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What is a children's minister and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
Quoted expert
Dr. Christopher Foster
introduction image

What general advice would you give to a children's minister?

Dr. Christopher FosterDr. Christopher Foster LinkedIn profile

Associate Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies, Graduate School of Theology and, Oral Roberts University

Find a local church where you can serve and begin to apply the things you have learned-even if you are not employed there. Many churches hire from within to ensure staff fit the culture and ethos of the community. Remember your agility skills - creativity and innovation will be a requirement. Be comfortable working in an unknown and do not be afraid to innovate. Run with new ideas or test new approaches in this constantly changing environment.
Work is not your life! Focus on who you are called to be (being) and not what you are invited to do (doing).
ScoreChildren's MinisterUS Average
Salary
3.5

Avg. Salary $45,421

Avg. Salary $59,228

Diversity
2.9
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.44%

Asian 6.45%

Black or African American 12.02%

Hispanic or Latino 9.17%

Unknown 4.01%

White 67.91%

Gender

female 63.53%

male 36.47%

Age - 52
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 52
Stress level
8.2

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
10.0

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance
5.3

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Children's minister career paths

Key steps to become a children's minister

  1. Explore children's minister education requirements

    Most common children's minister degrees

    Bachelor's

    63.3 %

    Master's

    23.2 %

    Associate

    6.6 %
  2. Start to develop specific children's minister skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Outreach Events17.71%
    Bible Studies13.52%
    VBS12.39%
    Children Birth8.09%
    Oversight5.38%
  3. Complete relevant children's minister training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New children's ministers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a children's minister based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real children's minister resumes.
  4. Research children's minister duties and responsibilities

    • Lead church to incorporate a vision for integrating evangelistic and discipleship efforts.
    • Revamp 5th & 6th grade VBS to be more age appropriate in a large group concept.
    • Plan and give oversight of all children's activities.
    • Perform other various functions as needed including communication with church leadership to ensure efficient operations for church outreach activities.
  5. Prepare your children's minister resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your children's minister resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a children's minister resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable children's minister resume templates

    Build a professional children's minister resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your children's minister resume.
    Children's Minister Resume
    Children's Minister Resume
    Children's Minister Resume
    Children's Minister Resume
    Children's Minister Resume
    Children's Minister Resume
    Children's Minister Resume
    Children's Minister Resume
    Children's Minister Resume
  6. Apply for children's minister jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a children's minister job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first children's minister job

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Average children's minister salary

The average children's minister salary in the United States is $45,421 per year or $22 per hour. Children's minister salaries range between $25,000 and $79,000 per year.

Average children's minister salary
$45,421 Yearly
$21.84 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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