1. Acting immature to impress kids.
Some of the kids might think you’re funny but you will lose the respect
of the adults. Don’t expect to be taken seriously by parents, workers or
your senior pastor if you dress and act like a goof ball. The way you
carry yourself is vital. Women know this instinctively. However, male
children’s pastors frequently conduct themselves in ways that stifle
respect.
2. Doing
everything yourself.
Train others on the job to do what you do. Let others make a few
mistakes. Give them the chance to grow in their abilities to reach and
teach kids. Being a one man show will stifle how much your ministry is
able to accomplish.
3. Being afraid of
asking for what you think will produce results.
There are times when you need to ask for money, space, or even finances
to attend a conference, such as Mega Connect. (I just had to throw that
in!) Normally, if you don’t ask you will not receive. When you get
turned down--and sometimes you will--handle it with maturity. Learn to
act like you believe in what you are doing and be prepared to make the
case for why you want something. Remember, timidity will stifle your
ability to get what you need.
4. Trying to do
too many programs.
You cannot do everything and be everything. Decide what is most
important. Less is more. Doing a lot of stuff halfway will stifle your
effectiveness.
5. Talking about
your needs instead of your vision.
Your needs will not inspire anyone. Getting people excited about your
vision works better than trying to make them feel sorry about your
needs. For instance, recruiting new workers is easier if you get people
to believe in where you are going instead of begging for volunteers
based on a worker shortage. Appearing needy will stifle your ability to
motivate others.
6. Complaining
about the church.
Support your pastor and church. If you can’t you should find another
church or at least step down. It is really that simple. Resentment will
stifle your creativity and energy for the ministry.
7. Neglecting your
own faith.
Service is a great thing but it does not replace your time with God and
your faith in Him. An empty spiritual life will stifle your ability to
lead kids and workers into a vibrant faith in God.
8. Teaching stuff
other than the word of God.
Teach kids what God has done and who He is. Teach principles from the
Bible. If you major on Bible trivia and only teach familiar stories
don’t be surprised if the adults in your church treat you like a child
care director. Weak Biblical content will stifle your ability to
convince others of the validity of children’s ministry.
9. Excusing
disorganization.
People are not attracted to slackness. When an organization looks sloppy
people assume it is not important enough to invest their time, energy
and money. Disorganization stifles your capacity to build an inspiring
ministry.
10. Repeating the
same things and expecting different results.
Change something just for the thrill of it. Get people used to change.
Don’t be afraid of failure. Be afraid of sliding into irrelevance.
Repeating the same old stuff over and over will stifle your forward
movement like nothing else.
