trust us, it’s going to be alright. Here are
five simple principles, based on what
we’ve shared from our experience, to
keep your family on track.
CREATE A FAMILY IDENTITY
Take time to think through the things
you want your kids to know about
being a member of your family. Not
a simple list of dos and don’ts, but
a description of the mission, vision
and values that make you the unique
family God created. I (Geoff) learned
this from my mom who taught us as
kids that “there are things we do and
don’t do because we are Surratts” (I
often wished I could change my name
to Smith) If your kids are old enough
include them in the process of creating
your family identity, and refer back
to this definition regularly. A strong
family identity prevents others from
deciding what your family should be.
FIERCELY DEFEND YOUR FAMILY
The church doesn’t get to decide what
your family is and isn’t, you do. In
ministry, there will always be others
who will tell you what you should be
doing or saying and even what your
kids should look and act like. But the
ball is in your court, don’t serve it up
to anyone else. You decide what your
family’s boundaries are, and what’s
best for your kids. Give your kids the
freedom to discover who God designed
them to be and what their relationship
with the church and God will look like.
You are the only champion your family
has. Many people in and out of the
church have a picture of who your
family should be and how your kids
should act; it is your responsibility
to stick to the unique picture you’re
creating. God specifically chose you
to raise your kids, only you can decide
how they should be raised.
“
The church doesn’t
get to decide what
your family is and isn’t;
you do.”
MAKE MINISTRY A WIN
As I (Geoff) look back on growing up
in a pastor’s home, the best thing my
parents did was encourage us to serve
in ministry. I hated Sunday School
and I got kicked out of Children’s
Church, but I loved volunteering in the
puppet ministry. I think my experience
volunteering as a teenager is the
biggest reason I am still involved in
ministry today, and I’ve seen my
children have the same experience.
As a leader in the church you have
the opportunity to help you kids find a
place they love to serve.
LEAN INTO OTHERS
Help your kids connect with adults
who will love them warts and all. They
need a safe place where they aren’t
Solutions • 27