Being
in ministry means we are all about serving and working with people. One thing I
have learned from serving as a children’s pastor, is that my job entails a lot
more than just working with kids. A big part of my job is keeping and maintaining
excitement and good relationships with the other teachers and leaders that work
in the children’s department. My belief is that if I will effectively
lead the leaders, they will effectively lead the children. There has
been many times when I have selected the person I deemed to be the “best” to
lead a specific age group or to lead a certain event, but I quickly discovered
that the best person for the job is not always the right person for the
job. I’m not necessarily looking for the most talented or most educated
person; I’m not even looking for the most gifted speakers. I’m looking for the
person who has a burden for children’s ministry, and who is willing to work in
unity with myself and the rest of the staff. I want someone who is willing to
give up their own methods to help us achieve the overall goal of our
department. Find the right person for the job, not just the best or most
talented one. If
you are going to have and maintain revival in your department, then you are
going to need some help. Of course we want the most gifted and talented people
on our team, but we must understand that the success of our department is not
dependent on the gifts and talents of a few, but rather the unity and teamwork
of many. As leadership guru John Maxwell says, “Teamwork makes the dream
work.”
Before the Holy Ghost was first
poured out in the book of Acts, we find that the people were of one mind and
one accord. The people were in unity. The disciples did not allow personal squabbles
and problems to get in the way of their relationships. They had a greater goal
in mind and they would not let anything get in the way of that. We must be the
same way. We must be willing to sacrifice our own feelings for the success of
the group. This is why it is important to find team players, not hot
shots. Look for individuals that
can be in unity with you and work hand in hand with you. Those that are willing
to do whatever it takes to bring about revival with you. Once you establish a
team of people that you trust and that you know will work with you and
not against you, make sure you spend time with them. I don’t mean five
minutes before kids arrive on Sunday morning; I mean make plans to eat together
or meet once a month. This way you can invest in their lives and they can
invest in yours. Your core team should be willing to do anything to help each
other. Make sure your team members know you care about them. People do not want
to be used and abused. They want to know that they matter and that they are
cared for. Take notice and be helpful if things are going on in a team member’s
personal life. Pray for them on a daily basis and pray with them in the altar. They
need to know you are not just using them as a tool to accomplish your own
desires. Take time to write a card, thanking team members for their
friendship and hard work that they contribute week in and week out. Like I
previously stated, if you will effectively care for and lead your leaders, they
will effectively lead the kids.
Again,
make the decision to invest in the lives of your team members and other key
leaders. Help build them up and do not allow yourself to feel threatened
by those that are more gifted than you in certain areas. Remember: Do not
look for the best people, look for the right ones.
*This is a segment from my book- From Sunday School to Children's Ministry
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