Top Five Reasons Not to Criticize Your Pastor in Front of Your Children

Everyone has times when they disagree with the leadership of their church. Human nature is such that we all have different ideas about how to best accomplish a goal.

It is very important, however, to remember to only speak respectfully about your church leadership in the presence of your children. Do not demean them in front of your kids, no matter how deserving you feel that they may be.

1. Babies Go Out With the Bathwater: They Lack the Perspective

Your children do not have the perspective to understand what you are talking about. They see things in a very black and white way, and your disparagement will be taken as a general pronouncement against the relevancy of the Church.

2. They May Need the Pastor One Day

If you have "downed" your pastor to your children, they will have no confidence in any pastor. Therefore, when they have a need for counseling or help from a clergy member, they will have no reason to seek that help.

3. You Are Breaking the Compass

Growing up is difficult, and it is getting more difficult by the year. If you destroy your child's belief in the Church as an anchoring institution in their life, they will be philosophically wandering with no reference point.

4. Cynicism Stunts Their Growth

While you may have a valid point of disagreement with your church leadership, it is important to allow your children to function within their church without the weight of cynicism. They are growing, learning, and forming, and they don't need this rot attacking them at their roots.

5. Little Pitchers Have Big Ears

You may think that your kids are not listening when you are "talking" on the phone to that lady from church. I will guarantee you, as a mom who has raised my kids, that they are listening to every word you speak. If you are whispering, they will not miss a word.

And, you can be sure, that they will repeat it to their Sunday School teachers at church!