As kidmin leaders, we spend a lot of time pouring into others, planting seeds, speaking life, and pointing kids to Jesus. We have the honor of helping shape and steward their hearts. But when’s the last time you paused to check on yours? What’s growing in your heart right now?

We’ve all heard the phrase “Follow your heart,” but that can be pretty terrible advice if our hearts aren’t in the right place. In Matthew 15:13, Jesus reminds us that not every seed growing in us was planted by the Father. This means that some of the thoughts, attitudes, mindsets, and habits we have could be coming from the enemy, past wounds, the world, or our own flesh. These things are like weeds in our lives. They must be uprooted for the right things to grow. Like any good garden, our hearts need weeding. They need watering. They need attention.

The Bible talks a lot about the heart, and for good reason! It’s the wellspring of everything we do. Proverbs 4:23 says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Your thoughts. Your emotions. Your words. Your leadership. It all flows from what’s been planted and cultivated in the soil of your heart. And whatever is growing in our hearts, good or bad, is going to show up in our lives. But the good news is that we get to choose what grows in our hearts. A healthy heart doesn’t happen automatically. We must be intentional in choosing that. Then, we must guard it and nurture it.

In Matthew 15:18-19, Jesus tells us that what comes out of our mouths is a direct reflection of what’s inside our hearts. Have you ever caught yourself saying something negative, harsh, or doubtful and thought, “Whoa, where did that come from?!” Those moments reveal what’s really going on in us. Do you ever feel anxious or weighed down? Maybe fear is trying to take root. Have you struggled with comparison? Maybe insecurity is growing. Easily irritated or frustrated? Maybe bitterness is creeping in. But the good news is, you don’t have to let those things stay and grow! God is always ready to help us uproot whatever isn’t from Him and plant His truth instead. But first, we must recognize what’s there.

In Mark 4, Jesus shares the parable of the Sower and describes four kinds of soil, each representing a different condition of the heart. As leaders, it’s easy to focus on how our kids are receiving the Word. But how’s your soil?

Is it hardened by disappointment or past hurt?
Is it shallow because you’ve been running on empty?
Is it thorny with distractions, busyness, or comparison?
Or is it soft, surrendered, and ready to bear fruit?

You can’t lead others into growth while ignoring your own soil. But here’s the beautiful truth: no matter your current condition, God is ready to till the ground, pull the weeds, and plant something new.

In John 15, Jesus talks about pruning us so we can bear more fruit. It’s not punishment, it’s preparation.

Let Him uproot what doesn’t belong:
Old disappointments
Hidden lies
Toxic thoughts
Unhealthy rhythms

And let Him plant His Spirit, His truth, and His perspective in its place. Because when your heart is healthy, everything you lead becomes more fruitful.

Here are some intentional ways to care for your heart as a leader:
1. Ask God to search your heart. Let Him reveal anything that’s not from Him.
2. Choose what stays. You don’t have to keep every thought or feeling that enters.
3. Speak life over yourself. Use Scripture to realign your thoughts.
4. Stay in the Word. Let it wash and renew you daily.
5. Invite accountability. Don’t carry the weight of ministry alone.
6. Guard your input. What you watch, listen to, or scroll through plants seeds.
7. Be patient with your process. Growth takes time, but it’s worth it.

God cares deeply about your heart. He wants it to be full of life, joy, peace, and purpose. So, be intentional. Allow God to uproot what doesn’t belong, plant His truth, and guard your hearts well. The more we invest in our hearts, the more abundant, lasting fruit we’ll see in our lives.

Kids don’t just receive your words; they catch your spirit. They feel the peace, joy, love, or pressure you carry. So, if you want to lead well, you have to live well. Let’s be leaders who invest in our own soil. Let’s partner with the Holy Spirit to keep our hearts soft, surrendered, and full of Him. Let’s trade the weeds for fruit. Let’s trade surface-level survival for Spirit-led strength. Because the more whole you are, the more life you’ll release into the next generation.

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.