Leading From Overflow: Staying Spiritually, Physically, Emotionally, and Mentally Healthy in Ministry
Serving in children’s ministry is one of the most joyful and exhausting callings there is. We get to be part of shaping little hearts, pointing them toward Jesus, and watching their faith grow. But somewhere between prepping crafts, planning lessons, and chasing down that one missing glue stick lid, it’s easy to miss or even ignore the signs that our tanks are running low.
We pour out so much—our energy, our creativity, our compassion—that sometimes we forget or purposely push aside until later our need to refill. We find ourselves running on caffeine and graham crackers and not much else. Yet the truth is simple: the only way to lead a healthy ministry is to be a healthy leader. When we care for our own spiritual, physical, emotional, and mental health, everyone around us benefits—especially the children and families we serve.
In John 15:5, Jesus says, “Apart from me you can do nothing.” Without staying rooted in Christ, our best ministry efforts fall short. We can run on spiritual autopilot for only so long before we crash. When our roles involve teaching kids about Jesus every week, it’s easy to mistake talking about God with spending time with Him. Preparing for lessons fills you with head knowledge; the other fills your heart and your spirit.
Spiritual health doesn’t have to look like an hour of quiet time every morning, though if you can do that, wonderful! It can be as simple as consistently praying for a few minutes before every meeting, listening to Scripture in the car, or pausing to thank God for who He is while you clean up after Sunday School. It’s not about striving for perfection—it’s about being in the presence of our Father. When we stay connected to the source of all things, the fruit of our ministry will grow naturally.
When it comes to our physical health, we tend to run ourselves ragged trying to get ahead on those never-ending to-do lists. We actively move supplies from one place to another, set up rooms for volunteers and kids, lead games, and often skip meals or sleep to “get it all done.” The end result is exhaustion, but physical health isn’t optional—it’s part of how we honor the God who created us.
We can’t separate our bodies from anything else we do, including ministry. God designed us as whole people—body, mind, and spirit—and He cares about every part. Rest isn’t laziness; it’s obedience. Even Jesus stepped away from the crowds to pray, rest, and recharge.
Sometimes caring for your body looks like going to bed earlier instead of answering one more email, drinking water instead of another soda or coffee, eating a real breakfast instead of leftover graham crackers, or taking a short walk between meetings. Caring for our physical health honors our bodies as temples the Lord created, not disposable vehicles for us to drive into the ground trying to go too far on too little fuel.
Ministry is also deeply emotional and mentally taxing work. We celebrate with families in times of joy, but we also grieve alongside them through loss and hardship. Over time, the weight of the needs of children and parents can pile up in our hearts and, coupled with our own personal challenges, becomes overwhelming.
Emotional and mental health need the same level of attention we give to spiritual growth and physical care. Avoiding or ignoring this aspect of your health can lead to burnout, magnified symptoms of anxiety and depression, and physical illness. We weren’t meant to carry burdens alone or to suffer silently. Making a point to actively attend to your emotional and mental well-being is vital.
Writing candidly in a journal is a good way to process internal thoughts and feelings. Spending time with a trusted friend you can talk about anything with provides encouragement and a different perspective. A healthy diet, exercise, and adequate sleep not only improve your physical health but also your mental and emotional health, too. Two birds, one stone!
If you feel discouraged, acknowledge it. If you’re overwhelmed, say, “no” and rest. If you’re struggling, ask for help. In times of distress, God invites us to open up our hearts to Him and to safe people who can help us process, heal, and grow. And always remember that seeking help from a professional counselor or a doctor for your emotional and mental health isn’t a sign of weakness or lack of faith—it’s wisdom.
When we stay spiritually, physically, and emotionally healthy, something wonderful happens: we lead out of the overflow of our hearts instead of teetering on the edge of burnout, and we find ourselves ministering not because we have to, but because we get to.
