Motherhood is the Beginning of Your New Ministry

As a single woman, I was in love with God. I desired to please God and do as much as I could in the church while being a light and a witness to others. I did every kind of ministry I could think of—Sunday school, cleaning, singing in the choir, hospitality, and the list goes on.

Getting married didn’t slow me down. It gave me and my husband great joy to serve and know that we were caring for the house of the Lord and being blessed in return.

However, when I had children, I soon realized my new priority was to take care of my children and manage our home. It was hard to adjust because I was so used to volunteering at the church. Having children made it nearly impossible to be as available as I once was, and I felt terrible about it.

“As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”

1 Peter 4:10, KJV

I thought, God, what can I do for You? How can a stay-at-home mom reach the lost? What can I do for the kingdom of God? I thought I couldn’t do much at all.

I watched as other ladies in my church were able to participate in ministries as I sat there occupied with my kids and saddened by my lack of involvement. I wanted to be a blessing, but having three babies under the age of two made it humanly impossible.

I started praying and asking God, “Is there a place for me to help in Your Kingdom?” God let me know that there’s always a place for a stay-at-home mom to be a witness, even when she’s not witnessing.

My former pastor, John Dinwiddie, once said, “You can be a witness without witnessing.”  Our life can be a powerful testimony to others.

God can use anyone. If God could use a donkey to speak to the Balaam, then I’m pretty sure God can use this stay-at-home mom to impact her world with the gospel of Jesus Christ!

So, instead of feeling sorry for myself or being jealous of other ladies, who could help in the church ministry, I just started being the light to my kids, realizing every little bit helps.

What I can do is raise my kids to know who Jesus is. What I can do is be the best Christian example that I can be because parents are the most important witnesses of Jesus Christ that children will ever see.

I got involved in my church, but not as much as before motherhood. My minor participation helped me see that my worth is not based on how much I do but on how much I give myself to God.

Being a stay-at-home mom is a great honor. I’m raising children that will live for God and reach their generation.

“Strength and honour are her clothing; And she shall rejoice in time to come.”

Proverbs 31:25, KJV

I was in service several years ago when the evangelist mentioned that his wife was home with their four children. When people ask her, “What is your ministry?” She responds, “My kids are my ministry.”

When I heard that, I was impressed and amazed. Being a stay-at-home mom can be lonely, and you may feel like you’re not pleasing God because you’re not doing enough. Let me set your mind at ease. God knows moms are busy setting the stage for the next generation to declare the gospel!

We may not do as much as we used to do in the church before the kids came, but it doesn’t mean we’re worthless. It just means that for a season, we are raising children to give God the glory.

So, if you’re feeling like all you do is take care of the kids and wonder what you can give to God. Know that God knows what you can and cannot do. What you can do is instill godly principles into your children. When they grow up, they can say my mother was the most amazing, godly woman I’ve ever known. Take this time to be an example to your kids.

“Give her of the fruit of her hands; And let her own works praise her in the gates.”

Proverbs 31:31, KJV

Your kids are watching you. They hear you pray. They see you worship. They also see your love for God and how you serve God. Most importantly, they know that you love them, so don’t give up. Motherhood is a season. One day your children will grow up, and God will bless you with another beautiful ministry. But you’re beautiful ministry right now is being a mother who shows Jesus to her children.

How to help in the church when you have small kids:

• Work in the nursery or Sunday school.
• Be a door greeter.
• Volunteer to set up or clean up after a church function.
• Volunteer to bring snacks for Sunday school.
• If you like to sing, ask to be in the choir or worship team.
• Ask your pastor or pastor’s wife how you can serve the church.
• And most importantly, don’t be overly critical of yourself because you can’t do as much as you used to do at the church. Take the time to enjoy your season of motherhood.

You are not just a keeper of the home; you are a light to the world!