1.

I thank You, Father, that Your eyes are on my shepherd and

Your ears are attentive to my pastor's prayers and Your face is
against those who plot evil against my pastor (1 Pet. 3:12). For
I know that in all things You work for the good of ______________
(insert your pastor's name) who loves You (Ro. 8:28). Who can
accuse this pastor who is daily interceded for by Christ Jesus?
(Ro. 8:33-34). Therefore, in all things my pastor is more than a
conqueror (Ro. 8:37). Thank You, God.
2. Lord, I pray for discernment in exposing any schemes of the
enemy against my pastor. Show our congregation how to pray
against all powers of this dark world and the spiritual forces of
darkness in heavenly realms. And, Lord, protect us as we wage
warfare on behalf of our pastor (Eph. 6:11-12).

3. Father, I thank You that no weapons formed against my

pastor will prosper. Every tongue raised against my shepherd
will be cast down. Rumors and gossip will be turned aside. For
_____________ will be still before the Lord and wait on You. My
pastor will dwell in the shadow of the Most High God and will
be delivered from terror, darts of doubt, and diseases (Ps.
91:5-6). Set Your angels about my pastor (Ps. 91:11) and no
power of the enemy shall harm __________(Lk. 10:19). Thank God
forevermore!
4. Lord, let _____________ have a discerning mind to prioritize the
precious minutes in the day. Let my pastor discern what is
most important and be guarded against the tyranny of the
urgent (2 Cor. 11:14, 1 Jn. 4:1).

5. I pray that the eyes of my pastor may be enlightened to

know the hope to which we are called and know the riches of
our glorious inheritance in the saints. Let my pastor know the
incomparable great power which is in us who believe (Eph.
1:18-19). Let ___________ see the full revelation of Jesus Christ
(Gal. 1:12). Place in him/her a desire to know Christ and the
power of His resurrection (Phil. 3:10).
6. Lord, I lift up the hands of my pastor and his/her family.
Place them in the shelter of the Most High to rest in the
shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, You are their
refuge and fortress. You will preserve their family time. You

will cover their home. Your faithfulness will meet their financial
needs in Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:19). You will command Your
angels to guard them as they travel and win the lost. You have
said, "I will be with [them] in trouble, I will deliver [them] and
honor [them]. With a long life, I will satisfy [them] and show
[them] my salvation" (Ps. 91:15-16).In Jesus' name I cancel all
assignments of the enemy against them.

7. Father, allow my pastor to glory only in the cross (Gal.

6:14). Keep my pastor from pride and pity. Let the cross be his
reason for ministry.
8. Jesus keep my pastor holy in every way (1 Pet. 1:16). Protect
my shepherd from seducing spirits especially when he/she is
tired and hard-pressed. Give __________ comrades to help
protect him/her, and to share with in personal holiness (Jas.
4:7). As my pastor draws near to You, draw near to my pastor
(Jas. 4:8).

9. In Jesus' name I speak to church hurts, abuse, and

ungrateful forces to move. I speak to mountains of criticism
and in ordinate expectations to be cast into the sea. I speak to
stress, excessive phone counseling, and fatigue to be cast into
the sea, and I believe every need, vision, and dream of
__________'s will be completed (Mk.11:22-24, Phil. 4:19).
10. Forgive those who hurt ____________ and speak against
him/her, and may my pastor walk in forgiveness (Eph. 4:325:1). Guard my pastor from futile thinking (Eph. 4:17) and a
vain imagination. Let every thought be taken captive to obey
Christ (2 Cor. 10:3-5).

11. In Jesus' name I bind the fear of failure and the fear of
humankind (Jn. 14:1). Let _____________'s confidence not be
eroded by the daily resistance to the gospel or his/her vision.
Allow my pastor to fear God more than people.
12. Father, heal my shepherd's heart of any grief caused by
ministry. Bestow on my pastor a crown of beauty instead of
ashes and anoint him/her with the oil of gladness instead of

mourning. Clothe my shepherd with a garment of praise

instead of a spirit of depression. I call my pastor an oak of
righteousness, a planting of the Lord to display Your splendor
(Is. 61:3).

