Mark Driscoll has written on “Pastor Dad” which can be downloaded for free (and which I have not yet read), that reminds fathers that they are all pastors in their homes. I am learning a few things about being Pastor Daddy in my home and am being reminded that just as all fathers are pastors, all pastors should be good fathers and husbands. My children are reminding me that they need me a lot, and that my responsibilities with church and anything other else does not change their needs. Even when I’m busy, they still need their daddy (and for the record, that is not such a bad thing).
Sunday I preached on Jesus’ care for his mother from the cross (John 19:26-27). In light of his spiritual responsibilities, Jesus did not neglect his natural and family responsibilities to his mom. Regardless of what else I have going on, I am called first to minister to my family.
Wyatt is two and is struggling to understand all of this, but in his struggle he is helping me. You see, he doesn’t understand why I’m daddy to him and ‘Pastor Craig’ to all of the other kids in our church. Sometimes he slips and calls me ‘Pastor Craig,’ but recently, I have heard ‘Pastor Daddy’ a few times. My son is reminding me and teaching me that even as I pastor others, I have to pastor him, his sister, and his mom as well.
Pastors, being married to us or fathered by us must be weird. Do all that you can to remove the weirdness, give your family the pastor that the rest of your church enjoys. Pray with and for them, teach them the Word, disciple them, love them, and spend tons of time with them. They are your responsibility too.
