Chapter 15—Relationships in the Pastoral Family
Home
The real character of the minister is revealed at home—It is
not so much the religion of the pulpit as the religion of the family
that reveals our real character. The minister’s wife, his children, and
those who are employed as helpers in his family are best qualified to
judge of his piety. A good man will be a blessing to his household.
Wife, children, and helpers will all be the better for his religion.—
The
Adventist Home, 354
.
The spiritual welfare of your family comes first—Nothing can
excuse the minister for neglecting the inner circle for the larger circle
outside. The spiritual welfare of his family comes first. In the day of
final reckoning, God will inquire what he did to win to Christ those
whom he took the responsibility of bringing into the world. Great
good done for others cannot cancel the debt that he owes to God to
care for his own children.—
Gospel Workers, 204
.
A minister needs to show kindly consideration as head of the
family before succeeding in winning souls—You must show in your
family that kindly consideration, that tenderness, love, gentleness,
noble forbearance, and true courtesy, that is becoming to the head of a
family, before you can make a success of winning souls to Christ.—
Testimonies for the Church 3:556
.
Some ministers are drawn away from their work by home
ties—Some ministers are easily diverted from their work. They be-
come discouraged, or are drawn away by their home ties, and leave a
growing interest to die for want of attention. The loss sustained by the
cause in this way can scarcely be estimated.—
Gospel Workers, 371
.
Spouse
Treat your wife tenderly—Treat your wife tenderly. She needs
all the care and comfort and encouragement that you promised in your
marriage vow to give her. Do not give her the slightest occasion to
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