Ask Fred > Faith > How can you reach out to those in the church family and not neglect your own?

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Dear Fred

How does one know when to reach out to those in the church family - meeting needs, cultivating friendships - and not neglect the needs/relationships at home or extended family when the needs and projects of the church family get replaced with a new need or church project?

Fred's Response

I certainly believe your first place of ministry is your home. I've seen young people go into ministry and get so involved that they neglect their own family. This can be disastrous. Christ talked about starting in Jerusalem which was the home base and I think that equates to our families. Certainly we want to help our family to be involved in the church ministry as we bring benefits to the members and fellowship in love. Public ministry can be tempting because we get recognized for it and get praise when the everyday home environment is often not that dramatic. I believe that children must see mature Christian living as adult behavior so they aspire to that model as they grow up. There will always be needs within a community of people. You can certainly finish a project and expect another to take its place --- that is just human nature. Don't expect time to miraculously open up for your family without a commitment on your part and planning. Certainly we as individuals and as families want to participate in church programs and be part of an active fellowship but the ministry of the church should not minimize the ministry at home. The strongest encouragement to our spouses and children as believers is to see the love of Christ lived out in their lives and then in the lives of others. Blessings on you as you strive for balance and the integration of faith into the demands of life.