We have all been there, haven’t we? In fact, you may even be there right now; wrapped up tightly in a ministry of presence amidst the most wonderful time of the year. After all, the Christmas season abounds with opportunity to share the “good news of great joy” that is for all of mankind (Luke 2:10). As ministry leaders, we can attest to the “inexpressible and glorious joy” that comes from believing the Good News of our Savior (1 Pet. 1:8). It is this inexpressible joy that so often compels us to take hold of every opportunity to lead and love others in the truth of Christ. While Christmas bursts at the seams with such opportunity, we can easily get caught up in the hustle and bustle of all that is good in this season of ministry. Add to this the personal dynamic of your current season of life and it is quite possible that you’ll be home for Christmas, if only in your dreams!

Yet, there is a call for our intentional presence that extends beyond our volunteer or vocational ministry. This call resides in your heart and in mine, as well as in the hearts of our loved ones. Although we long to be fully engaged and present for our loved ones and those we serve during the holidays, it can prove challenging to faithfully steward all that the Lord has entrusted to us both personally and in ministry. Perhaps you can relate? If so, rest assured that you are not alone. More than this, be encouraged! While our ministry contexts and life circumstances undoubtedly differ, we can remain present in the midst of the presents this Christmas season.

At the very foundation of an effective ministry is a prepared heart vitally rooted in Christ. In Scripture, Jesus reveals, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). In a season that abounds with plenty of good opportunity, it can be a challenge to discern what is best. Yet, there is a call for our intentional presence to always remain in relationship with our Savior, the “Word made flesh,” and the very one we celebrate this Christmas (John 1:14). Surely, the call for our presence comes from all directions outside of us, especially during the holidays. Wisdom, however, is found in responding first to the call of Jesus to remain in him. While the time will come for each of us to step into the realm of being present for others this Christmas season, may we run first into the presence of Jesus, the “author and perfector of our faith” (Heb. 12:2).

As we prepare our hearts each day and intentionally prioritize remaining in Christ, our ministry of presence to others this Christmas may produce eternal fruit for the glory of God (1 Cor. 10:31; Col. 3:17). Without question, navigating a ministry of presence to both our loved ones and those we are called to serve requires the Lord’s wisdom (James 1:5).

In transparency, our family was hurled into student ministry in a whirlwind! While my husband was a teacher, he was also in seminary in pursuit of military chaplaincy. To our surprise, the Lord used this training to lead my husband into vocational ministry in the church. The next thing I knew, I was the wife of a student pastor. This was such an exciting yet busy time as we entered this season with young children, with more on the way, all while I was in nursing school. Phew! I was (and remain) desperately in need of the Lord’s wisdom as it relates to balancing family and ministry. While this is certainly true, I am grateful for the gift of learning from our ministry experiences. As I reflect upon these experiences, there are three practical suggestions I would like to offer as we set out to navigate balancing family and ministry this upcoming holiday season.

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“While everyone else seems to be enjoying their time in church ‘watching the show’, we are the ones running around putting on one, two, or three Christmas Eve services. Then, as the joke goes, the Sunday after Christmas is ‘Youth Pastor Sunday’ - known as our chance to preach as the other pastors are gone on vacation. Just keep smiling!” ~ Rich Brown

First, by now, it has been made abundantly clear that the Christmas season is of high demand for ministry leaders.

Whether we serve vocationally or as a volunteer, ministry calls for our presence. Since we know this, we can do our best to plan accordingly. As we look ahead, we are able to set healthy expectations for the upcoming season with those directly impacted by our involvement in ministry. This includes accounting for the time committed to ministry and clearly communicating this to our loved ones. This is especially important for those close to us who may struggle to understand or appreciate our ministry involvement. With healthy expectations in place, we may then be fully engaged and present wherever we are, free of carrying the burden of unmet expectations. Although ministry may at times unexpectedly collide with our personal preferences and plans, we are able to responsibly manage what we can expect. Then, as we are realistic about our commitments, we can enter this Christmas season in confidence as we pursue intentionality in relationship with our loved ones and those we serve.

Secondly, as we prioritize a ministry of presence this Christmas, the balance between family and ministry does not have to be a mere illusion as there are opportunities to intentionally and successfully integrate both.

While some may desperately attempt to compartmentalize their personal life and ministry, this can be plain exhausting and may limit authenticity in relationship with others. Instead, consider appropriate opportunities to integrate your family as you serve. Just as we desire to pour into the next generation, the next generation also desires to know us and our families. I experienced this firsthand in our student ministry as teens eagerly welcomed and embraced our children whenever they were present.

Over time, authentic relationships developed as the presence of our children allowed teens to sense an invitation into our world. In turn, they grew to love our family as we loved them. As adults today, these former students have frequently expressed their appreciation for having a front row seat to a family in the trenches of real life and ministry. This has been a mutual blessing as our children look up to and love these former students to this day. All that to say, while not every ministry event is conducive to integrating our families, be encouraged to take hold of the opportunities that do present themselves and allow your loved ones to be recipients of the ministry. When this is done well, all within the ministry may come to experience the bond of the church as family.

Finally, in the midst of a Christmas season easily consumed by the giving and receiving of beautiful packages adorned with ribbons and bows, these presents cannot compare to the gift of our presence to our loved ones.

Though our evenings of relaxing in comfy flannel pajamas, sipping hot cocoa by a warm fire and a glowing tree may be few and far between, we can still make the most of the precious time we do have with our families. As you seek to offer this priceless gift of presence to your family this season, consider gathering your family and encourage each person to share their most favorite Christmas memory or tradition. After everyone is done reminiscing, invite each family member to choose one tradition that would mean the most to them this Christmas. Then, plan for it! Eagerly write these dates in on a large calendar, display it for your family to see, and commit to following through. As this time is diligently protected, you and your family may be encouraged to carry on in this season of ministry as you look forward to your upcoming Christmas traditions together. Beyond these planned traditions, however, reserve time as a family to simply be together during the week. Feel free to go off the grid to truly embrace these precious moments with your family this Christmas.

Remaining Present in the Midst of THE Presents

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