Practical Suggestions for the Minister's Family

The following suggestions provide practical ideas for managing the challenges of a minister's home:

1) Get control of your calendar. Plan far in advance for free Saturdays, for vacations, and for family nights at home. When these dates are blocked out in advance, then you can honestly say, "I already have a commitment for that time." When genuine emergencies arise, the special times should be re-scheduled.

2) Plan special times with your children. Look for opportunities to spend individual time with your children. Many parents have lunch with their kids at school, meet their children for after-school snacks, or do other things to spend quality one-on-one time.

3) Plan special times with your spouse. Consider a monthly/weekly date during which you catch up on your week, plan for the days ahead, and reconnect.

4) When you're home, be home. Avoid the tendency to be at home but have your mind in the office. Find ways to separate yourself from the church: screen calls and return them after the children are in bed, don't check e-mail from home, and turn off the cell phone.

5) Be the pastor to your family. In the rush of meeting the spiritual needs of others, don't neglect your own family.

6) Find time for worship and prayer with your family. Many families practice family worship at breakfast, dinner, or bedtime. Find a time that works and stick with it. However, realize that the same time will not work forever. Be flexible.

7) Involve family members in your ministry. Whenever possible, allow the family to be involved with you. Often family members can go along on trips or conferences, can attend rehearsals, and can assist with other aspects of ministry.

8) Develop genuine friendships. Sometimes ministry families fail to develop meaningful relationships in their church and community. All families need to be connected to others. Be willing to trust. Also, encourage your spouse to develop valued friends.