Kid’s Pastor Seeking Lead Pastor, Apply Today
By Kid’s Pastor, Karl Bastian
When churches post job listings for children’s pastors, they often include detailed descriptions of the role, the expectations, and the qualities they’re looking for in their next hire. But have you ever thought about flipping the script? What if a children’s pastor could post a listing for the kind of lead pastor they’d like to work for? Let’s take a fun and insightful dive into what such a listing might look like and explore the biblical principles behind it.
Position: Lead Pastor
Job Description: Leading and supporting a thriving children’s ministry by
embodying the following qualities.
Values and Prioritizes Children
A kid’s pastor is looking for a lead pastor who takes Matthew 19:14 to heart: “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” This pastor understands that children are not just future members of the church—they are an integral part of the Body of Christ TODAY. They recognize that a church that prioritizes its children’s ministry is not only following Jesus’ example but also laying the groundwork for a vibrant, growing congregation.
Understands the Strategic Importance of Children’s Ministry
A lead pastor who “gets it” knows that children’s ministry is one of the most strategic ways to grow a church. Research and experience reveal that when families visit a church, their decision to return is often determined by the quality of the children’s ministry—not by the preaching, the worship, the nice facilities, or even the coffee. As Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” A visionary pastor sees children’s ministry as foundational, not secondary. Too many lead pastors see the kids ministry as “child care” while the real ministry happens elsewhere.
Funds Ministry Excellence
A kid’s pastor seeks a lead pastor who doesn’t just talk about valuing children but backs it up with resources. Curriculum, craft and game supplies, snacks, costumes, decorations and even prizes, along with quality programming don’t come free. Outreach events that bring in new families and create memorable experiences require investments of both time and money. A lead pastor who budgets generously for children’s ministry is someone who recognizes the eternal impact of those resources.
Encourages Creativity and Uniqueness
Cookie-cutter curriculums might be easy, but they often lack the spark that makes a church’s ministry unique. A Kids Pastor seeks lead pastor who doesn’t want the program to use canned curriculum that is used at every other church in town, but wants an experience that is unique to his church so that when families visit, their kids experience something amazing they have never seen before anywhere else! Amazing kid’s pastors seek a lead pastor who values creativity and encourages the development of original content and experiences tailored to their community. This aligns with Colossians 3:23: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” Creating a one-of-a-kind children’s ministry honors God and draws families back week after week.
Promotes Hands-On Learning and Relationships
Children need relationships with real people, not just screen time. A lead pastor who supports a ministry filled with puppets, object lessons, skits, and interactive games understands that videos can entertain but can’t disciple. Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Kids Pastor seeks lead pastor who does not want kids watching videos, but wants them learning from real people who use puppets, and object lessons, and skits and games and other creative methods to connect with kids hearts and minds because he understands that a video can not love a child, but a leader who knows how to minister to kids, can. A ministry centered on personal connections fosters spiritual growth in ways no video ever could.
Empowers and Trusts Ministry Leaders
Micromanaging is the quickest way to stifle creativity and momentum. A kid’s pastor seeks a lead pastor who leads with vision and focus but trusts the children’s ministry team to execute that vision creatively. This kind of empowerment reflects the biblical model of leadership in Ephesians 4:11-12: “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.”
Mentors and Models Relational Leadership
A lead pastor who genuinely cares about their team and builds strong relationships models Christ-like leadership. Jesus didn’t lead from a distance; He walked closely with His disciples. A kid’s pastor seeks a lead pastor who fosters relationships, mentors their team, and leads by example. As 1 Peter 5:2-3 encourages: “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.” Kids Pastors want to work with their pastor, not just for him.
Sees the Church as a Body, Not a Business
While certain business principles can benefit a church, a lead pastor must prioritize the church as the Body of Christ, not a corporation. When the church becomes overly corporate, it risks quenching the Spirit. A kid’s pastor seeks a leader who upholds 1 Corinthians 12:12: “Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.” In this vision, every ministry—including children’s ministry—is vital to the health of the whole.
Recognizes Children as the Church of TODAY
Too often, children are referred to as “the church of tomorrow.” A lead pastor with the right perspective knows children are the Church of today. They have value, purpose, and the capacity to serve and make an impact right now. This perspective aligns with 1 Timothy 4:12: “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.”
What’s in It for You?
For the right lead pastor, this position offers the chance to work with a passionate kid’s pastor who is fully committed to reaching and teaching children with the Good News of the Gospel. This pastor is eager to team up with a visionary leader to grow a church that values children, equips parents, and transforms lives for the Kingdom.
Together, the lead pastor and kid’s pastor can build a ministry that fulfills Matthew 28:19-20: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”
If you are such a lead pastor, please apply today by leading with vision, valuing children, and partnering with a passionate kid’s pastor to create a ministry that impacts eternity. Until every child is reached, lead pastors and kid’s pastors must team up!
