The Power of Your Circle: Guarding Your Surroundings as a Children’s Ministry Leader
- Esther Moreno
- Jul 7
- 4 min read
As a children's ministry leader, you’re often at the forefront of teaching, nurturing, and guiding the next generation of faith. Your role is one of great responsibility, one that requires not just skill but deep spiritual commitment. But there’s another element that is just as important to your ministry: the people you surround yourself with. The people you choose to have around you can significantly influence your mindset, your emotions, and your ability to lead with clarity and passion. But what happens when the people around you aren’t pushing you toward God’s calling but, instead, are unknowingly or knowingly feeding toxicity into your life?
The Subtlety of Toxicity
Toxicity doesn’t always present itself with loud confrontations or outright negativity. Sometimes, it’s quieter, a subtle drain on your energy, your joy, and your sense of purpose. It can manifest as people who constantly complain, gossip, or feed fear and doubt rather than faith and encouragement. It may even come from those who mean well but don’t understand the weight of your calling and unintentionally undermine your efforts with their negativity.
In children's ministry, the stakes are high. The next generation is looking to you for guidance, and if you’re not careful about the environment you cultivate, the energy around you can start to influence how you lead. If you're surrounded by negativity, frustration, and despair, it’s hard to maintain a heart of joy, peace, and focus when serving others.
The Ripple Effect of Toxicity
As a leader, your actions, attitudes, and mindset trickle down to your volunteers, the children, and the families you serve. Toxicity has a ripple effect that can spread throughout your ministry, impacting everyone in your sphere. When you allow yourself to be surrounded by those who discourage, judge, or sow division, you’ll find it harder to maintain a spirit of unity, joy, and vision for your ministry. The impact of this extends far beyond personal frustration—it affects the very fabric of the ministry you’ve worked so hard to build. If the team around you is caught up in negativity or constantly dragging their feet, how can you expect to lead effectively and inspire others to pour into the next generation?
Protecting Your Peace
So how do you guard yourself from toxic influences? How do you protect your heart, mind, and leadership potential from those who may unknowingly distract you from your purpose? Here are a few steps to take:
Recognize Toxicity: Pay attention to how people make you feel after spending time with them. Do they leave you feeling drained, frustrated, or discouraged? Do they sow seeds of doubt or bitterness? Acknowledge when someone or something is having a negative impact on your mindset or your calling.
Set Boundaries: It's not always easy, but it’s necessary. Set boundaries around how much time and energy you invest in relationships that aren't life-giving. If someone is continually causing you emotional or spiritual harm, it may be time to step back and protect your peace.
Surround Yourself with Like-Minded People: Seek out others who are strong in their faith and aligned with your vision for ministry. Surround yourself with people who lift you up, challenge you to grow, and support your mission. Build a circle of mentors, friends, and colleagues who encourage you and pray for you.
Focus on Building a Team of Unity: As a leader, it’s your job to cultivate a healthy environment where positivity, support, and mutual encouragement thrive. Choose to lead by example and create a culture that is grounded in unity, love, and collaboration. When you focus on creating an environment where people thrive, you’ll attract more of the right people into your circle.
Protect Your Spirit: Just as you’re careful about who you allow to speak into your ministry, be mindful of what you allow into your spirit. Prioritize your time with God, regularly seeking His wisdom and guidance. The closer you stay to God, the clearer your vision becomes. The more you lean into Him, the easier it will be to filter out negative influences.
You Deserve a Healthy Environment
Ministry is hard work, and you are pouring your heart into a cause greater than yourself. You need people around you who recognize and honor your calling and who will support you with their prayers, encouragement, and strength. Don’t let toxic people, attitudes, or environments drain the passion that God has placed in your heart.
Remember, your role as a children’s ministry leader isn’t just about teaching kids about Christ. It’s about building a foundation for the next generation—and that starts with you. Your spiritual health and leadership depend on the environment you cultivate around you. Choose to surround yourself with life-giving influences that will empower you to lead well.
In this season, make it a priority to carefully assess the people you allow into your life and ministry. It’s not about being exclusive or judgmental; it’s about being intentional with where you place your energy. You can’t pour from an empty cup, and the health of your ministry depends on the strength of your own heart and spirit. Guard your surroundings, protect your peace, and lead from a place of rest and strength.
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