It starts out innocently—scrolling through ministry groups, admiring themed rooms, big volunteer teams, or generous budgets. Maybe you just got back from a conference, full of ideas… until the comparison starts:
• “Why don’t we have a space like that?”
• “Why can’t I recruit volunteers like they can?”
• “Why doesn’t my pastor support me?”
• “Am I even cut out for this?”

Comparison rarely announces itself. It shows up quietly—in late-night planning, Sunday morning chaos, or that post-event exhaustion when you wonder if it was all worth it. But here’s what comparison won’t show:
• That amazing stage? It didn’t reveal the volunteer no-shows or the years it took to build that team.
• That impressive environment? It doesn’t show the countless late nights, the hand-built details, or the creative workarounds that held it all together.
• That generous budget? It doesn’t reflect the uphill battles, the pitch-after-pitch advocacy, or the long stretches of doing more with far less.

Here’s the truth:
You’re not behind. You’re leading faithfully in your space. You don’t need flash to spark transformation—you need consistency, love, and Jesus. Even when you’re tired, under-resourced, or unsure, you’re planting seeds that God is watering in ways you might never see.

When Comparison Creeps In

1. Remember Your Why
When you catch yourself comparing, pause and return to your purpose:
• Why did you say yes to this calling?
• What moments remind you that it matters?
• Which kids or families have been impacted?

Revisit those “God moments”—a deep question from a child, a volunteer stepping up, or a parent’s unexpected thank-you. That’s your why.
“The call to ministry was never about being the biggest. It was about being faithful.”

2. Celebrate Others Without Minimizing Yourself
Someone else’s success isn’t your failure. There’s room for all of us.

Say both:
• “That’s amazing—God is working in their church.”
• “I’m proud of what God is doing through me, too.”

Choose collaboration over competition. That’s a kingdom mindset.

3. Measure the Right Things
It’s tempting to track numbers—attendance, budget, volunteer counts. But those aren’t the best measures.

Ask:
• Are kids genuinely connecting with Jesus?
• Are you building a space where they feel seen, safe, and spiritually engaged?
• Are your volunteers growing—not just showing up, but developing as leaders and disciples?
• And most importantly… are you still tuned in to God’s voice, letting Him set the pace?

Choose depth over numbers. Faithfulness over flashiness.

4. Replace Lies With Truth
Comparison whispers lies:
• “I’m not creative enough.”
• “I’m falling behind.”
• “I’ll never measure up.”

God’s Word speaks louder:
• You are God’s masterpiece (Eph. 2:10)
• He equips those He calls (Heb. 13:21)
• His power is made perfect in weakness (2 Cor. 12:9)

Speak the truth daily. Keep Scripture nearby. Save encouraging texts. Build a folder of reminders for the hard days.

5. Get Real With Your People
Don’t go it alone. Ministry isn’t meant to be a solo act. Surround yourself with a trusted circle—people who get it, who’ve been in the trenches too.

And be real with them. Say it out loud: “I’m hitting a wall. It feels like I’m not doing enough.”
Chances are, someone else will look you in the eye and say, “Yeah, I’ve been there too.” And just like that, you’re reminded—you’re not in this alone.

6. Pray Boldly and Honestly
God already knows your thoughts. Bring Him your doubts, envy, and insecurity. Ask Him:
• To renew your vision
• To root your heart in gratitude
• To give clarity for your unique path

When Comparison Knocks—Remember This:
Ministry was never meant to be a race. It’s a calling—a long game of obedience, right where you’ve been placed.

So, when comparison starts creeping in, hit pause and reset the narrative:
• “I’m not behind—I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.”
• “God’s working through me, even when I can’t see the full picture.”
• “I may not have everything, but I have what matters.”

You are making an impact.
Stay the course. Lead with love. Keep showing up.
Keep trusting. You matter. Your ministry matters. And lives are being changed—because of your faithful yes.

With over 30 years in children’s ministry, Amy Bates is all about building teams, growing leaders, and making faith fun for families. She serves as the Children’s Minister at Grace Heartland Church in Elizabethtown, KY, where goldfish crackers are practically a ministry tool—and Monster drinks keep the ideas flowing. When she’s not planning her next big event, you’ll find her road-tripping with her husband to visit their two grown sons scattered across the country.