Kids Ministry Collective S3Ep 10 How to Care for Your Heart While Leading Kids Ministry

When was the last time you checked on the health of your heart—not just the health of your kids ministry? We check attendance, volunteers, programs, and Sunday morning. But who's checking on you? In this episode, Tom, Cole, Ben, and Vicki get honest about something most kids ministry leaders carry quietly: burnout. Not because you're doing ministry wrong, but because it's possible to pour out for everyone else and forget to care for your own heart. If you've ever felt tired in a way rest doesn't fix, irritated by things you used to love, or stuck in obligation instead of calling—this conversation is for you. In this episode: The real warning signs of burnout (and how they're different from just being tired) Why "going vertical" before going horizontal changes everything The difference between studying God's Word for your ministry and being in it for your own soul Why you were never meant to carry ministry alone—and how to find people who actually know you Setting boundaries that are stewardship, not selfishness Reconnecting with the calling that got you here in the first place We close with three reflection questions to actually sit with—not just listen to—so you can lead with hopeful confidence for the long haul. This is a marathon, not a sprint. Chapters 00:00 Checking on Your Heart 01:33 The Importance of a Healthy Heart in Ministry 02:10 Personal Experiences with Burnout 04:49 Recognizing Burnout vs. Being Worn Out 11:44 Symptoms of Burnout 19:50 Caring for Your Heart in Ministry 22:47 Finding Personal Purpose in Ministry 24:37 The Importance of Spiritual Growth 28:10 Avoiding Burnout Through Community 29:50 Building a Support Network 34:15 Establishing Healthy Boundaries 37:56 Understanding Your 'Why' in Ministry 40:46 Practical Questions for Leaders Resources mentioned in this episode: Burnout Risk Assessment — RestoringLeaders.org Valleys Over Mountains by Tom (available on Amazon) Replenish by Lance Witt Leading on Empty by Wayne Cordeiro Soul Detox by Craig Groeschel Didn't See It Coming by Carey Nieuwhof 👉 Subscribe for more real conversations on building healthy kids ministry teams, recruiting clarity, and sustainable leadership. Kids Ministry Collective — We are Better Together. Healthy leaders build healthy teams. #KidsMinistry #ChildrensMinistry #MinistryBurnout #KidsMinistryCollective