also a “no” to something else—often to something more aligned with your calling.

Michael Porter’s definition of strategy is “choosing what not to do.” As Kids Pastors, we need to embrace a reductive mindset—simplifying and omitting tasks that don’t align with our mission. By focusing on fewer things, we can maximize our impact.

Action Steps for Kids Pastors

To manage your time effectively in Kids Ministry, start with these two steps:

1. Schedule a Weekly Review: Block out one hour each week to review your tasks, reflect on your ministry’s direction, and adjust your plans. This time is non-negotiable and essential for staying aligned with your goals.

2. Establish a Collection System: Choose a tool or method for capturing all your tasks and commitments. Whether digital or analog, ensure it’s something you can consistently use and trust.

Remember, time management in Kids Ministry isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. By taking control of your time, you can lead your ministry more effectively and live out your calling with greater clarity and purpose.

Anthony Hunt is an experienced Kids Pastor with nearly a decade of service in various church environments, including multisite, mobile, and permanent campuses in Indianapolis, IN. Before transitioning into Children’s Ministry, he worked in sales and marketing with Coca
Cola. Anthony holds a Master of Arts in Practical Theology & Organizational Leadership and is currently pursuing an additional Master’s degree in Children’s, Youth, and Family Ministry.