VBS SHOP

Kids Ministry

Dedicated to helping Kids Ministry leaders in their mission of making disciples

|

By: Landry Holmes

How many times have you defined boundaries for preschoolers and children at church? We spend a lot of time setting and enforcing boundaries designed to guide behavior, provide a safe environment for everyone, reduce chaos, and teach biblical truth. When it comes to ourselves, however, we often fail to set boundaries. After all, God called us to minister, to care for people in the name of Jesus. Nevertheless, our God-given needs go unmet when we constantly say, “Yes,” to every ministry opportunity. So, how do we know when to say, “Yes,” “No,” or, “Not now”? Perhaps these five questions to help you avoid burnout will help.

  • WHO IS ASKING? If your spouse or supervisor is asking, then the answer is probably “Yes!” Otherwise, move to the next four questions.
  • WHY SHOULD YOU SAY, “YES”? There are a lot of good things in ministry. Make sure the task aligns with God’s calling and mission. What are you willing to give up? You may need to give up other tasks so you don’t sacrifice your relationship with Jesus and with your family.
  • WHEN DOES THE TASK END? Unless the task is perpetual in nature, agree on an end date before saying, “Yes.”
  • WHERE WILL THE TASK TAKE YOU? If travel or relocation is required, even temporarily, be sure to consider the three questions above.
  • ARE YOU SAYING, “YES,” TO THE RIGHT THINGS? God called you to minister to kids, their families, and their leaders.

The next time someone asks you to do another task, mentally answer the five questions above and then respond in a way that honors the One who called you to minister in Jesus’ name.

Landry Holmes is the Manager of Lifeway Kids Ongoing Bible Studies. He has his bachelor’s in both English and Business from Howard Payne University and his Master’s in Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Landry is the author of It’s Worth It: Uncovering How One Week Can Transform Your Church, co-author of Every Age, Every Stage: Teaching God’s Truth at Home and Church, and co-editor of the Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary for Kids. Landry loves partnering with parents to help them build spiritual foundations in their children’s lives. In his free time, he loves spending time with his grandchildren (and their parents too, but, you know, the kids are cuter), volunteering at his local church, traveling, and sitting and reading with a good cup of coffee. Currently, Landry and his wife live in Middle Tennessee.
    Category: Tag: , , , , , , ,