As Children's Ministry leaders, we are tasked with an incredible responsibility: to shape the hearts and minds of the next generation. In the hustle of Sunday services, mid-week activities, and all the moving parts of ministry, it’s easy to get caught up in the pressure to produce results. Hey, I’ve been there. We begin to focus on programs, activities, and the external signs of success. We want to impress our congregation, wow parents, and ensure that everything looks polished, especially in front of Senior Leadership. But in the midst of it all, we must ask ourselves: Are we building people, or just building programs?
The Danger of Focusing on Appearance Over People
In an age where numbers, stats, and the ‘show’ of ministry can easily steal the spotlight, many children’s ministry leaders fall into the trap of focusing more on looking impressive than on investing in the people under their care. While programs and events are important, don’t get me wrong, they are not the foundation of lasting ministry. The foundation is and will always be people.
The problem is, when we prioritize external results over internal growth, we can inadvertently neglect those who are meant to be the heart of our ministries: our volunteers, our kids, and their families. In doing so, we risk burnout, disengagement, and creating a culture that values programming over people. This isn’t just a danger to us as leaders, but also to the long-term health of our ministries and the spiritual growth of those we serve.
The Cost of Not Building People
When we focus too much on being impressive, we miss the crucial step of investing in the individuals who make ministry happen. Volunteers are the backbone of any children's ministry, and if they aren’t properly supported, equipped, and encouraged, they will quickly become disengaged. Without the right investment, they may burn out or lose the passion they once had.
Moreover, kids will feel the impact of leaders who are too focused on ‘perfect’ agendas and programs instead of nurturing relationships. Children’s Ministry is about connecting with the hearts of children, not just entertaining them or checking off boxes. When leaders neglect to build people, they miss the opportunity to truly disciple and lead children into a deeper relationship with Christ.
Shifting from Performance to People
So, what does it look like to build people instead of programs? It means pouring into those around you with purpose and intention. If you’ve struggled with this, here are a few practices to help refocus your leadership:
Empower Volunteers
Your volunteers are not just helpers—they are co-laborers in ministry. Invest in them, train them, and provide opportunities for them to grow spiritually and in their particular roles. When your volunteers feel supported and valued, they will pour that same energy and commitment back into the kids they serve.
Prioritize Relationships Over Results
Instead of asking, “How can I make this event more impressive?” ask yourself, “How can I connect with the children and families in a meaningful way?” Relationships are the heart of ministry. When you focus on building relationships with both kids and volunteers, the impact you make will be far greater than any program or activity ever could be.
Invest in Personal Growth
A leader who is not growing is a leader who is stuck. Don’t assume you have it all together. Take time to reflect, learn, and grow spiritually. Your personal growth will overflow into your leadership, equipping you to better guide and support those in your care.
Celebrate People’s Growth
Recognize and celebrate the growth of your team and your kids. Whether it's a volunteer stepping into a new leadership role or a child grasping a new biblical truth, make the time to acknowledge the people behind the ministry. It fosters a culture of encouragement and growth.
Trust the Process
Building people takes time. The growth of your ministry is not always measured in attendance numbers or flashy events—it’s measured in hearts transformed and leaders raised up. Trust the slow, steady process of investing in people, knowing that the fruits of your labor will be seen over time.
A Call to True Leadership
As we move forward in 2025, let’s shift our focus from the pressure to impress to the joy of building people. Great leaders are not defined by the events they host or the programs they create, but by the people they build and empower.
Let’s choose to invest in the hearts of those around us—our volunteers, our children, and ourselves. Let’s stop chasing the approval of others through external measures and start building a lasting legacy through the lives we touch. Remember, when we build people, we are ultimately building the Kingdom of God.
The Bottom Line: People Matter
If we want to see our ministries thrive and make an eternal impact, we need to remember that success is not about how impressive we look on the outside, but about how much we invest in the lives of those we serve. Let’s embrace the quiet, often unseen work of building people—because that is where true transformation happens.
Comments