Church Hurt and the Power of God's Grace: A Reminder for Children’s Ministry Leaders

In every ministry, we’re bound to face moments of disappointment, conflict, and even hurt. Church hurt, though painful, is something many of us may have experienced, whether through misunderstandings, unmet expectations, or difficult relationships. It’s real, and it can leave deep scars. As leaders in children's ministry, we may sometimes feel the weight of these struggles more acutely because of our calling to care for the youngest of God’s flock while also caring for our own hearts.

But here’s the truth: church hurt is real, but so is God’s grace.

We can all remember moments when we’ve been let down—by people, by systems, by situations that felt beyond our control. It’s easy to let these wounds harden our hearts, making us question everything we’ve worked for. It’s tempting to pull back and protect ourselves, to shield our families and the children we serve from further pain. But in doing so, we risk missing the transformative power of God’s grace, which is bigger than any hurt.

Understanding the Realness of Church Hurt

It's important to acknowledge the realness of hurt in our church communities. When someone we trust fails us or when a ministry initiative doesn’t go as planned, it can feel personal. We might wonder, How could this happen in a place of worship? But it’s in these moments that we must remember: people are imperfect, and ministry—though sacred—is made up of people.

But here’s the beautiful part: While we may experience hurt, we can also choose to lean into God’s grace. God’s grace is boundless; it’s the love that never runs out and the mercy that is renewed every morning. In our hurt, we don’t have to retreat into isolation. Instead, we can allow God’s grace to lead us through it, healing and refining us for the work He’s called us to.

The Danger of Letting Hurt Push Us Away

As leaders, it’s easy to let the hurt define our approach to ministry. We can grow disillusioned or reluctant to engage, fearing further pain. But when we let hurt push us away from God’s goodness, we rob ourselves of the opportunity to experience His full power in our lives. We also miss out on the deeper connections He wants to create through us for the next generation.

Remember, God’s grace isn’t just for us; it’s meant to flow through us. Every day, we have the opportunity to demonstrate grace to the children and families we serve. We have the chance to show them what it looks like to forgive, to love unconditionally, and to persevere even when it’s hard. Children watch us closely, and how we handle our hurts will model resilience and faith for them.

Choosing to Trust in God’s Grace

While we can’t always control the actions of others, we can choose how we respond. Trusting in God’s grace means we don’t let the negative experiences define us. It means we choose to rise above the hurt, asking God to heal our hearts and strengthen our spirits. As we lead children’s ministries, it’s important to continually seek God’s grace and to extend that grace to others. We can’t control what happens around us, but we can choose to be vessels of God’s love and forgiveness. The good work we do in children’s ministry isn’t contingent on perfection or ideal circumstances—it’s rooted in God’s faithfulness and grace, which remains constant even when things feel shaky.

Leading with Grace

To be a strong leader in children's ministry, we must model grace—both to ourselves and to others. Grace helps us keep going, even when things get tough. It reminds us that we’re not defined by our mistakes or the mistakes of others but by the unfailing love of God. Grace is what fuels our passion to serve, even on the days when we feel like stepping back. It is the strength we draw upon when we have nothing left to give.

So, if you're feeling hurt or worn out today, remember this: God’s grace is enough. Don’t let the pain you’ve experienced keep you from the goodness of God. His grace is greater than your hurt, and His calling on your life is stronger than any obstacle you face. Embrace that truth and let it guide you as you continue to serve with love and perseverance.

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