You set out to drive to your destination. Maybe it’s a vacation spot, a birthday party, a big meeting at work—or just a quiet drive to the park. You’re cruising along, and then it happens: a roadblock, a detour, a flat tire… or the worst—you run out of gas.

In moments like that, a lot starts happening inside of us. Frustration rises. Or sadness. Or determination. You assess the problem. You take the detour, change the tire, call for help, and walk to get gas. You try to figure out: Can I still make it? What’s the next right step? And eventually, you get moving again.

Roadblocks, detours, flat tires—and yes, even running out of gas—happen in ministry too.

In my 23 years serving as a Director of Kids Ministry, I’ve hit more than a few. Some were completely out of my control. Some built slowly over time. Some came out of nowhere.

If you’re there right now—stuck, discouraged, unsure what to do next—I want to share a simple framework that has helped me more times than I can count. It has steadied my heart, clarified my thinking, and reminded me that what feels like a setback can sometimes become a surprising gift.

PRAY – I’m not talking about the quick “help me, Lord” prayer you whisper between meetings (though those matter too). I mean making space to truly be with God.

Talk to Him long enough that there are pauses in your words. Tears in your eyes. Relief in your chest. The kind of prayer where you stop performing and start abiding.

For me, prayer often happens on a walk. I have two spots I go when I need to get alone with God. One is what we simply call “the Big Room”. A large space we use for games and events. I keep the lights off, and the doors closed, and I walk and talk to God. The other spot is outside, on a concrete pad near an emergency exit—only usable when the weather cooperates, but it’s quiet and hidden.

You may not have those exact places, but you can find your version: a lap around the parking lot, a quiet room, a drive with no music, a bench outside your church. Find your spot, and pray honestly about the roadblock in front of you.

I Peter 3:12 - “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer.” God's Word tells us so many times that he hears our prayers, so talk to him.

RECALL – When ministry feels hard, our minds can shrink to the problem right in front of us. That’s why remembering matters.

Make a list of the ways you’ve seen God’s faithfulness—in your life and in your ministry. Not general statements, but specific moments.

I keep a basket of notes, cards, drawings, and little “thank yous” from kids and families over the years. When I hit a discouraging season, I pull it out and slowly look through it. It reminds me: God has been at work. He has sustained me before. He will be faithful again.

Recalling doesn’t erase the roadblock—but it strengthens you for the road ahead.

Psalm 100:5 - “For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.”

GATHER – Don’t carry ministry roadblocks alone.

Gather 2–3 passionate people—trusted volunteers, leaders, staff—who love Jesus, love kids, and care about the mission. Get a whiteboard out. Write down every idea: the practical, the creative, the “that will never work,” and the “what if God is inviting us into something new.”

This kind of gathering can be deeply life-giving—not just for solving the problem, but for reminding you that you’re not alone.

Hebrews 10:24-25 - “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another–and all the more as you see the day approaching.”

EXECUTE – Once you sense a direction, move forward.

Sometimes it’s a big change. Sometimes it’s baby steps. But movement matters. A new plan doesn’t have to be perfect to be faithful.

Execute what you know to do next—one step at a time—and keep listening for God’s leading as you go.

Roadblocks come. Detours happen. Some seasons will feel like you’ve run out of gas entirely.

But through prayer, recalling God’s faithfulness, gathering your people, and taking the next step, you’ll often find that God is still guiding you—sometimes in ways you couldn’t have seen on the original route.

Keep loving kids. Keep discipling them toward Jesus. Keep partnering with parents. You’re not doing “small” work. You’re shaping the next generation to know and follow God.

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.