Pastor Dads - Is There a Church Versus Us Relationship?

Episode 736

“Pastor Dads” face tremendous challenges in raising children. Clint Clifton talks with Bryan Loritts and Bobby Jamieson about how to navigate the complexities.

In This Episode, You’ll Discover:

• Unique challenges Pastor Dads face
• What Pastor Dads sometimes get wrong
• The twin dangers of overcorrection 
• How Pastor Dads can have a positive impact on their children’s relationship with the Lord
• What to do when your children feel like they live in a fishbowl

Helpful Resources:

• Bobby Jamieson’s book: The Path to Being a Pastor
• Bryan Loritt’s book: The Dad Difference
• Eugene Peterson biography: A Burning in My Bones
• Watch this tribute video about Clint
• Honor Clint by donating to the Clint Clifton Global Church Planting Fund
• Download your free copy of his book, Church Planting Thresholds
• Interested in learning more? Check out our Church Planting Primer
• Are you ready to enroll in our Church Planting Masterclass?

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Sharable Quotes (#NewChurches):

Pastoring and being a dad overlap so much. The kind of issues you’re wrestling with dealing with messy stuff in people’s lives, you come home to somewhat similar messes. There is a sort of uncanny parallel. – Bobby Jamieson

When I was aspiring for pastoral ministry, my biggest apprehension was the effect I’d seen pastoral ministry have on the children of pastors. I felt I was, by going into ministry, making the choice to give my kids a really rough upbringing. – Clint Clifton

There can be great benefits and blessings to having your kids get front-row seats to what the Lord is doing in people’s lives, to just grow up immersed in the work of ministry. – Bobby Jamieson

It’s important to embrace the tension. We want our kids to know they are definitely a priority in our lives, but we have to be careful of the idolatry of children. – Bryan Loritts

I find myself often telling planters not to sacrifice their ministries on the altar of family. It’s possible to create an environment where our kids are the center of our universe. – Clint Clifton

More than my dad’s sin, I remember his apologies. There’s no shame in apologizing to a middle schooler. – Bryan Loritts

As a dad, I must put gospel distance between who I am and my kids’ behavior. If I look at my kids as a reflection of me, that’s going to lead to some very dark places. I am not my kid’s behavior and the freedom that comes with that is huge. – Bobby Jamieson

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