Dual Calling: ARC Churches' Insights on Being a Pastor and a Parent

(Photo : Kelli McClintock on Unsplash)

Pastors have to juggle a lot in their professional lives to ensure that their churches run well and reach people with the message of Jesus. Yet, at the same time, ARC (Association of Related Churches) says that many pastors also have families at home that need to be fully integrated into the equation.

It's not easy to be a pastor and a parent at the same time. With the right guidance and support, it's possible to excel in your roles at church and home simultaneously.

Below are some insights from ARC Church leaders on being a pastor and a parent.

Be Purposeful

Many parents want to be perfect, but that's simply not attainable. At times, every parent will "blow it," so to speak. Even some of the best parents will mess up more times than they can count.

And that's OK.

Parents should know that they're never going to be perfect, but they can always work to be purposeful. Just as it is in pastoring, it's important to have a clear purpose as a parent and to prioritize that purpose.

It can be easy to lose sight of the true purpose and priority of pastoring—to keep your family at the top—but it's something that all pastors need to keep in mind.

Re-Frame Your Outlook

Things can seem ominous at times when you're a pastor, but a simple re-framing of your outlook can help you keep your focus, energy, and attention on what's important.

As ARC (Association of Related Churches) explains, this can be done by replacing a common phrase. Instead of saying you "have to" do something, say you "get to" do it. In other words, not everything is a task but an opportunity.

What this rephrasing does is put in perspective all the amazing opportunities that God has given you. As a parent and pastor, you're fortunate enough to do things others might not be able to do.

Cherish those opportunities, say you get to do them, and then enjoy them through and through.

Involve Your Children

Perhaps the best way to balance being a parent and a pastor is to involve your children in what you do. Most pastors partnering with ARC Churches teach their children about the love of God and all the good He does for us.

Taking it a step further and involving your children in your work helps to show them first-hand how you can give back. Plus, it helps to build that family bond even stronger—inside and outside your house.

Most children love to be involved in what their parents are doing. So, get started young with them. Show them the importance of serving, giving back, making their community a better place, and sharing Jesus's wonderful word.

About ARC (Association of Related Churches)

ARC (Association of Related Churches) represents a collaborative network comprising independent congregations from various denominations, networks, and backgrounds. Its primary mission is to provide essential support and resources to church planters and pastors, enabling them to share the teachings of Jesus effectively. ARC's operational approach revolves around empowering and equipping church leaders, fostering the widespread dissemination of the life-changing message of Jesus. Established in 2000, ARC has evolved into a worldwide entity and has played a pivotal role in facilitating the establishment of over 1,000 new churches.