How I survived back to back holiday clubs with some tips from Nehemiah!

If you think jumping straight from running a venue at Wildfires with over 450 children into a local holiday club with just 20 seems like a crazy idea... you’d be right! As a neurodivergent children’s minister who needs time to rest and recover from big noises, big crowds and big responsibilities, this week was always going to be a challenge. But it is also a real privilege to be able to serve alongside local churches and pour into the lives of a small group of children...and I have a real problem with FOMO!

As I reflected on what got me through this week, I realised I wasn't the first person to need strength after a huge project. Nehemiah 8 records what happened after the wall of Jerusalem was finally rebuilt, and I was struck by how many of the same themes appeared in both stories. It's a wonderful chapter to revisit before—or after—any big season of ministry.

After all, ministry isn't just about finishing the task; it's about finishing it in a way that leaves us ready to serve again.

1.  Going all out in WORSHIP!

Psalm 16 v 11 says, “You will fill me with joy when I am with you.” As somebody with ADHD and autism, there is something that shifts when I enter a place of real worship. Not half-heartedly doing actions, not wondering if the tech team are going to keep up with the words, not thinking about ‘the actions we do at our church’ – but giving everything to God! In that space I find rest, peace, strength and joy... and I model something special for the children around me.

When I am creative and passionate and joyful I am released from overwhelm and overstimulation... my brain is totally clear... and I know that the Holy Spirit is with me. As Nehemiah reminded his workers, “The joy of the Lord makes you strong.” (Nehemiah 8 v 10)

2. Finding REST in service.

This week I didn’t want to give up, but to give the best of myself I did have to take a break – a day off in the middle to rest and reset. But I also found opportunities to take a sensory break by serving... monitoring the toilet queue, making tea for the team, clearing up a space that had just been vacated. Giving our best selves sometimes means giving ourselves permission to rest or step away. It means acknowledging when things are hard, or tiring.

In Mark 6 we see Jesus inviting his disciples to take a break: “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place. You need to get some rest.” In Nehemiah, having served God by building the wall, the people have set aside a day to rest, but even then they are sending food out to those who need it (Nehemiah 8 v 12). We can look after ourselves and others at the same time.

3. SHARING my story.

Paul, in his second letter to the Corinthians said “My grace is all you need. My power is strongest when you are weak.” So I am very happy to brag about how weak I am. Then Christ’s power can rest on me.” (2 Corinthians 12 v 9).  While I believe that I am fearfully and wonderfully made, and that God can use me just as I am, my neurodiversity means I will always find some bits of holiday clubs and ministry exhausting and overstimulating.

I love the fact that I can share my story with the children around me, acknowledging the things I find difficult or overwhelming, accessing tools like visual timetables and fidgets, modelling for neurodiverse children how they can make a space or activity work for them. It’s an opportunity to support children, and inform and educate adults.

In Nehemiah we see Ezra and the teachers of the law modelling for the people how to follow the law and celebrate the festivals. They read the law and “they made it clear to them.” (verse 8) When the people were feeling overwhelmed and emotional, verse 11 says “The Levites calmed the people down.”

Recognising my own weaknesses and struggles, and being honest about the things I find confusing or overstimulating, enables me to support those around me and be a voice for others who may not be able to articulate their own needs.

4. SECRET CHOCOLATE (and the HOLY SPIRIT)!

Yup... it’s a game changer... sometimes you just need to hide in the kitchen for a few minutes and scoff a chocolate biscuit! But seriously... children’s ministry is exhausting... drink lots of water, eat plenty of snacks... and fill up on Holy Spirit before you start!

God isn't only interested in our spiritual well-being. In Nehemiah 8 v 10 he says, “Go and enjoy some good food and sweet drinks.” Sometimes ministry means praying for fresh strength from the Holy Spirit—and sometimes it means drinking some water and eating the chocolate biscuit in the fridge. Usually, it's both. So if you're heading into a big project, or coming out of one, make sure you find time to worship and connect with God, rest, reset and enjoy some guilt free chocolate!