I AM A MINISTER. WHAT ABOUT MY CHILDREN?
BY DAVID REYNOLDS

“For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call” (Acts 2:39).

T here has never been a time when the ministry has been more under attack. In many cases the enemy is attacking the minister through his family-for nothing will more deeply hurt and discourage a man of God than seeing his children question and turn away from the faith and the message that he preaches to others.

It is not easy being a `preachers kid’. I know, for I was one. You live in a glass house and carnal saints often throw stones. You are expected to live above reproach even when you know, spiritually, you have not arrived. You hear your daddy criticized when you know the sacrifices he is making and you watch him `turn the other cheek’. On the other hand-there are no children more fortunate and blessed than those who live in the minister’s home. Minister, children do not come with a guarantee. Your children come with the same choice that God gave you …but there are things that you can do to bend the choice toward God.

1. Do not shield them from your ministry. The children who feel part of their parent’s ministry will stay in the church. Let them lead the song service. Let them teach Sunday School as early as twelve or younger.

2. Don’t ever let your children hear you say anything negative about the church or the people in the church. If they hear it make sure they do not hear it from you.

3. Never express your frustrations in front of the children-that is why God gave you a wife. Never talk as though the ministry is a burden. Defend the ministry so they never resent it. Talk often about your blessings.

4. Take time with your own children. You can get so busy counseling others that your own family members die for lack of nurturing. Make appointments with them. Talk to them. Go camping and fishing with them.

5. Take them with you to all church functions even when you cannot afford it. Get them to all District functions-especially if you are part of a small church.

6. Make certain you live the life you preach in front of them. Let them see and hear you in prayer-with them and in private devotions. Be real. Be kind. Be firm. Be loving.

7. Know where they are at all times. As long as your children live in your home, know and approve their friends. Preacher, the devil will attack your children in order to get to you and your ministry-but hold on, even when it seems you have failed. Hold on, for you have a promise and so do your children.

Saints, don’t allow the enemy to use you to criticize the preacher’s kids.

Lift them up.

Encourage them and you will be a blessing to the ministry.

THE ABOVE MATERIAL WAS PUBLISHED BY THE PENTECOSTAL VOICE OF TENNESSEE, SEPTEMBER 2002, PAGE 7.

THIS MATERIAL IS COPYRIGHTED AND MAY BE USED FOR STUDY & RESEARCH PURPOSES ONLY.