As a child, I was always so excited when my dad (aka my pastor) would schedule a kids evangelist and host a kids event at our church. I remember sitting in my seat with my head bowed, as kids evangelist, Cowboy Steve, lead all the kids in prayer. During that quiet moment, God spoke to my heart to tell me I would be a kids minister some day.

I took my first steps into kids ministry in 1992 when I learned how to twist a balloon dog and became Lovely the Clown! At the time, I had no idea where this new “skill-set” would lead me.

This is what I have learned over the last 20+ years in kids ministry:

1. Use the skills you have and opportunities that are in front of you
   What are you good at doing… storytelling… theatre… crafting… singing…planning, etc? You can use your talents to do great things for God. When you step out to use them, God truly will open doors of opportunity for you!
   

2. Get a mentor
   A mentor is great to have for accountability and encouragement. Do you know someone that is experienced and awesome at what you want to do? That person could be your mentor! You can start off by asking this person to meet with you or talk on the phone. I first met my friend and mentor, Beth Barnes, when I was volunteering at a church youth camp in 1992. Over the years, she has provided me with so much training, ministry opportunities, friendship and tons of prayers and encouragement. I can’t imagine my life without her!
   

3. Surround yourself with other leaders
   By surrounding yourself with other leaders, you will stay inspired, learn new skills and make great friendships! Where can you find other leaders? Go to a conference, sign up for online classes/workshops, follow other kids ministry leaders on social media, or search churches in your community to connect with their leaders!
   

4. Don’t be afraid to make a move
   There is a great big world out there, and it’s filled with people that God loves very much! There are times when God will move you to a new location, offering new relationships, cultures, and skill-sets for the next part of your journey doing His work. Although it can be sad to leave people you love, it’s also very exciting to meet people in new places.

Do you see the common thread in all of this?
It’s people!

It’s one big cycle of God equipping people to encourage and lead other people to
Christ. Then those people equip more people to do the same thing! Isn’t that exciting? I
would not be the person I am today, without all the people God has placed in my life.

I pray that you will be encouraged in each season of your life and ministry. He’s got
plans for you, with the people already in place to help you along the way!