Have you ever watched Mary Poppins and thought, “I wish I could be that calm, magical, and totally in control?” Seriously—she seems to have everything together, and somehow, every situation becomes fun and full of wonder. As Kids Ministry leaders, I think we could all learn a thing or two from her when it comes to leading with joy, structure, and a little touch of magic.

Being “Mary Poppins” in kids ministry doesn’t mean you need to be perfect (I mean, who has that kind of time?). It’s about bringing some joy, creativity, and order into every part of what we do. Kids are a lot like the characters in Mary Poppins—they need structure, but they also need fun, connection, and a sense of wonder. So, let’s talk about how we can add a little Mary Poppins magic to our ministry!

1. Bring Joy to Every Moment
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One thing that Mary Poppins totally nails is bringing joy into everything—no matter how ordinary it might seem. As a Kids Ministry leader, I know how easy it is to get caught up in all the planning, checklists, and logistics, but we can’t forget the joy! If we’re not having fun, the kids won’t either.

So, think about how you can make transitions fun. Moving from worship to a lesson or even going from one activity to the next doesn’t have to be boring. Try a goofy song or chant to get kids to join in. You can use fun commands like “Ready to go on a treasure hunt?” to get them excited for what’s next. Honestly, it’s all about setting the tone with your energy. If you’re having fun, they’ll feed off that energy and join right in.

Even the simplest things, like greeting kids with a big smile or surprising them with a new theme for the month, can make a huge difference. Mary Poppins made everything fun and unexpected, and we can do the same—because kids love surprises!

2. Keep Things Organized, But Make It Fun
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Now, while Mary Poppins was all about fun, she also had a knack for keeping things organized. And let’s be real: Kids thrive on routine. But that doesn’t mean things have to be rigid and boring. You can still bring structure in a way that’s playful and keeps everyone on track.

Have you ever noticed how Mary Poppins always knows what’s coming next? Kids need that too. When they know what to expect, they feel more comfortable and secure, which means they’re more likely to engage. But here’s the thing: it doesn’t have to be boring! You can make routine fun by adding in little surprises or playful transitions. I love the idea of having a silly song for clean-up time, or turning the “transition” between activities into a fun, mini adventure.

And let’s talk about prep work. I know, it’s not glamorous, but when you’re prepared, you can handle whatever comes your way. Trust me, having everything ready ahead of time (curriculum, supplies, games, etc.) makes such a difference when things get busy. Mary Poppins always seemed calm, even in chaos. With some organization, you’ll feel more in control, too!

3. Connect with the Kids
One of the reasons the kids in Mary Poppins loved her so much is that she really took the time to connect with them. She didn’t just give instructions—she made them feel seen, heard, and understood. And that’s what we’re doing in Kids Ministry, right? Building relationships, not just giving lessons.

It’s all about making time for one-on-one moments with each child. Whether it’s asking them how their week went, noticing something special about them, or just chatting for a minute before the service starts, these small moments make a big difference. Mary Poppins didn’t just talk at the kids—she truly got to know them, and that’s something we can do, too.

Storytime is another chance to connect. When you tell Bible stories, get creative! Don’t just read the words—act them out, use props, and get them involved. It’s all about making them feel like they’re part of the adventure, not just hearing about it from the sidelines.

4. Create an Atmosphere of Wonder
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Mary Poppins knew how to make the ordinary extraordinary. She could turn cleaning the house into a fun game, and she could make any moment feel magical. In kids ministry, we can do the same thing by creating a space that feels full of wonder and excitement.

Start by thinking about your space. Are there fun decorations? Bright colors? Something that’ll catch a child’s eye and make them feel like they’ve entered an exciting world? Maybe it’s a new theme each month, or a special surprise activity. When kids walk into a space that feels full of possibility, they can’t help but get excited.

And just like Mary Poppins had a few surprises up her sleeve, we can keep things fresh by adding in surprise elements. Maybe it’s a quick game, a treat, or a special guest. The unexpected is always fun, and it keeps kids on their toes!

5. Be Ready to Adapt
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Let’s face it—sometimes kids ministry doesn’t go as planned. The activity takes longer than expected, the kids have more energy than you anticipated, or something totally random happens. But just like Mary Poppins, being able to adapt and roll with the punches is key to keeping things going smoothly.

I’ve had my fair share of moments where things just didn’t go as planned. Maybe the kids were way too hyped up, or they weren’t engaging the way I thought they would. And you know what? That’s okay! Being flexible and willing to adjust helps keep everything on track. If an activity isn’t working, don’t be afraid to switch gears and try something else. Whether it’s taking a quick break, jumping into a new game, or adjusting your lesson, staying calm and flexible helps everyone else stay calm too.

So, how do we be Mary Poppins in kids ministry? It’s all about finding that balance of joy, structure, and a little bit of magic. It’s about connecting with kids, creating a fun environment, and being organized while still allowing room for spontaneity. You don’t need a magic umbrella to make it happen—just a heart full of love for the kids you serve and a willingness to make every moment special.

Being Mary Poppins isn’t about being perfect; it’s about showing up with joy and making sure every child feels valued. So, how are you bringing a little Mary Poppins magic to your ministry?

Sarah Petrokovich is the Children's Ministry Director at River Church in Alton, IL. Married to an amazing man, Joe, they are the proud parents to two wonderful adult children, Halee and Daniel. Sarah has been dedicated to serving in Kids Ministry since her teenage years. Her passion for nurturing children's spiritual growth and creating engaging, faith-filled experiences has been a cornerstone of her ministry work. She also invests in developing other kids' ministry leaders, pouring into them with guidance and support to strengthen their ability to positively impact young lives.