Leading Your Family Well During COVID-19 With David Bruskas

Our team is committed to bringing you resources to help you be the best leader possible during this time of crisis. For the next few weeks, Pastor Dave Bruskas, Campus Pastor at The Village Church in Fort Worth, TX, will provide encouragement to pastors and church leaders. He will walk through how to apply the Bible to our current situation as we face the impacts of COVID-19.

There’s never been a more pressing time to look at the way Christian leaders have a responsibility to care for their children and parents than during this global crisis. Leading your family well means being attentive and caring for them in a way that demonstrates your faith in God. How can you serve well in this season?

1 Timothy 3:4-5 ESV

"He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church?"

This verse reminds us that despite your calling as a Pastor or an Elder at church, you are called to be a leader at home first. Leading with dignity and grace cultivates a home environment of love and care. As we all navigate balancing our workload with being home with our families, we can trust that the Lord is going to be faithful to do good work even during stressful times. Being home with your children is an opportunity for you to show them what it looks like to have faith during a crisis. You can also display good work ethic and brotherhood with this rare opportunity to work in the presence of your family. Make special blocks of time during your day, such as your lunch break, to enjoy time with your family in this season. God’s call for community and companionship is still possible in this time, so take advantage of those moments. 

Luke 2:52 ESV

"And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.”

4 Ways to Lead Your Children Well

1. Wisdom and knowledge. Engage with the learning your children are doing at home. Encourage them to learn more about God. You are getting a glimpse of their school life in a new way as you spend your time at home. Use this time take interest in what they’re working on, where they  struggle, and where you can provide wisdom in new ways.

2. Physically.
Being active outside with your children. Plan activities throughout the week for you and your children to do. How often do you have the chance to play with them mid-day? Buy a new outdoor activity to do as a family or simply sit outside together.

3. Spiritually.
Teach your kids what it’s like to grow in the grace and love of God in their lives. Help them learn the Bible themselves while guiding their learning. Be transparent through the struggles you’re facing and show them how to walk through valleys with faith.

4. Relationally. This can be challenging with social distancing in place, but explore the ways you can connect them relationally. Without the opportunity to see people outside of your family, think about ways you can connect now that there’s time. Try  to remember things you wish you could do with your family but felt too busy to initiate. 

1 Timothy 5:3-8

“Honor widows who are truly widows. But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God. She who is truly a widow, left all alone, has set her hope on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day, but she who is self-indulgent is dead even while she lives. Command these things as well, so that they may be without reproach. But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”

Leading Your Parents Well

Provision - Provide for your parents in this season. Make  sure they have necessities while also connecting with them and checking in with them consistently. If you live nearby, offer to go see them or run their errands for them. Take them meals or special treats to remind them they are loved. If youre not in close proximity, find out what local restaurants are open in their area, schedule deliveries for them. Carve out time to call them in a time when they might feel lonely or afraid.

Protection - Ensure that your parents are doing as much as possible to avoid getting sick. If they have medical needs, see if you can arrange ways for them to receive care or medication without coming in contact with too many  people. It’s also a great time to ensure that your parents are getting accurate information about the crisis. With so much news, it can be overwhelming and drive fear, especially to generations who are less familiar with technology.

Now more than ever, we have the opportunity to serve God and those around us with intentional love. Pray to understand the ways God can use your gifts and resources in this time to bless your family in new ways.