3 Things You Can Do to Help Your Children's Ministry Leader Thrive and Expand Your Church
Did you know that a healthy, thriving Children's Ministry is one of the greatest ways to help your church grow? When families feel confident that their children are not only safe but being spiritually nurtured, they come back — and they bring others with them! But behind every vibrant Kids Ministry is a leader who needs support. Often, these leaders carry huge responsibilities with limited resources, minimal help, and high expectations.
Here are three intentional things you can do to help your Children's Ministry leader thrive — and, as a result, watch your church grow and flourish:
1. Have Regular Biweekly Meetings with Your Kids Min Leader
Communication is key! Meeting consistently every two weeks creates a safe space for your Kids Min leader to share both victories and struggles. Here's how these meetings can transform your ministry:
Celebrate the Wins
Start by asking, "What's going well?" Too often, ministry leaders work tirelessly without anyone stopping to acknowledge the progress. Maybe new families have joined, a volunteer stepped up in a big way, or a special event went smoothly. Take time to highlight and celebrate those moments!
Identify the Gaps
Ask, "What's not going well, and what do you need?" This invites honest conversation about areas of concern — whether it's a lack of volunteers, supply needs, behaviour challenges, or curriculum struggles. But don't stop there. Become a partner in finding solutions and taking action together.
Unite Around the Vision
Your Kids Ministry leader is not just running a childcare program; they are helping fulfill the mission of your church. Use these meetings to make sure your vision is aligned, and dream together about how to disciple kids and serve families better.
When your Kids Min leader feels heard, supported, and empowered, their ministry will thrive — and so will your church.
2. Advocate for a Reasonable Budget
An effective ministry requires resources. While it may seem obvious, many Kids Ministry leaders struggle to operate on minimal budgets, making it difficult to purchase quality curricula, maintain engaging environments, and provide necessary supplies.
As a pastor, board member, or decision-maker, your advocacy matters. Ask your Kids Min leader what their actual needs are and then champion those needs during budget discussions.
Think of it this way: If you want families to stick around and grow in your church, investing in your next generation should be a top priority. A thriving Kids Ministry is worth every dollar.
3. Invest in Your Kids Min Leaders
Healthy leaders lead healthy ministries. When your Children's Ministry leader is growing, encouraged, and equipped, it will directly impact the children and families they serve.
Here's how you can invest:
Show Appreciation
Never underestimate the power of small gestures! Words of encouragement, thoughtful appreciation gifts, and recognizing their time and sacrifices make a lasting impact. A valued leader is a motivated leader.
Provide Training
Children's ministry is constantly evolving — with new curriculum options, safety protocols, and innovative ways to engage kids. But many leaders are overwhelmed trying to keep up. One of the biggest challenges facing our churches right now is getting volunteers and leaders trained to handle growth and change.
The good news? We've heard that need loud and clear, and we're here to help!
We are thrilled to invite you and your entire Kids Min team to our upcoming One-Day Conference, Empower, which will be hosted at North Pointe Church in Edmonton, AB, on April 12, 2025.
This is a perfect opportunity to:
Recharge your ministry vision
Receive practical, hands-on Training
Network with other Children's Ministry leaders
Leave encouraged and equipped to tackle whatever is next for your ministry
👉 Register now at abnwt.com/empower25
Mark your calendars and spread the word — we'd love to see your team there!
Final Thoughts
When you intentionally support your Children's Ministry leader, you strengthen not only them but also the entire church. Healthy Kids Ministries attracts families, creates lifelong disciples, and builds the future of the church.
So, schedule that meeting. Advocate for that budget. Invest in that leader.
Your ministry is worth it.
Kathy has worked with kids and families for over 30 years in church settings (small, medium, cross-cultural, large, and mega-sized churches), school settings, and early childhood settings. She is presently the Children and Family Ministries specialist at the ABNWT District Resource Centre. She thrives on collaborating and coaching leaders, helping them thrive.