Everything You Need to Know About Being a Children’s Pastor

Do you feel called to serve as a children’s pastor? Let me warn you: This calling isn’t for the faint of heart. I’m not saying this because of the nature of the work involved. No, what I’m thinking about is far more serious than that. Serving as a children’s pastor is serving someone playing a pivotal role in the life of children and their families.

Jesse Wisnewski
March 22, 2023
Kids Ministry Leadership

Do you feel called to serve as a children’s pastor?

Let me warn you: This calling isn’t for the faint of heart.

I’m not saying this because of the nature of the work involved.

No, what I’m thinking about is far more serious than that.

Serving as a children’s pastor is serving someone playing a pivotal role in the life of children and their families.

Here’s why:

“85 percent of all people who accept Christ do so before the age of 18."

 If this generalized statistic doesn’t scare you away, then read on.

While it comes with its own challenges, being a children’s pastor is a rewarding vocation. Working for the church as a children’s pastor directly impacts the youngest of God’s children, supporting youth on their journeys to faith.

If you’re curious to learn more about what a children’s pastor does, keep reading for everything you need to know about becoming one.

In this post, we’re going to share:

  • children’s castor job description
  • What does a Children’s Pastor do?
  • Kids Pastor duties in a church
  • The difference between a Kids and Youth Pastor
  • children’s Pastor salary
  • How to become a children’s Pastor

Let’s jump in.

Children’s Pastor Job Description

Setting out a clear and concise description for your church staff is essential. This counts for your children’s pastor, too. Thankfully, you don’t have to reinvent the wheel since we have compiled two handy children’s pastor job description templates to help you attract the right person for the position at your church.

What Does a Children’s Pastor Do?

A children's pastor is a Christian minister responsible for participating with parents and guardians in the spiritual development and care of their children in a church. Their role is to create a nurturing and supportive environment that fosters kids' faith and helps them to grow in their relationship with God.

Child wearing a winter coat with the hood up laughs, revealing their teeth.
Photo by S&B Vonlanthen on Unsplash

Kids Pastor Duties in Church

Typically, a children’s pastor’s duties include planning children's programs, coordinating volunteers and staff, and providing pastoral care to families. The ultimate goal is to help young people develop a strong faith foundation and a sense of community within the church.

Some specific tasks that a children's pastor may undertake: 

1. Organizing Events 

If a ministry doesn’t have a large staff, then the kids' pastor may be required to organize events, retreats, and mission trips, including vacation Bible school.

2. Overseeing Classes

Kids' ministry classes usually need the help of a children’s pastor to run smoothly. You can expect to see your youth or kids' pastor present at Sunday school.

3. Counseling

Many children’s pastors will participate with the rest of the church staff in providing counseling and support to families. In this position, you’ll have a front row seat in the life of children, which means you’ll be in a position to observe their life, and partner with parents and guardians to nurture their faith in Christ.

4. Building Parent Relationships

Maintaining a close connection with parents and guardians in the church you serve is a central part of running a kids' ministry, and pastors play a central role in forming these familial bonds.

What Is The Difference Between a Youth and a Children’s Pastor?

Youth Pastor holding microphone
A photo by Thiago Barletta

Youth pastors and children's pastors share some responsibilities, such as developing and implementing programs, recruiting and training volunteers, and building relationships with families and church leaders. The only difference is their respective age groups and the varied strategies they use to meet the needs and interests of the young people they work with.

In some churches, these positions are blended together in one. Whereas in other churches, these positions are separated out. The size and budget of the local church will determine how these positions are handled.

Children’s Pastor Salary

The average children's pastor salary in the USA is $46,873 per year, but this figure will vary depending on the size and location of the church, the individual's qualifications, and the financial resources available to the church. In addition to their annual wage, many pastors receive benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and housing allowances.

How to Become a Children’s Pastor

If you think your skills are suited to working in a pastoral role at a kids' ministry, there is one thing to keep in mind: whether or not you’ll need to obtain a degree to quality. 

Firstly, some churches may require a degree in ministry, religion, or a related field to be eligible. If you’re uncertain if this is the case for you, then ask someone at your local church for their advice. Secondly, some churches will offer on-the-job training and not require a degree, but having prior experience is preferable in most positions. In either case, get involved as early as possible by volunteering at your local kids' ministry to pursue your calling, gain experience, and most importantly of all, serve the families in your local church. 

A man wearing a suit and a satchel holds a Bible while standing on a gravel path.
Photo by Ben White on Unsplash

Every Church Needs a Kids’ Pastor

While every church has a pastor, not every church has a designated children’s pastor. Sadly, many kids ministries go without, whether due to financial limitations or accessibility. If you have a deep faith and the skills needed to lead children in the right direction, why not take the leap and grow closer to God?

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