Episode #11: Rooted in Purpose - Why Discipleship Belongs at the Heart of KidsMin

In children’s ministry, it’s easy to get swept up in the whirlwind of Sunday prep, volunteer schedules, curriculum tubs, and to-do lists that seem to multiply by the minute. But in the middle of it all—beneath the crafts and check-ins, under the goldfish crackers and glow-in-the-dark VBS décor—is something far more sacred:

💛 A call to make disciples.

Not just of kids, but of volunteers. Of families. Of ourselves.

At Ozark Ministry Consulting, I talk with a lot of leaders who carry the weight of ministry on their shoulders, wondering if they’re doing enough or doing it right. But what if our purpose isn’t rooted in programs or perfection—but in people?

Discipleship Is the Assignment

Matthew 28:19–20 gives us our clear directive:
Go and make disciples.

In KidsMin, that means far more than creating engaging environments. It means building relationships that reflect the love of Jesus. It means seeing our role not as babysitters or event planners—but as disciple-makers.

Discipleship doesn’t just happen in the classroom. It happens in conversations over coffee, in prayer huddles before service, in the carpool line, and yes—even while sorting curriculum tubs.

And it flows in three intentional directions:

👥 Discipling Your Volunteers

Your volunteers aren’t just a team to manage—they’re people to invest in. Just like Jesus poured deeply into His twelve disciples, you’re called to mentor and equip those who are ready to grow.

That doesn’t mean you have to meet one-on-one with 50 volunteers every week. (Whew!) It means being intentional with a few—those who are eager to learn and lead well. Create rhythms of encouragement, accountability, and spiritual growth. Bible studies, prayer meetups, and check-ins that go beyond Sunday morning can make all the difference.

🏠 Discipling Families

Here’s the truth: You’re not the primary discipler of the kids in your care.

Parents are.

But that doesn't mean you’re off the hook—it means your role is to partner with and equip families to lead at home. That might look like hosting a mom’s Bible study, sending home weekly faith tools, or organizing a dads' breakfast group. It starts with listening to what families really need—and walking alongside them as they learn how to lead their kids spiritually. And it means providing resources so they can learn to be the primary disciple-makers! 

👧🏾 Discipling Kids

Kids are not just your audience. They are your mission field.

You may only get one hour with them each week. One hour to teach them who Jesus is. One hour to remind them who they are in Christ. One hour to model what it means to live a life surrendered to the Gospel.

What if you treated that hour like it was the last time you’d ever see that child? How would you show up? What words would you choose? What moments would you fight not to miss?

Discipleship is the long game—and it begins with showing up, week after week, with purpose.

Systems Should Support Relationships

As someone who’s Type A to the core (hello, Enneagram 1 perfectionists 👋), I know the temptation to focus on structure over relationship. But our systems should serve our people—not the other way around.

That means:

• Letting go of perfection so you can prioritize connection.
  

• Inviting others into the process, even if they don’t pack the supply tub "your way."
  

• Building flexible systems that leave room for discipleship moments—not just checklist completion.

From Tasks to Transformation

So let me ask you:

Are you just managing ministry… or modeling discipleship?

I’ve been in the trenches, overwhelmed by task lists and pulled in a dozen directions. But when I re-centered on purpose—when I shifted from performance to people—that’s when real ministry started happening.

Discipleship takes time, courage, and yes—some uncomfortable conversations. But you were never called to do it alone.

A Challenge for This Week:

Pick one group—your volunteers, your families, or your kids—and invest in them intentionally.

Or better yet—pick one person. That name that just popped into your mind? Reach out. Schedule the coffee. Send the text. Create space for relationship. Then trust the Lord to use it in ways you may never fully see this side of heaven.

Because the call isn’t childcare. It’s discipleship.

If you’re looking for support in building a discipleship-rooted ministry, I’d love to walk alongside you.
Let’s schedule a free strategy call and make a plan that serves your people and sustains your purpose.

👉 Book a call here
Or explore more free resources at Ozark Ministry Consulting.