5 Things I Hate About Children’s Ministry

December 14, 2009 — 11 Comments

what-i-hate

How about that title?  I know it’s moderately shocking and immediately takes you to a negative place.  Sorry for that, but I’d really like to address the five dangerous places I’ve seen Children’s Pastors go.  I’ve only been doing Children’s Ministry for a little over six years, so in many respects I’m a #kidmin newbie.  In my 6 years of working with other Children’s Pastors I’ve noticed 5 distinct negative directions and roles that Children’s Pastors take on, and I’m going to throw some hate on all 5 of them!

It is not my intention to be negative, but to share 5 roles we should avoid.  They are 5 traps that I work hard to avoid falling into and 5 warning signs for myself.  If I begin to describe you, then consider it a warning.

And by the way…I love you.

**UPDATE**

Here is a listing of links to the pages that initially followed this introduction post:

#1 The Irrelevant Children’s Minister

#2 The “One-Man Show” Children’s Minister

#3 The Children’s Minister that Ignores Early Childhood

#4 The “Jump on my Sinking Ship” Children’s Minister

#5. The Ungrateful Children’s Minister


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  • http://www.take2ministries.com Todd McKeever

    You are going to leave your first post like this? Not even going to start on your first one? First I have to be patient for my Christmas gifts an now for your next post as well.

    Looking forward to seeing what you have to share with your 5.
    .-= Todd McKeever´s last blog ..Google Wave =-.

  • http://www.chadswanzy.com chad swanzy

    1. FANNY PACK 2. HIGH WATERS 3. MUFFIN TOP 4. JUICE STAINED SHIRTS 5. LIGHT UP VELCRO SHOES

    ha ha j/k

    • http://samluce.com Sam

      Your heart is black Chad. You need to get the word out to your fellow, 1. gotee sporting 2. Perl Jam listening 3. Emo wantabe 4. Spicing up your testimony to stay relevant 5. Pizza feeds and lockin, Buddies that times they are a changing in children’s ministry.

      Ha ha! hope to see you at orange this year!
      .-= Sam´s last undefined ..If you register your site for free at =-.

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  • http://kidkove.blogspot.com Marty Martin

    I am sure your heart is right man, but to me, as a CM veteran of 18 years now, you sound a bit caustic. Every person has different skillsets, different challenges and most are doing the best they can. some have been hurt and are in need of some understanding, not told they irrelevant or out of touch or whatever. Also I knwo you know it is still about relationships and some guy may have a puppet and sheet or flannelgraph but the kids know he loves them and he is making a difference. Keep up the good work, and please take my comments as those of caution and balance.

    • http://www.jonathancliff.com Jonathan Cliff

      Thanks for reading the blog post. I hope you took the time to read all five posts, and not just the introduction. I mentioned that all 5 are traits I see in myself, and try and be on guard against. I’m really trying to get all of us #kidmin folks out there to stop settling into roles that are unproductive and unnecessary.

      I would hate for someone to ever say about me, “Well, at least his heart is in the right place…” I’d prefer both my heart and brain. :) That would make a great book title, huh?

      Thanks again for reading the blog, and I look forward to more of your friendly comments!

  • http://kidkove.blogspot.com Marty Martin

    Sorry about that (the heart comment). I did read all five posts. From a personal standpoint I was reminded and challenged of some bad habits that are easy to slide back into. My greater concern is that we as chidlren’s ministry leaders encourage each other. So I dont want to discourage you either! Just wanted to share an observation on how it could appear to be putting someone down, espceially if they read it in the wron moment! Glad to know that bright and enthusaitic people like you are passionate about reaching kids!
    .-= Marty Martin´s last blog ..Children’s Ministry quotes.wmv =-.

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