Chris Kidd

There is a difference between what we "do" in children's ministry and the attitude or way that we do it. There are some abiding principles, though techniques, resources, fads come and go. Craig Jutila wrote, "Leadership Essentials for Children's Ministry" a while ago now, but I still haven't found a better description of what really matters ...

Passion - we need to be passionate about what we are doing, who we are doing it for and why.
Attitude - we need the right attitude towards the children and the work with them.
Teamwork - we need to build and sustain teams that actually work together (rather than an eclectic bunch of competing egos).
Honour - we need to honour Jesus, each other and the children

I would add one to Craig's list, it doesn't fit nicely into a one word thing - or help with p.a.t.h. (which, if you haven't noticed is what the four words above spell out), it is simply this - we need to not get in the way of the children meeting with Jesus. Our stuff can get in the way. What we believe is right can get in the way. our churchmanship can get in the way. Our responsibility to teach can get in the way. Our demands and expectations can get in the way. Did Jesus' disciples prepare the children before they came to him? Are we wanting our children to become like Jesus - or become like us? What would be better for them?