Order the New Kidmin Covenant Reflective Guide, companion to the Kidmin Covenant series.
Every child I minister to is watching more than they’re listening. They’re learning how to follow Jesus not just from what I say—but from how I live. That’s why this covenant matters. It helps me lead from authenticity. If I want to help kids grow into healthy disciples, I must be one myself. These commitments help ensure I’m modeling a faith worth following.
Kidmin Covenant #10:
I will pass on any praise I receive to those who helped, inspired, guided or assisted, and ultimately to Jesus.
One of the subtle dangers in ministry is letting praise stick. When someone says, “That event was amazing!” or “You’re so good with kids!”—it feels great. And it’s okay to receive encouragement. But as ministry leaders, we need to treat praise like a relay baton, not a trophy. It’s meant to be passed on, not held onto.
1 Corinthians 3:6–7 keeps our perspective in check: “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God…”We may have played a part, but any fruit is ultimately God’s doing.
Philippians 2:3 reminds us, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” When we receive recognition, it’s an opportunity to lift others up. Give credit to your team. Thank the volunteers. Acknowledge the behind-the-scenes helpers. And most importantly, give glory to God.
Psalm 115:1 says it beautifully: “Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.” When we redirect praise, we model humility. We remind ourselves—and others—that this ministry isn’t about us. We’re just stewards of what God is doing.
Passing on praise also encourages your team. When volunteers hear that their efforts were noticed and valued, it builds community and loyalty. It helps them see they’re part of something bigger than themselves—and bigger than you.
And when we make it a habit to give credit and glory away, we protect our hearts from pride. Because pride is sneaky. It doesn’t always show up in arrogance—it can show up in subtle ways, like needing affirmation to feel valued or measuring our worth by ministry wins. But when we keep pointing the praise to Jesus, we stay anchored in what matters.
So the next time someone praises your ministry, take a breath and say, “Thank you—but I couldn’t have done it without my amazing team. And I’m so thankful to Jesus for making it all come together.” That kind of response builds others up and keeps your heart in the right place.
Next: Kidmin Covenant #11 – “I will honor rest as a gift from God, not as an afterthought—because rest is part of faithfulness.”
We’ll explore why rest isn’t laziness—it’s obedience. And how honoring your limits honors your Creator.
