Order the New Kidmin Covenant Reflective Guide, companion to the Kidmin Covenant series.
One day, we’ll all stand before Jesus—not as leaders, organizers, or storytellers—but simply as servants. What will matter most won’t be the size of our programs or the polish of our presentations. It will be whether we were faithful with what He gave us. This covenant is my way of making sure I keep that day in mind. I want to lead in a way that pleases Him—not just in what I do, but in why and how I do it.
Covenant Commitment #12:
I will measure success by obedience, not by numbers or applause.
Ministry is filled with metrics—attendance numbers, salvations, volunteers recruited, events pulled off, crafts completed without glitter explosions. It’s easy to start defining success by these visible outcomes. And while numbers can be helpful indicators, they were never meant to be the measuring stick of faithfulness.
God’s view of success is radically different.
In 1 Samuel 15:22, the prophet Samuel tells Saul, “To obey is better than sacrifice.” Saul had results. He had the people’s approval. But he didn’t obey God fully—and it cost him everything. That verse reminds us that impressive outcomes can never replace simple obedience.
Galatians 1:10 cuts to the heart: “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God?… If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Oof. That one stings a little. It’s so tempting to crave recognition, applause, or even just a thank you. But if we let human approval drive us, we drift from our true calling.
And then there’s the promise of Matthew 25:21: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” That’s the voice we want to hear at the end—not from a parent, not from a pastor, but from Jesus. Notice what He celebrates: not success, but faithfulness. The servant wasn’t praised for how much he produced—but for doing what the Master asked.
When we start to feel discouraged by numbers, or when we feel tempted to chase what’s flashy or popular, this covenant centers us again. It reminds us to ask: “Am I being faithful with what God has given me?”
Maybe you serve in a small church. Maybe you don’t have a big budget or a massive team. That’s okay. Obedience doesn’t require resources—it requires surrender. If God asked you to plant seeds, then planting is success. If He asked you to water, then watering is success. If He asked you to harvest—great! But you only have to do what He’s asked.
So keep showing up. Keep teaching truth. Keep loving kids. Keep praying. Keep forgiving. Keep listening. Keep serving.
And when the day comes to look back, may you be able to say, “I was faithful.”
Because that’s what success looks like in the Kingdom.
Thanks for walking through the 12 Kidmin Covenant Commitments!
If you’ve been encouraged or challenged through these, don’t stop here. Reread them. Reflect on them. Share them. And most of all—live them. Because ministry that pleases the Lord begins with a heart that belongs to Him.
I also want to encourage you to download the printable Kidmin Covenant PDF at Kidology.org/covenantPDF. Print it and display it somewhere you’ll see it often—on your desk, your bulletin board, your mirror—wherever it can serve as a daily reminder of your commitment to grow as a leader who walks closely with Jesus.
Even better? Share it with a trusted friend. Ask them to pray for you—and offer to do the same for them. Maybe you both commit to living this covenant together. Because as Proverbs 27:17 reminds us, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
And don’t forget Ecclesiastes 4:9–10: “Two are better than one… If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.”
We weren’t meant to do ministry—or discipleship—alone. So keep walking. Keep growing. Keep serving. But don’t forget to walk with others, and most importantly, to walk with God.
You’ve got this—because He’s got you.
