The Hardest Job In The Church

I believe that the role of the Children's Pastor or the Director of Children's ministry is the most difficult staff or ministry role in the church. When I worked at Wooddale Church outside of Minneapolis a retired pastor of the church would often find me in the hallway or the work room and tell me how often he prayed for me because he believed mine was "the most difficult job in the church." I would always thank him and say "Sam, I'm glad someone has noticed that." Children's Pastors have 4 constituencies to juggle and keep happy: the children, the parents, the volunteers, and the leadership of the church. This can often make some one feel like he or she is pulled in all sorts of directions.

I found (as I'm sure many of you have as well) that connecting with other children's pastors was helpful for support and feedback. But, these days I'm thinking that many people who do children's ministry need something more formal than that - perhaps a person, a coach to bounce ideas off of, to help prioritize the many tasks the average Director of Children's Ministries is bombarded with, someone who can help the Children's Pastor keep his or her life in balance. So as part of Soul Shepherds, Inc. I'm available for formal coaching for children's ministry professionals. There would be a fee involved and we would sit down and work out a plan for what you need in this area - what would be the most helpful to you. You don't need to live in the Minneapolis area. This can often be done by phone. Please feel free to contact me if this is something you might be interested in.