A: Be flexible and ready to re-learn what you already know.   Many new children’s missionaries find that when they arrive on the field, things they have learned about children’s ministries in the US do not apply.   Under different cultural and economic settings, children’s ministries can have a completely different flavor.   Be willing to adapt your style of ministry as needed.

Understand that your role as a missionary may be completely different than your role as a children’s pastor was.   In many countries where there is no children’s ministry, you will become the head of the children’s ministries for the entire country.   You become the expert!   Be ready to lay down the foundations for ministry to children not just in a local church, but also for the entire nation.  

Understand your role as a servant and leader.   Some national churches may not see the need to reach children.   Others may already have a strong foundation in place, and need help building it or promoting it.   Still others may have children’s ministries at local levels, but no organizational structure to support it.   Be willing to serve the national church in any capacity as needed to reach the children.

Understand that, when trained, national workers can ultimately reach their own children far better than you can.   Make an indigenous children’s ministry your goal.   Instead of teaching Sunday school yourself, train a national to do it. When you conduct a crusade, use it as an opportunity to mentor nationals in children’s ministry.   Use teaching materials available and affordable locally, instead of using materials you brought from the US and the nationals can’t afford.