As a children’s minister, I excelled at checking off my daily to-do list. If someone needed markers, tape or Goldfish, I was the one to call. As I reflect on the years I spent on a church staff, one major downfall I admit is the lack of vision I had. Having a vision would have required me to occasionally look up from my to-do list to see if I was headed in the right direction. Having a vision would have required me to recognize my “why” in ministry and remember it.

Jesus was the master of keeping the big picture in the forefront of all He said, did and taught. His “why” statement in Luke 19:10 (CSB) clearly defined His vision and mission: “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save the lost.”

Know your why
Have you ever spent time creating your “why” statement? What call did you answer when you said “yes” to serve in children’s ministry? Did your “yes” to children’s ministry include fulfilling your greatest hopes and dreams of making a forever difference in the lives of children and their families?

At times we need to revisit our first call to serve. We need to fall in love again with the “why” of our calling. If you could start your ministry trek over, what would you keep, what would you improve, what would you change in view of your original “why” vision?

Having a vision would have required me to recognize my “why” in ministry and remember it.

Share your why
Once you have a solid mental picture of your ministry “why,” know it will only last as long as you intentionally share it with others. When we grasp Jesus’ “why” we see how He stated it over and over in a multitude of ways. He healed the sick and pointed them to the power of His Father. He taught of the call to the kingdom of God through parables, open-ended questions and conversations with His disciples. He lived life as an example of what it means to be a surrendered disciple. There is no doubt about His mission and vision to seek and save the lost regardless of their station in life.

Busyness is the underlying rhythm of children’s ministry. Challenge yourself to lay aside your to-do list at least for a day and contemplate why you do what you do. How do your day-to-day rhythms align with your “why?” Is it time to step back and renew the first love of your calling? As this new church year begins, pray for a fresh vision of “why” to replenish your soul, your ministry and your teams.