The Ministry Begins at Home

When people think of ministry, they often picture the pulpit, the worship stage, or the mission field. But for me, the most sacred ministry space is our home. Before I was ever “Pastor Ryan,” I was a husband and a dad. And as much as I love shepherding our church family, my first responsibility is leading my own. That’s not always easy. In fact, raising kids while being active in ministry has stretched, humbled, and refined me in ways I never expected. But it’s also one of the greatest joys of my life; watching our family serve Jesus together, grow together, and sometimes stumble together. Ministry doesn’t just shape the church. It shapes your family too.

The Blessing of Shared Purpose

One of the most beautiful things about serving in ministry as a family is the sense of shared purpose. We’re not just doing church on Sunday we’re building the Kingdom together, day by day. My kids have grown up understanding that faith isn’t just a Sunday activity it’s our lifestyle. They’ve seen their mom and dad serve behind the scenes, lead small groups, pray with people, and open our home to others. And little by little, they’ve found their own ways to serve too. Whether it’s greeting people with a smile, helping set up chairs, or volunteering in kids’ church, they’re learning what it means to live beyond themselves.

And here’s what I’ve noticed: when kids are involved in ministry, they grow deeper roots. They feel connected to the church, not as spectators, but as contributors. They don’t just hear about Jesus—they see Him at work through their own hands. That’s powerful. That’s discipleship.

The Challenges Are Real

That said, it’s not always sunshine and scripture memory. There are real challenges to navigating family life and ministry at the same time. There are nights when I get home exhausted, only to find that my kids need my full attention. There are seasons when ministry demands seem to stretch us thin. And there have been moments when I’ve had to apologize to my wife or my children for being more present at church than at home.

Ministry can be all-consuming if we’re not careful. And if we’re not intentional, it’s easy for our family to feel like they’re coming in second to the people we serve. That’s not how it should be. Our kids need to know they’re not competing with ministry, they’re a part of it. But that only happens when we prioritize communication, boundaries, and regular family rhythms that keep our relationships healthy.

Protecting the Family While Leading in the Church

One of the best pieces of advice I ever received came from an older pastor who told me, “Let your kids grow up knowing the church is a blessing, not a burden.” That stuck with me. I never want my kids to resent church because they felt like they lost their dad to it. So we’ve learned to set healthy boundaries. Sometimes that means saying no to extra meetings or projects. Sometimes it means carving out intentional time for Sabbath as a family even if it’s just a quiet Sunday afternoon with pizza and board games.

We also talk openly with our kids about the highs and lows of ministry. We let them see the joy of baptisms, the impact of missions, and the beauty of community. But we’re also honest when things are hard. We pray together over the tough stuff. And through it all, we remind them that serving Jesus is worth it, not because it’s always easy, but because He is always faithful.

Practical Ways to Serve Together

If you’re in ministry and raising kids, here are a few things we’ve found helpful:

• Find age-appropriate ways for kids to serve. Let them pass out bulletins, help clean up, or play music if they’re gifted. It doesn’t have to be big—they just need to feel like they’re part of it.
  
• Talk about the “why.” Help your kids see the bigger picture. Share stories about life change. Connect their acts of service to the gospel.
  
• Celebrate small wins. When your child prays out loud or invites a friend to church, make it a big deal. Those moments build confidence and purpose.
  
• Guard your time together. Ministry never sleeps, but your family needs rest. Prioritize family nights, meals together, and moments to laugh and just be normal.
  
• Model servant leadership. Your kids are watching how you treat others, how you handle criticism, how you deal with burnout. Your life is the greatest sermon they’ll ever hear.
  

Leaving a Legacy of Faith

At the end of the day, I don’t just want my kids to remember that their dad was a pastor. I want them to remember that we followed Jesus together. That our home was full of grace, truth, and purpose. That we opened our doors to people in need, and opened our hearts to the work of God.

Raising Kingdom kids isn’t about raising perfect kids, it’s about raising kids who know how to follow a perfect Savior. It’s about shaping a legacy that lasts longer than any title or sermon. So to every ministry family out there; keep going. Keep praying, keep laughing, keep showing up for each other. The road isn’t always easy, but it is holy. And the seeds you’re planting today will bear fruit for generations to come.