Praying for Your Pastor - Part III: Praying for Your Pastor’s Family
Ministry doesn’t just affect pastors—it affects their families too. Being the spouse or child of a pastor comes with unique pressures, unseen struggles, and expectations that can feel overwhelming.
I’ve seen (and experienced) it firsthand. The late-night phone calls, the missed family dinners, the weight of carrying church burdens home. Many pastors desperately want to be present for their families, but the demands of ministry can pull them away. And too often, their families end up feeling overlooked—not just by the pastor, but by the church.
If we want our pastors to thrive, we must pray not just for their ministry, but for their marriage, parenting, and home life.
Why This Matters
Ministry can strain marriages. Long hours, emotional burdens, and church conflicts can create distance between a pastor and their spouse.
Pastors’ kids feel unique pressures. Many grow up under intense expectations, feeling like they must be “perfect” because of their parent’s role.
A strong home life strengthens ministry. When a pastor’s family is healthy, they lead from a place of security and joy instead of stress and guilt.
How to Pray for Your Pastor’s Family
Pray for their marriage to be strong and Christ-centered: Ask God to protect their relationship from neglect, bitterness, or division. Pray that they have time to connect, laugh, and build their marriage apart from ministry.
Pray for their children to know they are loved. Pastors’ kids often feel pressure to be “perfect.” Pray that they experience grace and not just expectations. Ask God to help the pastor be fully present as a parent, not just as a church leader.\
Pray for healthy boundaries between church and home. Ministry never really “clocks out.” Pray that your pastor has time to rest and enjoy life outside of church responsibilities. Pray for wisdom in saying no to things that pull him away from their family too often.
A Prayer for Your Pastor’s Family
Father, I lift up my pastor’s family to You. Strengthen his marriage, filling it with love, patience, and joy. Protect his children from unhealthy pressures and help him to know they are deeply loved. Give my pastor wisdom to balance ministry and home life, setting healthy boundaries so he can be present with his family. Let his home be a place of peace, rest, and refreshment. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
In the next post, we’ll focus on praying for your pastor’s emotional and mental well-being—because spiritual strength isn’t the only thing they need.
Take a moment today to pray for your pastor’s family. And if you know their spouse or kids, encourage them. A kind word can go a long way.