13. Keep my pastor in the midst of good and exciting worship.

Keep my pastor from the traditions of men and religion which
hold the form of godliness, but deny its power (2 Tim. 3:5).
Give ___________ a vision of heaven (Isaiah 6, Revelation 4).

14. With my shield of faith I cover my shepherd's mind to

quench all flaming darts of doubt or vain imagination or mental
distractions (Eph. 6:16, Col. 2:6-8). Let the mind of Christ be
strong in my pastor (1 Cor. 2:16).
15. Lord, I stand against the enemies of my pastor's prayer
life: "busyness"(Acts 6:2-4), compulsions, compromise (Acts 5),
unnecessary phone calls, chronic counselees, fatigue,
sleepiness (Mt.26:41), appetites, television, late meetings,
over-commitments, and doubt. Let nothing hinder _____'s time
with You. Let my pastor rise up to seek You (Mk. 1:35), pray
with other pastors (Acts 1:14), and pray without ceasing (1
Thess. 5:17). Give my pastor the time, the desire, and the
place to pray (Acts 16:16). I rebuke in the name of Jesus any
distractions from my pastor's devotional life.
16. Bless my pastor with rich study time (Acts 6:4, 2 Tim.
2:15).

17. As ___________ preaches, let him/her proclaim Jesus Christ

(Col. 1:28).Let my pastor's preaching be in the energy of the
Holy Spirit.
18. Lord, by Your Holy Spirit, anoint ____________ to preach, and
bring apostolic results (Acts 2:37). As my pastor speaks the
Word, let signs and wonders follow confirming it (Mk. 16:20).
Let the sick be healed; let the oppressed be set free. Anoint
_____________ with the truth (Mt. 16:17). Let people be cut to the
heart and accept Jesus Christ.

19. Lord, as You have promised, grant my beloved shepherd

lasting fruit (Mal. 3:11, Jn. 15:16). Let my pastor's converts
become disciples who in turn disciple. Bless my pastor with
disciples who grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.
20. Lord, keep my pastor in the fear of God. Let my pastor not
fear people (Prov. 19:23). Give ______________ boldness to
confront sin and church controllers. Honor my pastor's stand
for You. Come to my pastor's rescue. I claim Psalm 35 for my
shepherd.OST R

The Greatest Commandment

Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 6:5; Matthew 6:33
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these
things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33
Pray that your pastors wife will love God with all her heart, soul, mind,
and strength. Pray that Gods Spirit will work in her heart in power and
that she will value and follow biblical priorities.
Strong Character and Integrity
Scripture Reading: 1 Timothy 1:5, 3:7; Proverbs 4:23
Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.
Proverbs 4:23
Pray that she will cultivate strong character and uncompromising
integrity. Pray that her testimony will be genuine and that she will
guard her heart.
Pursuing Jesus
Scripture Reading: 2 Timothy 2:1516; Psalm 119:7

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker

who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.
2 Timothy 2:15
Pray for her personal walk with Godthat her soul and spirit will be
nourished and strengthened in her times with Him. Pray that she will
spend more time in the Word of God than in reading Christian books
and articles.

------Growing in Discernment
Scripture Reading: Psalm 119:99; James 1:56
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to
all without reproach, and it will be given him. James 1:5
Pray that your pastors wife will counsel and teach with discernment
through the wise use of Scripture and with faith in Gods power.
A Submissive Heart
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 5:2333
For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of
the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church
submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their
husbands. Ephesians 5:2324
Ask God to protect her marriage and keep it strong as a model of the
Churchs submission to Christ. Pray that she will respect and practice
godly submission to her husbands leadership and that her husband
will love and cherish her.
Facing Critics with Grace
Scripture Reading: Hebrews 12:15; Psalm 119:42; Colossians 4:6;
Proverbs 31:26; 1 Peter 2:23
She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on
her tongue. Proverbs 31:26
Pray that God will protect your pastors wife from discouragement and
bitterness when she or her husband faces inevitable criticism. Pray that
she will trust in the wisdom of the Word of God to answer her critics
and commit herself into the hands of God, who judges righteously.
Comforted in the Word
Scripture Reading: Psalm 119:28, 52
When I think of your rules from of old, I take comfort, O Lord. Psalm
119:52

