WHAT DEFINES A CHRISTIAN LEADER?

• A Leader has a definite sense of being called by God. Even though he may be a volunteer who has a full time secular career, he views ministry as the most significant aspect of his life and pursues it with excellence.
• A Leader sees the “big picture” of ministry rather than just the small segment with which he is involved.
• A Leader is a person of influence. Others respond positively to him and are willing to serve alongside him.

WHY DO WE NEED LEADERS IN CHILDREN’S MINISTRY?
Leadership is critical to the accomplishment of purpose. Without Moses’ leadership, the children of Israel would have remained slaves in Egypt. Without Joshua’s leadership, they would not have conquered the tribes living in their promised land. Without Nehemiah’s leadership, the walls of Jerusalem would have continued lying in ruins.

God has divine purpose for children. It is his desire that children are saved (Matthew 18:6). It his desire that children grow to spiritual maturity (Ephesians 4:11-15). It is his desire that children minister before Him (I Samuel 2:18). We must have leaders in children’s ministry who understand all that God has purposed for children, who wholeheartedly agree to work with Him to see His purposes accomplished, and who bring others alongside.

WHAT ARE THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF A LEADER IN CHILDREN’S MINISTRY?

• A Leader shares vision.
  Vision is what God wants to accomplish in the ministry you lead. As you seek God, He will give you a clear picture of what he wants to accomplish in the lives of the children you serve and in the lives of the ministry team who serves with you. You are responsible to share that vision with those who serve above you (pastor, board or committee members), with your team (volunteers, other ministry leaders), and with those whom you serve (children, parents, and the congregation). You are responsible to develop strategies and goals that will allow the vision to be accomplished. You are responsible to continually evaluate the effectiveness of every aspect of ministry in accomplishing the vision.
  
  
• A Leader develops those who serve alongside him.
  As you share your vision for ministry others will come alongside to help you accomplish it. As their leader you are responsible to nurture them, especially in ministry development and personal spiritual growth. Encourage ministry development by providing the necessary support (curriculum, equipment, etc.), encouragement (appreciation, acts of service, recognition, etc.), and training. Encourage personal spiritual growth in each team member through prayer, accountability or mentoring relationships, and opportunities to serve alongside you in their particular areas of giftedness.
  
  
• A Leader overcomes obstacles to effective ministry.
  As a leader you will face obstacles that stand in the way of accomplishing the vision God has given for children’s ministry. Some of these obstacles may include lack of support, insufficient funds, lack of ministry volunteers, resistance to needed change, etc. It is your responsibility to confront and overcome each obstacle in a way that is productive and unifying for the children, the ministry team, church leadership, and the congregation.

WILL YOU ACCEPT GOD’S CALL TO LEAD IN CHILDREN’S MINISTRY?
There is a lack of leadership in every area of ministry. However, this is not God’s will. I believe He has called and is preparing men, women, youth, and children to step into places of leadership in their homes, schools, communities, and churches. And I believe He is specifically calling many of them to lead in ministry to children.

I challenge you to stop viewing yourself as a ministry volunteer. Affirm God’s call on your life. Invite Him to paint a picture in your heart of what He wants to accomplish through you as you minister to children. Pursue this picture (His vision) with passion and excellence. Take the lead!