Sharing The Load: The Art of Teamwork in Children's Ministry

Ever tried spinning too many plates at once? It’s all fun and games until one comes crashing down, and then, well, you’re left picking up the pieces. As a children's ministry leader, it’s easy to feel like you’re constantly spinning plates—planning events, communicating with parents, managing volunteers, and making sure everything runs smoothly. But here’s the truth: you can’t spin all those plates alone without something eventually toppling over. You need your team!

Know Your Weaknesses (and Let Your Team Fill the Gaps)

Listen to me clearly…No one is great at everything! That includes you! Maybe you’re a visionary, but the thought of sorting volunteer schedules makes you break out into a cold sweat. Or maybe you’re fantastic with kids and families, but managing the behind-the-scenes logistics of events leaves you feeling overwhelmed. Knowing your weaknesses isn’t a sign of failure; it’s a sign of wisdom. And once you identify what isn’t your strength, you can lean on your team to pick up the slack.

Sure, you’re the captain, but you need your crew to sail smoothly. Empower your volunteers to step into roles where they excel—whether it’s organizing events, managing communication with parents, or handling day-to-day operations. The more you let go of what you’re not great at, the more you can focus on what really matters: leading, coaching, and equipping your team to serve with passion and purpose.

The Dangers of Doing Everything Alone

Let’s be honest for a second: trying to do everything yourself is a recipe for burnout. It might feel like you’re being the hero of your ministry, but in reality, you’re just setting yourself up for exhaustion and stress. When you take on too much, you risk dropping the ball on critical areas, you lose trust, and you miss the opportunity for others to bring their unique strengths to the table.

Remember, your job is to equip and empower others, not to do it all yourself. The danger of doing everything alone is that you’re not building a sustainable, thriving ministry. You’re building a house of cards that could collapse under the weight of your solo efforts. And let’s face it—no one wants to be that person who is running around with a to-do list the size of a novel, wearing themselves thin and resenting the very ministry they love.

Share the Load, Share the Joy

The beauty of children’s ministry is that it’s a team effort. By sharing the load, you allow others to step into their calling, to use their gifts, and to feel like a valued part of the mission. When you distribute responsibilities, you not only lighten your own burden, but you also create a healthier, more engaged volunteer culture.

When your team feels empowered and supported, your ministry thrives. And when you share the load, you get to enjoy the fruits of a well-oiled ministry without burning out. So, next time you’re juggling ten different tasks, remember: it’s okay to ask for help. Your team is there to carry the load with you.

In the end, being a successful children’s ministry leader isn’t about doing everything on your own—it’s about leading a team that is equipped, empowered, and ready to make a lasting impact. So, embrace your strengths, know your weaknesses, and don’t be afraid to share the load. Together, you and your team can spin those plates together and build something truly extraordinary.

Now go ahead—take a breath, share that to-do list, and watch your team shine! ✨

www.esthermoreno.com