7 Habits of Highly Effective KidMin Leaders

As a children’s ministry leader, there’s always something to do. From planning lessons to coordinating volunteers, your to-do list can easily grow overwhelming. But the most effective leaders know how to create weekly rhythms that keep them focused and energized.

In this post, we’ll explore the 7 weekly habits that help highly effective children’s ministry leaders stay organized, avoid burnout, and keep their ministries thriving. Whether you’re leading a large team or a small one, these habits will help you stay on top of the essentials and inspire your team to do the same.

1. Start with a Prayerful Reflection

Before diving into the logistics of the week, take a few moments to center yourself in prayer. Reflect on the ministry, the children you serve, and the volunteers you lead. Ask God to give you wisdom and discernment as you plan and lead throughout the week.

Starting your week with prayer helps you align your heart with the mission and gives you the spiritual focus needed to lead effectively. It’s also a great way to avoid the burnout that can come from a lack of spiritual refreshment.

2. Plan Your Week — Don’t Just React to It

Effective leaders don’t just react to things as they come — they plan ahead. Take time each Monday to map out your week. This includes:

• Reviewing your upcoming lessons and making sure you have all the materials you need.

• Coordinating with your team on who is doing what.

• Double-checking the logistics for any events or activities you have planned.

• Sending out reminders to your volunteers so they know what to expect.

Planning your week helps you stay ahead of any surprises and ensures you’re using your time wisely.

💡 Tip: Use a weekly planner or project management tool to stay organized. Google Calendar or Trello can be great tools for keeping track of everything!

3. Connect with Your Volunteers

Effective children’s ministry is built on strong relationships with your volunteers. One of the best ways to keep your team motivated and engaged is to check in with them regularly. Take time every Monday (or at the start of your week) to reach out to your volunteers, whether through an email, text, or a short team meeting.

Here’s what you can focus on:

• Provide encouragement: Celebrate their wins from the previous week.

• Provide clarity: Make sure everyone knows their roles and expectations for the week.

• Offer support: Ask if they have any needs or concerns.

When you take the time to connect personally, your team feels valued and is more likely to show up excited and committed.

4. Review and Refine Your Curriculum

Reviewing your curriculum should be a weekly habit, not something you do once and forget. Look over your lesson plans for the week ahead, making sure everything is in place. Check for:

• Any updates or changes in the schedule or format.

• Content clarity, ensuring the lesson is age-appropriate and engaging.

• Visual aids or props that need to be prepared in advance.

At GO! Curriculum, our materials are designed to be easy to prep and fun to teach— we make step 4 super simple!

5. Evaluate and Adjust as Needed

As you move through the week, take time to evaluate how things are going. After Sunday services or mid-week programs, reflect on:

• What worked well?

• What didn’t go as planned?

• Did the kids connect with the lesson? Was it engaging?

• Did your volunteers feel equipped and supported?

Adjust your approach based on these reflections. Remember that evaluation is key to continuous improvement and growth. It’s okay to tweak things or try new methods if something’s not working.

💡 Pro Tip: Have a volunteer feedback system in place to get regular insights from your team. This will help you make adjustments before issues become bigger problems.

6. Make Time for Personal Development

Children’s ministry leaders often pour so much into others that they neglect their own growth. However, to be an effective leader, it’s essential to invest in your own personal development. Dedicate some time each week to:

• Reading leadership books or articles.

• Listening to ministry podcasts or training sessions.

• Reflecting on your own spiritual growth.

When you grow as a leader, you model that growth for your volunteers and kids.

7. Check in with Parents

Parent involvement is key to the success of your children’s ministry, and checking in with them regularly helps build a partnership. Every Monday, send out a quick email or text to your families with:

• A preview of the upcoming lesson.

• A prayer request list for your ministry or their children.

• A reminder about any special events or activities.

By keeping parents informed and involved, you build a stronger support system for the kids and ensure they are growing spiritually both at church and at home.

Bonus: Rest and Recharge

While it may seem counterintuitive, rest is a crucial habit for highly effective leaders. Ensure that you carve out time during your week for rest and rejuvenation. If you’re constantly running on empty, your team will feel it, and your effectiveness will suffer.

Whether it’s a half-day off, a family outing, or simply taking a walk, find what recharges you. Rest is not a luxury; it’s a necessity.

Let GO! Curriculum Make Your Lesson Prep Easy

Looking for curriculum that can help you stay organized and efficient? GO! Curriculum for churches is designed to make your life easier with ready-to-teach, engaging lessons that take the stress out of Sunday prep. Whether you’re building weekly routines or just need extra support, our resources are here to help you and your team thrive.

Learn more at GO! Curriculum