Sunday morning.
The two words referring to a day of the week and a time of day are neutral for many, but if you are a ministry leader in a church context, these words likely mean much more. If you are in that number, take a moment to notice how you feel in your body.
Are those words triggering? Does your neck feel tight, your stomach in knots, or the beginnings of a headache coming on? These are all warning signs in our body signaling something to pay attention to. It may very well be signaling anxiety.
Sunday mornings are a time for the church to gather in worship, to congregate around the life and mission of Jesus, and learn and grow what it means to become more like Him. For those called to lead in that mission, it requires time, intention, planning, and LOTS of logistics.
Meditating on the truth of the Bible nurtures our faith and resilience.
Anxiety as a Leader in Children’s Ministry
For children’s ministry leaders, throw in the complexities of last-minute variables that inevitably arise when leading children and their families. Vomit on the carpet in the preschool room has become far more normal than ever thought possible.
The constant pivoting of plans, filling last-minute volunteer holes, and being strong when all you feel is weak on the inside are exhausting and can lead to anxiety.
As children’s ministry leaders, we must learn to care for ourselves when our anxiety rises so that we can continue to care for those God has commissioned us to shepherd and lead.
Anxiety is a prevalent challenge in today’s society, and as leaders in children’s ministry, it is crucial to address this issue, even when grappling with anxiety ourselves.
By understanding the definition of anxiety, recognizing its impact on leaders, and implementing tangible strategies, we can equip ourselves and others to navigate this complex landscape.
Understanding Anxiety
Anxiety is a multifaceted mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of unease, fear, and worry. It can manifest physically, emotionally, and behaviorally, affecting individuals of all ages, including children.
Understanding anxiety is crucial to creating an environment of empathy and support in the teams we lead, the volunteers we resource, and the children we teach.
Impact of Anxiety on Leaders
Leaders in children’s ministry are not immune to the impact of anxiety. The weight of responsibility, the pressure to meet expectations, and the challenges of balancing personal and professional lives can exacerbate anxiety. Leaders may experience increased stress levels, difficulty making decisions, and a sense of overwhelm.
Recognizing these effects is essential for self-awareness and seeking appropriate support.
How to Guard Yourself from Ministry Burnout
How to Guard Yourself from Ministry Burnout
How to Guard Yourself from Ministry Burnout
Navigating Anxiety as a Leader: Tangible Strategies
Learning to navigate anxiety in children’s ministry requires equipping leaders. It is important to focus on practical steps that promote spiritual and emotional health while creating an atmosphere of support:
Prioritize Self-Care
Leaders must prioritize their own self-care to serve others effectively. Engage in activities that bring joy and relaxation, such as exercise, hobbies, or spending time with loved ones.
Prioritize regular breaks, set boundaries, and seek support from peers or mentors who can provide guidance and encouragement.
Practice Gratitude and Worship
Cultivate an attitude of gratitude and focus on what is working, not only on what isn’t. Taking time to acknowledge blessings in our lives, even amidst our anxieties, helps to regulate our nervous systems.
Expressing gratitude and engaging in worship can shift focus away from anxiety and redirect thoughts toward God’s goodness and provision.
Openness helps normalize anxiety and promotes a sense of community where everyone can seek support and share their experiences.
Build a Supportive Network
Create a community of support within your children’s ministry program. Encourage open communication among volunteers, fostering an environment where they can share their anxieties and challenges.
Offer opportunities for training and workshops that address mental health and equip leaders with tools to support children and families dealing with anxiety.
Meditate on Scripture
Meditate on passages that speak to anxiety, trust, and peace, such as Philippians 4:6-7, which encourages us to bring our concerns to God in prayer, or Isaiah 41:10, where God reassures us of His presence and strength in times of fear.
Reflecting on these verses can help center your thoughts and provide a renewed sense of calm. Meditating on the truth of the Bible nurtures our faith and resilience.
Foster Open Dialogue
Create an environment where volunteers, children, and families feel comfortable discussing their anxieties. Encourage open dialogue through small group discussions, one-on-one conversations, or family events that address mental health topics.
Consider facilitating training sessions or workshops focused on understanding anxiety. This openness helps normalize anxiety and promotes a sense of community where everyone can seek support and share their experiences.
Understanding that anxiety affects leaders in children’s ministry requires a multifaceted approach that acknowledges these leaders’ challenges while equipping them to support volunteers, children, and their families.
Leaders can create an environment of empathy and understanding by prioritizing self-care, practicing gratitude, building a supportive network, meditating on Scripture, and fostering open dialogue.
Remember that through our battles with anxiety, we can provide a beacon of hope and resilience for navigating the complex terrain of anxiety in the children and volunteers we lead. Putting these strategies in place will help reclaim children’s ministry leaders reclaim the words Sunday morning and remove the associated triggers.
Additional Helpful Articles on Anxiety
- Techniques for Supporting Anxious Kids: Sometimes the Only Way Is Through
- You Are Not Alone: The Truth of Anxiety and Depression in Ministry
- Practical Ways to Navigate a Hyper-Anxious World: Introduction (Part 1)
- Practical Ways to Navigate a Hyper-Anxious World: What Causes Anxiety (Part 2)
- Practical Ways to Navigate a Hyper-Anxious World: A Matter of the Brain (Part 3)
- Practical Ways to Navigate a Hyper-Anxious World: Tools to Help (Part 4)
- Practical Ways to Navigate a Hyper-Anxious World: Restoring Power (Part 5)
- Practical Ways to Navigate a Hyper-Anxious World: Conclusion (Part 6)
