In kids ministry, many times much energy and time goes into planning and executing big events. While those events are important, recently I was reminded of the significance of day-to-day ministry. Miss Libby Reynolds was the Director of the Primary Division (what we would call a Children’s Minister today) at my home church for over four decades. With her recent passing, I began to reflect on how her commitment to the day-to-day ministry impacted my life and lessons I learned from her ministry.
Keep the focus on Jesus. Miss Libby was a servant who reflected Christ in everything she did. Her relationship with Christ and following His will was most important in her life. As a result, she pointed everyone she met to Him. She saw the importance of providing a biblical and spiritual foundation for kids. Jesus was the focus of every ministry and event.
Make time for People. Miss Libby cared about people. She knew their names. She deeply loved them. She took time to visit with each and every person.
Miss Libby visited families in their time of need.
Additionally, she made a priority to visit with each child after he or she became a Christian.
When I was in third grade, I invited Miss Libby to a party I was having for kids in my neighborhood (the day before Easter.) Miss Libby came and even brought a beautiful cake for all of us to enjoy.
Now as an adult and a children’s ministry leader, I realize the sacrifice she made to minister to me and my friends on one of the most important and busiest weekends of the year. She understood the importance of relationships in ministry.
Be a leader worth following. People loved to serve under Miss Libby’s leadership. She saw the potential in teachers and saw the importance of developing leaders. She was organized and continually reminded them of the vision. Teachers not only knew the how but understood the why. She invested, appreciated, and empowered leaders.
I am confident the Lord used Miss Libby to help develop His call in my life, just as He is using you to develop His call in children’s lives. Future children’s ministers, pastors, parents, missionaries, and other church leaders are in your ministry. What legacy are you leaving for the children under your leadership?
Delanee Williams serves as a Ministry Specialist with Lifeway Kids. She is a graduate of Baylor University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Delanee has served in kids ministry for over twenty years and is passionate about developing, equipping and encouraging leaders.
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