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KidMin Interview Tips

Kathie Phillips

Last week, I posted two kidmin job opportunities here on the blog.  A few days later, I was contacted by someone who asked for interview tips for someone considering a job in kidmin.

I shared a few tips with them.  Actually quite a few would be more accurate.  I thought I’d share some of my main points, not in any particular order, with all of you:

1.Pray for direction from God.  Has He called you to kidmin?  Do you feel pursuing a ministry position is the right thing for you at this time?  Are your motives pure?

2. Do your homework about the ministry you are considering.  Visit their website/social media page to learn their vision, core values, philosophy of ministry, Statement of Faith, etc.

3. Look carefully at the job description provided.  Know what they’re looking for and determine if the position might be a good fit for you.

4. Contact the ministry to get additional information before applying.  I’d suggest doing this by phone rather than by email.

5. If you feel God is calling you to apply, update and clean up your resume. (I’d suggest doing this occasionally, even when you’re not looking for a new job.) Make sure it’s visually appealing, formatted properly and free of spelling and grammatical errors.  Highlight your education background, ministry experience and qualifications.  Remember: your resume is making an impression on the potential employer.

6. Prepare for the interview by:

  • thinking about what skills/abilities/passion you bring to the table, not just what the ministry can do for you.
  • embracing being a team player.  Many churches lean towards a team approach to ministry.
  • bringing along some sort of portfolio with lessons you’ve written, print materials you’ve created, etc.
  • knowing that some ‘corporate’ skills are usually desired, especially for larger churches.  You know those ‘buzz words’: innovative, strategic, creative, etc.
  • highlighting ways that you’re still learning and developing your skill set, i.e. training, conferences and classes.
  • showing a fun, personal side.  Talk some about your family and your interests outside of ministry.
  • making a list of questions to ask the interviewer.  Ask good questions.

This list is by no means exhaustive but it made for a good conversation.  Just a few thoughts from someone who’s been both the interviewee and interviewer.

What would you add to the list?  What tips would you give someone looking for a job in kidmin?

Win a What’s In The Bible? Valentine Prize Pack

Kathie Phillips

Enter to win a What’s In The Bible? Valentine Prize Pack, which includes:

  • $100 gift card for dinner
  • $50 gift card to pay for babysitting
  • A What’s In The Bible? DVD of your choice
  • A necklace from Lisa Leonard Designs

In addition, everyone who enters will receive a download of their Bible-themed Valentine’s cards.

The contest runs today (January 27th) through February 5th, so spread the word to your friends and families in your church!  Click here to enter.

To find more Valentine’s Day ideas, be sure to visit my KidMin Valentine’s Day Pinterest board.  

Ministry Basics: Good, Quality Signage

Kathie Phillips 3 Comments

Good signage in a must-have in kidmin.  Not only does good, quality signage add a touch of decor to your space but it also helps families navigate their way through your ministry area.

Last summer, our ministry had new logos designed (one for each of our 4 ministry areas) and those logos were a part of new signage for our entire Children’s Ministry space.

Here are a few of the signs that were added to our space:

Our ministry has two entryways; this is the sign above one of them
Our ministry has two entryways; this is the sign above one of them
Nursery entrance sign
Nursery entrance sign
One of my favorite walls - leads to our Preschool area
One of my favorite walls – leads to our Preschool area
Pre-K room sign
Pre-K room sign
Across the hall from our Preschool classrooms is a corresponding wall sign
Across the hall from our Preschool classrooms is a corresponding wall sign
One of our directional signs
One of our directional signs
Another directional sign
Another directional sign
Children's Library sign
Children’s Library sign
Sign above our Elementary Ministry entrance
Sign above our Elementary Ministry entrance
Directional sign to our Preteen Ministry area
Directional sign to our Preteen Ministry area

If you look closely, you’ll see that we were not afraid to use bright, kid-friendly colors on the walls.  We’ll save the story behind that for another post.

In the meantime…How do you use signage in your kidmin?  Share below – pictures are welcome!

Own Your Mistakes

Kathie Phillips 1 Comment

Last week, I received an email from Target’s CEO regarding the store’s recent data breach. The email contained an apology for the incident and steps the company was taking to be proactive in remedying the situation.

No one in a leadership position is perfect.  We all make mistakes.  The real test comes when things go wrong.  Will you own the mistake and take steps to correcting the situation or will you sweep it under the rug, pretending that nothing happened or – gasp – passing the blame onto someone else?

In my opinion, smart leaders:

  • listen intently before speaking
  • take ownership for any wrongdoing
  • ask for forgiveness
  • work to find a solution to make things right
  • listen some more

Doing these things will not only make you a stronger leader but you will gain and keep the trust of those you lead.

What would you add to the list? What else can leaders do to remedy situations gone wrong?

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