Leading Other Adults

Most Children’s Ministers are more comfortable with relationships with children than relationships with adults.  Yes, we must be able to communicate with students but we must also be able to communicate with adults. If you cannot lead and impact adults you’ll never have an outstanding ministry to children.  

Here’s twelve tips for dealing positively with adult helpers and co-workers. 

1. Realize you need help.  You must allow others to be involved.  Sharing center stage is hard for some children’s ministers.  Three Dog Night taught me years ago, “One is the loneliest number that you’ll ever do.”  Doing the job alone will never leave fruit that remains.

2. Let people get to know you. The lowest form of leadership is positional leadership.  Share your heart with
those you lead. Spend time with you workers and let them get to know you.  

3. Lead by setting the example. Give others someone to follow. Set the pace.  A good leader is a model.
Show people what to do don’t just tell them. Never ask people to do something you are not willing to do yourself.

4. Explain how and why as well as what. Leaders are teachers of those they lead.  Let those you lead ask
 questions.  Remember, Jesus was never too busy for Peter’s dumb questions.  He was always willing to explain.

5. Admit when you are wrong.  Take responsibility for your mistakes Ask for forgiveness. Be quick to repent. Don’t make the same mistake twice.  I have a no surprises policy with those I lead.  I don’t want to be surprised even if it’s bad news.

6. Always side with authority. Don’t open the door for rebellion. When in doubt be loyal and support the leaders
 above you.  Remember, you reap what you sow.
 7. Watch and inspect what others are doing. Use your M.B.W.A. degree. Management By Walking Around.  

It’s the best way to stay in the know.

8. Dare to confront. Situations don’t fix themselves. Do everything out of love and always coach leaders
 to their next level.

9. Say thank you. A good leader can’t say it enough. People know if you mean it.  Don’t just say thanks,
show thanks.

10. Solicit the ideas & opinions of others. Ask for advice. A smart leader values the opinion of others.
Listen to those in the trenches. Don’t lean on your own understanding, get another take on it.

11. Be an encourager.  See yourself as a cheerleader for your volunteer team, your staff, and your co-workers.

12. Serve those you lead as well as those over you. If Jesus came to serve and not be served, we must do
 the same.