Church leader families can feel exposed. Some liken it to being on a pedestal or in a goldfish bowl, and even though it can result from the congregation’s love and affection, it can be hard. For your children and teens, it can feel like everyone’s watching them and has an opinion. When you cover them from this spotlight, you protect their sense of self, help them cope with the reality of ministry life and give them the space to be themselves and build authentic, life-giving relationships with those around them.

When children are uncovered – when they are pointed out or information about them exposed to all – they become vulnerable. Even if they enjoy being in the spotlight now, there will be times when they just won’t want to be there. We can cover them from that so they can enjoy the safety of the shadows.

• Don’t make them the face of your family
• Plan how to respond to the congregation’s enquiries
• Don’t tell stories about them in sermons
• Asking permission?
• How to tell stories so they are still covered