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. 4:32-5:1). 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 CommandmentScripture 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 pastor’s wife will love God with all her heart, soul, mind, and strength. Pray that God’s Spirit will work in her heart in power and that she will value and follow biblical priorities.

Strong Character and IntegrityScripture 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 JesusScripture Reading: 2 Timothy 2:15–16; 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 God—that 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.

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Growing in DiscernmentScripture Reading: Psalm 119:99; James 1:5–6“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 pastor’s wife will counsel and teach with discernment through the wise use of Scripture and with faith in God’s power.

A Submissive HeartScripture Reading: Ephesians 5:23–33“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 5:23–24

Ask God to protect her marriage and keep it strong as a model of the Church’s submission to Christ. Pray that she will respect and practice godly submission to her husband’s leadership and that her husband will love and cherish her.

Facing Critics with GraceScripture 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 pastor’s 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 WordScripture 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 pastor’s 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 EvilScripture Reading: John 17:15; Isaiah 54:17; Psalm 91:9–11“Because  you have made  the  Lord  your  dwelling  place—the  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 pastor’s wife from the evil plots of Satan. Pray that she will not be corrupted as she rubs shoulders with the world.

 Prayer HedgesScripture Reading: Matthew 19:6; Proverbs 31:11; 2 Corinthians 10:4–5“The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.” —Proverbs 31:11Pray 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.

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A Guarded HeartScripture Reading: Romans 13:14; Ephesians 6:10–18“But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.” —Romans 13:14

Pray that your pastor’s 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 FriendshipsScripture 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 pastor’s wife and her family to strengthen them for the ministry and to provide meaningful fellowship, accountability, and times of rest.

 Prayer and WorshipScripture Reading: 1 Thess. 5:17; Acts 1:14; Mark 1:35; Matthew 4:10; Titus 2:4–5“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 example—teaching women how to walk in a close relationship with the Father.

A Balanced LifeScripture Reading: Romans 12:1–2; 1 Corinthians 6:19–20, 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 pastor’s 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 GodScripture Reading: Prov. 19:23, 31:30; Heb. 11:6; 2 Tim. 2:15; Ps. 119:45; Eph.  1:3–12“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 pastor’s wife will focus on the Word of God and walk by faith in the fear of the Lord—rather 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 HomeScripture Reading: Ephesians 6:4; Colossians 3:20–21“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 pastor’s wife does not have children, pray that God will give her many “spiritual children” as she shares the truth of God’s Word.)

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A Contented HeartScripture Reading: 1 Timothy 6:6, 8“But godliness with contentment is great gain.” —1 Timothy 6:5

Pray that your pastor’s wife will be an example of contentment, thankful for God’s supply. Pray that her sufficiency will be in God’s abounding grace.

Stewarding FinancesScripture Reading: Phil. 4:19; Hebrews 13:5; 1 Timothy 6:11; Psalm 37:25, 119:36–37“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 pastor’s 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 TimeScripture Reading: Ephesians 5:15–16; 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 pastor’s wife will use time wisely, seek God’s perspective for her schedule and priorities, and guard against unnecessary interruptions. Pray that she will seek and obey God’s will rather than trying to meet everyone else’s expectations.

Anchored to GodScripture Reading: Psalm 9:9–10, 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 9:9–10

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 WordsScripture 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 pastor’s 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 Servant’s HeartScripture Reading: Galatians 5:13; Philippians 2:3–4; 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 2:3–4

Pray that she will serve others with God’s agape love and encourage them with His wisdom and compassion.

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Ministry Team UnityScripture 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 pastor’s wife and others in the church—especially other staff members’ wives. Pray that the enemy will not be allowed to create divisions, strife, or misunderstanding in any way. 

 Clothed with ChristScripture Reading: Proverbs 31:25; 2 Corinthians 5:20; 1 Peter 3:4“Strength and dignity are her clothing.” —Proverbs 31:25

Pray that your pastor’s 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 RevivalScripture 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 7:14Pray that your pastor’s 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

Shepherd’s side and that she learn the will and ways of God. 

