Category: With Kids in Mind

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…

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Order the New Kidmin Covenant Reflective Guide, companion to the Kidmin Covenant series. I want to look back on my ministry one day and know I served faithfully—not perfectly, but faithfully. I want to know I lived and led in a way that honored Jesus and shaped lives for eternity. This covenant is my roadmap for that kind of life. Rooted in Scripture and refreshed by grace, it keeps me focused on becoming the kind of leader who pleases the Lord and bears lasting fruit. Covenant Commitment #11: I will honor rest as a gift from God, not as an afterthought—because rest is part of faithfulness. Let’s admit it—ministry never really ends. There’s always another email to answer, another supply to prep, another idea to chase, another Sunday coming. And in a world that glorifies hustle, rest can feel like a luxury—or worse, laziness. But Scripture tells a different story. Exodus 20:8–10 commands us: “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy… On it you shall not do any work.” Rest isn’t optional—it’s one of God’s top ten. And it wasn’t just for ancient Israel. God built the rhythm of rest into creation itself. He worked six days and rested…

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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…

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Order the New Kidmin Covenant Reflective Guide, companion to the Kidmin Covenant series. I’ve seen too many leaders burn out, flame out, or quietly fade away—not because they lacked passion, but because they neglected their own soul. I don’t want that to be my story. I want to be faithful for the long haul. That’s why I live by this covenant—a set of practices that keep me aligned with God, anchored in truth, and fueled by grace. Covenant Commitment #9: I will do everything as if I am doing it for the Lord, because I am. Some days in ministry feel deeply spiritual—praying with a child to receive Christ, watching a volunteer thrive, hearing a parent say thank you. But other days? You’re filling goldfish cups. Untangling mic cords. Chasing down supplies. Cleaning up glitter. Again. It’s easy to start thinking, “This doesn’t matter,” or worse, “This is beneath me.” But Scripture flips that thinking upside down. Colossians 3:23–24 says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters… It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” That means everything matters. Every chair you set up. Every hand you shake.…

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Order the New Kidmin Covenant Reflective Guide, companion to the Kidmin Covenant series. In John 15, Jesus says, “Remain in me… and you will bear much fruit.” That’s not a suggestion—it’s a lifeline. As a leader, I must remain connected to the Vine. This covenant is my way of staying grafted in. Each commitment is a way to remain rooted in God, nourished by His Word, and guided by His Spirit. Only then will my ministry bear fruit that truly matters. Covenant Commitment #8: I will be quick to overlook an offense and even quicker to forgive. Let’s face it—ministry is full of people. And where there are people, there will be misunderstandings, hurt feelings, awkward comments, and sometimes even betrayal. If we aren’t careful, those moments can build up like plaque around our heart—slowing down the love, the joy, and the peace we’re called to live in. But Scripture calls us to something higher. Proverbs 19:11 says, “A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.” That’s hard to live out when someone criticizes our leadership, ignores our efforts, or steps on our toes. But we’re not in ministry to defend our pride—we’re in…

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