A pastor’s journey into fatherhood and faithful ministry

Serving as a pastor later in life while welcoming a new child into our family has been both a profound blessing and a significant responsibility. Becoming a father again has renewed the joy in our home, while also introducing new demands that shape both my family life and pastoral ministry. Many days are filled with gratitude and energy, while others bring fatigue as I balance sermon preparation, Bible study, and pastoral care with nighttime feedings and family responsibilities. Through these daily rhythms, I am learning more deeply what it means to depend fully on the grace of God. In moments of weariness, God faithfully reminds me that strength does not come from my own ability, but from reliance on him. Psalm 23 has become a personal anchor in this season of life, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” This Scripture affirms God’s constant presence and care even during seasons of uncertainty and exhaustion. When ministry feels demanding or overwhelming, the assurance that God continues to guide, provide, and sustain his people offers renewed peace and confidence. His faithfulness remains steady, regardless of life’s changing circumstances.

I am deeply grateful for the love, prayers, and encouragement shown by the members of the congregation. Their support has been a source of comfort and strength for my family and me. Through thoughtful words, personal visits, shared meals, and ongoing prayers, they have reminded us that we are not walking this journey alone. These expressions of care reaffirm that the church is not simply an institution, but a spiritual family called together by God to bear one another’s burdens in love.

Inreach ministry continues to play a central role in the life of our congregation. Inreach focuses on caring for and strengthening the people already in the church. As we intentionally care for one another, our faith is strengthened collectively. Small groups remain committed to regular prayer, Bible study, and fellowship, creating spaces where relationships deepen and spiritual growth occurs. Family care efforts like delivering meals to members experiencing hardship, visiting the sick, encouraging new parents, and spending intentional time in God’s Word demonstrate Christ’s love in practical and meaningful ways.

These acts may appear simple, yet they carry lasting spiritual significance. Fellowship gatherings and shared meals further strengthen unity within the church. These moments echo into the model of the early church described in Acts 2, where believers devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, prayer, and shared life. By following this example, our congregation continues to nurture genuine relationships grounded in faith and mutual commitment as the body of Christ. One of the greatest strengths of our church is its cross-cultural ministry. Worshiping alongside individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds fosters humility, mutual respect, and spiritual growth. By listening to one another’s experiences and serving together, we are continually shaped into a unified body of believers.

This visible unity not only strengthens our congregation internally but also serves as a powerful witness of Christ’s love to the surrounding community.

In the last couple of months, Grace Hmong organized small group Bible studies and prayer meetings, encouraging new parents in the congregation with support and prayers, hosting fellowship meals for church members to build unity, providing mentoring for youth and young adults within the church, and helping members in financial hardship with benevolence support.

Outreach ministry remains an essential expression of our identity as the church. God calls us not only to care for those within the congregation but also to extend his love beyond the church doors. Members actively serve the community through personal relationships, acts of kindness, and hospitality. For example, families open their homes to non-Christian Hmong neighbors, building trust through fellowship, shared meals, and conversations centered on God’s Word. In addition, we collaborate with other local churches in community service efforts, demonstrating compassion and unity through action, even when formal fellowship may differ. Outreach does not always require extensive programs or resources. Often, it begins with willing hearts and faithful presence. Through simple acts of service, prayer, and consistent engagement, God’s love is made visible to those around us.

Last month, Grace Hmong focused on inviting neighbors to church events and Bible studies, as well as sharing meals with non‑Christian families in the community. This month, Grace Hmong has begun visiting local neighborhoods to pray with and encourage residents, hosting a community picnic open to everyone, and sharing the gospel through personal conversations and relationships.

Through these efforts, a family recently started worshiping with Grace Hmong. The father asked me why Grace Hmong’s liturgy and sermons were so different from other Hmong churches he had visited. He felt comforted and at peace from the heavy burden of guilt he had been carrying. As a result, he asked me to take him and his family through Bible Information Class.

Life brings both blessings and challenges to my family, our congregation, and the ministry of the saving gospel of Christ. While there are seasons when pastoral responsibilities feel heavy and the future uncertain, God remains faithful. He journeys with us through every stage of life and continues to strengthen his people. In all circumstances, we trust in his guidance, provision, and enduring grace.

Written by Rev. Ger Lor, missionary at Grace Hmong Lutheran Church in Kansas City, Kansas