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A servant must stand and have his family behind him!

Our congregations are led by many elders. They minister to us with teachings, prayer, and much more. They are there when we need them. We rarely realize that they have to leave their families to do this. That's why we're asking ourselves today: "How do they manage to do it all?"

A day has 24 hours. But when we look at our brothers on the church council, it sometimes seems as if they have more. Between pastoral care, worship planning, resolving disagreements, and teaching, they still manage to be good fathers and husbands, and also hold down a job. We are aware that they, just like us, have 24 hours in a day. But precisely for that reason, we ask ourselves how they manage to do it all.

It is not without reason that Paul, in the letters to Timothy and Titus, set very precise and high standards for our leading brothers. This applies not only to them, but also to their wives and children. These men must lead the church members as shepherds, but above all, they must be concerned for the salvation of their own children. How can a father cope with such pressure without becoming estranged from his own wife? Of course, this is only possible through God's grace. Nevertheless, we wanted to know what experiences and advice our brothers could offer us. Therefore, we interviewed four brothers serving as elders and received the following answers.

Andreas Kellinger (32 years old), municipality of Irslingen-Neukirch, 7 children, industrial electrician

Upon honest reflection on all these areas, I must acknowledge my own shortcomings in one or two matters. Where I haven't always managed to set a good example, repentance is necessary. But it is precisely through these challenges of life that my dependence on Jesus becomes all the more apparent. " For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever! Amen " (Romans 11:36).

Whatever I am allowed to represent, do, or possess in my life is thanks to Jesus, and therefore may it be used purposefully for Him and His glory. Regarding family and the arrangement of service, one often hears the question: what comes first, worship or family? “ As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord ” (Joshua 24:15). In light of this biblical passage, it is surprising how anyone could even think of separating these things. As soon as I have a family, there is no longer a question of one or the other, but rather the interdependence of one on the other. If I serve God, then I do so with my family, and if I have a family, then we serve the Lord together.

I do not see my professional work as a burden, but as a naturally belonging area that may also be carried out with the attitude prescribed by Scripture. “ Whatever you do, do it at once, as working for the Lord, not for men, because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. You are serving the Lord Christ ” (Colossians 3:23).

Just as family unity is important, so too is unity within the community, especially among the servants. Without it, it would be impossible and would make little sense. “ Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ ” (Galatians 6:2).

So I thank my family, my community and my brothers that we are allowed to fulfill the law of Christ together in this way.

Rudolf Witmaier (61 years old), municipality of Schwegenheim, 14 children, locomotive driver

To successfully carry out my ministry in the congregation, the approval and blessing of my wife and children are absolutely essential. Even before my ordination as an elder, I received approval and support from my family. This encouraged me to take on this responsibility and the dual burden. I don't serve alone in the congregation; my brothers participate in all ministries as fellow elders and deacons.

Because we work together in mutual trust, I can continue my professional career. To allow me more time to dedicate to God's work, my employer has enabled me to reduce my working hours by 20 percent. My ministry in the Schwegenheim church began after the new building was completed in 2018. We are experiencing great blessings through numerous ministries and the rich growth of the church.

We thank God, who richly blesses us and grants us unity in service.

“ I planted, Apollos watered; but God made it grow ” (1 Corinthians 3:6).

Sergej Ruppel (33 years old), municipality of Waldshut, 3 children, managing director

"Success" is a complex word, because it shows that you can't manage these diverse areas of life alone. Every day I'm amazed at how it's possible to live up to all these responsibilities. When I talk to people who don't know Jesus, they often can't understand why we Christians take on so much.

But I can say, as it says in Philippians 4:13: “ I can do all things through him who strengthens me. ” He gives me the necessary guidance and strength. He makes the impossible possible and shows me the way. It is often challenging to understand where one is most needed, but a holistic approach that prioritizes helps. In Matthew 11:28, Jesus reminds us: “ Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ”

There are no universal tips. Everyone must face their challenges individually with God. In all areas of life—whether in the church, as a father, husband, or at work—we must entrust ourselves to God. I share many of my tasks and challenges with my wife. Her support is invaluable to me. My advice: Pray together and learn to always include God. John 16:24 says, “ Until now you have asked for nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete. ”

Heinrich Melling (44 years old), Bremen-Mahndorf municipality, 9 children, configuration manager

After 19 years of youth ministry, I was bid farewell by the young people with the following verses from Hebrews 6:10: “ For God is not unjust in forgetting your work and effort in love, which you have shown for his name in ministering to the saints and still minister ” (SLT). Currently, I am assisting Brother Richard Zimmermann in the church ministry of the Bremen region.

If the Lord does not go before us, it is impossible to conscientiously fulfill these responsibilities, for it is written: “ Without me you can do nothing ” (John 15:5). In a particular phase of my ministry, I have realized that the Lord is testing me and teaching me how to bear the burden of the ministry and the family that has grown over time.

The greatest concern/challenge for a servant, when diligently and carefully pursuing their ministry, is maintaining a relationship with their spouse and raising their children to follow the Lord. I have listened to many interpretations of the topic of ministry and family and tried to put them into practice (e.g., that God comes first, then family, and then ministry). However, I have noticed that either ministry or family is neglected.

A statement from our brother Richard Zimmermann helped me a lot. When asked how he was doing, he replied: “Like a crocodile. Sometimes the tail droops and sometimes the nose droops.” I understood that you can’t neglect either; you have to learn to maintain your balance.

If God is my first priority, I will neglect neither my family nor my ministry. It is important to set aside time for prayer when the family rests and to bring one's worries before the Lord, who sees what is done in secret. He will reward you publicly. Fasting also has a great effect before the Lord, and a servant should not neglect it. Regarding my professional work, my attitude is that I work to live so that my family is provided for. I perform my work diligently. However, I have declined additional responsibilities at work because I have dedicated my life to the Lord.

“ But we want each of you to show the same zeal, so that you may fully embrace the hope to the end, so that you will not become lazy, but will imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises ” (Heb 6:11-12/ SLT).

What do we take with us?

Let's summarize briefly: The brothers emphasize that they do not bear this entire burden alone; many helping hands, whether from brothers and sisters in the congregation or their own wives, contribute significantly to accomplishing the tasks. It is especially important to involve the whole family. If the children and wife do not support and strengthen one's back, it is almost impossible to manage all of this.

Above all, God's blessing is essential. If we don't place everything in His hands, our entire ministry will be in vain. It is impossible to keep all these aspects in balance without trusting in Him and His grace. Therefore, we should thank God, place everything in His almighty hands, and look to our family and our ministry with unwavering confidence.

May God help us in this.

Justin Henkel

Municipality of Miesau

Unless otherwise indicated, Bible quotations follow the translation by Martin Luther (rev. 1984).