I didn’t step into ministry for applause or approval, but because I was called by God to love and lead His children. That calling demands more than skill—it requires a healthy soul, daily surrender, and a deep commitment to growth. This covenant reflects my desire to be inwardly healthy so I can be outwardly fruitful. It’s a declaration that before I teach, I will listen; before I lead, I will follow; and before I serve others, I will spend time with the One I serve. These 12 commitments will guide me in pursuing a ministry that truly pleases the Lord.
Covenant Commitment #2:
I will be in the Word daily—first to grow spiritually, then to grow in biblical knowledge for teaching others.
One of the easiest traps in children’s ministry is substituting spiritual preparation with lesson prep. We open our Bible to plan, to teach, or to create—but not always to be fed ourselves. Eventually, that leads to dry teaching and worse, a dry soul.
If I’m not first filling myself with God’s Word, how can I expect to have anything of eternal value to pour into others? The Bible isn’t just a ministry tool—it’s our daily bread. “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” (Psalm 119:105) Joshua 1:8 reminds us of the key to lasting success: “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night… Then you will be prosperous and successful.” That success isn’t measured in ministry wins—it’s measured in faithfulness. And faithfulness flows from time in the Word.
We don’t need to be Bible scholars to grow. We just need to be consistent. Even reading a short passage slowly, asking the Holy Spirit to speak, can transform our thinking and renew our spirit. It’s not about checking a box—it’s about letting Scripture shape us before we use it to shape others.
Paul reminds us in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 that “All Scripture is God-breathed and useful… so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” That’s our goal—to be thoroughly equipped. And that equipping doesn’t come from clever programming or Pinterest-worthy crafts. It comes from the living Word of God.
I’ve found that when I read the Bible for my own growth, the overflow naturally spills into my teaching. My insights are fresher. My passion is deeper. And best of all, I’m walking with Jesus, not just working for Him. If your Bible reading has become all about your students, it’s time to reclaim it for yourself. Start simple. Start small. But start. Because as your heart is fed, your ministry will be too. You might just find yourself falling in love with God’s Word all over again.
Check out the full list of Kidmin Covenant commitments on Kidology.org.
