Dear Addie,
I am a minister mom, prayerfully considering a new position. My children are ten and twelve years old, and I am very concerned that my family’s transition to a new community and a new church will be painful for them. They love our current church, and I don’t want to in any way jeopardize their affection for “the church.”
My husband and I both want our children to continue loving the church as they move into their teenage years, and we are perplexed as to what to do? Would this move be too big a risk to take?
A Mom Looking for Wisdom
Dear A.M.L.F.W.,
You and your husband share a desire for your children to continue loving “the church” in the years to come, which is laudable. Your concern about the angst they may experience if you make a move, particularly as they transition into their teenage years, is understandable. Leaving a dearly loved church is always difficult, regardless of the stage of life.
Try and view this as a teachable moment, an opportunity for your entire family to grow spiritually as you step out in faith together and follow God’s lead. This is a chance for you to model discipleship for your children. Just as Jesus’ first disciples were called to make sacrifices in order to follow Him, we, too, are called to make sacrifices as we seek to follow Christ. Obedience is costly, and we do our children no favors when we water down this spiritual truth.
Would this move be too big a risk to take? Here’s a better question: If you feel God is leading you to accept a new position, is being disobedient too big a risk to take?
Blessings,
Addie
If you have a question for Dear Addie, please send them to dearaddie.advice@gmail.com.
*The photo of Addie Davis is provided courtesy of Special Collections, Jack Tarver Library, Mercer University, Macon, Georgia.