In one of my first classes at seminary I heard a student recite a psalm he had written and it has stuck with me ever since. He made clear that before he could be “Pastor Nathan” he had to be “Pastor Daddy.” This was not about having your children see you as some aloof pastor they don’t know but rather about leading your family well – pastoring you children before you pastor anyone else.

As I spend more time in ministry  it seems to take more of my focus. But this week I was reminded (by my daughter) that it was important for me to pastor her first of all. This is what I want to be about.

If you are a father – please father. Don’t be distant and a blur. Be present and a parent to your children. And if you are in ministry – let’s be about leading our families well as a reflection of Christ’s love.

(Don’t mind that fact that the picture indicates that I am carving an idol with my daughter…)