[Karlisle Julius]

Dear Yache
Thank you for writing such a thoughtful discussion post. It clear to me that you have a healthy understanding of the importance of spiritual formation in the life of a spiritual leader.

In your discussion post you mentioned a few practical strategies for a spiritual leader to help his family grow and mature in Christ. Things like reading the bible together and talking about the implications of the texts we are reading. In my own family I have found that those moments truly bring us closer together and to God. This will naturally lead to us praying together as well.
In my family I have become increasingly aware of my role to be the spiritual leader and not only in my team. Your emphasis on the leader to be prioritizing their own growth and relationship with God and others has convicted me and further confirmed how important this is.

[Karlisle Julius]

a. What do you believe a spiritual leader should do for the spiritual formation of his/her own family? What are realistic strategies he/she can use to help his/her family grow? How can a spiritual leader develop a good family vision? Without vision, people perish. Proverbs 29:18

The term ‘spiritual formation’ is used to describe a lifelong process of growing in faith and developing a relationship with God. This is where we begin as spiritual leaders. John 15:5, records an important teaching by Jesus on this topic, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

Spiritual leaders should be able to teach and guide others on their journey. Through teaching spiritual truths, provide moral guidance, giving support and comfort during challenging times. In addition to this, a spiritual leader should cultivate a sense of community within their faith. This is often achieved through the practice of spiritual disciplines like prayer, bible reading, fasting, worship, and gathering with other Christians.
These practices are found in the bible, as well as a strategy to help spiritually form our families. Deuteronomy 11:18-19, “Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
In order to develop a vision for one’s family, a spiritual leader needs to desire God and the kingdom of God. Matthew 6:33, records the words of Jesus, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.” Spiritual disciplines help us gain a better understanding of the gospel and draws closer to God.

b. What are the potential dangers for families that have a father and/or mother who is a spiritual leader or vocational minister?

We cannot ignore the potential pitfalls that spiritual leaders can unintentionally fall into. Spiritual leaders or vocational ministers have to jealously guard their own families’ relational and spiritual health. There are many stories of the children of these leaders, having estranged relationships with their parents due to neglecting their need for guidance and comfort in hard times. Often the pressure of the ministry role of the parents affects the children and results in them running away from anything to do with God.
Secondly, there is the pitfall of becoming so busy that they begin to neglect their own health. As a spiritual leader and vocational minister, I have found myself becoming so busy with the things of God, that I have neglected focusing on talking to and with Him for my own growth.
When these potential dangers become a reality, we face the possibility of seeing these families suffering trauma and hurt, causing resentment in relationships.

c. How does the quality of the care of a spiritual leader for his/her family impact other families in the congregation?

When families come together in a congregational setting, the family with strong and healthy bonds become a shining example for the rest of the community. In Matthew 5:14, Jesus used the example of us being like a light to the world in these settings. Through their light shining, God the Father gets glorified. We need to become aware of our role in being salt and light in this world. How we lead our families as spiritual leaders, affects others around us as well.

[Karlisle Julius]

I enjoy listening to an expository sermon, because it gives me context and helps me understand the passage better. This often increases my general understanding of the passage and Biblical message. Once I have context, I can begin processing how to apply it to my life.

[Author]

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