So, you’re new to kids ministry! Welcome! Let me start by sharing a couple of points to help you get started on your journey.
First of all, we\’ve all been there. I mean, everyone, not just you, has to start somewhere. So, take comfort in knowing that you’re not alone!
Secondly, you don\’t have to reinvent the wheel! Sure, you want to bring some fresh, new ideas to your ministry. That’s why they hired you! But, there are some things that are the same or at least similar across the board whever you go. Things like hygiene, security policies, searching for volunteers, etc. It’s okay to ask someone what they\’ve done in the past. Seek out those who\’ve gone before you. Learn from their victories and even past mistakes before you make your own! (And, believe me, you will — but then you can pass your knowledge on to someone new — but that’s a different story!)
A passion of mine is encouraging fellow kids ministers. I love coming alongside "newbies" and helping them find their way along the ministry path. Sometimes it can be rough. I know. I’ve been there.
That’s why I am excited to be a part of an event we have at Lifeway called the Kids Ministers Beta. Around four times a year we host 20-25 kids ministers who\’ve served three years or less in the ministry as our guests in Nashville. Our group is kept small so that we can really get to know those who attend. Over a period of three days, we share ideas that have worked for us in our own ministries, introduce resources, talk about staff relationships, security, and other issues, but best of all, we build new friendships through networking times, which of course include eating at some of the best places in Nashville!
Oh, and did I mention that this is FREE? The only thing you have to do is get here! We cover hotel and food expenses! In fact, we\’re making our final plans for the next group coming to see us in just three short weeks!
If you’re new in the ministry, we\’d love to meet and encourage you in this new role that God has called you to. It’s "by invitation only," but I can\’t invite you unless I know you’re out there! We have a couple more of these conferences planned for April and September. I\’d love for you to become part of our "Kids Beta Club." You can let me know you’d like to come by commenting below.
I look forward to hearing from you!
Wow…what an amazing opportunity! I’ve been the Kid’s Minister for a little over a year — just long enough to get my feet wet, see some successes and plenty of frustrations. And I have so many questions! I would love to have the chance to meet and learn from others. Let me know how I can be part of the Kids Beta Club! Thanks for all that you do!
Great, Gina! I’ll send you an invitation! Can’t wait to meet you!
I have been Children’s Director just over a year and would love to find out more about this opportunity. I have to say my first change (quicker than I anticipated with urging from my parents) was the Sunday curriculum. Since I was used to teaching from Lifeway’s curriculum including Worship Kidstyle, we moved to that one. Everyone has loved it!
Wonderful, Wendy! I’ll send an invite and look forward to having you with us!
Kid’s Ministers Beta is amazing!!! You will learn so much and meet some really great people. Thank you Klista and all the others at Lifeway for being such great leaders.
Aww, thanks Jennifer! (And, if the airline loses your suitcase, we’ll even go shopping with you!)
I have been a bivocational children’s director for two and a half years. Would love to be part of something like this if I was able to work around my teaching responsibilities such as testing.
And we’d love to have you. I’ll send an invitation. Hope it works out for you to come!
Wow! This sounds like a lifesaver. After retiring from the Navy and working with adults for 20 years, I moved back to my hometown of Rome, GA and fell into the Children’s Minister role at my home church. I’m struggling to learn the ropes and this sounds like it would help. A little less than a year ago, I inherited this position, and I have a really good team, but could definitely use some further guidance.
This sounds awesome (and I would love to be considered.)
I’m not sure how eligible I am since I’m title-less. I lead worship and the kid’s church at a small congregation in Maine.
I’m also an illustrator who has had a fire lit and am seeking ways to use the talents that I’ve been given on projects of more eternal value… (this has included creating my own projects and lessons to do with the kids).
Thanks!
We’d love to help! Hope you can come. I’ll send an invitation your way!
What a unique opportunity! I’ve interned at our Scottsville campus for two years, and just started as the Childrens Minister in September. I would love to meet people who are in my shoes, and network with those around me! Let me know how I can get involved!
I’ll send you an invitation today! Looking forward to having you with us!
Thanks Josh! I sent you an invitation. Look it over and see what you think!
I would love to come to a BETA meeting sometime in Nashville.
Wow. This would be amazing. I’ve been in Children’s Ministry for a little less than 2 years and learn something new every day. I’m at a church that hasn’t really had a Children’s ministry before. It’d be great to be surrounded by people who are new in the field like me. Though they’re great, I just don’t get that at conferences.
And we’d love to have you!
Amy, I think you’ll find this really helpful. Look forward to having you here.
I am on the other end of the scale. I have been in children’t ministry for 30 years. We did have to start sometime. It’s the best thing I have ever done. These kids are our future! Mostly, be sincere. Kids are smart, they know if you are faking it. Show them you love them as you teach the Bible. It is a divine calling! Go with God!!
Great words from someone who’s been there. God’s blessings on you as you continue your ministry! Thanks, Deb!
I have been bi-vocational children’s minister at a church for the past year and a half and hope to move into a full time position in the next few months. This sounds like a great way to gain some useful and practical knowledge and skills!
Sarah, I pray that you get to move into that position full time soon. We’d love to meet you and help you get there! I’ll send an invitation today!
This sounds like just what I need. I’ve been involved in Children’s Ministry for less than a year, so I’m seeking how to improve and keep growing. I’m interested in learning more about this opportunity. Thank you.
Carolina, We’d love to help. I’ll send information your way!
Hi! I just started in Children’s Ministry this year, so I’ve got a total of 2 months under my belt…and that’s just as an associate. My Director is amazing and is teaching me a lot, but I would love to be a part of a newbie conference!
Yes you will!!!!! I am still thankful you were there to save me!!!
We’d love have you! Sending info your way!
I just completed my 2nd year. I wish I had known about this opportunity earlier! Can I join just to do a check up of sorts?
We’d love to have you, Joyce. I’ll send information out to you today. Thanks!
I’d really like to be a part of the Beta group. I’ve been in children’s ministry for about a year and still feel like I have so much yet to learn. Please, please send me information on how to be involved. THANKS!
Sending info your way today! Hope you can come!