Ministers have families too. Not every member of every minister’s family is excited about their parent serving in a ministry role. This is especially true of their children. There are more church meetings to attend. They cannot leave early. Often they must arrive before the meeting to set up. Everyone is looking at them to see if they behave correctly. “You cannot do that, you are a minister’s child,” is a statement often heard by these children.
This may have nothing to do with the fact that the children have a wonderful opportunity to grow up in a home that is spiritually focused. While the extra dose of a spiritual focus may be true, there are also the church meetings that keep the parent away from school, sports, and other events where children want their parent present. Special days and vacations that are interrupted by a ministry emergency are detested.
There may even be doubts that arise as to whether the parent’s priority is ministry or family.
During Minister Appreciation Month, encourage those who minister among you to prioritize family.