Dear Tired Leader: You’re Not Failing (You’re Just Exhausted)

Children’s ministry is beautiful… but it’s also exhausting.
You’re pouring yourself into planning lessons, wrangling supplies, calming chaos, encouraging volunteers, and still trying to be present for your own family. Some days, it feels like no matter how hard you try, you’re falling short.

Let me remind you of something important today:
You’re not failing. You’re just exhausted.

Jesus Sees You in the Middle of the Chaos

The Bible tells us in Galatians 6:9:
“So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up.” (NLT)

God sees every seed you plant, every late-night prep session, every prayer whispered for the kids in your care. He doesn’t measure your worth by your energy level. Even when you feel drained, your faithfulness matters to Him.

Jesus Invites You to Rest

It’s easy to think that ministry requires constant motion—that slowing down means you’re letting people down. But Jesus says something very different:
“...Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and i will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28 NLT)

True rest isn’t just sleeping in (though that helps sometimes!). It’s drawing near to Him—letting Him refill your soul, reminding you that He’s the one carrying the weight of the ministry, not you.

Your Joy Can Return

Psalm 16:11 says:
“...In Your presence is fullness of joy...” (NKJV)

Joy isn’t found in having the perfect program or the smoothest Sunday service. It’s found when we pause long enough to sit in His presence, breathe deep, and let Him speak peace over us. When we realign our hearts with His, the stress begins to lift—and our passion begins to return.

Let’s Refuel Together

If you’re reading this and thinking, “I need this, but I don’t even know where to start”—you’re not alone.
That’s why I created the [FREE!!!] 7-Day Passion Refuel Guide for Children’s Ministry Leaders.

It’s a FREE resource designed to help you:

• Rebuild a simple rhythm of prayer and rest

• Reconnect with your “why” in ministry

• Find practical ways to guard your time and energy

👉 Grab your free guide here: 7-Day Passion Refuel Guide

Take the next 7 days to breathe, reconnect with Jesus, and remember—you’re not failing. You’re just exhausted, and God is ready to refill you.

With His Love,
Sara Vojtasek
Joel's Vision Ministries | KidMin Connect
JoelsVision.com