Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. ~ Ephesians 6:4

READING: I Corinthians 12:21-26

Since catalytic church planting usually requires a nomadic lifestyle, it became very important that our sons feel good about each move.

Being a pastor’s kid is hard enough on any child, and the upheavals of moving can often create additional stress.

When Jim and I felt called to uproot our family to plant our third church, we prayed fervently that our sons (age 10 and 13) would also get excited about the move. We let them in on the decision-making process quite early on.

We told them we were praying for God to guide us and asked them to join us in prayer so we would all hear from God. We made multiple family trips up to the Antelope Valley and debriefed together on each drive home.

They did not feel pressured either to stay or to move. They noticed that Jim did not commit our family to a move until after they felt enthusiastic.

By the time God led us to Iowa, our oldest son was off to college so Zachary (age 15) came alone. At that pivotal time in his life a huge move could have given him animus for much teen angst.

Right before we moved, Jim and I needed to make a quick trip to Iowa to find housing for our family, select a school for Zach, and begin preliminary church plant site selection. God mercifully gave us the brilliant idea to send Zach along instead of me.

That “man’s man” trip with Jim gave Zach a sense of project ownership, and our demonstrated respect for his input helped our California son in his bumpy adjustment to the Midwest.

Today’s Prayer: Dear Father, Please give me patience to allow my children time to also catch our vision. Amen.

Dionne Carpenter