Jesus used questions repeatedly to teach His disciples. Questions are excellent for engaging in deeper thought, shifting behavior, and returning to the mission.
A four-year-old will ask approximately 300 questions a day. A doctor in the United Kingdom compiled the top 10 questions they ask.
Included in the list are:
- Why do people die?
- What is God?
- Is Santa Claus real?
- Why do I have to go to school?
And if you have worked in children’s ministry for any number of years, you know that around Christmas time, you might even get asked what a virgin is.
We know how to deal with the hard questions from kids!
Even as a child, Jesus was found in the temple asking questions, and I can only imagine those would be tough ones.
Maybe you have even been asked questions by parents. These could range from How will you keep my child safe? to What curriculum do you use?
We are the professionals at answering questions.
Becoming Question-Askers
But I want to challenge us to become question-askers for a change. I want us to learn the position of curiosity from the children we serve.
Jesus used questions repeatedly to teach his disciples. Questions are excellent for engaging in deeper thought, shifting behavior, and returning to the mission.
If we ask these ten questions each month, our ministries will flourish. As we submit to the position of a learner, our leadership will grow.
So, here’s the question: Are you ready?
1. What is my big goal this month?
Make sure you can quickly and efficiently answer this question. The answer to this question is the goal on the wall that everything you do is aiming at.
Knowing what you want to accomplish gives you a better chance of doing it. Nothing done in children’s ministry should be by chance. The mission is too critical to leave to chance.
2. Who is missing?
Do you have a team member who has been ghosting you, a family that has not been consistent, or a child refusing to come to class? Find out who is missing and then kindly and sensitively go after them. Let them know you miss them and would love for them to return.
Knowing who is there is good, but knowing who is missing is another way to care for the families you serve.
3. What do I need to stop doing?
It is so easy in the church to always do what we have always done. But what if we stop doing good things to make room for the great? What if we decided that if something no longer supported the mission, we would let it die?
I challenge you to look at everything you are doing and to strategically let go of things.
4. If my kids’ ministry disappeared tomorrow, would my community miss us?
I want you to evaluate your role in the community. Do you add value? Do people even know you exist, and if they do, are you seen as a valuable resource in the community?
If all you ever do is kids’ ministry within your four walls, that’s the extent of your reach. Brainstorm this week how you can go into your community and allow yourself to be a resource for them.
5. When was the last time I read the Bible, and it wasn’t for my job?
Are you in the Word? As ministry leaders, it is so easy to tell ourselves that we are constantly in the Word or worship because we work at a church. That could not be more wrong. We pour out consistently and daily.
So, if we do not devote ourselves to getting filled, we will eventually run dry.
Making an Impact in Your Children’s Ministry
This guide was created to help you dive into some of the topics facing your ministries today and lead into why your curriculum matters and how to choose the right one depending on your needs.
How to Guard Yourself from Ministry Burnout
How to Guard Yourself from Ministry Burnout
6. How do I view the families I serve?
Do you have a God-like view of those you serve? Do you see them how God sees them? I know it is difficult, but I think you should decide that you believe that every parent wants to be good, is made in God’s image, and deserves your attention.
Check your biased, negative thoughts and wrong beliefs so they don’t start creeping into your ministry.
7. What is a win from this month?
If you want to make it long-term in children’s ministry, you must focus on the good and zone in on the wins. Put the wins in the front of your mind to remember. Kids’ ministry can be difficult, but remembering the wins helps make it more bearable.
8. Am I having fun?
Every month, ask yourself if you had fun. You are in the most fun ministry of all. So, if you find the answer to this question is a no—if you find bubbles do not make you smile, or hugs from littles don’t make your heart explode—you might have lost your joy.
Get it back! Enjoy your ministry and be glad you get to use your gifts.
9. What about my family?
We are moving so fast, sometimes we unintentionally sacrifice our family on the altar of ministry. Have you consistently been late coming home? Have you been working too much at home and on your day off?
Your first ministry is your family. God did not give you too much; He gave you what He knew you could handle with His help. Ask Him to show you where the imbalance is.
Cut away the unnecessary and focus on the mission critical. Work hard to disciple your team and delegate to them. Your gifting should not be what hurts your family.
10. Who do I need to forgive?
Has someone hurt you, betrayed your trust, or made you feel bad? Ministry is working with and serving people. So, if this has yet to happen, it will. People will hurt you, and you cannot control that, but you can manage your reaction.
I read that unforgiveness is like someone drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die. Forgive and ask God to help you move on.
You are doing good work, and there is no question about that!
Do not get weary with all the questions that come at you or even the ones you ask yourself. Decide to do a monthly rundown of these challenging questions. It is not easy, but it’s good. You are doing good work, and there is no question about that!
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time, we will reap the harvest if we do not give up.
Galatians 6:9 NIV
