You’ve prepped all week. Your supplies are packed, your lesson is ready, and your heart is full of excitement. You arrive early with your coffee (or Dr. Pepper) to unlock doors, power up devices, and pray over the room. It’s going to be a great Sunday!

And then…
• The computer is not cooperating.
• The check-in printer is offline—again.
• Two key volunteers text to say they’re out.
• You’re down to one juice box and three Goldfish.
• A brand-new family walks in with four kids… and their toddler is in full meltdown mode.

Sound familiar?

Whether you serve in a tech-equipped large church or a one-room setup with flannelgraph, we’ve all had that Sunday. And when everything seems to unravel, it’s easy to feel frustrated or defeated. But hear this: you’re not alone—and God is never caught off guard. Let’s talk about how to lead with grace when things go off the rails.

The Chaos Is a Classroom—for You and the Kids

We plan for smooth Sundays, but some of our best ministry moments happen in the middle of the mess. When you model calm, creativity, and trust in God despite the hiccups, kids and volunteers are watching—and learning. You don’t need a perfect plan to be a powerful example. Sometimes your greatest lesson is the one you didn’t print.

Quick Fixes for Common Sunday Disasters
Here are a few go-to ideas when Plan A takes a detour:

• Short on Volunteers?
Combine groups. Let older kids “buddy up” and help younger ones. Empower a seasoned volunteer to lead a game or discussion.
Pro tip: Sometimes a smaller team sparks deeper connections.
• No Printouts?
Go low-tech! Grab a whiteboard or draw in the air with your finger as you tell the story. Let kids act it out or draw their favorite part.
Remember: Jesus didn’t use handouts. He used stories.
• No Snacks?
Turn it into a teachable moment about contentment or gratitude. Or let kids make a list of their favorite snacks and vote on what to bring next week.
• Tech Meltdown?
Use your phone as a speaker for worship music. Sing a cappella with motions. Do a
verse memory challenge. Let kids lead prayer or share what they remember from last week.

When You Have to Wing It—Don’t Wing It Alone​
Last-minute improvising? That’s not failure—it’s flexibility. And some of the most memorable moments happen in the unexpected:

• A kid asking to pray for a sick grandparent.
• A volunteer pulling out a game from their back pocket.
• A moment of laughter that resets the tone of the room.

The Holy Spirit can work through Plan B just as powerfully as Plan A. Sometimes even more so.

Your Calm Is Leadership Gold
You don’t have to fake a smile. But your response to the chaos sets the tone for the whole room. A deep breath. A steady voice. A quick “We’re going to figure this out together” goes a long way. Kids notice. Volunteers notice. Your calm tells them, “We can trust God in this moment.”

Keep Laughing
Don’t underestimate the power of humor. When something flops, laugh with your team. When the toddler throws a shoe, smile and keep going. Joy is contagious—and it's one of the best gifts you can offer. Years from now, kids won’t remember if the tech didn’t work. But they’ll remember how your room felt.

Final Thought: Ministry Happens in the Mess
Whether you serve in a small church with limited resources or a large one with every tool, the mission remains the same: to help kids know and follow Jesus. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s connection. So, if the day felt wild, but one kid smiled, one parent felt seen, or one volunteer felt valued —that’s a win.

Take a breath. Keep showing up. And know that even in the chaos, you’re leading with grace—and that’s exactly where God loves to work.

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.