Sometimes we see people who lead and relate to kids with such effortless talent that we say of them, “They’re such a natural!” Make no mistake, though, great KidMin leaders aren’t born—they’re made! If you watch the most successful KidMin leaders closely, you’ll see that many of them have a method to their madness. And best of all, it’s something that anyone can learn. Follow these 4 “Be’s” to be the “bees knees” to the kids in your ministry. Be relational. For most kids, the thing that draws them back week after week isn’t the incredible lessons, it’s the feeling of being loved and known. It’s easy to think that your primary role is to teach the kids in your ministry, when in fact, the most important thing you could do is to know the kids. Not just their names, but their likes, their fears and the silly things that make them laugh. Be consistent. Developing deep, life-changing relationships with kids takes time and trust. They need to see your face on a regular basis. They need to trust that you’ll be there for them. Not just for a week, or a month, or a year, but for the long-haul. Want to know how to avoid an early KidMin exit? Give this a read. Be involved. Great KidMin leaders are involved with the kids from the time they arrive at church to the time they leave, AND BEYOND. Ministry is more than Sunday morning. Imagine the impact it would have if the kids in your ministry got a card from you or a call from you. Heck, if you showed up to one of their sporting events, their head might explode! Depending on the number of kids in your ministry, it might be impossible to do that for everyone, but choose some kids who need it most and go for it! Be quiet. Great KidMin leaders are great listeners. Kids have so much to say and too few people in their lives who take the time to listen. If kids know that you genuinely care about what they have to say, they’ll pour out their lives to you. Moreover, great KidMin leaders are masters at facilitating discussion. So be slow to talk and quick to listen.
