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I love the way you said that a spiritual leader is a model of Christ because I agree with that being a spiritual leader doesn’t start in church its starts with you and your family .As a spiritual leader you are representing God like apostle Paul says in [1 Corinthians 11:1] “Imitate me as I imitate Christ”. You have to lead by example and you have to practice what you preach live out the values of Jesus and teach your family how to pray, fast, study the word God, learn them how to serve with humility because our creator step down from His throne to serve us and that shows that He is even more humble than we are. A healthy church and leadership starts with you as spiritual in Jesus and Jesus is a God of family and relationships.
Spiritual Formation Of a Leader’s Children
Spiritual formation involves exposure to God’s word from childhood .Foundations of children which quotes christian reseacher, George Barna[2003:7] research regarding all the facets of moral and spiritual development, whether related to worldview, beliefs or behaviour, shows that such development starts as early as age two. Studies shows that as young as the age of nine children are able to discern between right from wrong in a moral capacity, it also shows it is an equal outcome in their spiritual understanding. They also understand where and in who they are spiritual rooted in. In Gods word we see that He tells us that if we wanna enter the Kingdom of God we have to believe like a child.These are the strategies that a spiritual leader can use for her/his family. To teach their children while they are still at a young age to make prayer and reading God’s word through memory verses, bible stories and also teaching them how to pray part of their everyday life but also not just teaching also living it and being an example for them.To practice fasting once a week even if its just for 3-4 hours it will also teach them discipline and self-control. Taking their children to sunday school,and as they grow older to be part of the youth groups in church for their spiritual and emotional health .These practice is to make sure that spiritual transformation is taking place.This will teach them to immersed fully in teaching and ministry of Jesus Christ. Spiritual formation need not to be classifeid as a fuction of adulthood we see this in 2 timothy 3:15 indicates that spiritual formation involves exposre to God’s word from childhood.
However their are also potential dangers for families that are led by spiritual leaders and vocational ministers. The responsiblities and demands of ministry can lead to neglect of personal and family needs. Sometimes the children of spiritual leaders feels the undue pessure to meet high expectations, which can lead to resentment or rebellion. It can also lead to identity problems cause they feel rejection from their parents and they will feel the need to rebel to find a sense of belonging somewhere .The way a spiritual leader take cares for their own family will reflect and impact in other families in the church and community. A leaders that sets a positive example of how to follow God and to take care of his own family will influnce others to follow his example, after Jesus says in His word 1 corinthians 11:1-2 “Imitate me, just as I imatate Christ.I praise and appreciate you because you remember me in everything and you firmly hold to the traditions ,just as I passed them on to you”.
My Personal Authentic story
When I gave my heart to Jesus in grade 9 my whole world view and purpose change into Jesus. Since than my desires for ministry has grown so much everyday.In grade 10 i was still seeking Jesus more to find myself in Him. Getting to live in His authentic story of my life.Through scripture Jesus brought me confirmation that i shouldnt fear the future [Isaiah 41:13] “For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you,Do not fear,i will help you.Knowing this brought so much peace to my heart that i dont have to worry about the future or be afraid that He is with me.As I was on my journey walking with Jesus I went through so much things depression, anxiety ,hurts, dissapointments but I kept on holding on to Jesus word and promises to me, where He tells me that He knows the plans that He has for me in [Jeremiah 29:11] ” For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and future.He completely calm my anxious mind with His father’s heart and compassion [Philippians 4:6-7] “Be anxious for nothig but in everything by prayer and supplication,with thanksgiving,let your requests be known to God,and the peace of God,which surpasses all understanding,will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” I run back to Jesus everytime I got anxious about my ministry that He has called me in,so i got involve in my church and their kids ministries for 3 years but still in my heart i felt that empthy space that had to fill with something. As I was crying out to Jesus tell Him I really want to do missonary work and each one of my family members thinks I am crazy,He answer me through His word [Jeremiah 1:4]
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,before you were born i set you apart, I apppointed you as a prophet to the nations”.He reminded me that I shouldn’t say I am too young to go where He calls me and I said yes last year Jan 2023 without knowing where finances will come from.I completey move to Limpopo trusting Jesus to provide for me and He did and He still is.I am so glad I said yes because I am living in fullness in Him now.I am in full time missonary ministry and I love it so much cause Jesus is in my story and still writing my authentic story
Now my ministry involves kids,youth even older people and seeing each one of their prefections through the eyes of Jesus is amazing.