Pray that your pastors wife will remember truth and practical
principles from the Word of God during times of trial and that the
Scriptures will bring her comfort. Pray that the
Word will become her delight and song when circumstances are tough.
Protection from Evil
Scripture Reading: John 17:15; Isaiah 54:17; Psalm 91:911
Because you have made the Lord your dwelling placethe Most High,
who is my refuge -- no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague
come near your tent. Psalm 91:9
Ask God to protect your pastors wife from the evil plots of Satan. Pray
that she will not be corrupted as she rubs shoulders with the world.
Prayer Hedges
Scripture Reading: Matthew 19:6; Proverbs 31:11; 2 Corinthians
10:45
The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of
gain. Proverbs 31:11
Pray that God will build a hedge of protection around her marriage and
that she and her husband will be aware of the potential for any
improper relationships. Pray that their family time will be protected.
----

A Guarded Heart
Scripture Reading: Romans 13:14; Ephesians 6:1018
But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh,
to gratify its desires. Romans 13:14
Pray that your pastors wife will be morally pure and that she will wear
the armor of God so that she will not fall into sexual temptation. Ask
God to guard her heart concerning the use of free time and that she
will be especially discerning in her use of e-mails, the Internet,
television, and other media.
Deep Friendships
Scripture Reading: Psalm 55:14, 119:63; Proverbs 13:20
Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise. Proverbs 13:20
Pray that God will bring godly friends and encouragers to your pastors
wife and her family to strengthen them for the ministry and to provide
meaningful fellowship, accountability, and times of rest.
Prayer and Worship
Scripture Reading: 1 Thess. 5:17; Acts 1:14; Mark 1:35; Matthew
4:10; Titus 2:45

And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he
departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.
Mark 1:35
Pray that she will be a woman of prayer and worship and that she will
lead by exampleteaching women how to walk in a close relationship
with the Father.

A Balanced Life
Scripture Reading: Romans 12:12; 1 Corinthians 6:1920, 9:27,
10:13; Proverbs 31:17
But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching
to others I myself should be disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9:27
Your pastors wife is a busy woman. Pray that she will make wise
lifestyle choices in order to protect her health, especially in the areas
of exercise, eating moderately, and getting sufficient rest. Pray for
times of relaxation and renewal to balance the stress of ministry.
Fearing God
Scripture Reading: Prov. 19:23, 31:30; Heb. 11:6; 2 Tim. 2:15; Ps.
119:45; Eph. 1:312
And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would
draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards
those who seek him. Hebrews 11:6
Pray that your pastors wife will focus on the Word of God and walk by
faith in the fear of the Lordrather than the fear of man. Pray that she
will not seek acceptance from others or compare herself with them, but
that she will discover true freedom in her position in Christ.
A Godly Home
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 6:4; Colossians 3:2021
Do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the
discipline and instruction of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4
Pray that she will cooperate with her husband in providing godly
leadership in their home, not based on fear of what others will think,
but according to scriptural truth. (If your pastors wife does not have
children, pray that God will give her many spiritual children as she
shares the truth of Gods Word.)
--A Contented Heart
Scripture Reading: 1 Timothy 6:6, 8

