When I was interviewing for the church that brought me down to Texas, they sent me a list of questions to answer. It was an incredible survey that did two things. For one, it asked me the right questions to better communicate who I was and what my vision/mission/strategy was for Children’s Ministry. On the other side, it gave those asking the questions a good thorough look into who I was.
Recently, as I was in the hiring process, I used this survey to get more information about a candidate I was interviewing. All I can say is amazing! I learned more about this person than I would have in several hours in conversations. As a result of the survery, I was able to conduct an interview that followed up on answers from the survey.
So, if you’re looking to hire someone in ministry, this survey may serve you well. If you’re seeking employment in Children’s Ministry, take the time to respond to the survey. It may help prepare you for interviews and formulate way’s you will communicate your history/vision/mission/strategy.
Rank these areas of ministry (1-10) with number 1 being you don’t like it and 10 being you like it a lot. In addition, fill free to add a comments to explain.
Describe or discuss how you build teams, lead people, confront, cast vision, etc. – your personal philosophy or approach to leading people!
What is your personality style (whatever test you know the results of and/or list your personality qualities like analytical, creative, outgoing, detailed, etc.)?
What is your process for assimilation? (children into the children’s ministry and their parents into the church).
Children’s Ministry Interview Long Version
The interviewer may ask you a question like this to assess your classroom management skills. It’s important to show that you can maintain order in the classroom while also encouraging positive behavior. In your answer, try to highlight how you would use your teaching and communication skills to help students understand why they need to behave appropriately.
Employers look for children’s pastors who are trustworthy, reliable, well organized, and able to solve problems. You’ll also need physical strength and stamina, as well as knowledge of the best ways to engage and minister to children. A children’s pastor interview is your chance to show that you’ve polished these skills to a shine. To help you get ready, we’ve listed children’s pastor questions and answers that will help you figure out what you want to say during an interview.
Example: “I think the most important quality for a children’s pastor to have is patience. Children are naturally curious, but they also make mistakes. As a children’s pastor, I need to be able to help them understand concepts while remaining calm when things don’t go their way. This allows me to keep my energy positive and maintain control of the room.”
Example: “I love leading fun projects during Sunday school because it gives me an opportunity to teach kids about the Bible while also giving them something tangible to take home. One activity I really enjoy is making paper plate angels. We talk about how angels are messengers from God and then we make our own paper plate angels to hang up at home.”
Example: “I believe that it’s important for all staff members to feel comfortable expressing their opinions. I would first make sure that everyone has an opportunity to voice their opinion. Then, I would listen carefully to each person’s point of view and try to understand where they are coming from. After hearing everyone’s thoughts, I would discuss my own ideas and offer solutions to help solve the issue. If necessary, I would meet with individuals one-on-one to further discuss their concerns.”
Is it a family-integrated model where age segmentation is eliminated pretty much completely. Adults, students, and kids attend Bible study together, worship together, and do events together. Or is it a family-based model where intergenerational gatherings connect the age segmented ministries together. Kids will be in classes with just kids, will attend events with just kids, and so forth, but there will also be events and classes that put kids, students, and adults together. This is more of a both-and approach. Or is it a family-equipping model where the age-segmented ministry structure is intact, but everything that is done is done with an eye on equipping families. (If you want to learn more about these approaches, see Perspectives on Family Ministry: 3 Views, edited by Timothy Paul Jones.) No matter what the church’s ministry philosophy is, you will want to ask the follow-up question if it is negotiable. Here’s why. If your philosophy and the church’s do not align, you will need to know if you would need to defer to the church’s philosophy or not. That could be a deal-breaker. But even if they align, you will want to know how set the church is in that philosophy. Is it a true value of the church or is it more of a default? That will help you know what vision-casting might be needed if you accept the position.
Don’t forget to ask some more practical questions too, such as this one. Finding out what wins are hanging out there will give you insight into what expectations you would be under and what the church really values. How this question is answered would also help you establish what to work on in your first 90 days.
Far too many churches operate in silos to the detriment of kids, students, and families, and the church itself. What is the relationship like between ministries? Is it cohesive or are they disconnected? Are there strong transitions between them? Do they work together to help equip families?
Interviewing at a church for a kids ministry position can be exciting and frightening all wrapped up together. Both you and the church want to make sure that the fit is right because there is so much at stake. In addition to asking questions about the church itself—such as what is its theology—you will also want to ask questions about the church’s kids ministry that will give you the insight you need to make the right decision. Here are eight important questions to get you started:
Committed, loving, godly leaders are the lifeblood of a healthy ministry. Be sure to get as good of a pulse on the ministry team as you can. If you accept the ministry position, getting to know your team and building into it would likely be your first step, and you would need to know what they need right away.
Accepting a New Ministry Position: What to Ask
Here are 12 questions you need to ask. Make sure you receive satisfactory answers before accepting a ministry position:
Expect interview questions about your education and experience in the field. Your professional experience working with children, both in a spiritual and a secular context, helps pastors and church boards determine whether your skill sets match their needs. If you have a pastoral license, spiritual training, or a degree in education, share those credentials during the interview process. A seminary degree or child-oriented college-level coursework may help you stand out as a qualified applicant.
As curriculum developer and educator, Kristine Tucker has enjoyed the plethora of English assignments shes read (and graded!) over the years. Her experiences as vice-president of an energy consulting firm have given her the opportunity to explore business writing and HR. Tucker has a BA and holds Ohio teaching credentials.
Childrens ministry workers must have strong leadership skills and a game plan as to how they intend to teach and disciple children in their faith. In an article in ChildrensMinistryOnline.com, pastor and author Kenny Conley encourages job candidates to be prepared to communicate their vision, mission, and strategy for childrens ministry. During the interview, focus on creative outreach ideas, fun-filled activities and ways to teach spiritual truths to kids of all ages. Stay open-minded if the pastor has ministry suggestions, but make sure you present ideas of your own.
Adaptability is a way to predict whether a childrens ministry candidate is a good fit for the job, according to an article in Childrens Ministry magazine by Jay Hostetler, pastor and founder of Church Team Connections. Pop culture, family dynamics, church leadership, and childrens unique personalities also affect specific ministries, so you must be willing to adapt to new circumstances, evolving spiritual needs, and a wide range of outreach possibilities.
The pastor or church board will likely ask questions about your personal spiritual life. Children are highly impressionable, so pastors want assurance that youll lead by example. Applicants should be prepared to discuss ways their life has benefited from childrens ministry. The pastor may also want to know your views on specific doctrines or how you maintain a healthy spiritual life. Be prepared to discuss religious materials you read, resources you use for childrens ministry, and your personal beliefs. The church, school, or organization may want to run an official background check to make sure your record is clear.
FAQ
How do I prepare for a ministry interview?
…
Write down a few questions.
- What is a typical worship service like?
- What is your favorite thing about this church?
- What traditions are important to this congregation?
- How do you handle weddings and funerals at the church?
- How do you plan for worship?
What is children’s Ministry all about?
It’s helping children become more like Jesus over time. It involves a series of actions or steps that children take to achieve the desired end. The process begins when we invite children to connect with Jesus and His Story. It develops as the grace and glory of Jesus are revealed.
What does a children’s ministry leader do?
- What’s your favorite memory from the last year?
- What are you most proud of?
- What are you looking forward to next year?
- What’s something you learned to do over the last year?
- Who are your closest friends?
- What do you like most about them?
