Ministry isn’t a job. It’s an overflow. We can’t pour into kids if we’re running on empty. We can’t lead kids into God’s presence if we haven’t been there ourself. If our own walk with Jesus is dry, ministry will feel like a grind. But when we lead from the overflow, when our personal time with God is real, fresh, and alive everything changes.
Truth is, we can’t give what you don’t have.
We Must Be a Disciple First
Before Jesus ever called His disciples to make disciples, He called them to follow Him. Ministry starts there. Not with better programs, cooler stage designs, or tighter schedules. It starts with us being with Jesus.
• Are we spending time in His Word?
• Are we letting Holy Spirit speak to us?
• Are we worshiping outside of a church service?
If we only open our Bibles to prepare a lesson, we’re missing it. If we only pray in front of kids, we’re leading on fumes. We must be filled before we can pour out.
Our Private Life Shapes Our Public Ministry
What happens in private always shows up in public. If we’re spiritually dry, kids will sense it. If we’re on fire, they’ll see that too. Kids don’t just need leaders who teach them about Jesus. They need leaders who model what a real relationship with Him looks like.
So let’s ask ourselves :
• Do I pray just to check a box, or do I seek His presence?
• Do I worship like it’s a lifestyle, not just a Sunday thing?
• Do I hunger for God’s voice, or am I just getting by?
If our fire for Jesus has dimmed, it’s time to reignite it. Because the best thing we can give the kids we lead is a leader who’s genuinely in love with Jesus.
Stop Serving from Empty
Burnout isn’t a ministry problem. When we try to do God’s work without God’s presence, we wear out fast. The weight of ministry will crush us if we try to carry it alone. But when we lead from the overflow? That’s where joy, power, and effectiveness live.
So before we lead kids, before we teach a lesson, before we step on stage get with Jesus. Let Him fill us, refresh us, and set us on fire again. Because ministry isn’t about running on fumes. It’s about leading from the overflow.
And when we do? That’s when real impact happens.
Unshakable kids. 