But godliness with contentment is great gain. 1 Timothy 6:5

Pray that your pastors wife will be an example of contentment,
thankful for Gods supply. Pray that her sufficiency will be in Gods
abounding grace.
Stewarding Finances
Scripture Reading: Phil. 4:19; Hebrews 13:5; 1 Timothy 6:11; Psalm
37:25, 119:3637
But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness,
godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. 1 Timothy 6:11
Ask God to provide for the financial needs of your pastor and his family.
Pray that your pastors wife will be a wise steward in caring for her
family and using funds entrusted to her care. Pray that her heart will
be turned away from selfish gain and worthless things.
Stewarding Time
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 5:1516; Colossians 4:5; Psalm 90:12;
Proverbs 31:27
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making
the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15
16
Pray that your pastors wife will use time wisely, seek Gods
perspective for her schedule and priorities, and guard against
unnecessary interruptions. Pray that she will seek and obey Gods will
rather than trying to meet everyone elses expectations.
Anchored to God
Scripture Reading: Psalm 9:910, 42:5, 71:14; Hebrews 6:19
The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of
trouble. And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you,
O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:910
Ask God to remind her of the hope and refuge God offers her each day.
Pray that she will be encouraged in God, knowing that He is a firm,
secure anchor for her soul.
Wise with Words
Scripture Reading: Proverbs 11:13, 21:23, 31:26; 1 Peter 3:10
She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on
her tongue. Proverbs 31:26
Pray that your pastors wife will be wise in her conversations, choosing
her words carefully to encourage respect for her husband and the
church and to edify her sisters in the Lord. Pray that she will know how
to respond to gossip and that she will always speak with kindness and
compassion.

A Servants Heart
Scripture Reading: Galatians 5:13; Philippians 2:34; Proverbs 31:20
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count
others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only
to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians
2:34
Pray that she will serve others with Gods agape love and encourage
them with His wisdom and compassion.
--Ministry Team Unity
Scripture Reading: Romans 14:19; 1 Corinthians 12:25
So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual
upbuilding. Romans 14:19
Pray for spiritual unity between the pastors wife and others in the
churchespecially other staff members wives. Pray that the enemy
will not be allowed to create divisions, strife, or misunderstanding in
any way.
Clothed with Christ
Scripture Reading: Proverbs 31:25; 2 Corinthians 5:20; 1 Peter 3:4
Strength and dignity are her clothing. Proverbs 31:25
Pray that your pastors wife will be clothed with strength and dignity.
Pray that she will have a gentle and gracious spirit and represent the
Lord well as His ambassador.
A Heart for Revival
Scripture Reading: 2 Chronicles 7:14
If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek
my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will
forgive their sin and heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

Pray that your pastors wife will seek God for personal revival and
revival in your church and community. Pray that she will quickly repent
when she sins or strays from her Good
Shepherds side and that she learn the will and ways of God.

The Mind of Christ

Scripture Reading: Psalm 119:46
I will also speak of your testimonies before kings and shall not be put
to shame. Psalm 119:46

Pray that your pastors wife will think biblicallywith the mind of Christ
and practice the expression of her faith with boldness in places of
influence.
Seeking Gods Will
Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 15:22; 2 Corinthians 10:35; Luke 9:23
24
Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in
obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice.
1 Samuel 15:22
Pray that she will earnestly seek Gods will and be committed to instant
and complete obedienceready for God to work powerfully in and
through her life and ministry.
Virtuous Excellence
Scripture Reading: Proverbs 31:1031
Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the
Lord is to be praised. Proverbs 31:30

Pray that she will strive for personal excellence as a Proverbs 31

woman and will believe God to accomplish His will in her as a virtuous
woman.
--A Growing Faith
Scripture Reading: 1 John 4:18; Proverbs 3:56
There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. 1 John 4:18
Pray that your pastors wife will be a woman of faith and passionate
love for God, not giving in to worries, fears, or an uptight and anxious
spirit.
Counseled by the Word
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 61:3; Psalm 119:24
"Your testimonies are my delight; they are my counselors." Psalm
119:24
Pray that the Word will be her counselor and that she will serve the
Lord with gladness and encourage others to worship with a joyful,
surrendered spirit.
Growing in Humility
Scripture Reading: Micah 6:8; Galatians 6:14; John 7:1718; 1
Corinthians 10:13

He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require
of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with
your God? Micah 6:8
Pray that your pastors wife will be humble and authentic in her faith,
not given to pride or hypocrisy. Pray that she will have pure motives
and give God glory for every gain or victory.

