What if you knew there was no limit to what God could do in your ministry? Would you believe bigger? Would you love better? Would you pray bolder? The disciples had been given a Great Commission, one that might have left them petrified. But on the day of Pentecost, as they received the Holy Spirit, they were empowered and given the capacity to carry out their call across borders, despite persecution, and in the presence of trials. As a ministry leader you too have received a great call that goes beyond transmitting information or growing the largest kid’s ministry. You have been called to influence your volunteers and children to be Spirit-empowered believers. And that call does not begin on Sunday morning. It begins with you living the life of a Spirit-empowered believer day by day. 

Four questions that will encourage you to lead by example:

1. Is your love big? Are you quick to indirectly punish volunteers and children with sarcastic comments or even blame when something goes wrong? Or are you quick to forgive and transform disappointments into teachable moments? According to Romans 5:5 it is the Holy Spirit who pours out God’s love into our hearts. Allow the Holy Spirit to empower you to be quick to offer mercy and forgiveness to those around you.

2. Are you praying bold prayers? Are your prayers encumbered by the daily struggles of the day? Or do they go beyond your “world” to other crises around the world? Small prayers demonstrate weak faith. Lead your volunteers and children in bold prayers that acknowledge God’s omnipotence; give them opportunities to do the same. 

3. Are you bearing fruit? How do you serve your leaders and those who minister alongside you? Are your conversations tainted with complaints or excuses? Or are they filled with honor and joy? Are you faithful with your time and resources? Surrender your thoughts, words, behaviors, and emotions on a daily basis and allow the Holy Spirit to bear the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23) in you.

4. Do you believe relentlessly? Ministry does not exempt you from trials. Sometimes your greatest witness of the Holy Spirit’s power to those around you is when you can continue to stand on God’s promises even when circumstances in your personal life or ministry have situated you between a rock and a hard place. Do not just teach about faith. Trust God! Obey Him! And choose to live out your faith.

Follow the Holy Spirit. As you do so, you will be empowered to lead the volunteers and children in your kids’ ministry to live a Spirit-empowered life.