17 Moses’ father-in-law replied, “What you are doing is not good. 18 You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone.
“The advice Jethro gave his son-in-law wasn’t just helpful to Moses. As Children’s Ministry Leaders it is crucial that we heed such sound wisdom ourselves if we are to build a strong Children’s Ministry department.”
In our last blog post we examined this crucial advice Jethro gave his son-in-law and how we can use this ancient wisdom today in our Children’s Ministry departments. It is easy as next generation leaders to burn ourselves out but this shouldn’t be. God calls others to help us carry the load. Unfortunately, walk it alone attitudes and self sufficient mindsets only lead to accelerated burnout and unnecessary frustration. So don’t be afraid to ask for the help you need. Get out there! Be bold, be brave, And go get the help God has already laid before you.
But Jethro’s advice didn’t end there…
20 Teach them his decrees and instructions, and show them the way they are to live and how they are to behave.
Great job! You’ve faced your fears and got some committed leaders in your department. But it can’t end there. Training your leaders and teaching them HOW to be successful is crucial. The key here isn’t just to build a team but a strong one. Developing a thriving children’s ministry isn’t about filling slots. It’s about equipping leaders with the tools they need and desire to effectively reach the next generation for Christ. Too often as Kidmin leaders, we shy away from providing any type of training beyond the minimum child safety/worker requirements due to a fear of overburdening our volunteers. While sensitive to the real time constraints of life, it is nonetheless a misguided approach because it hinders children’s ministry workers from reaching their true potential.
In as little as 35 minutes a month, you can share best practices, encourage, and inspire your volunteers in ways you once never dreamed possible. I cannot tell you how many gifted people I have approached to serve in children’s ministry that gave me the excuse that they just weren’t competent enough to lead children. Training robs people of those excuses. Training is the tool that bridges the gap between sitting in the pew and powerfully reaching children for Christ. Remember, there’s more then one way to skin a cat. By finding creative ways to train your volunteers, you are sure to reach next level performance and develop a thriving children’s ministry you can be proud of.
