Pastoral Struggles and Advice Zone

Ministry can be tough. So many pressures can bear down on you at once. Find advice and tips below to help you cope with and adjust your approach to challenges and struggles in ministry. You are not alone.

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Level Title Topic
Starter Take your kids to Narnia and back!

Take your kids to Narnia and back!

Faith Adventure
Starter This Isn't Just a Great Tool... It's the Whole Toolbox!

The Ultimate Toolbox for Children’s Ministry is packed with practical, organized, and ready-to-use tools. It is NOT just another book — it’s a lifesaver.

Ministry Building
Starter Start a New Tradition with a Christmas Countdown Chain!

Try this simple, interactive, and educational way to help kids stay focused on the Reason for the Season!

Christmas
Starter You Are Going to CRUSH Your Next BIG Event!

Explore the critical "Why, What, When, Where, Who, and How" of event planning.  

Events
Starter Jesus Was a Zombie!

How can we encourage our kids to ask questions and truly grasp what they’re reading in the Bible?

Understanding the Bible
Starter Got Training? How to Recruit and KEEP Volunteers!

Did you know that on-going training not only helps retain volunteers but also empowers them to serve more effectively?

Recruiting
Starter A Church on the Corner is NOT Enough!

We must get outside the walls of our church to reach those who won't enter the walls of our church!

Evangelism
Starter So Much To Do!

There's a way to get MORE done in LESS time!

Task Management
Starter Keep Parents in the Loop!

Learn helpful tips to better communicate with parents in your ministry!

Communication
Starter Tips for Working with Kids with Special Needs

How do we reach out to children with special needs and behavioral challenges in our ministry?

Special Needs Ministry
Starter I asked AI to Wish Me a Happy Birthday!

"Happy Birthday, Pastor Karl, from your AI Friend!"

Life Lessons
Starter Are You Ready for the Next Crisis in Your Ministry?

In children’s ministry, crises are a guarantee. It's not if, but when.

Crisis Management
Starter Meet Noduh the Wise One!

Have you ever wished Yoda could lead your lessons? We have good news for you!

Biblical Wisdom
Starter Boost Your Volunteer Recruitment with the Back to School Checklist

The Back to School Checklist is a powerful recruiting tool for your ministry. 

Spiritual Growth
Starter Shape Your Kids' Spiritual Lives!

Object Lessons are one of THE most effective ways to teach kids.

Bible Basics
Starter Oh, You Sexy Document!

Object Lessons are one of THE most effective ways to teach kids.

Document Management
Starter BLOW UP Your Object Lessons!

Object Lessons are one of THE most effective ways to teach kids.

Impactful Object Lessons
Starter Tips and Tricks for Visitor Follow-Up

A Complete Strategy for Guest Family Follow-Up

Family Follow-Up
Starter PASSION

What is your passion? Are you living it? Did you know you can?

Passion in Ministry
Starter DILIGENCE

Many people start things, far fewer finish them, and diligence determines the difference.

Diligence in Ministry
Starter ACTION

There are three types of people in this world...

Action in Ministry
Starter IMITATION

“Imitation is the Highest Form of Flattery.”

Imitation in Ministry
Starter INVESTMENT

There is no greater way to see a return on your investment of time and resources than investing in the spiritual development of your leaders and children.

Investment in Ministry
Starter ACCOUNTABILITY

How do you continue long-term discipleship without seeming nosey?

Accountability in Ministry
Starter PRAYER

What if I told you that I only pray once a day?

Prayer in Ministry
Starter CHALLENGE

As a Christian leader, your primary responsibility is not simply to run an efficient ministry. It is to make disciples.

Challenge in Ministry
Starter CONNECTION

Learn four ways to make a connection with the kids in your ministry.

Connection in Ministry
Starter TEAMWORK

A ministry built on one person will not last.

Teamwork in Ministry
Starter DETERMINATION

Someday is Just Another Word for Never

Determination in Ministry
Starter CREATIVITY

God created you to create!

Creativity in Ministry
Starter DRIVE

These questions can literally change your life!

Drive in Ministry
Starter GOT VISION?

How do you become a visionary leader?

Vision in Ministry Part 3
Starter AIM AT VISION

Your ministry VISION must have something to AIM at. 

Vision in Ministry Part 2
Starter ENVISION THE VISION

What is VISION when it comes to your children’s ministry?  

Vision in Ministry Part 1
Starter ONE WORD Will Set You Above the Rest!

What ONE WORD can set you above the crowd?

Initiative in Ministry
Starter TIME TO FOCUS

How do you win the battle for your focus?

Focus in Ministry
Starter LIFE'S "PAUSE" BUTTON

If you were accused of loving your job, would there be enough evidence to convict you?

Pause in Ministry
Starter WORK WITH ZEAL

If you were accused of loving your job, would there be enough evidence to convict you?

Zeal in Ministry
Starter TRUTH TO TRUST

A leader who can’t be trusted will lead with a limp.

Trust in Ministry
Starter TIME TO PROCRASTINATE?

Why develop PROCRASTINATION as a leadership trait?

Procrastination in Ministry
Starter EXTRA EFFORT

Be (or become) the one who puts in the most effort. 

Effort in Ministry
Starter OUTLOOK DETERMINES OUTCOME

There is no reason for negativity when we are on the WINNING TEAM!

Outlook in Ministry
Starter THE #1 LEADERSHIP TRAIT THAT MIGHT SURPRISE YOU

If I were to ask you, "What is the most important skill for a ministry leader to have for success?" what would your answer be?

Kindness in Ministry
Starter PROACTIVE LEADERSHIP

Unless you are intentional, the weekly demands of ministry can quickly push you into a role of a reactive leader.

Proactivity in Ministry
Starter LIVE ON PURPOSE

What is YOUR purpose?

Purpose in Ministry
Starter UNPLANNED URGENCY

Urgency is a 2-sided coin. 

Urgency in Ministry
Starter FAITH REQUIRES RISK

What are you trying that will only succeed if God is in it?

Risk in Ministry
Starter PREPARATION PREVENTS PERSPIRATION!

We’ve all had events creep up on us. We KNOW that preparation is the key to success, but why is it so hard to be prepared in advance?

Preparation in Ministry
Starter JOY IN PERSEVERANCE

Have you ever wanted to quit? Toss in the towel? Take this job and… well, you get the idea. Just remind yourself of one simple fact...

Perseverance in Ministry
Starter BECOME AN INTENTIONAL LEADER!

If you want to have a productive and successful week of ministry, allow me to give you a few practical tips on how be in an INTENTIONAL LEADER.

Intentional Leadership
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