I came across Richard Ray’s article today, and I wholeheartedly agree with it. In the article, Ray cautioned pastors on the importance of making time for your family. I’ll let you read the article yourself, but I do want to emphasize the fact that a pastor’s first ministry priority is to shepherd his family.
According to Titus 1:5-9, a pastor will disqualify himself for ministry if he does not shepherd his family well. Caring for your wife and children allows you to care for others in an effective manner. You model to your congregation what it means to be a Christ-exalting husband and father.
Finally, as Dr. Mark Tolbert, Director of the Caskey Center for Church Excellence, has often said, “You can lose a ministry position, and God will give you another ministry position. However, you only have one family. If you lose your family, you won’t have another family. Consequently, you will probably lose the ministry position as well.”
Take time each week to show how much you love your wife and children. Say it. Show it.
