Category: With Kids in Mind

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…

Continue reading

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.…

Continue reading

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…

Continue reading

Order the New Kidmin Covenant Reflective Guide, companion to the Kidmin Covenant series. If I could sit across from a new children’s ministry leader and offer one piece of advice, it would be this: take care of your soul. Ministry isn’t sustained by talent, strategy, or passion alone. It’s sustained by the quiet, consistent work of walking with Jesus. These 12 commitments are born out of that truth. They help me stay inwardly healthy so I can lead with lasting impact. Covenant Commitment #7: I will maintain a teachable spirit and always be eager to learn, grow, and invite correction and suggestions. One of the greatest gifts you can give your ministry—and yourself—is a teachable spirit. It’s not flashy. It won’t get you a standing ovation. But it will keep you grounded, growing, and effective for the long haul. Proverbs 9:9 says, “Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.” The wisest people aren’t the ones who know it all—they’re the ones who keep learning. There’s always more to learn in ministry: new strategies, fresh ideas, better ways to communicate. But even more important is the willingness to grow…

Continue reading

Order the New Kidmin Covenant Reflective Guide, companion to the Kidmin Covenant series. Let’s be real — ministry can be exhausting. It’s easy to slip into survival mode, chasing tasks and putting out fires. That’s why I created this covenant — not to add more pressure, but to anchor myself in what matters most. These commitments help me focus, refuel, and realign. They remind me that before I lead others well, I have to walk closely with Jesus. Inward health leads to outward fruit. Covenant Commitment #6: I will be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. If there’s a verse that should be framed in every children’s ministry office, it’s James 1:19: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” In the chaos of check-in, the miscommunication with a volunteer, the challenging child who tests your patience, or the well-meaning parent with lots of “suggestions,” this verse is a lifeline. Listening is more than a ministry skill — it’s a spiritual posture. When we slow down to really hear others, we reflect the heart of Jesus. He didn’t rush conversations. He wasn’t quick to interrupt. He had compassion because…

Continue reading