With hundreds of logistical details to deal with each week, sometimes being sure to lead out spiritually can take a backseat to the things that “have to happen” or the fires that pop up which need to be put out. In order to make sure you are leading your team and the kids spiritually, it is important to remember these three things:
Seek the Lord for yourself
You cannot truly lead a kid or an adult to a place that you are not seeking after yourself. This does not mean you must have all the answers. It simply means that you need to be seeking after the Lord and maintaining that relationship with Him, growing and maturing in your own faith. Hebrews 11:13 tells how some confess that they are temporary residents on earth. In verse 14, it goes on to explain that those who say this “make it clear that they are seeking a homeland.” I encourage you to do the same: “seek a homeland”; seek the kingdom of heaven through a relationship with Jesus.
Be intentional
This means that in any conversation you have with a child or adult that you are leading, point the conversation to Scripture. Why would we not direct everything to the written Word of God? Nothing on earth is more powerful than the words written out for us. When you direct conversations to the Word, all involved will gain more knowledge of Jesus and can build up their own faith through such conversations.
Make a plan
Don’t expect it all to just happen out of thin air as you are playing dodgeball. You need to set out a plan to bring the kids together after dodgeball is over and talk about how it relates to our relationship with Jesus. With whatever curriculum you use, be sure the gospel is being presented and that Scripture is being used. Beyond that, I point back to being intentional about bringing Scripture into other conversations. Make the plan and trust that God will make your efforts fruitful.