If you’ve been in youth ministry long enough, you’ve probably noticed a bit of a gap between youth pastors and kids pastors. It’s not always intentional, but let’s be honest—sometimes we’re so focused on middle school and high school students that we don’t give much thought to the ministry happening just down the hall.

But here’s the thing: kids ministry and youth ministry aren’t competing teams. We’re playing for the same Kingdom. And if we want to do our jobs well, we need to be on the same page. So, here are a few things every kids pastor wishes their youth pastor knew:

1. The Bridge from Kids Ministry to Youth Ministry Matters

You know those sixth graders who show up looking lost and overwhelmed? That transition didn’t start in August—it started years ago. Kids pastors spend years pouring into those students, building relationships with their families, and preparing them for what’s next. When youth pastors partner with kids pastors, the transition is smoother, and students are more likely to stay engaged.

What you can do:

  • Show up to a kids ministry event and connect with fifth graders before they move up.
  • Collaborate on a transition plan so students don’t feel like they’re starting from scratch.
  • Celebrate milestones together (like a “moving up” ceremony).

2. Parents Trust the Kids Pastor—Leverage That

In kids ministry, parents are highly involved. They know the kids pastor well, and that trust doesn’t automatically transfer to the youth pastor. If a kids pastor speaks highly of the youth ministry, parents are more likely to buy in. If there’s no connection, some parents may disengage as their kids grow older.

What you can do:

  • Get to know key parents in kids ministry before their students move up.
  • Ask the kids pastor to introduce you to families.
  • Communicate your ministry vision clearly so parents know what to expect.

3. What You Inherit is What Was Built in Kids Ministry

Those students who show up to youth group ready to lead, serve, and grow in their faith? That didn’t happen overnight. That’s the fruit of years of investment in kids ministry. And the students who struggle with faith, discipline, or engagement? They have years of experiences that shaped them, too.

What you can do:

  • Recognize and build on the foundation that’s already been laid.
  • Don’t just focus on what’s lacking—celebrate the spiritual growth that’s already happened.
  • Be aware of kids who struggled in elementary ministry and look for ways to help them thrive in youth ministry.

4. Kids Pastors Want to Be Respected as Ministry Leaders

Youth pastors sometimes assume that kids ministry is just about crafts and Goldfish crackers. But kids pastors are doing deep discipleship work. They’re not just babysitting—they’re laying the spiritual groundwork that will carry students through their teenage years and beyond.

What you can do:

  • Acknowledge the spiritual depth of kids ministry.
  • Ask for advice—kids pastors have been working with these students for years.
  • Don’t just talk about what you’re doing in youth ministry; take an interest in what’s happening in kids ministry, too.

5. Discipleship Starts Long Before Middle School

Too often, youth pastors act as if middle school is the “real” starting point for faith development. But the reality is that many students decide what they believe about God before they ever step into youth group. Kids pastors are doing the work of discipleship long before youth pastors get a chance.

What you can do:

  • Align teaching themes so kids and youth ministries reinforce each other.
  • Encourage younger students to serve and lead in kids ministry before they enter youth group.
  • Value the work that’s happening in kids ministry, knowing it directly impacts the students you’ll eventually disciple.

Final Thought

Youth pastors, your kids pastor isn’t just a coworker—they’re your biggest ally. When you build a strong partnership, you’re setting students up for long-term spiritual growth. So, take them to coffee, ask them what they wish you knew, and start working together to make that transition the best it can be.

Because at the end of the day, it’s not about youth ministry or kids ministry—it’s about building lifelong disciples.