PASTORS in Our HOMES

I’m super excited to continue this series on "Parenting in the Fivefold Ministry" with you. It's based on the five spiritual gifts mentioned in Ephesians 4:11, which include Apostles, Prophets, Pastors, Evangelists, and Teachers. I've already covered evangelists and apostles, and this month focuses on parents as pastors.

Being a parent involves using a variety of spiritual gifts, which cover nearly everything you need to raise your children well. I'm not asking you to assume new roles because you're most likely already doing them. I just want you to be more aware of them. Start paying attention to the different roles you play in your child's life and recognize which spiritual gift you're using at any moment.

Ok, now let’s discuss parents as pastors. A pastor is a Christian leader who cares for their church members, often called a congregation. Think of pastors as shepherds guiding and looking after their flock. They teach messages that fit the Bible and ensure the church's physical and spiritual needs are met (Acts 20:28 & 1 Timothy 3:14-15).

Pastors also offer support and advice to people facing personal struggles. While a pastor's job can be tough, it’s rewarding, too. It is priceless to watch people grow in their faith and find hope during hard times.

At home, parents are like shepherds. One of the main roles of parents is to care for their children. This means meeting their basic needs like food, shelter, clothing, fun, safety, and discipline. Society doesn’t look kindly on parents who don’t take care of these needs. In extreme cases, social services might step in.

But God wants parents to meet not only their kids’ physical and spiritual needs, too. We lead our children and give them tasks to do. We teach them to be responsible because we’re responsible to God. Christian parents should see their kids as their own little congregation. In turn, kids should see their parents as their first pastors.

Jesus Himself defined a congregation in Matthew 18:20: “For where two or three gathered together in my name, I am there in the midst of them.” We are to set aside time for family worship—singing, praying, opening the Bible, and studying God’s Word together.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying you should skip going to church. But our kids should see us as their first pastors at home.

In simple terms, think of yourself as your child's first pastor. Like shepherds do, show them the way, both in everyday life and in faith. And remember, the small moments of worship at home are just as important as going to church.