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Kidmin Covenant #4: A Relational Life Focus

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 #4: I will reach out relationally each day to at least one friend, relative or volunteer to encourage them so people are always put first. Ministry isn’t just about tasks—it’s about people. And the longer you serve, the easier it becomes to focus on checklists instead of connections. But behind every event, every lesson, and every role is a person made in God’s image who needs encouragement, support, and care. Hebrews 10:24 tells us, “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”Encouragement isn’t accidental—it’s intentional. It requires thought. And it’s often the simplest words that carry the most impact. When you pause each day to reach out to just one…

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Ministry Needs More Hawaiian Hippos

Stand Out for Jesus!   Let’s face it—ministry can sometimes start to feel like a slow-moving hippo, just plodding along week after week. Same lessons. Same snacks. Same games. You love the kids, but deep down you wonder: Is this really making an impact? Now picture that hippo again… but this time, he’s rocking a loud, colorful Hawaiian shirt. Suddenly, he’s not just blending in—he’s standing out. He’s turning heads. He’s getting noticed. And not for vanity’s sake, but because he’s embracing something different. That’s what we need in children’s ministry. It’s easy to look at what other churches are doing and feel pressure to follow the crowd. But God didn’t call you to be a copy of someone else’s ministry—He called you to be creative, courageous, and bold right where you are. “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” — Romans 12:11 (NIV) Zeal doesn’t come from playing it safe. It comes from trusting God enough to try something new—even if it’s a little crazy. Host a cereal buffet. Turn your sanctuary into a jungle. Dress up like a time-traveling Bible character. Yes, some ideas may flop—but they’ll still create energy. And energy…

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Kidmin Covenant #3: God-Focused Direction

Order the New Kidmin Covenant Reflective Guide, companion to the Kidmin Covenant series. Ministry to children is sacred work. It requires not only biblical knowledge and creative energy but also a life deeply rooted in Christ. The health of a ministry begins with the health of its leader. Therefore, I commit to being inwardly healthy so that I may be outwardly fruitful. This covenant represents my dedication to spiritual disciplines, relational integrity, and godly leadership. Anchored in Scripture and shaped by grace, these 12 commitments will help ensure that my life and ministry bring glory to God and lasting impact to those I serve. Covenant Commitment #3: I will submit my daily plans to the Lord, seeking His priorities before mine so that I remain intentional. If you’re in ministry, chances are you have a lot of lists. To-do lists, prep lists, volunteer rosters, event calendars, curriculum schedules. There’s no shortage of things vying for your attention. Each day, before we dive into the whirlwind of responsibilities screaming for our attention, we must pause and ask: “God, what do YOU want me to do today?” Submitting our daily plans to the Lord isn’t about abandoning structure—it’s about inviting God to…

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Kidmin Covenant #2: The Foundation of God’s Word

Order the New Kidmin Covenant Reflective Guide, companion to the Kidmin Covenant series. 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…

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Kidmin Covenant #1: The Priority of Prayer

Order the New Kidmin Covenant Reflective Guide, companion to the Kidmin Covenant series. As a children’s ministry leader, I recognize the incredible privilege and responsibility of shaping young hearts for Jesus. I cannot do this in my own strength. That’s why I commit to a daily walk with God that fuels both my personal life and public ministry. This covenant outlines the values and habits I strive to live by—rooted in Scripture, empowered by grace, and aimed at pleasing the Lord above all. My desire is to be inwardly healthy so that I can be outwardly fruitful. These 12 commitments are intentional choices to keep my heart soft, my hands diligent, and my focus faithful to Christ. Covenant Commitment #1: I will start each day in prayer—first for my own walk with God, then for my family, and finally for my ministry. Before we answer to anyone else—our boss, our team, the parents, or even the kids—we must remember who we ultimately serve: the Lord. We aren’t just clocking in for another day of tasks. We are ambassadors of the King. That’s why how we start our day matters so much. Before the emails, before the texts, before the prep—we…

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