Praying for Your Pastor's Wife

A pastors wife is often in the shadow of the man who fills the pulpit every Sunday. Most of the time, she is
pleased that God has called her husband to this place of selfless service, but there are days when she
wishes for a more normal life. She listens to her husbands dreams for the ministry and creates a safe
haven for him when it seems he has no friends. She loves and respects him, prays for him, and serves him.
Most people focus on the needs of their pastor, and one of the greatest gifts a congregation can give to him
is to pray for and care for his wife and family.
We must remember that pastors wives are human. They face the same challenges as other women in the
congregation. They are tempted to sin, grow weary in ministry, and often struggle to balance their roles
and responsibilities.
Your pastors wife needs encouragement, friendships, support, practical help, and most of all, earnest
prayer. Your prayers are crucial to her spiritual and emotional health, and God will reward your efforts to
cover your pastors wife in prayer.
As you accept the challenge to pray for your pastors wife, let her know that you are praying for her. Ask
her if she has specific prayer requests. The following prayer guide with accompanying Scriptures offers
some practical ways to pray for her.

12 Things to Pray for Your Pastor and His Family

OCTOBER 27, 2014 // 13 COMMENTS

Today is my birthday. Since I havent taken a break from writing in
ages, Im giving myself the gift of time. Time to celebrate and work on
a few other projects.

Today, Wednesday, and Friday Ill run my three top

posts of all time. Tomorrow I have a review of Ted
Dekkers new book, A.D.30. And Friday, of course
were going to do a link party with some of my
favorite posts from around the blogosphere.

12 Things to Pray for Your Pastor and His Family

Rev is not pastoring a congregation at the moment, but he has in the past.
We know what its like to lead a group of people with varying personalities
and opinions.
We know what its like to have someone threaten to leave for exactly the
opposite reasons that someone else is threatening to leave. If youre in
leadership you know that its impossible to make everyone happy, and you
may even feel like youre gifted at making everyone unhappy.
Many pastors families struggle with:

living in a fishbowl.
conflict between members.
criticism of their efforts.
financial challenges.
unrealistic expectations.
balancing family and ministry.
distance from extended family.
loneliness.

While most dont have to cope with everything on this list; every pastors
family will have to deal with some of them.
Imagine yourself with hundreds of bosses. Why? Because with every
contribution there is an unwritten belief that the giver has the right to tell
the pastor how to do his job.
Pastors wives and their children are under constant scrutiny. Sometimes
they know how they are being criticized more often they are just being talked
about family to family. Pastors families also receive complaints about their
husband and father. How would you feel if your husbands coworkers came to
you when they were unhappy with him.

People your pastors job is hard and its hard

on his family, too.

But hes faithful because he loves the Lord, hes following his calling, and he
loves you.

Pray for your Pastor and his Family.

Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles,
the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their
responsibility is to equip Gods people to do his work and build up
the church, the body of Christ.
Then we will no longer be immature like children . . . Instead, we
will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more
like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. He makes the
whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own
special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body
is healthy and growing and full of love. Ephesians 4:11-12, 14, 1516
Please pray that your pastor and his family will:
1. Receive the encouragement they need.
2. Feel loved and appreciated.
3. Get the rest they need with time to enjoy each other and have fun.
4. Receive the help they need to carry out their calling.
5. Be blessed with Gods provision and protection as they serve others.
6. Love the Lord with all their heart, mind, soul, and strength.
7. Boldly share the truth of Gods love shown through Jesus.
8. Be blessed with strong supportive friendships.
9, Remain tender-hearted when criticized.
10. Be blessed with wisdom and strength.
Please pray that your pastor will:
11. Boldly preach the truth of Gods Word with Holy Spirit wisdom.
12. Have a passion for Gods Word and prayer, and that he will encourage
the same in others.
Theres an old saying . . . if you want to get rid of your pastor, compliment him
hell work himself to death.

Your pastor is trying hard. Hes doing his best, but hes human just like you
with weaknesses and flaws. His family, well theyre human too. They need
you.
Love them the way you want them to love you.
One final note our family has been blessed at every congregation with
many wonderful people who have loved and encouraged us and made it very
easy to love them. A huge thank-you to each and every one.
Photo Credit

I wrote this referring to pastors in the masculine, not to make a political statement but
because that is the perspective with which Im familiar.

