One More Danger to Be On Guard For . . .

Yes, I know when I began this series of posts I said there were five dangers I was going to write about, but there is one more I would like you to consider . . . the danger of thinking and believing, "I'm in this alone". 

There is a saying, and likely for good reason, "If you want to get something done right, do it yourself." But, if we approach children's ministry from the perspective we are in this alone and we have to do everything so it gets done and gets done right, then we are at risk for the following -

• Burnout. You can not successfully do everything yourself for long without burning out.
• Becoming bitter - if you really believe you are in this alone, you run the huge risk of becoming bitter.
• Becoming a "thief" . . . yes, a thief as you "rob" others of the joy of serving God with the talents and gifts He has given them.

So, what can you do to avoid  the trap of believing "I'm in this alone"? Well, again, consider the following . . . 

• Pray. I know I say this often, but there is a good reason for doing so!
• Find someone who will be honest enough to hold you accountable. This person needs to watch for if you are becoming bitter or are a thief by leaving others out when you do it all yourself.
• Find people who will catch the vision and train them so they are able to do well the ministry God has placed them in your church to do!

And remember, volunteers are just like you. They will make mistakes sometimes. They will forget or not do as good a job as you might on occasion - treat them as you want to be treated . . . with grace and love!