By Courtney Ingle
Mothers are called to raise their kids, and to strive to do their best in every aspect of motherhood – but we’re not alone in that mission. My husband and I have been blessed with two great kids, ages 9 and 5. While we are primarily charged with raising our children (with the love and support of family), there is one group of people that influences a child’s life that often goes under-appreciated.
The pastor of the church sets the intention. He guides the ship, whether obediently aligned with God’s Word or otherwise. His dedication to steering that church also influences staffing, especially of those who run the children’s ministries. Those ministerial staff are chosen carefully to feed into the spiritual life of your child. They’re coming alongside you to “raise them up in the way they should go,” as written in Proverbs 22:6.
My “special teams” of preschool and children’s ministry heads at our church (affectionately referred to as Koko and Brother Jeff respectively) hold such an esteemed place in my heart. When my kids are asking me spiritual questions, and I fear I’m not helping their understanding, I know I can reach out to the preschool and children’s ministerial staff at our church for help. When my children express new understanding in their own childlike, adorable ways, I celebrate that win with the ministry team.
Our pastor, Dr. Keith Grubbs, also makes it a point to connect with kids and youth of all ages. The intentionality of a pastor with a heart for discipling children leads to a carefully selected ministerial staff that will teach and support these young, precious children by building foundations that will last them a lifetime.
During Pastor Appreciation Month, I encourage you to recognize the role your pastor and church leadership have in the lives of your children. Then, express that gratitude. Your simple “thank you” might be a much-needed ministry into the heart of those in children’s ministry.
Courtney and her husband, Jeremy, live in Brandon and are members of Park Place Baptist Church in Pearl. They have a daughter, Taylor, and a son, Jacob. Courtney is a full-time homemaker and can be reached at courtneyingle89@gmail.com.