Let you pastors know youre praying . . . it will bless them.

If you are a pastors wife looking for a place to share your journey with others
who are able to relate and understand your ministry responsibilities . . .
please contact me by leaving a comment here, on the CMB Facebook page,
or email me at: deb@debwolf.com. We have a Facebook group where we
encourage each other through friendship and prayer. Let me know if youre
interested. It would be fun to give the group a little jumpstart again.

Pray for the Pastors Children

Lets pray for:
1.

Their dad (the pastor) to love them with Gods help

2.

3.
4.

Their dad to pray for them and with them

Their dad to love their mom and for the kids to see and hear tangible aspects of that love
Their dad to choose to spend quality time with them to get to know them and to teach them
about life

5.

Their dad to ask them questions and listen to the answers. This is a big one because I think most

pastors like to talk and are not good at listening. For example: Pastor Dad, what is each of your kids
favorite color? Sandwich? Movie? Book? Toy? You get the idea. Answer quickly without thinking too
much. If you dont know the answers, go back spend some time with your kids and listen to them and
pay attention.

6.
7.
8.

Their dad to teach them Bible stories in word and deed

Them to have other adults in the church to love them and support them

Them to have some adults who can act like grandparents (if they live far from extended family)
9.

Them to have good wholesome friendships with saved and unsaved

10. Them to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior at a young age and live for Him all the days of their
lives
11. Them to want to lead others to Christ and make disciples in their own way and time
12. Any other way you feel led.
I guarantee that your pastor and his wife would be thrilled and appreciative if they knew you were
interceding for their children. They may never know that you are praying, but God does. Your prayers
will make a difference. Thanks for praying.
Romans 15:13; Isaiah 50:7
Fathering is unpredictable, untidy and frequently confusing. That is why there are so many fathers
who have children, but so few children who have fathers.

Tim Hansel, What Kids Need Most in a Dad

5 ways to love your pastors kids

1. Pray for them faithfully.
Your pastors family experiences a rare breed of spiritual attack. One of the most vital
ways to serve your pastor and his kids is to pray for them faithfully. If He hasnt yet,
pray that God would open their hearts to place their faith in Jesus. Pray that God would
protect them from spiritual attack. Pray that God would give them a strong relationship
with their mom and dad. Pray that they would love the church and be who God made
them to be. Which brings us to number two.

2. Let them be who they are.

There is no job description for your pastors kids. There is no one personality that God
forms in the children of pastors. My kids, for instance, are shy around people they dont
know. That means when people at church come up to say hello to them, they often
hide behind my leg. Your pastors children may be super outgoing and extroverted. If

thats the case, awesome. But if theyre shy, dont push them, and dont take it
personally if they aren't ready to be your bestie just yet.

3. Treat them like kids.

Often times the pastors kids are placed on a pedestal. They are held to an impossibly
high standard that no other child in the church is held to. This is unfair, unhelpful, and
unbiblical. Just because their dad is your pastor, does not mean that they are more holy.
Theyre just kids. Let them make mistakes. Encourage them. Be patient with them.
Dont judge them. Just let them be kids.

4. Remember they arent the churchs kids.

This is huge! You hear stories about them and theyre the source of many illustrations,
but dont forget that you dont know them and they certainly dont know you. Ive had
people, kind and loving people, come up to me after a service and engage my kids
around some illustration about them I just used. It usually makes them feel awkward
and uncomfortable (provided they dont know the person). I know people mean well, but
its so important we dont assume an intimacy that doesnt exist.

5. Dont criticize their dad.

No pastor is perfect - especially the one writing this. Every pastor will make mistakes
that will most likely be talked about in the homes of his people. If you have kids, please
be careful not to criticize your pastor in front of them. The last thing your pastors kid
needs to hear through his or her friends is that the friend's parents are criticizing their
dad. Take criticism to him, not them.

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