Something difficult I’ve realized in the journey of a KidMin pastor is that most Lead Pastors don’t have a specific vision for children’s ministry. And guess what? That’s OK!
Now, let me say off the bat, that I am blessed to currently serve a Pastor who has a specific vision for the church and has some incredible insight to what should happen within the Children’s Ministry. But, he also likes it when his staff takes the vision of the church and runs with it within their ministry departments.
I was told a long time ago, by a trusted mentor, that when interviewing for a Children’s Pastor position, to ask the Pastor all the right questions – one being “What’s your vision for the children’s ministry?” Or, when you’re finally at a church to periodically go into the pastor’s office and get some vision updates by asking the same question so you know how to stay on track. And if he cannot answer with a specific vision, it’s probably not the church where children are a priority.
The previous philosophy is skewed and faulty. Now, I’m not saying that a Lead Pastor cannot have a vision for children’s ministry. If your pastor can genuinely answer the question, there will be obvious benefits. However, I am guessing, that if you were to ask the Lead or Senior Pastors of the world to give their vision for the Children’s Ministries at their churches… most would scratch their heads, some would make something up on the spot and a select few would give you a specific direction.
I said earlier that, that is OK. As a matter of fact, that’s probably why you’re being considered for the job – or, are already there. Your pastor is the general practitioner and he’s looking for a specialist, who can help spell out what is really needed to move forward. That’s YOU.
Over the last few years, I’ve learned to go into my pastor’s office when I need direction and have my vision conversation with him like this: “I am constantly looking for creative ways to effectively communicate and fulfill the vision of our church with the children and our leaders. I am also finding innovative ways to make the mission of the church happen with the children and leaders. So, where do you see our church going this year? What directives do you want to see happen within the body? Are there any priorities or goals that you believe we need to meet to move to the next level?”
Then, I let my pastor dream in front of me. He talks, I take notes. Because, my job is to make the overall vision and mission of the church happen within my department.
Once my pastor has given an update to the vision of the church, I can now follow up with: “I’m ready to take this vision, implement it and see God do some incredible things in our children. Do you see anything specifically with children’s ministry that you sense God is putting on your heart that I can take and run with?”
Then, I let my pastor dream and talk some more. If he talks a lot, I know that he’s really been thinking about it and has some specific direction. If he reiterates what he said earlier, or says little in regard to specifics, then I know that his objective is to see the vision happen church-wide.
Go have a vision meeting.
Totally agree Jamie! If my pastor has a very specific vision for children’s ministry, it’s probably going to be stifling and I’m going to be micro-managed. Been there, done that! It doesn’t work, and he doesn’t need me…he needs a “yes person” that doesn’t have their own vision for their department. But, as you say, my vision must always fit within the overall vision of the church as laid out by senior leadership. I’ve been talking about vision a little over on my blog which dovetails with some of these thoughts. Thanks for the post!