10 Books Every Kids Ministry Leader Should Read
There are SO many books out there and it can quickly become overwhelming to find one that is worth spending the budget money and worth spending your time. I’ve collected my TOP 10 books that I believe every kids ministry leader should read.
These books have helped me think outside the box when it comes to recruiting and training volunteers, given me the encourage I needed to persevere and provided me with research to learn and courage to make changes to the ministries I’ve led over the years!
**Disclaimer: There are many more very good books out there.
This is one persons opinion and I know you can learn and grow as a leader by reading other books.
It’s Just a Phase, So Don’t Miss It [written by: Orange Books]
This book has changed the way I think about the integration of childhood development and teaching kids the Gospel. This not only impacted how I structured my large group environments but also how I parented my own kids.
Come Ye Children [written by: Charles Spurgeon]
*Good for your volunteers
I read this book for the first time last year and it was so incredibly encouraging. It is a short read and one that reminded me why I was in Kids Ministry in the first place. This is perfect for pastoral staff, kids ministry leaders, and volunteers!
The Emotionally Healthy Leader [written by: Peter Scazzero]
This book and the entire Emotionally Healthy collection by Peter Scazzero is a must read. As a Kids Ministry staff member, you are leading a team whether you know it or not. For the longevity of your leadership, it is important that you build a strong foundation through your relationship with Christ to then lead your team through His strength.
Flip The Script: Disrupting Tradition for the Sake of the Next Generation [written by: Chuck Peters, Jana Magruder & Stephanie Salvatore]
This is a newer book, but will definitely make you think about how you are organizing your Sunday morning programming. The emphasis on relationship and data to back up their suggestions are so fascinating! We want to reach the next generation and this book is a great place to start learning how.
Sustainable Children’s Ministry [written by: Mark DeVries & Annette Safstrom]
We all know that feeling of being stuck in the Sunday to Sunday rhythm without time to think two weeks ahead or even to the next month. This book will provide you with practical ways to implement strategies that will allow you to work smarter and not harder. By creating a sustainable systems, your ministry will last long after you are gone.
Show Them Jesus [written by: Jack Klumpenhower]
*Good for your volunteers
At the end of the day, we want the kids and families in our ministries to love and know Jesus, but often times the Gospel can get lost in the attractiveness of church. This book will bring you back to the foundation of the Gospel and remind you to teach the Gospel each and every time you have kids in your classrooms. This book helped me distinguish between the moments we were teaching character traits instead of inviting kids to hear the Gospel.
Keeping Your Children’s Ministry on Mission [written by: Jared Kennedy]
I have always been a big fan of anything Jared Kennedy writes, but this one is by far my favorite. He talks in a way that every kids ministry leader- new or old- can understand. He reminds you of the “why behind the what” and balancing the practicality of Sunday to Sunday ministry and the overall picture of kids developmentally.
Children’s Ministry in Crisis [written by: Esther Moreno]
If you are looking for a book filled with practical advice on how to create, sustain, or build a kids ministry, this is the book. Esther will challenge you, encourage you, and set you on the right path for success!
Lead Small [written by: Reggie Joiner & The Orange Team]
*For the new leader
The Lead Small mindset changed the way I did ministry forever. When the first iteration was published in 2012, it gave so much language to know I knew already. Small group leaders are important and the consistency that they show up matters. Every child needs other adults in their life outside their parents who are passionately pursuing a life of following Jesus! This book walks through the why and the how when it comes to creating a small group culture in your ministry.
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry [written by: John Mark Comer]
Kids Ministry leaders cannot do everything all the time. Maybe for a season, but not forever. This book was so crucial is finding the importance of slowing down, committing to a sabbath rhythm, and stop striving to be “busy” all the time. This book is a must read for both new and old leaders. Our relationship with Jesus and our family come first before any pastoral or director position. Don’t forget it!
I hope you use these resources to learn and grow and become an even better kids ministry leader. It is good to remember that you may not agree with or apply everything that is written in all of these books. Take what you want and leave what you don't behind—that is okay!
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