I had a great conversation the other day with a kids pastor who was just starting out. She asked me what do I need to know? I want to spend the next couple of blog posts unpacking that question a bit.
The first thing I think you need to be successful in kids ministry, actually to be successful in life I believe you need to have as strong sense of calling. Being in full time ministry is not all chocolates and roses and especially in kids ministry because kids ministry can be so lonely and isolating just do to the logistics and type of work we do. I have seen many people over the past few years start strong and then fizzle. I have seen many people go from place to place disillusioned with what they thought ministry would be.
There have been many times that I felt like packing it in, give up and moving on. The one thing that has kept me till now and I believe will continue to anchor me is a strong sense of the call to ministry. I remember when God called me into the ministry when I was 13 years old. When things get rough when things do turn out how I think they should when I feel all alone in the world and feel like quitting with all that is in me. I remember that I did not choose to be a kids pastor I was called.
It is that calling that keeps me focused, humble and submitted. I know it isn’t about me it’s about Him and me fulfilling the assignment that he has for me.
So if you are starting out in kids ministry let me give you this simple advice. “Be sure of your calling because it will be your lifeline, your rock and your beacon in times of trouble. It will be the thing that will keep you grounded and humble when things are going great.
I do this because when I was 13 years old God spoke and I responded, and no one can take that from me.
Never forget the call!
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great post, Sam!
Looking fwd to the rest of the series.
Thanks Anthony. I appreciate your encouragement.
It helps to for both you and your spouse to have that same calling, or at least the calling to stick it out!
Great thoughts and I’m looking forward to the rest!
So true!
I also felt like giving up a few times, but I also know that God called me to do what I am doing and there is no other (good) option…
Nice post Sam. The calling.
I think it can go even beyond calling and speak to created. I know God didn’t just call me but created me for kids ministry. I can’t be happy or fulfill in life with out it.