So You're Thinking About Quitting Your Position in Children's Ministry?

There are people in children's ministry that are thinking about quitting.

Due to a variety of reasons, some people are ready to throw in the towel.

Is that you? Tired? Weary in well doing? Discouraged? Looking for greener pastures?

If you are thinking about quitting your position, (volunteer or paid) let's talk for a minute before you finalize your decision.

Are you sure you want to quit? It's not wise to make major decisions while you are discouraged. Don't make a decision that you will look back at and regret later. Make sure God is leading you to step down. Don't make any rash decisions. Take time to pray and find out if this is really God's path for you.

Elijah faced this. Even though he had just won a great victory at Mt.Carmel, he sits sulking. Ready to quit. Discouraged. But God still had work for Elijah to do. He helps Elijah get back on track and eventually serving with joy again. While God may "re-assign" us, we should always find a way to serve Him and make a difference wherever He leads us.

Ask yourself these questions:

• Would I attend this church if I weren't volunteering or in a paid position?

• Am I a good fit for the role I am in?

• Do I enjoy being with the people I work / serve with?

• Am I passionate about the church's mission?

• Would I recommend other people to work / serve in this ministry?

• Have I grown out of the role I am in and it's causing me to be bored? Do I need a fresh challenge / new role? Is there any room for this to happen where I am?
  

Wait until you have another job / role lined up before you resign/step down. If you’re actively looking for another opportunity, it may be best to wait until you’ve officially accepted another job/volunteer offer before you resign from your current position

Once you've decided to leave, tell your direct report as soon as possible. No need to stretch things out. Try to set an end date of two weeks or less. The longer you are there, the more awkward it can become.

Leave well. Don't go south and start bad mouthing the ministry or leaders you served with. Remember, people will probably be calling them to ask what kind of employee/volunteer you were.

Leave with integrity. Leave with a good spirit. Leave with a peaceful ending.

Don't burn the bridge you may need to walk back across some time later in your life. Give the volunteer team/work team a minimum of a two week notice.

Wait until you have another job / role lined up before you resign/step down. This will help you manage any gaps you may have as a worker or volunteer.

Pray. Seek God's will and direction. Trust in Him. Don't lean into your own understanding. Acknowledge Him in everything you do and He will lead you in the right direction.

Yes, sometimes God will lead us to stay. At other times, He will ask us to step into a new chapter in our lives. Be faithful and serve Him with all your heart. Wherever He may lead you, trust Him and He will make your next step clear.