One of the clearest signs of spiritual maturity in leadership is self-control. Not charisma. Not talent. Not platform size. Self-control. Galatians 5:22-23 reminds us that self-control is part of the Fruit of the Spirit. Self-control shapes how we respond under pressure. It affects: our tone, our reactions, our words, our emotions, and our decision-making. Proverbs 25:28 says: Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control. Without self-control, leadership becomes reactive instead of intentional. And in children’s ministry, opportunities to lose patience appear constantly. Messes happen. Schedules shift. Kids interrupt. Volunteers forget things. But Spirit-led...

Some leaders mistakenly think gentleness makes them less effective. But biblical gentleness is not weakness. It’s controlled strength. Galatians 5:22-23 reminds us that gentleness is part of the Fruit of the Spirit. Gentle leaders are often the strongest leaders in the room because they know how to respond without overreacting. Proverbs 15:1 says: A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. That verse applies everywhere in ministry: volunteer conversations, parent concerns, discipline moments, staff disagreements. Gentleness lowers defensiveness. It creates emotional safety. It helps people stay open instead of shutting down. Kids especially respond to...

Children’s ministry culture can sometimes overvalue excitement while undervaluing consistency. Big events. Creative stages. Huge attendance days. Those things can be wonderful. But long-term ministry impact is often built through quiet faithfulness. Galatians 5:22 reminds us that faithfulness is part of the Fruit of the Spirit. Faithfulness means showing up consistently even when nobody applauds. Luke 16:10 says: Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much. Faithful leaders create stable ministries. Volunteers thrive under leaders who are dependable. Kids feel secure when trusted adults consistently show up. Parents build confidence in ministries that remain steady...

Friends, I got to see an early release of Young Washington, and it completely BLEW AWAY my already high expectations. It was more than just a fantastic look at the young life our nation’s first President – but also a tale of ambition tempered by failure, the benefit of a focused moral compass a glimpse into a young romance of a boy aiming higher than his social stature would normally permit. The action sequences are incredible, the dialogue honest and believable, and it leaves you hoping for a sequel. GOOD NEWS! I found out that you can get a BIG...

Kids ministry leaders are constantly teaching kids to make wise choices. But our leadership becomes far more powerful when kids, parents, and volunteers consistently see goodness modeled in us. Galatians 5:22 reminds us that goodness is part of the Fruit of the Spirit. Goodness is integrity in action. It’s choosing honesty, humility, and righteousness even when nobody notices. Titus 2:7 says: In everything set them an example by doing what is good. Children’s ministry leaders are always being observed. Kids notice consistency. Volunteers notice character. Parents notice authenticity. Goodness builds trust because people can sense when a leader genuinely lives...

Kindness is often underestimated in leadership conversations. We talk about vision. Systems. Growth. Leadership pipelines. But kindness may be one of the most powerful ministry strategies we have. Galatians 5:22 reminds us that kindness is evidence of God’s Spirit working in us. And in ministry, kindness is rarely wasted. Ephesians 4:32 says: Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Kindness transforms team culture. Volunteers stay longer in environments where they feel appreciated and cared for. Parents trust ministries where they feel welcomed instead of judged. Kids open up to leaders...