As a children’s ministries leader you need to commit to setting a high standard. Here are seven principles that will serve you well. Think of them as a guide to successful ministry.

PERSONAL

In order to share Jesus with others, even small children, you must have a personal connection with Jesus Christ. Personal devotional time, a focus on prayer, and openness to the Spirit’s leading are all crucial to being a successful leader.

EXCEL

It’s not how much you do, but how well you do it. Show people that you are reliable, accurate, and able to anticipate and deal with problems. People are more likely to help someone who represents excellence.

NURTURE

Be supportive of others. Even self-motivated people are encouraged by a supportive atmosphere. Under such conditions people are more likely to open up and share ideas.

DIVERSIFY

Get to know many different kinds of people (with diverse interests, opinions, and backgrounds). The more people you know, the more opportunity for networking.

BE VISIBLE

Participate in groups that share your interests. Do you belong to the Adventist Children’s Ministry Association? How about local community groups? Seek out and join other people with similar interests and needs.

PERSONALIZE

Learn other people’s unique qualities. When you meet people, remember more about them than their name. What are their backgrounds, interests, experiences, personalities? The more you know about a person the easier it is to relate to them.

ORGANIZE

Make a networking plan. How can you best make use of these principles? Who can you add to your network list? Start by going through lists of participants in workshops you’ve attended. In your networking efforts, remember that you must be willing to give at least as much as you receive from networking—whether that be through experience and resources or old fashioned elbow-grease. You must put in in order to take out.

Reprinted from the Quick Start Guide for Kindergarten Sabbath School