The Power of Modeling Love for the Church
As Christian parents, we want our children to develop a deep love and commitment to the local church. But how do we teach them this valuable lesson? The answer lies not only in what we say, but also in what we show them.
Beyond Words: Demonstrating Our Love
The Bible describes the local church as a kingdom of people who want to honor and serve God as King in all of life (Matthew 16, 18, 28). It’s a family of those adopted by God and bound to one another by his love (Ephesians 2). To teach our kids these truths, we must model them ourselves. Our connection to the local church isn’t voluntary or selective; it’s fundamental, life-shaping, and all-encompassing.
Crucifying Careerism
One of the most important things we can do to demonstrate our love for the church is to crucify any trace of careerism. The local church doesn’t exist to provide us with jobs or advance our careers. It’s so much bigger than any one of us and what we may accomplish. Our kids need to see us approach our work with joy and hope, cultivating relationships in the church as genuine, mutual friendships.
Inviting Our Kids into Our Pastoral Work
Sometimes, the most powerful way to demonstrate our love for the church is to bring our kids into our pastoral work. This might mean inviting them to help with events or visiting church members with us. By doing so, we give them a close look at the gravity of our work and the impact it has on people’s lives.
A Legacy of Love
Matt McCullough, pastor of Edgefield Church in Nashville, Tennessee, reflects on the lessons he learned from his father, who modeled love for the church and its people. By integrating their lives with the church community, Matt’s father showed him the value of submission and belonging. This legacy of love has had a lasting impact on Matt’s life and ministry.
Real Pastors, Real Stories
In the book “15 Things Seminary Couldn’t Teach Me,” real pastors share their honest experiences about the joys and challenges of pastoral ministry. They offer practical advice on how to bridge the gap between seminary training and life in a local church. Whether you’re a seasoned pastor or just starting out, their stories will inspire and encourage you to model love for the church in your own life and ministry.
Prioritizing Family Time
Even the busiest pastors can make it a priority to spend quality time with their families. In his article “How to Make Time for Your Family as a Pastor,” R. Kent Hughes offers practical tips on how to balance ministry and family responsibilities.
Soul Survival in Seminary
In the midst of seminary training, it’s easy to overlook the importance of daily soul survival in the Scriptures. However, this need must not be neglected. In their article “How to Read the Bible in Seminary,” David Mathis and Jonathan Parnell emphasize the necessity of pursuing daily soul survival in the Scriptures, both in seminary and throughout the Christian life.
Leave a Reply