 

The Mind of ChristScripture 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 pastor’s wife will think biblically—with the mind of Christ—and practice the expression of her faith with boldness in places of influence.

 Seeking God’s WillScripture Reading: 1 Samuel 15:22; 2 Corinthians 10:3–5; 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 God’s will and be committed to instant and complete obedience—ready for God to work powerfully in and through her life and ministry. 

 Virtuous ExcellenceScripture Reading: Proverbs 31:10–31“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.

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A Growing FaithScripture Reading: 1 John 4:18; Proverbs 3:5–6“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.” —1 John 4:18

Pray that your pastor’s 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 WordScripture 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 HumilityScripture Reading: Micah 6:8; Galatians 6:14; John 7:17–18; 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 pastor’s 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 pastor’s 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 husband’s 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 pastor’s 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 pastor’s wife in prayer.

As you accept the challenge to pray for your pastor’s 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 haven’t taken a break from writing in ages, I’m giving myself the gift of time. Time to celebrate and work on a few other projects.

Today, Wednesday, and Friday I’ll run my three top posts of all time. Tomorrow I have a review of Ted Dekker’s new book, A.D.30. And Friday, of course we’re 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 it’s like to lead a group of people with varying personalities and opinions.

We know what it’s like to have someone threaten to leave for exactly the opposite reasons that someone else is threatening to leave. If you’re in leadership you know that it’s impossible to make everyone happy, and you may even feel like you’re gifted at making everyone unhappy.

Many pastor’s 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 don’t have to cope with everything on this list; every pastor’s 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.

Pastor’s 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. Pastor’s families also receive complaints about their husband and father. How would you feel if your husband’s coworkers came to you when they were unhappy with him.

People – your pastor’s job is hard and it’s hard on his family, too.

But he’s faithful because he loves the Lord, he’s 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 God’s 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, 15-16Please 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 God’s 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 God’s 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 God’s Word with Holy Spirit wisdom.12. Have a passion for God’s Word and prayer, and that he will encourage the same in others.

There’s an old saying . . . if you want to get rid of your pastor, compliment him – he’ll work himself to death.Your pastor is trying hard. He’s doing his best, but he’s human just like you with weaknesses and flaws. His family, well they’re 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 CreditI wrote this referring to pastors in the masculine, not to make a political statement but because that is the perspective with which I’m familiar.Let you pastors know you’re praying . . . it will bless them.

If you are a pastor’s 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 you’re interested. It would be fun to give the group a little jumpstart again. 

Pray for the Pastor’s Children

Let’s pray for:

1.      Their dad (the pastor) to love them with God’s help

2.      Their dad to pray for them and with them

3.      Their dad to love their mom and for the kids to see and hear tangible aspects of that love

4.      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 kid’s favorite color? Sandwich? Movie? Book? Toy? You get the idea. Answer quickly without thinking too much. If you don’t know the answers, go back spend some time

with your kids and listen to them and pay attention.

6.      Their dad to teach them Bible stories in word and deed

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

8.      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 pastor’s kids

1. Pray for them faithfully.

Your pastor’s 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 hasn’t 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 pastor’s kids. There is no one personality that God forms in the children of pastors. My kids, for instance, are shy around people they don’t know. That means when people at church come up to say “hello” to them, they often hide behind my leg. Your pastor’s children may be super outgoing and extroverted. If that’s the case, awesome. But if they’re shy, don’t push them, and don’t take it personally if they aren't ready to be your bestie just yet.

3. Treat them like kids.

Often times the pastor’s 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. They’re just kids. Let them make mistakes. Encourage them. Be patient with them. Don’t judge them. Just let them be kids.

4. Remember they aren’t the church’s kids.

This is huge! You hear stories about them and they’re the source of many illustrations, but don’t forget that you don’t know them and they certainly don’t know you. I’ve 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 don’t know the person). I know people mean well, but it’s so important we don’t assume an intimacy that doesn’t exist.

5. Don’t 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 pastor’s 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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