The Family Business

One of the greatest joys of my life has been to sing with my children on our church worship team. When my husband and I were married, we sang a song together at our wedding. Months before, we had discovered that we both loved to sing and could both play the piano. So, we took a risk and decided to sing on the big day! It went well and would be the beginning of many times we would sing together.

Within all the churches we have been a part of, we have participated in the musical programs, whether in the choir, worship team or just playing the piano! So, of course, when our children came into the picture and were growing up, they took an interest in music! They would all learn how to play the piano and then two of them pursued guitar, one pursued drums, one flute and all of them could sing! As they and their friends got older, we desired to mentor these youngsters in leading worship in appropriate and meaningful ways. This would mean studying worship and learning how God expects us to worship Him.

First, my oldest joined the team and would sing and play guitar. He would also write some songs and would gain confidence to pursue being in a touring choir in college. Then came my daughter, who continues to sing with us to this day. My second son vacillated between guitar and drums and began to sing with the team. He is also writing music. And lastly, was my youngest daughter, who sang and added some beautiful flute renditions during her time. We would have the privilege of serving with our children for over 10 years and still have one daughter joining us for our regular times of leading worship. It is absolute joy to create beautiful harmonies with my husband, daughter, and others who have joined us on our worship team. And while I miss them terribly in this context, on any given Sunday morning, our two sons, my two daughters and my husband and I could be leading worship at our churches. What a joy to a mom and dad to know their children are leading other bodies of Christ in Kingdom worship!

As your children are growing, find the "family business" within your family. Are you a preacher? Teach your children to study scripture. A counselor? Teach your children how to care for others and to bring hope to them in a troubled world. Are you a cook? Baker? Then prepare meals together to take to others. Teach your children to cook and to care for others within this ministry. Are you teachers? Teach your children to read to others, to write letters, to tutor or help others. There are so many ways we can pass on the family passions and then we pray that God will use our children in their future churches.