Bradley Wareley
Too often pastoral families are placed in a position where unfair expectations have caused more harm than anything else.
Every pastoral family face challenge, opposition and difficulty.
They are NOT immune.
All of the prayer in the world does not cause them to avoid harm, pain, bitterness and other adversities.
They face family crisis more than most families would desire to.
They cry.
Their children choose drugs and alcohol.
Surprisingly pastoral families also backslide, grow cold and lose their first love.
Arguments and division enter into their homes too.
They are a prime target for satan and his demons!
At times they are directionless and become frustrated and discouraged.
They make mistakes, error and have regrets.
They are trained biblically and theologically but more often function as Psychologists, Psychiatrists, Lawyers, Financial Advisors, Peace Brokers, Family Counselors, Motivators and Life Coaches, Crime Preventors, Funeral Directors, Business Consultants, Social Workers, Events Managers and a host of other roles in order to aid the local church and commuity they love without recognition and compensation.
They have bills to pay like every other family and worry about how it will be paid.
They endure sickness and disease like every other family.
They lose family members through death and struggle with the grief that follows.
They are not always the model family which easily reaches the high standards set for them. Impossible!
They are forgotten, undermined, disrespected, dishonoured, devalued, while expected to be an example of spiritual wisdom.
In most cases they are excessively criticised and judged and as a result can live sheltered and shattered lives suffering quietly.
Often there is the requirement to pray for others while not being prayed for.
Are expected to be available 24/7/365 while others control their availability to the local church and also the pastoral family.
Is often easily accused and berated while having to be the blueprint of humility and godliness.
Even though the impression is created that pastoral families live wealthy lives because of a many rogue ministries who have presented it as such the contrary is true - they also face financial hardship and have to trust God daily for their needs.
Thy are expected to be the "yes" family, the ones with the constant smile and courage who never says "no"
How should you treat the Pastoral Family at your church?
“And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;” 1 Thessalonians 5:23.
Biblically you are called on to know the Pastoral Family. It is senseless to know only the Pastor when he/she is married and have children. Knowing the Pastoral Family means you know the pastors' spouse and his/her children. Do you know your Pastoral Family?
Other translations of the Word of God use other words in the place of know (KJV).
These other words are descriptive of how God would have you treat Pastoral Family.
These words are honor (NLT), recognition (CSB), appreciate (AMP), respect (CEB), thoughtful (CEV), take note of (EHV), acknowledge (GNV), show your appreciation (GW), pay proper respect to (GNT), to accept (NIRV).
I pray that your behaviour and treatment of your Pastoral family would undergo a radical change guided by the Word of God.
The pastoral is vulnerable to attack from all quarters, and we would be well advised to pray for such families. They need it just as much as you do.
There is much more that can be added to the list above. Please feel free to indicate any more challenges pastoral families face in the comment section below. I would love to hear your thoughts.
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Pray for Pastoral families.
Hoping to hear from you.
Please share any thoughts and comments you may have below.
Bradley V Wareley
Pastor, Full Gospel Church of God, Kensington.
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