There are a select few topics that I believe will define our children’s ministries in the next few years. One of those is our intentionality as it pertains to diversity.

Most children’s pastors would agree that the message of hope that Jesus can give for a life eternal extends beyond race, age, or any other factor of division.

However, though our theology may be correct, what people see when they view our ministry may look incomplete.

With that in mind, I would like to recommend the following diversity goals:

1. Racial Diversity: Make it a point to have people from a variety of racial and ethnic backgrounds in leadership positions as well as a part of the ministry. This requires intentionality and is quite possibly the most important diversity conversation to have about your ministry.
2. Age Diversity: Leaders often have a sweet spot for recruiting volunteers. Consider setting goals to have leaders from a variety of age backgrounds, not just those who are easiest for you to connect with.
3. Interest Diversity: As a team grows together, you will find that they will have more and more shared interests. This is healthy and creates a great team dynamic, but without knowing it, you could be alienating leaders and families who don’t share the same interests. If you are a sports-based personality, consider expanding into band or drama to reach more leaders and children.
4. Experience Diversity: One of the difficulties seasoned leaders may have is the ability to empower younger, more inexperienced leaders. However, if you are going to create a culture that perpetuates discipleship, you will need to be strategic in creating a team that has a wide variety of experience as well as intentional training.

What areas have you focused on to create diversity?

How would you change what you are currently doing to increase diversity?