The Swings Will Be Empty

So you're a ministry leader, huh? Got lots of people looking to you for vision and direction. Strategy, planning, motivation, inspiration -- these are the tools of your trade. You love the feeling of being part of something bigger than yourself. You get excited when the organization moves forward, taking ground that was once lost to Satan. Progress is your middle name. You are a mover, a shaker. You make things happen. You won't rest until God's purpose is fulfilled through you.

Let me as a question:

Are you a parent?

With all you are doing to build God's Kingdom, don't neglect the little ones under your roof. Before you know it, the chatter in the house will give way to silence. The car seats will be sold at a garage sale for a fraction of what they cost originally. The homework assignments will all be completed. And the swings will be empty.

Many ministry leaders don't understand that the raising of their kids is just as important (some argue more important) as leading adults to build the Kingdom.

Read this list of 7 ways to be an effective parent, by Kelli Mahoney:

1. Know Who You Are
2. Talk To Your Kids
3. Listen To Your Kids
4. Offer Choices
5. Do As I Say And I Do
6. Discuss Your Faith
7. Be The Parent

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How do you weave your parenting into the fabric of your ministry leadership?

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